KG5 D9.6 Million Artificial Turf on Completion

By Abdoulie Nget 

According to the Secretary General of Banjul Sports committee Ebou Faye, the D9.6 Million dalasi laying of the artificial turf at the Banjul mini stadium (KG5) is expected to finish very soon and when completed it will be the most standard and quality football ground in the country equipped with the latest artificial turf playing surface.

The project, Faye said is in line with their development objectives to ensure that the capital city (Banjul) is equipped with a modern mini stadium that would give the youths the opportunity to develop themselves. He said the investment can be recovered as the project is financially viable and socially relevant.

“As such, we are appealing to all Banjulians and business people to work with us and invest in such a worthy project that will make the youths concentrate on sports rather than drugs, delinquency and taking the rough seas to Europe”, Ebou Faye added.

He went on to say that the second phase of the project is to develop pavilions with 10, 000 seating capacity with offices, shops and a multipurpose hall costing D35 Million. The multi-purpose hall according to him will be for both Basketball and Volleyball together with other community base activities on the one side, Blanc Street, and on the other side, Cotton Street, offices, whilst Hagan Street will have shops underneath for economic activities and enable the mini stadium to be sustainable.

League, Knockout Finals Roundup



Assan Jatta



By Mamadi B. Camara

Bakau

Run Mango ended their 2010 competition, bagging both the knockout and the league’s trophy of Bakau after defeating Zuma FC and Mamakoto FC in the league and the knockout respectively.

Champions, Run Mango first slapped Zuma FC by 2 goals to nil cuortesy of Musa Jammeh and Musa Njie before being awarded the knockout champions after a scramble against their opponents Mamakoto in the final, which did not go down well with Mamakoto’s head coach Baboucarr Bojang as the committee saw them as the cause of the crime which he disagreed to.

Serrekunda West

German Bundas emerged champions of the just ended knockout of the Sea View sponsored trophy after beating their opponent Unicorns by 3 to nil in a replayed final on Saturday, December 4 at the Serrekunda West mini stadium, in which the goal scorers were Abubacarr Sambou and Mola Gassama.

Ousman Touray

Pipeline Qcell were finally the winner of the Serrekunda West Nawettan league after destabilizing the strongest team of the tournament Tigers FC by 2-1 on Sunday, December 5 at the West playing ground.

Alpha Sidebeh opened the scores before Lamin Kanteh of Tiger equalized through a penalty kick, but it was not enough as Ousman Ogoo of Pipeline slotted the winner making it 2-1 in favor of Pipeline.

Banjul

In Banjul super Nawettan, Miami FC defeated Babylon by 5-4 in spot kick in the final witnessed by a huge number of spectators round the field.

Serrekunda East

United Stars finally emerged as the winners of the Serrekunda East league champion on Saturday after defeating Canon FC by two goals to one in the well contested final on the soil of Serrekunda East.

Joseph Gomez’s first early goal in the 12 minutes and Ebrima Faye’s second half goal gave United Stars a two goal lead but Saidou Jarju of Canon pulled one back for his team to make the scores 2-1 in favor of United Stars.

Ball Conge after emerging as the Serrekunda East knockout champions as they defeated SV Laar of Tallinding by a goal to nil at Serrekunda East playing ground on Friday named the trophy after prominent played Perr Sanyang who passed away recently.

Ousman Touray’s 8^th minute goal was enough to pave Ball Conge’s way to lifting the glittering trophy of the Serrekunda East knockout competition.

King Colley Resigns as BYSC President

King Kolley

President of Brikama Youth and Sports Committee (BYSC), Lamin King Colley has tendered his resignation as the president of the BYSC last Tuesday.

King who is well known in both Brikama and the Gambia’s football arena was about to quit from BYSC recently but the executive committee could not let him go due to his experience and credibility.

Now that he is the 2nd vice president of the Gambia’s Football governing body, Gambia Football Association, GFA, he decided to quit by tendering his resignation letter which reads;

“Mr Secretary General, you may recall, sometime ago that I did tender my resignation to you, which was overruled by your executive.

Based on this fact of constitutional requirements, which of course I accepted; it is based on the fact that it has fallen in the Nawettan season with limited time. I decided to wait until after the completion of the Nawettan, which is now due. On that note, I now deeply regret to inform you about my decision to resign as the president of this important committee.

Please General Secretary, extend my regret to all the executive members, and I shall work with you for the development of sport and youth empowerment in this town, Brikama - my motherland - and West Coast Region as a whole.

Forgive me in any way that I may have offended you during my tenure in office and I have also forgiven you for any offence you may have caused me.”

During his impressive spell as BYSC president, King registered numerous successes ranging from the establishment of a formidable first division football club, Brikama United, that is currently taking part in the country’s top flight football league; the creation of an artificial turf in Brikama with two pavilions, a conference hall and an office, basketball and volleyball lawns; table tennis set; 10 golf softballs; wheelchair for the Paralympic committee; Makasutu female football team; plot of land situated along Kassa Kunda highway among other significant contributions.

Meanwhile, Pa Manneh, another BYSC executive member, has also called it quit citing workload as the reason for his resignation.

Accident Victim in Critical Condition

By Abdoulie Nget

Right in front of our office in Churchill’s Town, a commercial mini truck Thursday afternoon smashed a wheelbarrow pusher to near death.

 At the time of going to press, he was confirmed alive, albeit in a critical condition as he was rushed from Serrekunda Health Centre to Royal Victoria Hospital in Banjul.

The victim, who the driver himself identified, probably by his second name, Njie, was coming from the direction of Westfield heading towards Tobokoto when the vehicle knocked him down.

He went unconscious on the spot and sustained severe injury as blood was oozing-out profusely from his chest where he was hit by the iron bar of his wheel-barrow.   

SESDO Donate a Cheque to SJAG

Alagie Nyassi

By Abdoulie Bah

Serrekunda East Sports Development Organization SESDO on Tuesday donated a cheque amounting to One Thousand Dalasis (D1000.00) to the Sport Journalists Association the Gambia.

The donation was part of their contribution to the late Fatou Mbye memorial tournament which was organized recently by the Gambia Sports Journalists’ Association n(SJAG) to remember their fallen colleague who contributed immensely to the  development of sports in this country.

The champions of the tournament were KWT FM after they beat Unique FM by 4-1 in post match penalties.

Mr. Momodou S Jallow the 2^nd vice president of the Sports Journalists’ Association the Gambia received the cheque on behalf of the association and he expressed his delight to the Serrekunda East Sports Development Committee for their support. “Well looking at the tournament itself it was organized in the memory of our late colleague Fatou Mbye who has been recognized by everyone for her tireless efforts towards the development of sports in the country.

He added that this is why Serrekunda East ground has been recognized by many people as the home of football, stating that this is due to nothing but their hospitality towards the people. “We have been seeking donations from many organizations but only few of them responded, he added. “We are not saying that the family is in need of support but as an association of sport journalists we have to raise funds and give it to the family of the late Fatou Mbye in recognition of her commitment and dedication to the sports fraternity.”

Alhagie Nyassi, the head coach of Tallinding United and the secretary general of the Serrekunda East Sports Organisation (SESDO) made comments after delivering the donation saying that it has been a great pleasure for him to hand over the cheque to the Sport Journalists’ Association The Gambia, adding that the amount may be small but believed would mean a lot to the association.

Malik Jones Donates to National Museum

By Omar Bah

Malik Jones

Following the success of a Gambia’s most known commentator Malik Jones who was the first Gambian to commentate for BBC in the recently concluded 2010 world cup held in South Africa on Tuesday donated 2010 world cup items to The Gambia National Museum in Banjul.

The items include FIFA Accreditation Card, complimentary matches’ access cards for matches commentated, a Vuvuzela which happened to be the symbol of the South African world cup and a copy of the focus on Africa magazine which featured the three African commentators at the world event.

Abdou Salam Jammeh of GFA called the occasion as a big achievement for The Gambia sports fraternity and Gambia as a nation and Malik Jones as a person. He said every Gambian Journalist should emulate Malik. He further stated that such achievement was expected of Malik after sacrificing to deliver his experience during his match commentaries.

Malick Jones after delivering the items said he was very proud after been accepted by the national museum to donate his world items for historical purposes, saying that the gesture is something to be remembered by Gambians as they were represented on the world’s biggest football tournament organized by FIFA.

He lamented why people like Biri Biri for not having any remembrance in the Museum after being the first Gambian to play his professional football in Europe.

Bala Saho the director at the National Arts and Culture described the gesture as a welcoming initiative saying that the items will serve as memorable symbols for the generations to come. He thanked Malik Jones on behalf of the National ARTS and Culture for the laudable gesture and urged him to keep-up the momentum.

East Bi Win Banjul in Friendly

By Mamadi B. Camara



Ousman touray of Serrekunda East



The reigning champions of Gambia’s zonal competition Serrekunda East on Sunday defeated City Boys of Banjul by 2-1 in a friendly encounter meant to raise funds for the Serrekunda East sports committee. The game was played at Serrekunda East football field.  

Abubacarr Trawally benefited from Ousman Touray’s assistance to give  East Bi the lead in the fifth minute of the game, but  Ousman Cham of Banjul responded with an equalizer to make the scores one-all in just five minutes later - before the break .

Came into the second half, both team continued to push on their strength to score but Serrekunda East were more stronger as they pressured their opponents Banjul.

Though both teams were playing well but the winners happened to be Serrekunda East when Madu Jammeh netted a drilling last minute goal to give his side a 2-1 victory over the City Boys.

Banjul coach Sulayman Sarr described Serrekunda East as the better side as they trained for more than two or three months, which they did not.



United Stars Crowned S.k East league Champions

By Mamadi B. Camara

United Stars finally emerged as the winners of the Serrekunda east league championship on Saturday after defeating Canon FC by two goals to nil in the well contested and attended final on the soil of Serrekunda East.

United Stars who came into the Serrekunda East competitions in 2005 were determined enough to win Canon FC, a team of the 80s in Serrekunda East Football.

Joseph Gomez’s first early goal in the 12minute gave United Stars the confidence to push on with their good style of play, as their opponents Canon FC pushed hard to equalize.

Come in the 58^th minute of the game Alieu Bah delivered a perfect cross which Ebrima Faye took advantage of to double the lead for United Stars before Saidou Jarju of Canon pulled one back for his team to make the scores  2-1 in favor of  United Stars.

United Stars as the winners of the Serrekunda East League bagged a trophy with an amount of Thirty Thousand Dalasis (D30, 000) while Canon, as runners up went home with a cash price of Twenty Thousand Dalasis (D20, 000).

Meanwhile Certificates were presented to other teams. The leading goal scorer went to Musa Sowe of Ball Conge, Best goalkeeper went to Alhagie Jobe, the shot stopper of Ball Conge and Best player was awarded to Madi Jammeh of B.J Academic.

Lamin Sanneh Wins 5th Brufut Marathon Title

By Abdoulie Nget

Gambia’s long distance runner Lamin Sanneh claimed his 5^th Brufut Marathon title in the 16^th edition of the Gambia’s most popular and consistent runs themed ‘run against hunger’ on Saturday.

The long distance runner who completed the 15km run from the Traffic light at the Kairaba Avenue with a record of 41^st minutes, five minutes ahead of second placed Andrew Jasseh. Momodou Bah, who also made a close finished, came out third.

Absentee, Ansu Sowe who is one of Gambia’s outstanding long distance runners is holding a record of 4 titles in the international event.

The run which has received its usual local support with hundreds of cheering crowds along the Brufut highway  has also seen Mariama T Jallow, one of Gambia’s finest women runners beating fellow contestants to reclaim the 8km run for the third consecutive time. Hoja Secka and Nyima Kujabi finished second after solid efforts to close on Mariama from the Brufut Turn table to the finishing lane.

Lamarana Bah also retained 42 km cycling race after finishing it in 1:36minutes. Sulayman Colley and Buba Jobe came out 2^nd and 3^rd.

Momodou EF Colley won the walk race. Kemo Ceesay and Jerry Manneh came out 2^nd and 3^rd respectively.

Ebrima L Manneh, Ousman Manneh and Sarjo Sanneh were the top three winners in the children’s 100m race for boys.

Fatou Jarju, Isatou Saidy and Fatou Binto Sonko topped the girl’s category.

The Brufut Marathon has now confidently won over 400 participants after starting with just 10 participants 16^th years ago in a bid to promote sports as well as raise funds and sponsor needy students.

 With major support from the Friends of the Gambia Association and the World Food Programme through Philippe Duterloo and Erik Berning, who donated food baskets as well as bag of rice for the BMRA’s popular raffle draw after a healthy fund raising by the duo,  the event was stage successfully.

Participants walked away with bags of beans, rice, onions, iodise salt and cooking oil after wining in a colourful raffle draw coordinated by WFP’s Erik Berning.

As part of the event, Ba Jabbi President of BMRA delivered the opening statement, Momodou Max spoke on BMRA’s plans, Kebba Sonko of the National Environmental Agency delved on the environmental impact in the fight against hunger.

Philippe Duterloo who also took part in the men’s 15km run with colleague Erik delivered a speech  based on the fight against hunger.

The Key note address was delivered by the Deputy Director for Sports Pa Suwareh Faye who also made a donation of D5000.00 on behalf of the ministry of Youth and Sports as part of their contribution to the event.

Ball Conge Dedicate Knock-Out Trophy to late Perr Sanyang

Ball Conge after emerging as the Serrekunda east knock-out champion as they defeat SV Laar of Tallinding by a goal to nil at the Serrekunda east playing ground on Friday named the trophy after their late prominent player Perr Sanyang who passed away recently.

Ousman Touray’s 8^th minute goal was enough to pave Ball conge’s way of lifting the glittering trophy of the Serrekunda east knock out competition with a cash price of fifteen thousand Dalasis (D15,000) while SV Laar receives ten thousand Dalasis (D10,000) as runner up.

Speaking to reporters after receiving the trophy, the head coach of Ball Conge Papa Sarr Corr said his boys did what he told them  to do on  the pitch which was to score and that what exactly they did and he congratulated tem for that.

“The win is good and will boast the team in winning more trophies, for this trophy we dedicate it to our late prominent player Perr Sanyang whose death was tragic to the whole team. His father is still supporting the team and even some of my players cry when they see his as he reminded them the late Perr.” Corr Said.

“We will never forget him which is why his picture was printed on our T-shirts during the final, the team’s flank left is still affected by Perr’s absent meaning I have to look for a player to save the position.” He added.

Musa Colley, the team’s Sectary General fired all the good words he have just to say Perr was a good and important player to the team saying his absent left a loophole in the team’s left flank, as Peer Sanyang was a hero in that position with his goals creations, which is why they have nothing to do but to name the trophy after him.

The dignitaries present during the final were honorable Mr. O.B Conateh, National Member for Sere Kunda East Tombo Jatta, Senior Manager Gamcel Mustapha Ceesay and GFA’s Sectary general Jammeh E.K Bojang.

Mama Koto’s Coach Dismisses Fighting Claim

By Abdoulie Nget

Reports from the Daily News Sports recently claimed that there was a fight during the knockout final between Run Mango and Mamakoto on Saturday at the Bakau Mini stadium, which the head coach of Mamakoto Baboucarr Bojang dismissed by saying there was neither fighting nor stoning.

Baboucarr Bojang after reading this paper’s report on the Bakau Finals, said he was present during the duration of the whole game and he saw no fight during the game, adding that what he saw was an out-ball from Steve Biko and Run Mango’ striker Assan Jatta which the second and third officials said was not a goal, but the central referee claimed was a goal which he and his team disagreed with which resulted to a scramble between players and fans but no stone was thrown.

"As the scramble went on I gathered my players but the fans we couldn’t control and what I later saw was the central referee calling the game off. Rumours have it that the game will be replayed with Run Mango leading by a goal to nil, but if that is the decision of the committee, we have to abide by it as this is football and anything can happen."

When asked whether there was a net at the post, he said of course there was but the net was Mamakoto’s and there was a hole in it, which the lines men knew.

It could be recalled that it has been reported that before the Chaos Run Mango were leading by 2-0 courtesy of Modou Sanyang’s 36th minute goal and Assan Jatta’s second half controversial goal which led to the scramble and the calling off of the game.

The game will now be played on Saturday 18 December with Run Mango leading 1-0 according to the Bakau sports committee.

Hampstead hall (Birmingham) Donates Sports equipment to Abuko

Hampstead hall Birmingham, an academy of young people under the leadership of Peter Evans along with the head coach Gary Cartwright and 11 students donated 5 sets of jerseys, 30 footballs in addition to knee guards, keeper’s gloves and socks to the young youths of Abuko on Saturday at a presentation ceremony held at the Nursery school in Abuko.

Abdou Rahman Bah
Cordinator of Abuko Football Academy

This good gesture came following the building of a Nursery school by Peter and his team and named after Hampstead Hall. Later these philanthropists felt to extend their support in sport to the youths of that area courtesy of an ambitious citizen of Abuko, Abdurrahman Bah, known to many as Abulay who is also a football fan, who met these people and learned that they are much interested in sport.

Speaking at a press briefing the head of delegation from Birmingham Peter Evans expressed delight and happiness to the people of Abuko being the watch dog of their initiative, the nursery school.

"These materials donated to the people of Abuko will help children showcase their talent more so football in the Gambia as they are also contributing their quarter in this area to see that football in the Gambia reaches higher levels," he said. He also added that if the materials are properly managed they can serve them for a long time, he concluded.

Gary Cartwright, the head coach, also told journalists that they only want to see sports in Abuko very competitive to other regions around the Gambia and also went further to reveal how much it cost them to gather the materials and the shipment. He said that only the balls cost almost 200 pounds and wasn’t easy at all. According to him the student also helped in the parking of the container and the shipment he concluded.

Abdurrahman Bah, Alias Abulay, cordinator of Abuko football Academy expressed appreciation and profound gratitude to the philanthropists on behalf of the youths of Abuko. He said he was delighted to know that these people have interest in sports. They joined hands to first build the nursery school as well investing in sports.

According to Abulay, these materials will help the Abuko People to develop skills and talents as they have a lot of talented players in Abuko with some of them playing for the national team. He finally vowed to guarantee the safety of the materials.

New US Ambassador Speaks to Journalists



Patricia White



By Abdoulie Nget

Shortly after being introduced as the new US Ambassador to the Gambia replacing Mr. Barry L. Wells, Mrs. Patricia White in her first press conference with Gambia journalist on Wednesday at the American Conner located at the Comium Building, said she is to focus on listening to what the Gambian people have to say.

Ambassador White who first served as a Peace Corp volunteer in Africa said she is acquainted with Africa and know how they operate as she was in Liberia for several years.

She said Gambia have been in cordial relation with the United States. She expressed her willingness to strengthen it and continue the good work that have been started, noting that the Gambian leader President Jammeh told her in her visit that the Gambia has and will always welcome the US and its people.

Ambassador White said she will be concentrating on women groups, youths and girl education but have to first listen to what they will say and how they operate, adding that she will also be conducting a tour across the country to see the country side.

She said she will focus on how to improve the standard of women groups, right-based issues and democracy. She vowed to make sure that The Gambia understands the US, its people and how they operate.

She further went on to say that there is thousands of US Dollar grants invested in the country and she will be inspecting them to see how they are utilized.

Ambassador White stated that The Gambia has been enjoying a lot in the areas of training for their military and police officers from by the US, noting that there are still plane to increase in that areas, singling out girl’s education as her area of interest.

GPU, Others Visit Late Lamin A.Darboe’s Family

Last Thursday, a delegation comprising    The Gambia Press Union (GPU), Sam Sarr Managing Editor of   Foroyaa Newspaper and Amadou Wuyeh Manga first vice president of the sports journalists association visited the family of the late Lamin A. Darboe, teacher cum sports journalist at Bakindick in Lower Niumi district,   North Bank Region.

The late Lamin A. Darboe who is said to be 33 years old drowned at the Barra Ferry Terminal on Saturday 20th November 2010  with his vehicle as he was being directed by a Gambia Ports Authority(GPA) staff to park his vehicle  for the second time.

 His death body was recovered the following day, Sunday and was laid to rest on Monday 22nd November 2010 at the Old Jeshwang cemetery.

Receiving the delegation, Ba Ansu Darboe, father of the late Lamin Darboe expressed gratitude to the role played by the media fraternity of the country as  news of his son’s death spread like a wild fire across the length and breadth of The Gambia.

According to the old man, when he first heard the news, he could not believe it as his son was not complaining of any sickness or any other thing like that but was quick to add that it was Allah who gave them Lamin Darboe and it was the same Allah who took him away from them.

Ba- Ansu described his son as someone very respectful, hardworking, trustworthy, and obedient and above all a devout Muslim.

“If I want to say all his good characters here, we will be here the whole day. Lamin is someone who really loved his people and will go the extra mile to satisfy them,” he said.

He further said that his family will stand shoulder to shoulder with all the relevant authorities to see that justice is done in the interest of all.

The old man  who at one point  broke into tears together with some family members said if the Ports Authority had put in place  proper precautionary measures, the late Lamin A. Darboe’s incident would have been a different story today.

He spoke at length how the family will miss Lamin and the vacuum he left behind but quick to add again that Allah the creator and the merciful will be there for them.

Ba-Ansu finally prayed for the departed soul of Lamin and the souls of   all those who have departed to rest in perfect peace.

From the family house, the delegation proceeded to visit the six class room block constructed by Lamin and his white partner. The school taught children Arabic and English up to grade six.

Yaya Minteh, the head of the Arabic section described the demise of Lamin A. Darboe as a big lost not only to his family but to the entire country.

He recalled the days when Lamin and his partner first decided to sponsor the construction of the school at their village as a memorable one.

Minteh also expressed his gratitude to the media fraternity in the country for their   solidarity and maturity demonstrated towards the family of Lamin during these difficult moments.

Other village elders, who were present during our visit, expressed similar sentiments.

Banjul Ferry Terminal

We crossed with the Barra ferry and it took us one hour, fifteen minutes to anchor at Barra. From 12pm to 1:15pm. And I observed that the ferry had no barriers but chains welded both at the front and back of the ferry. The question now is how strong are those chains to prevent vehicles from tipping over? Why chains and how long should the chains  last.?

 On our way back

At the Barra crossing point, we boarded the ‘Johe’ ferry and it took us one hour thirty minutes to reach Banjul. From 6:19pm to 7: 30 pm.

‘Johe’ is provided with barriers both at the front and back. But the same question is how strong are the barriers and how long can they last?

Infact shortly before ‘Johe’ anchored, it swung and a loud bang was heard. And I realised that one of the engines next to me went off for a while before it got started again.    It is not clear what went wrong. e disembarked safely from the ferry without our driver who was left stranded with our vehicle at the Barry terminal due to the long queue of vehicles waiting to cross.

Sam Sarr, managing  editor of  Foroyaa Newspaper  on behalf of the delegation later handed over a token of D2,500  to the family of the late Lamin A. Darboe.

Source: Daily News

Pape Saine Urges Sport Journalists to put away differences

By Abdoulie Nget

A Gambian baron, IPI awardee and co-proprietor of The Point newspaper Mr. Pap Saine has told Sport Journalists to put away differences after the election of Sainabou Kujabi as the President of Sports Journalists Association of The Gambia, the successor of Mr. Namory Trawally whose term has constitutionally expired after serving two consecutive terms.

Addressing the members of the sports journalists association at the B.O Semega Janneh hall in Serrekunda East on October 2 during their triennial congress Mr. Saine stated that a lot have been talked about before the congress. He said that now the new executive has taken over the task, advising them to work hand and glove with the members of association for development.

He said all the sports journalists in the country are vying for the development of sports in the country, meaning they all have to work together as individuals and as an association to achieve excellence in sports.

Saine noted that the outgoing executive deserves a great commendation for at least moving one step forward with the association. He outlined that some of these development made by the outgoing team include training of its members in basic skill, capacity building trainings and organizing of the sports award.

He further urged the association to remain united after the congress with public and maintained the bond fraternity among themselves in working for the development of the association but quick to task  the coming executive to strive with perseverance as leadership goes with tolerance.

This year’s congress marked the third congress with a difference that witnessed heated debates among members in deciding who to become president. “But thank God now, things have finally come to an end in a professional manner with Sainabou Kujabi of The Point newspaper emerging as president after defeating Nanama Keita of the Daily Observer by 34 - 27 votes. Now Sainabou and her team have been entrusted to steer the affair of the Sport Journalist association for the next three years to fulfill the mission of their predecessors.

In her statement after been named the president of the association Sainabou Kujabi said she is willing to open a new page and work with the members of the association for development within and outside the association, adding that she will open the door for everyone who wishes to contribute to the development of the association and sports.

Meanwhile, Nanama Keita who was defeated in the presidential position said he is ready to put aside everything and work with the current executive for the benefit of the association and it members, saying that loosing does not mean that he is not part of the association.

Nanama said he has a good relation with the elected president Sainabou Kujabi and therefore as part of the nominated members he will give all his support to the association. He said his reason for vying for the position of president is to make changes, but is normal in every election that there must be a winner.

Foroyaa Reporter Laid To Rest

By Saikou Jammeh

Foroyaa newspaper sports editor late Lamin A Darboe who met his untimely death under controversial circumstances on Saturday 20^th November, was gently laid to rest Monday at Old Jeshwang cemetery.

Returning to Kombo from his home village, Bakindik, North Bank region, where he joined his family and friends to celebrate the Tobaski feast, Mr Lamin Darboe fell-off from a Gambia Ports Authority (GPA) Ferry bound for Banjul, with his vehicle into the river. He drowned and the dead body was only recovered the following day – Sunday.

Eye witnesses say Lamin had cried for help as he resurfaced two times after felling-off into the water, but there was no rescue attempt made by authorities to save his life.

However, Gambia Ports Authority (GPA) says the accident might result from a break failure.

But given the controversial circumstances under which Lamin died, family members said they will pursue the matter to ensuring justice is met.

Foroyaa newspaper also urged authorities to make Corona’s Inquest into the cause of Lamin’s death.

Meanwhile the journalist cum teacher has been described as disciplined, righteous, hardworking and generous young-man by family members, colleagues and other relatives.

“He has built an Islalmic School with the aid of philanthropist [in Bakindiki village] where over 300 pupils are attending Quranic lessons,” elders from the village confirmed.

His co-workers at Foroyaa newspaper and colleague journalist from other newspapers also described him as a generous, honest and hardworking mate.

“We have just held our elections and Lamin has been elected our treasure,” Pa Modou Faal, an acting Editor-in-Chief of independent Point Newspaper, also auditor, Sports Journalists Association (SJAG) said.

SKI holds Second black belt examination

Gambia Shotokan Karate –Do International Association recently held a black belt examination at the Bakau Community Center by SKI- Gambia branch and eighteen students, including a female participant. This examination is the second of its kind since 2004.

According to Muhammed Danso the Technical Director, it is six years since another black belt examination was held, this he noted was because his house was not put in order and there were lots of amendments by the International Federation in Japan and also the seriousness he saw in the senior Brown Belts.

When ask if all the 18 Students will pass, he said that in every exam, there will be failures. “Besides, this is just a matter of getting points. If your points are not met, one can work towards completing them in another exam. The exams was purely a technical exams and the awarding ceremony will soon take place where the Whole Gambia will see their fellow brothers and sisters receiving one of their most important life time achievements that they have been pursuing for ages.”

The grading, Danso noted, is a promotional test that assesses students that are pursuing their belt. The regulations also provide the procedures of carrying out all level of tests in accordance with the with the SKIAF (Shotokan Karate-Do International Federation) standards in Japan, which is aimed at spreading the rationalized SKI techniques and standardizing its practice in The Gambia.

The exam was conducted to keep the high spirit of sportsmanship in the young Karate Practitioners that have spent years of training.

The examination was attended by the Senior Master of The Gambia Shotokan Karate-Do International Association and facilitated by Senior Instructors of the Association.

SJAG Lose Four Games in a Row

By Omar Bah

The Gambia Sport Journalists Association (SJAG) football team on Wednesday suffered a 2 - 0 thumped up in the hands of the Scorpions fans club in the ongoing stakeholders tournament at the Real de Banjul football field.

The defeat marked their fourth defeat in a row, as they have lost to the Serra Leonean Team in the previous Nigerian High Commissioner sponsored tournament then slipped to Serrekunda East Committee in a friendly game by 3 - 0 then in the hands of the Medics by a lone goal, before suffering a two nil defeat against the drummers of the Scorpions.

The sport journalists were hoping to end their poor run up form under the leadership of the new coach Musa Ann who has not collected a point since taking over the position.

And many fans of the sport fraternity have raised questions about his leading role. Many term the coach as toothless, while fans are yearning for improvement.

Stakeholders Unite To Protect Vulnerable Children

By Abdoulie Nget

In a bid to protect vulnerable children who rampantly sell, roam, eat and live in the streets, stakeholders drawn from both government and private institutions converged at TANGO on Thursday, November 4 to form a network.

The organizers responsible for the formation of the network were the Centre for Street Children Trafficking Studies (CSCACTS), Child Protection Alliance (CPA), CEDAG, and Department of Social Welfare and were funded by International Social Service Swiss Foundation (ISS), with the aim of protecting children from trafficking, violence and harassments.

Fanta Bai Secka, the director of social Welfare saw the initiative of forming the network of child protection as timely saying that children issues are crosscutting issues and no single institution can solely handle them, adding that it is important for institutions from both the government and the private sectors to work as a team to make sure that children living in our surroundings are protected.

“Children are small but their issues are not, it is only through collective efforts that they could be addressed,” she said.

 Taking advantage of their vulnerability, children are trafficked just like goods by using approaches like education, good living conditions and others but later used as labourers in plantations, prompting the Child Protection Alliance and other children institutions to come up with the idea of forming the network which will be there to protect children who are or about to be affected.

“Young girls and boys are violated by old men and women by using their vulnerability while selling or doing their domestic works for survival,” said Sheikh E.T.Lewis, the coordinator of the Network.

He said that the means that people use to violate the rights of children are monies or promises which only a rich child will reject but a poor child will or may not. Therefore he said that the network will not only be there for networking shake but will try to work with the government and the police likewise the law makers to ensure that our children are protected.

Madi Jorbateh of TANGO in a brief statement said that the people who are to form the network should put at the back of their minds that they should not see it as a mere network but a productive one where all members should participate fully to make sure that it progresses and achieves its aim which is to make sure that our children are protected.

The Gambia is now the first English speaking country to participate in the move to protect children with vulnerability in Africa joining countries like Mali, Senegal, Niger, Guinea Bissau, Guinea, Ivory Coast and Burkina Faso.

Plans to Crown Jammeh King Unveiled

Plans to make president Jammeh a king has been finally made public after months of underground work by the ruling APRC party stalwarts led by local chiefs.

This was unveiled at statehouse on Friday during a meeting claimed to be summoned by president Jammeh to discuss extending the death sentence – from murder and treason - to offences of drugs and human trafficking.

In attendance at the meeting were ministers, ruling party National Assembly members, local government authorities, local chiefs, , religious leaders and his party bigwigs.  

But the meeting, which was designed to dilate on death sentence in the wake of the rising crime rate, witnessed an obvious shift to unmasking plans to transform The Republic of The Gambia into a Kingdom.  

The agenda was set by Jammeh himself as he expressed outrage at ‘troubles elections created in Africa’.

“We all know the problems elections have created in Africa; the problem in Somalia is caused by elections and in many other countries.  “Nearer [to home] in Guinea, people of different tribes are killing one another because of elections,” he said.

As the country prepares to embark on a circle of elections – presidential, parliamentary and local government in 2011, 2012 and 2013 respectively, Jammeh said people will vote so long as the constitution dictates.

“But it is left to you [Gambians]; whatever you decide is what we will do,” he said of the no election campaign

The campaigns for no elections and to crown president Jammeh as King have been in the rumour mill for some time now.

The local chiefs who are reportedly pushing the agenda forward have recently toured the whole country after president Jammeh donated vehicles to them, sources revealed.

However, the Independent Electoral Commission has condemned the move.

“The campaign for no elections is a non-starter and should be discouraged in all its forms,” IEC said, at the recently concluded outreach for National Assembly members, where it was hinted.

Hon. Fabakary T. Jatta, the majority leader of parliament has been warned of contempt of the constitution for saying that the secret ballot is the highest form of hypocrisy.

Undeterred by this warning, Hon. Jatta said at Saturday’s meeting: “I said it once and I am repeating it here that elections, especially the secret ballot is hypocrisy.”

 “Even if it happens that we go to the polls 2011, it might as well be the last election [for The Gambia]” Jatta said.

The governor of North Bank Region Edwar Seckan said chiefs have approached them to make Jammeh a king and they have agreed.

 “The constitution is neither the Quran nor the Bible,” says Alhagie Demba Manneh from rural-Lower River region. “We want to make president Jammeh a King and we will amend it to suit our needs.”

President Jammeh came to power through a military coup in 1994 putting an end to the thirty-year-rule of Dawda Kairaba Jawara, who was re-elected in office 5 times after Independence in 1965.

All political parties and political activities were banned during the two year transition period in the run-up to a return to a democratic civilian government.

The presidential elections held in 1996 saw Jammeh winning with 56 percent of the votes and captured the majority of seats in the legislative elections held in 1997.

Although he dropped to 53 percent of votes in the 2001 presidential elections, he was able to secure a virtual monopoly at the National Assembly after the main-opposition UDP boycotted the elections amid cries of foul play.

In 2006, president Jammeh won 67 of the votes and his party maintained a strong majority in the National Assembly.

Although some local and foreign election observers deemed the elections free, fair and transparent, there were reports of unfair play and the opposition maintained that there has never been a level playing ground for free and fair elections.  

Meanwhile voter apathy has been phenomenally increasing at a worrying rate as over 50 percent of registered voters failed to cast their votes during the 2006 presidential elections.
Source: Kissi Mansa