SUKAI GAYE – OPINION: Feminism is not a war against men
I see a lot of posts about Feminism and I wonder if there is a misconception, misunderstanding, or misbelief but whatever the case is some of you are missing the point. Feminists don’t hate men, they are not angry, not all feminists are lesbians. There are religious feminists, they believe in marriage and are family-oriented.
If you’ve never taken the time to read about the term but rather run with what you’re being fed by misogynistic people including women (yes, women can be misogynist against women too) then consult uncle Google, Google will give you a simple and comprehensive meaning of the term. And you will understand that Feminism is the belief in the social, economic, and political equality of sexes. Oh, wait! Google is a western platform and feminism is a western ideology used to mislead our women. Sigh!
Well maybe try Auntie Wikipedia. Wiki is just an encyclopedia written by the same people that use it. Meaning you and I can go in there and suggest a change in the meaning of Feminism. But before we do that Wikipedia says “The feminist movement (also known as the women’s movement, or simply feminism) refers to a series of political campaigns for reforms on issues such as reproductive health, domestic violence, maternity leave, equal pay, women’s suffrage, sexual harassment, and sexual violence, all of which fall under the label of feminism and the feminist movement. The movement’s priorities vary among nations and communities and range from opposition to female genital mutilation in one country to opposition to the glass ceiling in another.” Now, do we think any of the issues mentioned are worth fighting against? I think so.
Feminism is not a war against men. Feminists just believe that the world should be gender equal. Treating everyone the same. Creating equal opportunities and resources for all genders. Just like we advocate for treating all races the same. You know, like Black Lives Matter. Women’s Rights Matter too.
According to Oxford Islamic Studies Online, “Islam faith states that in the eyes of God, men and women should be equal and can fulfill the same roles. Therefore, they also are required to complete all the duties of a Muslim worshiper, including the completion of religious traditions, specifically the pilgrimage to Mecca. Islamic culture marked a movement towards liberation and equality for women since prior Arab cultures did not enable women to have such freedoms. Now, women in Islam are even entitled to their own right to land. There is evidence that Muhammad (SAW) asked women for advice and took their thoughts into account, specifically about the Quran. Women could pray with men, take part in commercial interactions, and played a role in education. One of Muhammad’s (SAW) wives, Aisha, played a significant role in medicine, history, and rhetoric. Women, however, did not hold religious titles, but some held political power with their husbands or on their own. The historic role of women in Islam is connected to societal patriarchal ideals, rather than actual ties to the Quran.”
Oh! Oxford Islamic Studies Online, another Western platform? So only Middle Eastern and North African sources, eh? The issue of women in Islam is becoming more prevalent in modern society. In case, you did not know, Middle Eastern and North African Islamic nations, are increasing their creation of economic and employment opportunities for women; compared, to every other region in the world, the Middle East and North African region ranks lowest on economic participation, employment opportunity and the political empowerment of women. These countries got the memo and are taking advantage of women’s participation in all sectors.
If you are worried about Feminism interfering with our traditions, here let me help you… Anyone can be a feminist and still follow traditions. But let us not forget that traditions are just social norms and practices that have persisted for some period. Usually outside and beyond the reach of the law. Traditions are also specific to a society. That does not mean they are right and must be followed. A Gambian man living in the US dares not to marry more than one wife. This may be traditional or “Islamic” in The Gambia, but it is illegal in the US. Another example, In the US, young people are supposed to look at their elders in the eye when talking to them, but it is a sign of disrespect in African society. You and I will agree that following or violating traditions shouldn’t be any penalization but that is subject to society too. Even where we are supposed to follow traditions, anyone deciding not to follow them still respect them. Unless they are harmful traditional practices then there is a problem especially instilled by patriarchy to oppress women. Such as viewing and treating women as sex objects, depriving women of their reproductive health rights, etc. Then, there is a reason for anyone including feminists to be hostile toward those traditions.
Understanding feminism is not too hard. You just have to read a little more and educate yourself. You will get it. When you do, come take part in the actions to ensure an equal world for all genders. Let us create the needed resources for everyone to be successful. Gender equality is a long reach but some of these measures can help, protecting women from sexual abuse/violence, domestic violence, harmful traditional practices, etc. We can also create the possibilities for women to succeed like advocating for equal pay, maternity leave since women are naturally the live givers and a seat at the decision-making tables. Equity is needed to reach equality. It is all to ensure that everyone makes the most of their lives and talents. And I guarantee you that women are equally talented.
Again, feminism is not a gender war. Men can be and are feminists. Whoever believes that feminists are out to get back at men, do not understand the meaning of a feminist or being a feminist. The goal of a feminist is to see a world where equal treatment, opportunities, and resources are accessible to all sexes.
The writer, Sukai Gaye, wrote in from Seattle, Washington.
President Barrow goes on self-isolation as Vice President Dr Isatou Touray joins 100s in testing positive for coronavirus
President Adama Barrow will self-isolate for two weeks after his deputy Dr Isatou Touray tested positive for the disease.
“The Office of the President informs the public that Her Excellency, the Vice President, Dr. Isatou Touray has been tested positive of COVID-19. Consequently, the President, Adama Barrow will be on self-isolation with immediate effect for two weeks,” State House said in a statement on Wednesday.
Reports emerged on Tuesday Dr Touray had gone on self-isolation after she came into contact with a GIEPA top official who tested positive for the disease.
Breaking news: Vice President Dr Touray tests positive for coronavirus
The Vice President has tested positive for coronavirus, State House confirmed on Wednesday, a day after reports the country’s No. 2 has gone on self-isolation after she came into contact with an official of GIEPA that tested positive for the disease.
State House said in a statement on its official Facebook page: “The Office of the President informs the public that Her Excellency, the Vice President, Dr. Isatou Touray has been tested positive of COVID-19. Consequently, the President, Adama Barrow will be on self-isolation with immediate effect for two weeks.
“The public is reminded that the Coronavirus is real and exists in The Gambia. The public is advised to properly use face masks, maintain regular hand washing and social distancing in the fight against the virus. Stay at home and stay safe.”
President Barrow declares Friday and Saturday public holiday as Gambians brace for Eidhul Adha
President Adama Barrow has declared Friday and Saturday public holiday as Gambians brace for Eidhul Adha.
State House said in a statement today: “In accordance to Section 76 (1) of the Constitution (1997), His Excellency, Adama Barrow, President of the Republic of The Gambia, is pleased to declare Friday, 31st July 2020, and Saturday, 1st August, 2020, as public holidays throughout The Gambia, in observance of the Muslim feast of Eid-ul-Adha.
“On behalf of the Government and the First Family, President Barrow wishes the entire Muslim Ummah to celebrate the Eid with caution and bear in mind that the Coronavirus is real and exists in The Gambia.
“The President seizes the opportunity to remind the public to properly use face mask, maintain regular hand wash and social distancing in the fight against the virus. Parents and Guardians are urged to keep the children at home and stay safe. Eid Mubarak!”
The Case for an African Czar at the Global Bazar: Ngozi for WTO
The world has shortchanged women for centuries as we evolve as a human family. While always content to be the foundation for our elevation as a people, women do have much higher potential to contribute to our collective progress than what has been realized.
This situation is by no fault of theirs. Therefore it is about time that the world accorded women their fitting place at the policy table for our collective good. A central role in an organisation well primed to obliterate poverty and improve welfare across continents is the right setting.
It is a well established fact in economics that trade is the optimal tool to improve socio-economic development across nations. Conducted within the right setting and primed with the right incentive mechanisms, trade has no match in its potential to uplift the welfare of the masses. However, the dynamics of global exchange have not always been anchored on the most appropriate pedestal.
In this era of perennial plans and slogans about improving the socio-economic situation of people around the world within the operating guidelines of the United Nations, a rejigging of the global trade dynamics is highly timely. The need to put the global trade policy, and watchdog, body under the leadership of a competent lady with the requisite academic and professional pedigree cannot be gainsaid by any right thinking individual or group.
Having a woman with the foregoing credentials coming from the Continent rightly dubbed the next frontier for our collective quest for global economic progress would just be the right panacea for whatever obstacles that may be impeding higher success in the operations of the World Trade Organisation.
Certainly, the Harvard-trained former World Bank top executive who has already demonstrated her credentials in managing one of the worlds most complex economies, Nigeria, needs no testing for the role of heading the global bazar, the WTO.
Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala has consistently proven her professional mettle and inspired thousands of young aspiring professionals around the world. Granting her the opportunity to lead the World Trade Organisation will not only give her the opportunity to steer the global trade body to higher pedestals for the global common good; it will also empower her to shine the much-needed inspiring guiding light to brighten the trail for other aspiring female professionals whose expertise and creative energy are needed in regional and global bodies.
Momodou Sabally
Former Presidential Affairs Minister, and Budget Director, Momodou Sabally is a macroeconomist with a decade of professional experience at the Central Bank of The Gambia. He has also served as member of the ECOWAS Budget oversight committee, the Committee on Administration and Finance, as well as the erstwhile ECOWAS Task Force for the creation of a roadmap for a common currency in anglophone West Africa.
Mai Fatty insists Gorgi Mboob-commanded anti-crime ‘must’ stay and empowered to continue protecting Gambians
The police anti-crime unit must and should stay and empowered to continue protecting Gambians, Mai Fatty has insisted.
The unit has come under immense criticism following torture allegations against its head Gorgi Mboob.
Mr Mboob over the weekend made headlines after 26-year-old Ebrima Sanneh accused him of attack him on his genitals.
Police first denied categorically that the attack took place, then flipped after coming under pressure from Gambians. Mboob has now been placed on administrative leave amid an investigation into the claims.
Mai Fatty speaking at a news conference on Tuesday was however not receptive to the idea of the anti-crime being scrapped, as suggested by some people.
The former interior minister said: “While we are today clamouring for change, the anti-crime must stay [and] should stay and I am urging the government to strengthen it. To reform it, to empower it with the tools necessary so that it can continue to protect Gambians across the country.”
Bubacarr Keita to spend another day in police custody as Haruna Jaiteh’s death deals blow to businessman’s bail hearing
By Lamin Njie
Businessman Bubacarr Keita will be kept under police custody for another day following the adjournment of his bail hearing.
The 29-year-old was supposed to return to court today for continuation of his bail hearing but it suffered a setback amid the death of former judicial secretary Haruna Jaiteh, which has prompted the country’s courts to go into a day’s recess.
Mr Keita is facing allegations he raped his ex-wife’s 15-year-old sister, with the incident allegedly taking place last year.
On Tuesday, he appeared in court as his lawyers pushed for his release on bail.
The hearing was supposed to continue today but the death of former judicial secretary Haruna Jaiteh has dealt it a blow.
The hearing will now continue on Thursday.
Mr Keita continued to appear in high spirits today as family and friends visited him at Bundung Police Station.
Japan Gives D770 Million To Boost Rural Water Supply In The Gambia
The Government of The Gambia through its High Commission in Dakar, Senegal, on Monday signed a rural water supply project with the Government of Japan. The project is valued at 770 Million Dalasis earmarked for the promotion of sustainable development and livelihoods of Gambians in rural areas.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, the High Commissioner of the Republic of The Gambia to Senegal, His Excellency Ebrima Ousmane Ndure, described the gesture as a huge generousity and solidarity from the Government of Japan adding that it is a reflection of Japanese culture which is based on the principles of South–South cooperation.
“We in The Gambia have followed with a very great interest the positive developments that have been taking place in Japan; a country that continues to be a pride for humanity. We are all aware of the Japanese government’s relentless efforts in pursuit of global peace and development,” Ambassador Ndure said.
He informed the Japanese said that the Government of The Gambia, under the leadership of His Excellency Adama Barrow, recognises with appreciation Japanese government’s enormous contributions towards the strengthening of the bonds of solidarity, friendship and cooperation between the two countries.
This, he added has been clearly manifested, by Japan’s invaluable assistance to The Gambia through the Japanese Food Assistance, various projects funded by the Japanese Government in the fields of agriculture, health, fisheries, education, amongst others, including the recent donation of 115,956 bags of rice and procurement of tractors and farming implements from the Japanese KR2 Funds. He concluded by stating that Japan is a key development partner for The Gambia.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, the Ambassador of Japan to The Gambia resident in Dakar, His Excellency Minister Arai Tatsuo, recalled that the decision to extend the gesture was borne out of the fact that Gambia’s access rate to safe water is 88 percent in urban areas and 68 percent in rural areas.
Ambassador Tatsuo said the population of The Gambia is growing rapidly, maintaining an annual growth rate of around 3 percent, and as a result the water demand has increased significantly as the population increases and water supply facilities have not been able to keep up with the water demand.
He said in view of the importance of cooperation in the water sector, the Government of Japan has provided the three grant aid projects for the construction of water supply facilities and the procurement of materials and equipment “the Project for Rural Water Supply (1990-1995:The Phase I),“the Project for Rural Water Supply Phase II (2004-2008:The Phase II) and “the Project for Rural Water Supply Phase III (2009-2012:The Phase III) at a total of 45 sites.
He assured that Japan will continue to support the Government and people of The Gambia in the socio-economic development of the country.
Issued by the Communication Unit of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad
Journalists contract coronavirus as GPU states sadness over matter
The Gambia Press Union (GPU) said on Tuesday it has learnt with ‘sadness’ that some journalists have contracted the coronavirus in line of duty.
“The Union wishes all of them well and looks forward to seeing them back at practice,” the journalists body said in a statement.
It added: “Since the outbreak of Covid-19 global pandemic – and its emergence in The Gambia – media houses and reporters have been working under extremely difficult and dangerous circumstances to save lives by keeping the people informed and educated of the pandemic and ultimately holding the government to account.
“As frontliners, reporters have been reporting from treatment centres, the airport and land borders and other many potential hotspots without adequate protective equipment and disinfectants.
“The Union is proud of these enormous sacrifices and calls on the public and the government to support journalists whose work is crucial to stopping the spread and saving lives.
“We equally call on media houses and journalists to utilise the media advisory prepared by the GPU, which provides key guidance on safety of journalists during the pandemic.”
Israel gives half a million dalasis to Gambians in gesture dubbed by Middle East nation’s Dakar embassy deputy chief of mission as ‘symbolic’
Israel through its embassy in Dakar has donated 10,000 dollars to the people of the Mansakonko local government area.
A statement by the embassy on Tuesday said: “Mr Daniel Aschheim, Deputy Chief of Mission of The Israeli Embassy in Dakar, has received this Monday July 27th, 2020, The Chairman of Mansakonko Council Mr. Landing B. SANNEH and his Executive Chief Officer Mr. Paa Saith CEESAY.
“The purpose of the meeting was to donate a symbolic check of $10.000 to the population of Mansakonko to help cope with the economic crisis caused by the COVID19.
“The Mayor gladly thanks the Israeli Embassy and its entire staff for such a “big gesture” that promotes the relationship between the two countries, and adds more credential to the Mansakonko City.
“For the Israeli Embassy, offering food supplies to 400 families in the Gambia is a privilege and honor.
“The provision’s distribution will take place right after the feast of Aïd El Kebir. Sadly, as The Mayor said, The Representatives of The Israeli Embassy will not participate to that event, but The Council is looking forward to host them as soon as the pandemic resolved.”
My Position on the Interdiction and Investigation of Mr. Gorgui Mboob
I receive with great caution and gross dissatisfaction the news of the interdiction and the opening of investigation on allegations of corruption and torture by the Commander of the Anti-Crime Unit Gorgui Mboob on 28thJuly 2020. While I welcome this long overdue decision by the Inspector General of Police, I wish to express dissatisfaction that indeed the Anti-Crime Unit itself should have been closed down, its officers suspended and the Unit placed under thorough investigation.
Furthermore, the Inspector General of Police Mamour Jobe as well as the Minister of Interior Yankuba Sonko should also have been dismissed forthwith for their failed leadership in stemming the culture of corruption and abuse within the law enforcement agency, and ensure transparency and accountability in the police. Both leaders have failed to create the necessary reforms to bring about system change for a decent working environment for our women and men in uniform to serve citizens with professionalism, decorum and efficiency.
For that matter, here are my issues and concerns regarding the interdiction of Gorgui Mboob and the way forward:
- The members of the panel and its terms of reference must be published for the information of the public to ensure transparency and accountability;
- The independence of the panel must be guaranteed in order to protect the integrity and credibility of the investigation;
- The findings of the panel must be made public and its recommendations must be implemented in full.
- The investigation of Gorgui Mboob cannot exclude the overall investigation of the Anti-Crime Unit itself simply because he is the head of the Unit. The members of the Unit as well as their resources, methods, tools and practices must be put under scrutiny;
- The Anti-Crime Unit must be closed down and all of its officers suspended pending the conclusion of investigations and those found wanting must face accountability.
- The fight against crime must be strengthened by further empowering all other police stations, police units and police officers across the country.
The Anti Crime Unit must be disbanded even if another unit with the same mandate would be established. That new unit must be set up in a transparent manner with clear terms of reference and constituted with officers who are found to be not involved in acts of torture, corruption and other forms of abuse.
The new unit must be professional and sensitized on women’s rights, child rights and rights of persons with disabilities and human rights in general. The new unit must be introduced to the United Nations human rights standards for law enforcement. They must also be sensitized, on the one hand, about the fundamental rights and freedoms of Gambians as enshrined in the Constitution, and on the other hand, the power and obligations of the police as per Section 19 of the Constitution and also as enshrined in the Police Act and the Criminal Code and other laws of the Gambia.
Furthermore, such new unit like all other police units, stations and officers, must be provided with continuous and refresher training on new skills, methods and tools for the prevention and detection of crime and handling of suspects among others. Given that there is a National Human Rights Commission, the Gambia Police Force must use every opportunity to seek the support of the Commission in training their officers to understand and uphold human rights standards.
As a democratic republic, no public officer or public institution must violate one right of one citizen at any time. Hence if there is any such officer or institution which has been found to violate rights then such officer and institution must face immediate accountability. Therefore, those who claim that ACU should not be disbanded rather is enough to just remove the bad elements, I say to such suggestions that it is cosmetic, halfhearted and superficial. To list a number of successes of the ACU and therefore claim it is good is to misunderstand the very essence of the police and to devalue human rights.
With or without ACU, the Gambia Police Force is a statutory body mandated to protect the lives, liberty and property of Gambians by enforcing the law. Hence the very nature of the police is not to violate but to protect. While the IGP can create any structure to facilitate this mandate where such structure has become overwhelmed with abuse and corruption, it is not enough to weed out the bad elements and let the structure remain. Rather the entire unit needs to be disbanded to give way to a new order founded on new rules, methods and tools. Old habits die hard hence by merely weeding out bad elements the tendency for abuse to emerge again is high.
Hence it is necessary to disband the ACU – an act which will further inform a new unit, if formed that they are also not dispensable but they could be disbanded if they fall below standard. In this way, one also sends a clear message to all other police officers and other units that abuse and corruption will not be tolerated. This is how system change takes place.
For The Gambia Our Homeland
……………………………………………..
Madi Jobarteh
Skype: madi.jobarteh
Twitter: @jobartehmadi
LinkedIn: Madi Jobarteh
Phone: +220 9995093
Police say task forces will be conducting ‘constant’ patrol to ensure people are wearing face masks
Police said on Tuesday security task forces will be be conducting ‘constant’ patrol to ensure people are wearing face masks, in line with the mandatory requirement for people to wear face masks.
Police said in a statement: “With the number of new Covid-19 cases increasing in the Gambia daily, the Gambia government has passed a regulation with effect from Friday 25th July 2020 making the wearing of facemask mandatory as a preventative measure against the further spread of the Corona virus in the country.
“To this effect, the Office of the Inspector General of Police wishes to inform the General Public that it has started enforcing the wearing of facemask in all public places.
“The public is further informed that the Covid-19 security task forces all over the country will be conducting constant patrol and monitoring to ensure compliance with the mandatory facemask wearing regulations.
“In this regard, the public is hereby urged to cooperate and support the security in preventing and controlling the spread of the Covid-19 Pandemic in the Gambia.”
Bubacarr Keita’s bail hearing stretches to Wednesday – as judge adjourns case after lawyers locked heads for three hours
By Lamin Njie
Bubacarr Keita accused of raping a 15-year-old girl has had his bail hearing adjourned following a marathon session on Tuesday.
Lawyers for the businessman on Wednesday asked a high court sitting at Bundung Magistrates Court to grant bail to the 29-year-old.
Mr Keita has been in detention at Mile 2 Prison since he appeared in court last week over allegations he raped his ex-wife’s 15-year-old sister. The incident allegedly happened last year.
On Tuesday, Keita appeared in court for bail hearing which started at a little after 11am as dozens turned up for a case that has garnered national attention.
When the judge took his seat, a five-man team of attorneys led by Alasan Jobe quickly announced they were appearing for the state.
The hearing then began with state attorney Alasan Jobe stating the court had last week made an order remanding the accused person in custody pending the determination of the matter.
“Learned counsel for the defence thereafter filed a motion on notice with supporting affidavit for his bail,” Jobe told high court judge Momodou SM Jallow.
He then added, as he asked the defence to move his bail application before they would reply: “The state filed/responded to the said ,motion and this was served to the defence.
“The defence filed an affidavit in reply, in opposition and this was served on the state yesterday.”
Defence lawyer Lamin S Camara after the judge granted him leave to move his motion for bail insisted there was a motion before the court dated 20th July 2020 “which motion is seeking for bail to be granted to the applicant subject to such terms and conditions that this court deems fit to grant”.
“My Lord, this motion is premised on Section 24 of the 1997 constitution as well as Section 99(1) of the Criminal Procedure Code. The motion is supported by a 30-paragraph affidavit sworn to by Abdoulie Keita, brother to the applicant,” Mr Camara insisted.
He insisted further: “We are relying on all the paragraphs contained in the affidavit, particularly paragraphs 4 to 30.”
Mr Camara who has over decades under his belt as a criminal lawyer then told the judge Keita had been on police bail since 7 November 2019 and had never absconded the jurisdiction.
“…The applicant is a father of two children and has never had a problem with the law prior to this,” Camara said, adding it was averred in the affidavit the accused would not interfere with the witnesses and that he had no criminal record prior this case.
The defence attorney still with his affidavit for bail said it has also been averred Keita will not interfere with the investigation – if any – which he insisted has concluded.
Still with the affidavit, Camara said it is also averred Mr Keita has people who are willing and ready to serve as sureties if the court is willing to grant bail; that he will in no way jump bail and that he is a prominent businessman employing nothing less than 15 Gambians.
“My Lord, these are the conditions that the applicant needs to depose himself to warrant the court to exercise its discretion in granting bail,” Camara argued.
He then insisted: “My Lord, the law is that it is the state that should give the court ample evidence why bail should not be granted to the applicant.”
Camara said the state’s application in opposition to bail has no factual evidence in support of the denial of bail.
The defence attorney tearing into the state’s affidavit against bail which says 20 June was when the accused sent a delegation to the victim’s families.
“Merely saying he (accused person) sent people is not enough…Their particulars are missing. Who was sent? On whose behalf? That is what the law requires,” Keita’s lawyer argued.
He then turned to Paragraph 20 of the state’s affidavit against bail which says the complainant and the witnesses can be ‘greatly’ influenced or intimidated if Mr Keita is released on bail.
“Let us look at the witnesses,” Lawyer Camara said.
He added: “From the indictment, complainant is the first witness; witness number 2 is the applicant’s ex-wife; witness number 3 is their mother; witness number 4 is a medical doctor who is only a formal witness and witness Number 5 and 6 are police officers. How on earth can these people be intimidated by the applicant? How? [It’s] not stated [in their affidavit].”
Camara then told the judge those were the kinds of arguments averred throughout the state’s affidavit in opposition to bail.
He then said: “Out of abundance of caution, we filed a 20-paragraph affidavit in reply denying that [the] applicant will flee; will interfere with the witnesses or intimidate them; and My Lord, we rely on all the paragraphs in the affidavit sworn to by Abdoulie Keita (the brother).”
Camara then turned to concern by the state of Mr Keita having a valid US Visa and could flee to that country.
He said: “My Lord Paragraph 27 of the affidavit in opposition said the applicant has a US visa and so is a huge flight risk. Serious averrment! And to show how untrue [that is], that is meant to mislead this could.”
Camara still making his case said Mr Keita does indeed have a US visa as attached in the affidavit.
He however argued: “…The applicant acquired a visa [on] 14 November [2019] just a week after being released on bail by police but [he] stayed in the country. My Lord it has almost been nine months and he did not leave this country.
“If he was minded to running, he would have run a long time ago. But he wants to stay, fight for his name and be vindicated.
“Finally, I submit that the respondents did not put anything before this court in their 33-page affidavit to warrant this court not to grant bail. The offence is bailable.”
The defence lawyer in adding further weight to his argument referred the judge to the case of Henry Gabriel Vs the State in which the former who was charged with murder was released on bail by the Supreme Court after his charge was amended to manslaughter, an offence punishable by life imprisonment.
“My Lord in the high court, bail has been granted in cases punishable by life imprisonment,2 Camara insisting further as he touted State Vs Haggi Jabbie and 22 others arson case as an example.
“And finally Mr Lord, A[minata] Saho Ceesay granted bail to the Three Years Jotna [members] charged with arson. My Lord that case is the State Vs Abdou Njie and seven others,” he added.
Camara in his bid to secure bail for his client then said life imprisonment is bailable, from the Supreme Court to the high court.
“Finally, even in the Sexual Offences Act, there is presumption for bail clearly stated under the Act, Section 13…,” he said.
Camara then concluded: “In the circumstances, I respectfully urge this honourable court to grant bail taking into consideration Section 99(2) of the Criminal Procedure Code, because the respondents have woefully failed to put anything cogent facts to warrant a refusal of bail.”
The state attorney began responding that in response to Mr Keita’s motion for bail and affidavit in support, the state filed a 33-p affidavit in opposition sworn to by Mariama Jallow, the legal clerk attached at the criminal division of the ministry of justice.
“It was dated 23rd July 2020. The said affidavit in opposition denied almost all paragraphs of the affidavit in support,” state attorney Alasan Jobe said.
He then said: “As provided for under Section 13 of the Sexual Offences Act, the state had a duty to inform the complainant of her right in the bail application.
“From paragraph 5 to 10 of the affidavit in opposition, it is in compliance with Section 13 of the Sexual Offences Act.
“My learned senior friend state that all the paragraphs of the affidavit in opposition were a bare denial. I am going to counter that.
“He specifically mentioned P-11 of the affidavit in opposition which states that ‘she will continue to live with the trauma for the rest of her life as it has impacted her life very serious’. My Lord I wonder how this amounts to a bare denial.”
The state attorney then insisted the complainant was a victim of rape only for him to back-pedal on the comments after the defence lawyer took him head on.
“Objection My Lord, this is no victim of rape, there is only a victim of alleged rape,” Lamin Camara said.
The state attorney then said ‘as the court pleases’ after the judge asked him whether he was going to the defence lawyers argument.
Continuing with his argument, the state attorney Alasan Jobe said the alleged victim rape victim was going to school.
“As a result of the alleged rape…” he said before the defence lawyer interrupted again by insisting what the state attorney was saying was not in Paragraph 12 of the affidavit.
The state attorney then read P-12 which says the complainant is no longer going to school due to the rape and her subsequent impregnation and breastfeeding of her baby which was bron in April 2020.
“My Lord, it is common sense that such tragic happening will cause trauma to the complainant,” the state attorney insisted.
He continued: ” My Lord I would now have to go to the issue of passport, the fact that the accused person has a valid US visa. Learned Counsel for the defence said that the accused person would have jumped bail if he was minded to do so.
“My Lord, at that time in which he was on police bail, he was charged with defilement.”
The defence lawyer again interrupted by asking, ‘where is that in the affidavit in opposition?’
“My Lord, I am replying to the issue, he is misleading the court in regards to what the accused person was charged with [which is] defilement which is different from the charge before the court,” the state lawyer insisted.
Camara who was not impressed fired back that the state lawyer was not making his arguments from the affidavit in opposition to bail.
“You cannot give evidence from the Bar,” Camara insisted.
State lawyer Jobe continuing said all the cardinal principles in bail applications is whether the accused will not jump bail. The session was then suspended for five minutes.
At 1pm, the case resumed as the state lawyer picked up from where he stopped in his argument for bail to be refused.
He insisted going by the provision of Section 99 of the Criminal Procedure Code, the accused person is not entitled to bail as the offence of rape attracts a punishment of life imprisonment.
“My Lord I submit that a court’s hands are tied in law to grant bail to the accused person. The question therefore is, does this honourable court have the discretion or even the jurisdiction to grant bail having regard to the alleged offence,” Jobe said.
He added: “My Lord on the issue of the provision of Section 99 makes it very clear that the applicant ought not to be granted bail under these circumstances. It therefore suffices to say that the grounds of bail by the court does not extend to an offence of rape…”
The state attorney continued that presumption of innocence is not absolute and unqualified in his response to the defence lawyer’s mentioning of Section 24 of the constitution.
The state attorney argued further: “My Lord, learned counsel for the defence cited the case of the State Vs Haggi Jabbie in which the high court granted bail to the accused person on a charge of arson which attracts life imprisonment.
“My Lord that decision of the high court can only be persuasive and not binding on this honourable court as both courts have concurrent jurisdiction. The same court has departed from its own judgment just recently on 26 May 2020, in the case of … Gassama and the State in which the same court refused bail to the accused person because the offence attracted a mandatory imprisonment for life. The same Justice Jaiteh that granted bail in the arson charge.”
He continued: “Learned counsel for the defence also mentioned the case of the Three Years Jotna, that is the State Vs Abdou Njie and others. My Lord, defence counsel intends to mislead the court…”
Camara took offence at that statement insisting in his 24 years as a lawyer, he has never misled the court.
“As the court pleases, I would like to withdraw that statement,” the state lawyer quickly said as he changed gear.
He then said: “What he (defence lawyer) failed to tell this honourable court is that the accused person therein were granted bail on offences that were bailable such as wilful damage to property which is a bailable offence, rioting and unlawful assembly. Those were the offences in which they were granted bail, and not on the charge of arson which attracts life imprisonment. I therefore submit that, that case is not applicable in this matter.
“Learned counsel for the defence also mentioned the case of Henry Gabriel Vs the State. My Lord, I would like to submit that the procedure adopted by the court in granting him bail, that procedure is only applicable to the court of appeal and the supreme court and not the high court, as provided for under Section 42 of the supreme court act Vol 2 CAP 605 laws of The Gambia 2009. My Lord, in fact that case was bail pending appeal and there are specific provisions which regulate that.”
“My Lord, the facts of that case and this case are totally different. The accused person therein was charged with murder and he was sentenced to seven years imprisonment after he pleaded guilty,” the state attorney added but the defence lawyer interjected that was his case and the way the state attorney explained it was not the way it happened.
“Murder was dropped and manslaughter charge was brought and he pleaded guilty and sentenced to seven years imprisonment,” Camara said.
“Either way My Lord, the case was different [from the case of Keita]. The court in that case used Section 42 in granting bail and that provision applies only to the supreme court and not the high court,” state attorney Jobe insisted.
He added: “My Lord in the case of Adamu Sulaiman and others Vs CoP (Commissioner of Police) 2008 and the State Vs Albert Sambou certain guidelines were enumerated to guide the court in bail application and these are; (a) nature of the charge, (b) the strength of the evidence which supports the charge, (c) the gravity of the punishment in the event of conviction, (d) previous criminal record of the accused person, (e) the probability of the accused absconding trial, (f) the likelihood of the accused interfering with the witnesses and (g) the likelihood of further charges being brought against him.”
Jobe then wanted to proceed into arguing further on the guidelines only for the judge to announce it was time for Zuhr prayer and suggested that the case be adjourned.
Both sides accepted the judge’s suggestion and the case was adjourned to Wednesday at 10:30, as the judge ordered that Mr Keita be remanded at Bundung Police instead of Mile 2 for easy access to him on Wednesday.
Coronavirus continues its scary surge as 49 new cases arise – but disease has killed extra two people
The ministry of health said Monday evening 49 new cases of coronavirus have been registered as the total number of cases shot to 326.
The ministry also said two people have died of the virus bringing the fatality number to eight.
The ministry said in its situation report No. 107: “Forty-nine new cases registered, bringing to 326 the total number of COVID-19 cases ever confirmed in the country.
“Two new deaths recorded, bringing the total number of documented COVID-19
related deaths in the country to 8 – a crude case-fatality ratio of 2.5%.
“North Bank East Region – hitherto, the only region which did not register a
case – has registered its first set of COVID-19 cases.”
Breaking news: Top police commander Gorgi Mboob placed on administrative leave as investigation is mounted
By Lamin Njie
ACU chief Gorgi Mboob has been put on administrative leave over claims he attacked 26-year-old Ebrima Sanneh on his genitals.
Mr Mboob is fighting to save his career as a top police officer following allegations he tortured Sanneh while the latter was detained at anti-crime. The incident allegedly happened on Saturday.
The entire police department have also come under fire after a statement astonishingly rubbished that an attack has taken place. Police chief in an interview with an online platform on Sunday said he asked the police spokesman to put out the statement that absolved Mboob of any wrongdoing.
The issue has now taken a dramatic twist as it has emerged Mboob has been suspended amid an investigation.
Police spokesman Lamin Njie (not the author of this story) told The Fatu Network: “Yes we can confirm [his supension], and an investigation has been constituted to look into the allegations.”
The Fatu Network understands the investigation panel comprise members of the national human rights commission, the bar association, as well as the police.
President Barrow joins his fellow Ecowas leaders in discussing Mali at summit held over video
President Adama Barrow took part in an extraordinary virtual meeting of The Authority of Heads of State and Government of the ECOWAS on the Socio-Political Situation in Mali, according to State House.
Mali has been gripped by a political crisis as Malians continue to protest against the rule of President Ibrahim Boubacarr Keita.
Presidents of the 15-nation Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), of which Mali is a member, are discussing ways to defuse tensions between the opposition and President Keita, CGTN African reported on Monday.
State House said President Barrow took part in the ‘extraordinary’ meeting.
“The President used the opportunity to pay tribute to the former Prime Minister of Ivory Coast, Amadou Gon Coulibaly, who passed away earlier this month. He equally condoled ECOWAS and President Macky Sall on the demise of the distinguished journalist and Chair of the ECOWAS Radio, Babacar Toure,” State House added in a statement on its official Facebook page.
World Health Organization says travel bans can’t be indefinite
Bans on international travel cannot stay in place indefinitely, and countries are going to have to do more to reduce the spread of the novel coronavirus within their borders, the World Health Organization said on Monday.
A surge of infections has prompted countries to reimpose some travel restrictions in recent days, with Britain throwing the reopening of Europe’s tourism industry into disarray by ordering a quarantine on travelers returning from Spain.
Only with strict adherence to health measures, from wearing masks to avoiding crowds, would the world manage to beat the COVID-19 pandemic, the World Health Organization’s director-general, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, said at a virtual news briefing in Geneva.
“Where these measures are followed, cases go down. Where they are not, cases go up,” he said, praising Canada, China, Germany and South Korea for controlling outbreaks.
WHO emergencies program head Mike Ryan said it was impossible for countries to keep borders shut for the foreseeable future.
“…It is going to be almost impossible for individual countries to keep their borders shut for the foreseeable future. Economies have to open up, people have to work, trade has to resume,” he said.
“What is clear is pressure on the virus pushes the numbers down. Release that pressure and cases creep back up.”
Ryan said Spain’s current situation was nowhere near as bad as it had been at the pandemic’s peak there, and he expected clusters to be brought under control, though it would take days or weeks to discern the disease’s future pattern.
“The more we understand the disease, the more we have a microscope on the virus, the more precise we can be in surgically removing it from our communities,” he added. (CGTN AFRICA)
SAINEY DARBOE – BOOK REVIEW: ‘Never doubt…’
From the title of the book,’Never Doubt’…one might be forgiven for nurturing aspirations of living by its meaning.
But the experiences of the man who co-founded Gunjur-Marlborough link as narrated in his 432 page autobiography do not exactly bring the opposite of doubt to mind.
Born in the small town of Marlborough from a long line of doctors who made it to Guinness Book of records, the younger Nick Maurice made choices that would have filled lesser people with doubt and even question his sanity.
Through his work, he would go on to serve as director of Commonwealth organization Building International Links for Development(BUILD), getting awarded OBE by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth and building close relationships with anti-apartheid heroes like Desmond Tutu and Joel Joffe who was part of defense team for Nelson Mandela at the Rivonia trial, among others.
But it’s not always been smooth-sailing for Nick Maurice. He was sent to boarding school at the age of 8 away from his parents with accompanying consequences.
Young Nick was a reluctant pupil and would hang onto the railings in his bid to avoid going to school. His fingers had to be pried loose to take him to school.
At the age of 14, he was victim of abuse that impacted his personal development. His Housemaster Billy Lamb who was engaged to a dame commenced touching him inappropriately to satisfy his desires.
The other students, he found out, were undergoing a similar experience. The behavior was reported to authorities. The perpetrator Mr. Lamb would shoot himself and his dog to death to avoid the rigors of justice. However, Nick looks back on the experience without any lingering bitterness.
“I can honestly say that I don’t think it had any measurable impact on me and would suggest that this was because firstly, I didn’t at the time appreciate that there was anything wrong in what was being done to me, after all he was my respected Housemaster…”,he wrote of the experience while wondering whether with all the publicity and feverish interest in such cases nowadays we should not ask the question about the possible impact of that publicity on the victims of abuse.
Though he felt compelled to follow in his father’s footsteps in medical practice, Nick’s academic record was by no means stellar. He failed three ‘A’ levels in Physics, Chemistry and Biology which he took at his father’s instruction. This disappointment would have put the kibosh on academic aspirations for lesser-willed people. But Nick moved on from failure to failure without losing enthusiasm which would eventually pay off.
At the age of 18, he would work for a year with Voluntary Service Overseas in Sokode in Togo. His services as an unqualified teacher were extremely valued by the community and he made lasting friendships. He stayed in the compound of a local chief whose generosity he was grateful for, but disapproved of his use of corporal punishment by caining his kids for infractions.
During his stint, he had an opportunity to meet the first president of Togo Christopher Olympio who was later assasinated. On 13 January 1963 Olympio was overthrown and killed in a coup d’état led by army non-commissioned officers dissatisfied with conditions following their discharge from the French army.
Upon return home, he would get into college and start medical training which he left with one year to go in order to work as a volunteer in Papua New Guinea.
Working in and from mount Hagen hospital in PNG in the Western Highlands where he helped the sick while accumulating hands-on medical experience is an experience he found fulfilling. He would make similar trips to Nepal through Britain Nepal Medical Trust,Cambodia and Calais.
His return to Marlborough in 1980 would coincide with the publication of the Brandt report ‘North-South-A Programme for Survival’, led by the charismatic former chancellor of West Germany.
The Brandt report sought to address the widening disparity in wealth between the so-called ‘rich North’ and ‘poor South’. This would lead to the birth of Gunjur Marlborough link in 1982 which involved exchange of people.
In almost forty years of friendship, hundreds of people have exchanged visits between the two communities with lasting impacts in key development areas like education, health and women’s empowerment, among others.
The mutual exchange of people has hit a substantial snag with difficulties of getting visas for young people from Gunjur due to changes in U.K. immigration law.
But Nick continues to work assiduously in collaborating with partners to enhance development in Gunjur.In his characteristic humility and Septuagenarian wisdom, he insists the collaboration with Gunjur is not entirely altruistic nor is it one-way, because both communities benefit from the link.
The autobiography ‘Never Doubt…’ makes for an interesting and inspiring read that oscillates wildly between haha funny to harrowing; with depiction of grim manifestations of human suffering and triumph all at once.
Sainey Darboe is a US-based Gambian journalist and former editor of The Standard.
Coronavirus: EU escalates its support to Gambia as delegation announces signature of 2.5 million euros emergency response project
The European Union delegation to The Gambia on Monday announced the signature of a EUR 2,500,000 COVID-19 emergency response project.
The project is implemented by a consortium of the Spanish Red Cross, The Gambia Red Cross Society and the Medical Research Council – The Gambia, a statement by the EU delegation to The Gambia said, adding it is coming at a time when the expansion of the COVID-19 pandemic is taking a worrying momentum in The Gambia.
“In this time of crisis we all must play our part and take up responsibility, and so does the European Union”, said EU Ambassador to the Republic of The Gambia, H.E. Attila LAJOS, according to the statement.
It added: “This 18 month-long action will be implemented in close collaboration with the Ministry of Health and the other actors of the overall response to the COVID-19 crisis in The Gambia. It will encompass sensitisation and community outreach activities, provisions for the strengthening of the national testing capacities and laboratories in general, and purchases of a number of much needed sanitary supplies: personal protective equipment (for health facilities and other key responders); reagents for testing; oxygen delivery kit (incl. concentrators and pulse oximeters); drugs for general treatment/COVID-19 vaccine; lab equipment-Hood, PCR machine, etc; sprayers for disinfection activities; hygiene and sanitation kits; materials for installation of hand washing facilities, etc.
“The action will also cater for the construction of seven infrastructures for safe disposal in different regions of the country and for the rehabilitation of isolation centre in Kuntaur Health Centre.
“Eventually, a specific component of the project is aimed at mitigating the socio-economic consequences of the crisis by providing safety nets to selected vulnerable households.
“The overall focus will be on people living in most vulnerable situations affected by the COVID-19 crisis in The Gambia, particularly women, people living in poverty, and specific marginalized groups such as persons with disabilities, the elderly and people with underlying health conditions.”