The government has indicated that it is looking into the truth and reconciliation mechanism as a means of handling past injustices. Parallel to this charges are already being preferred against security operatives of the past regime and measures are being taken for them to be put on trial.

This creates two different approaches in handling the challenges of providing justice to victims. The question that many people are asking is whether all members of the government are operating in accordance with the same meter band.

Some of the people being indicted are out of the jurisdiction. It is not clear whether investigations have been done regarding the issue of extradition. In many cases countries are skeptical to deport people to countries where they may face prosecution.

Uncertainty is now creeping in as to what is meant by transitional justice. A lot of hope has been given that the government will speak with one voice in dealing with the challenges of the past. Unfortunately while some members of the government are talking about truth and reconciliation others are going on with normal court processes. We hope that the alarm bell will be heard by all members of the government and efforts will be made to ensure that the members of the government will speak and act in unison.

Source: Foroya

Dear Mr Sallah,

Honourable Member of Parliament

You may have been aware that the Managing Director of GRA, Yankuba Darboe, recently presented Two (2) brand new cars to President Barrow. It has to be said this is quite disturbing reminiscent of the Jammeh-era excesses. The remit of that parastaral is simply to collect tax revenue on behalf of the Gambia government – Nothing else or more.

As an oversight scrutiny body in Parliament, sincerely I urge the chairman of the Public accounts committee (PAC/PEC) to write or summon this moron Yankuba Darboe to answer for his sins. Yes he should be called into the “House” before the committee to acquaint himself and the decision therein. Why is public money spent on useless cars for a president who doesn’t need them; and what national intetest does it serve? Such bribery and largesse is what we have fought for, yet still trying to do away with in this dispensation #NewGambia.

In recent months, I’d called for the swift replacement of the clueless heads of public-owned parastatals therein, and the country’s unworthy diplomats around the world; and it pays well the administration took heed. However, this GRA buffoonery remains the last clog standing, echoing nightmares of favoritism and playing the “Tribal-Card”. That aside he is as corrupt as they come – just look at the houses and cars he “own” across the country. No wonder the Gambian people are beginning to lose hope in Barrow and his cabinet. And certainly, confidence & morale is low amongst the diaspora visioning a transformational leadership.A word of advice to Foreign Minister Darboe – learn to consult and to guage opinion given the illadvised appointment of Jammeh-enabler Abdoulie Bojang who could barely spell the world “globalisation” as Ambassador. Based on democracy terms, one often argued for appointments based on merit. Bojang is a discredited shameless scum, and his appointment should be rescinded henceforth.

On a crystal clear starry night across the London sKyline, I write with a sense of deja vue, unhinged, still searching for ethical leadership the Gambian people truly deserve.

Gibril Saine, LONDON.

Well, some of you might take it with a teensy weensy pinch of salt, but, President Barrow is subtle yet bold and committed to drive development targets. We may not realise it but earnestly, with him we are blessed. Here, others would be thinking aloud “What?” And probably spicing “if it is this way he conducts his leadership, let the hand of fortune unbless me”. Your frustration is legit. Especially with the false prophets preaching to him no matter the heat he will survive. But anyone who isn’t a glue-huffing maroon knows the heat that disgracefully whisked Goloh to Equatorial Guinea will not leave Mr Penguin in Iceland for long if he continues to mirror Goloh Friday. Honestly, deep down I knew what glitters now is not what we fought so hard to polish. Cause the appointment of APRC former Speaker as our diplomat in South Africa just says it all. The appointment deepened the already feverish speculation that all what matters to you, Mr President, is interest of the unequal few. And that one. Definitely is a bad political and leadership blood.

 
Enviably, despite all the dirt heap on you, you unlike some of us, do not wall yourself off from scrutiny and dissent. Instead, you encourage it. Some of us get very personal when someone genuinely objects our view. Others draw out daggers of profanities to banish their critics to perpetual silence. Double standards we call it in the UK. Barrow is one of us. Imperfect. Conversely, unlike some of us, he is not ashamed of his diminish prospects. Some doofy sceptics are insinuating that the government has hacked its emblical cord with the people as a result has turned deaf, dumb and blind. Ah…ah…that is a flimsy excuse of a quiter. An illustrious instance which invalidates that claim is the Gunjur beach saga. The government did not only listened but responded by sending a minister to hear from the youths and also issued a directive for the immediate stop on illegal fishing. The fundamental question is how did the people of Gunjur do it? Please don’t tell me because they are member of the UDP. That one definitely is the mind of a hater. The truth is they are united, organised, determined and persistent. Their campaign has proven that together our voices are powerful and when we add enough of them it makes a difference. True or false?

 
Following the sudden demise of Goloh’s reign, many of us parted ways. Some remained in closed partisan ranks while others headed for varied pursuance. Few concluded the fight ended with the departure of Goloh Friday who flew out on a Saturday. In the process, a handful got embedded in chasing their personal dreams. The national dream pursuant was rested on the shoulders of few who believe the fight isn’t over until democratic instruments, institutions and practices are restored with a two-term presidential limit. Unfortunately, they are fast becoming lonelier by the day. And lamentably, they are the new “untouchable” caste of new Gambia. Instead of harnessing our energies, unifying our voices and insisting that the leadership not to short change us, we hasten to bash one another to be seen of the conquerors. Ousainou Mbenga is crucified for speaking his mind. All of a sudden he is traitor. They alleged he induced Solo Sandeng to his untimely and brutal murder. I guessed they missed his daughter’s tribute to him. She explicitly spoke of his conviction, determination and courage to die for what he believed. Isnt that stealing the flory of the hero, my fellow compatriots? That not only disgusts but a condescending dishonesty. Yes, I said it. And if need be, I will say it louder all over again. You want to come after me? Be my guest.

 
When Goloh Friday was reported to have donated to government institutions we bashed him. Because we knew it from from our coffers he had a helping. Now, my Presy is reported to have walked the walk of Goloh Friday, we are told it is dandy. You know why my respect for Karamba Touray is on the increase? He does not endeavour to hide from himself. This is his take on the issue, “The phrase ” The president donated” to any state institution or done on behalf of the state even if it is a needle should have been gone for good with Yahya Jammeh. We don’t want to hear anymore donations of any sort. It is a vestige of being a banana republic under the thumb of a tyrant . I suspect this foul up happened somewhere down the bureaucracy but none the less word should be sent down the entire government that the elected president does not get to donate to institutions , they get allocated resources under normal procedures”. This is what President Barrow needs to make a difference. GRTS Director General, Ebrima Sillah is also a gentleman with solid character. This is what he responded to queries why his staff reported the two vehicles as gift from President Barrow, “But for avoidance of doubt, it is important that we set the records straight. It was Thursday night around 9pm Gambia time that I received a call from someone from the Office of the President that I should be at the headquarters of The Gambia Revenue Authority (GRA) to receive donated vehicle to GRTS.

 
I then informed my line Minister for him too to grace the occasion. Now at the handing over event, all the previous speakers before me and Hon Minister of Information alluded to the fact that the vehicles were donated by the president. Some of the comments you’ve sent me are questioning why GRTS used the phrase “VEHICLES DONATED BY THE PRESIDENT.” But this was exactly what we were told. As journalists we don’t invent stories. We report on the stories. Also since a proper foundation was laid at the handing over event as to where the donated vehicles came from, it was only proper in line with acceptable protocols and conduct especially at public functions to follow the pattern to avoid miscommunication”. Can anyone fault him here?

Sulayman Jeng
Birmingham, UK

To Be Seen To Be Doing Something….

In the previous dispensation, there used to be aloof obliviousness from the ruling government so much so that people stopped expecting any form of explanations from the government. And then when an explanation comes, it will be full of loopholes and half-truths. They were almost always economical with the truth. This made people think that the government has no respect for them.

In your government however, we expected better, we deserve better. After enduring twenty-two years of dictatorship, and after fighting an enervating battle to defenestrate the dictator, Yahya Jammeh, and inatalling you, our Chief Servant Adama Barrow, we deserve better treatment. We need to hear from you, we need to see you, we need to know that you are doing something. We need to feel your presence.

There is a total disconnect between the government and the governed. We are groping in the dark. Take for instance, the current talk in town. There are different voices all talking about the Chinese Company, Golden Leaf Factory. Some information has it that what they do is to process rotten fish into fertilizer. Others say that they are engaged in fishing and exportation. I’m sure there are other versions; yet, your government is mute.

It is the responsibility of the government to assure its people that everything will be done to ensure their safety and security. Once some fear or doubt has been raised by a section of the society, the government should swiftly investigate the issue and come out and tell people what is exactly happening there.

Your government has to be proactive and be seen to be doing something. Engage the public more often and make your presence felt. You see, Mr President, the feeling of the presence of the government can be very beneficial particularly in the area of fighting corruption and malfeasance. You must work to ensure that your government will seem to be omnipresent.

Have a Good Day Mr President….

A Concerned Citizen

The Environment….

In my language, Fula, there is a saying, ‘Ñawndi wari'(Roughly: while trying to cure, you kill). Yesterday, I wrote to talk about diversification and how we should attract foreign companies in order to mitigate the issue of unemployment. This is certainly an important need of our country.

But, Mr president, asmuch as we want to attract investors we must also ensure that the ones we attract respect and protect our environment. We cannot – should not – allow foreign companies to come here and make money at the detriment of our environment, and by extension our health.

The issue of the Bakoteh Dumping Ground which is an eyesore in that community has not been fully resolved yet though efforts are being made, I guess. This is a cause for concern as it has serious health implications. As we are battling economic problems due to the horrible policies and the looting by the previous government, our economy cannot – should not – be made to bear the burden of massive health problems emanating from an avoidable problem caused by a dumping site.

Now, news has it that a Chinese Company, Golden Leaf Factory, is dumping dead fish in the coastline of Tanji. This has serious health hazards and should be checked immediately. You see, Mr President, for some reason, some of these foreign companies have no regard for Africans and what they dare not attempt in their home countries is done in ours. A few years ago, a European company dumped some toxic waste in Ivory Coast which caused health hazards to Ivorians and thus a raw ensued. They think that because we have weak governments, and a somewhat nonexistent civil society organisations, they can do whatever they please with impunity.

Well, Mr President, for us at least, we have now ushered in a new democratic dispensation when we elected you into office. We are confident that you will take the necessary steps to make sure that no company, be it the Chinese Company or any other, will take advantage of our kindness to wreck havoc on our environment.

Mr President, these people must be stopped. And now! Besides, we must ensure that any company that comes here satisfies certain regulations which will protect the interest of the country. I have observed something in some countries like Ghana and Senegal that any company that comes there has to have one of its natives as one of its top officials. I suggest that we have a law like that here as well. This will safeguard the interest of the nation at all times while the company works here. Let us work to promote our nation.

This is the only land we have. The only place we call home. The only place we can be proud of. As such, we should allow no one to destroy it for us!

Have a Good Day Mr President….

Tha Scribbler Bah

A Concerned Citizen

Munna tuma. I have had enough, Mr President. Ops, my bad. Bilai walai talai and for the sake of clarity, not in Goloh’s voice though, I actually meant to say any party leader who aspires to make inroads into Gambians political heartlands must abstain from referencing Goloh and his Abnormal People’s Repressor Cohorts to score a political goal. It appears Mama Kandeh is blindly travelling down the Gambian political highway in a dangerous speed risking to puncture his political bubble. True Goloh was an action-man while Barrow loves counting steps, Goloh enjoys flexing his muscles and Barrow remains cool and collective. Goloh killed, tortured, raped and banished whereas Barrow is pristine.

Condescendingly asserting despite his all, Goloh ranked above Barrow is malicious, disrespectful and insensitive especially to Goloh’s victims and their families. I parted ways with Kandeh when he chillingly walked away from that desperate call for him to join the coalition against Jammeh. In a letter I addressed to him, I warned that he who deserts his people during their time of need risk being lonely in their midst. Kandeh has unwittingly exchanged his political career with elusive statistical political poll. To rebuild a winning political career, he needs more than flaking banknotes on the needy.

 
The Barrow government is said to have not given the diaspora substance because we failed to harness our differences into one unified embodiment to converse for a common course. Isn’t this a case of the kitchen unfriending the pot for its blackness? The diaspora has always being what it is. Perhaps, we jointly supported the Coalition to oust Goloh but that was were the togetherness stopped. We are humans because we reason and make informed choices. Do I need a job in Banjul? Yes. Do I have to sniff a backside to get it? Absolutely no. My take home when I work less is equivalent to D91,200.00. Others earn more in the diaspora. What job will we get apart from the presidency that will give us a similar renumeration in Banjul? Most of us is neither the position nor the money that makes us want to serve our country but the love for it. So I don’t need to hassle the Barrow government to see me of Gambians. Many diaspora Gambians have knocked on their doors only to hear the vibration of their knocks. Apart from declaring Gambians are now free to come home, have they reached out to Gambians abroad? Serious leadership does serious things selflessly. But a leadership which believes it is self sustaining will not look beyond its nose. I will not pretend to hide my disgust and if anyone is expecting an apology happy days.

 
I had a dream last night. Myself, Barrow, Sarjo Sowe in the US from Jimara and a couple of others. I don’t know if I should share it with my readership or not. However, it was explicit and utterly Gambian fully and truly.

 
In all honesty, Barrow is a gentleman of all seasons inside out. My solace in him is rested on the conviction that he is sent to cool off the steam of dictatorship. He is everything that Goloh isn’t. Conversely, we part ways now and again but that only means we differ in opinions and approaches on that issue. Natural, isn’t it? He has registered successes but he has also failed to deliver on some expected change spurts which is breeding the frustration. To say because the constitution did not specifically states “when” a vice president should be appointed to justify its vacancy is equally dishonest and disrespectful. How about the declaration of assets by the leadership on assumption of duty? I guess the laws are not specific on it too. Saul Jeng stop picking on Barrow’s diminish prospects, talk about NAWEC, the ferries etc. You right. I just wonder who will make those departments relevant and productive if Barrow is out of the equation? Mr President, you now understand why I feel like giving up. But I am a winner and winners aren’t quitters.

 
The government can neither do it alone nor the people. Nation and state building is a collective responsibility. I am good at complaining, Bamba Sering Mass is excellent in speaking, Yanks Darboe is the best solicitor and Barrow to coordinate our varied skills to translate them into development drivers. No one should expect the other to do it all. Together we can take the Gambia to the promised land.

Sulayman Jeng
Birmingham, UK