TOP HEAD LINE STORY:British Couple Jailed for Seditious Publication in The Gambia!!!

Full Report:By:Saikou Ceesay,Banjul

The British Couple David Borland Fulton and Fiona Racheal Fulton were yesterday sent to jail by the Banjul Magistrates' Court presided by Principal Magistrate Edrissa Mbai for seditious publication.

The couple were each convicted and sentenced to a fine of D250, 000 in default to serve one year and six months imprisonment. They where also given a mandatory jail term of one year imprisonment with hard labour. The court also ordered them to be deported to their country of origin after serving their sentence. Both sentences are to run concurrently.

The British convicts were said to have made seditious publication which was intended to excite hatred, contempt and disaffection against the president or the government of The Gambia.

In delivery his 28 page judgement, Principal Magistrate Edrissa Mbai stated that he found the seditious materials shocking, offensive and full of concoction. "The aim of these convicts can only be to bring into hatred or contempt or to excite disaffection against the president or the government of The Gambia," he stated."These two British convicts are without doubt the enemies whose real motive must be to destroy the peace, love and harmony that has co-existed between Muslims and Christians for generations in this country," he added. He said the convicts also aimed to give a negative image of the country they have been living in for nearly 10 years.

He said the British convicts have shown no respect for our Leader H.E the president, the government and the people of The Gambia. "In fact from 2007 and 2008 the convicts have jointly and individually sent through e-mail's and letters numerous materials which by all accounts are seditious in nature.

He quoted from an e- mail dated 28thSeptember 2008, entitled "Hell in The Gambia" sent by the convicts. "This country is sinking fast into a morass of Islam, many people are safe and standing for Christ, but they are the minority". Another e-mail quoted by the magistrate stated that there is very straight anti-Christian and white, anti-western movement here and twenty churches were closed down. The e-mail quoted read; "I believe that within two years Fiona and I will be thrown out of the country so it seems to me that it's time to prepare". This was the e-mail sent by David Borland.

According to the magistrate this shows that the convicts knew what they were doing would put them in trouble and lead to their deportation from the country. He quoted an e-mail sent by David Borland which stated there was an attempt at bring Sharia law into The Gambia and the trade was that 20 unregistered churches were closed down.

According to the magistrate, these are more then criticism, they are beyond the remit of freedom of expression. Another e-mail quoted by the magistrate stated, " I believe it is quite clear that there is a growing extremist element in the army and indeed in the country, I suggest that we arm the Muslims with sticks and the Christians with machine guns and let them fight. Hell in The Gambia "what is going on in this country was real bad, real bad. Never before have Fiona and I felt such a presence of evil and we are shocked to find opposition within the Christian community.

Another e-mail stated that there was an attempted coup. There are 37 men going through a court martial and these were last year. "It would be seem that as a Christian I am no longer allowed to tell a Muslim in the armed forces that they are going to hell and that Christian through faith in Jesus Christ is the only way to salvation and heaven. Another e-mail quoted by the magistrate stated that President Yahya Jammeh is telling everyone he has the cure for Aids many think he has gone mad, he will not tell anyone what the cure is. The e-mail further added that the army is very concerned, people are losing respect for their leader, adding that this country is the gate-way to west and north Africa and indeed is a battle going on for it and the power of darkness are being invoked by those in authorities at the moment.

Magistrate Mbai, in rounding up his judgement, stated that in this country, like any country, there were laws that one has to obey and where one fails to obey such laws one should be prepared to face the consequences. He said it is high time now that the security forces properly screen certain individuals before allowing them to stay here to the extent of allowing them unlimited access to the prison. He added that the offence is not only an offence against the Head of State, but against the government and the people of The Gambia.

---

check out the rest of the Windows Live™. More than mail–Windows Live™ goes way beyond your inbox. More than messages

PHOTOJOURNALIST MORTEN PAPE,A SOURCE OF INSPIRATION FOR GAMBIAN PHOTOJOURNALISTS!!!

 

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL STAFF OF HORSENS FOLKEBLAD!!!

In our today's edition which gracefully coincide with the new year day,took us  back to showcase the numerous achievements made by our humble photojournalist,colleague and our mentor Mr.Morten,during his expedition trip to the Gambia sponsored by the Twinning project.

As the adage goes "hearing from the horses mouth" is ever sufficient for an answer. Today Gambians are proud about the output of our photojournalists in the execution of their responsibilities.Thanks to the knowledge impacted on us by our very own Mr.Morten who works with the Horsens Folkeblad Newspaper based in Denmark.He had successfully impacted enough skills,techniques and the techinically know how in a bid to improve the quality of the pictures publish in the Gambian Newspapers.

We owe a big applause to Mr.Morten,the team and the Twinning project for job well done.Undoubtedly he has inculcated the into our journalists the habits of publishing stories with the right pictures,with a view for the pictures to explain the content of the article.This prevailing style has forced those who cannot read and write to buy Newspapers in a bid for them to absorb the content of the paper by looking at the pictures.It also increases the income generating source of Newspapers in the country.The advent vibrant structure of photojournalism in the country, also triggered the formulation of photojournalist association for the first of its kind."Mr.Morten thanks for your kind complements"said Saikou Ceesay,a photojournalist.

One of the major  problems that faces journalists in the Gambia is lack of equipments and capacity building. We once again appeal to the Twinning project and all donor partners to consider journalists in the tiny Gambia.The replica of the trip would pave another dimensions for media practitioners in the country.We have no journalism school neither faculty for journalists in the country.Journalists in the Gambia benefits alot from series of informal training orchestrated by our noble partners.

However,Modou Jonga,Morten,Kim, Momodou Darboe,Janne and i have successfully shared our skills and knowledge in the deliberation of journalism.

---

check out the rest of the Windows Live™. More than mail–Windows Live™ goes way beyond your inbox. More than messages

EDITORIAL:Let Democracy Rule!!!

We sincerely pray that the outcome of the elections in Ghana will not be disputed. For too long we have seen African elections marred by fighting and violence. According to the Reuters news agency, the opposition candidate John Atta Mills of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) held a narrow lead in the closely fought presidential election run-off on Monday. This statement was made on the country's top private broadcaster Joy FM. The radio, citing certified returns from polling stations from 205 of the 230 national constituencies that voted on Sunday, put Mills ahead as both contenders' camps threatened not to accept some results because of alleged "irregularities." Joy FM said Mills had 51.35 percent, against 48.65 percent for Nana Akufo-Addo of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP).

The question of irregularities is no doubt to the forefront in everybody's mind despite the fact that for many year's Ghana has been the envy of many African nations because of the independence and thorough approach of its electoral commission. Reports in the New African magazine monitored by The Point in recent weeks however suggest that the commission had begun to falter on this occasion.

Unlike the peaceful December 7 first round, which was widely praised by international observers but failed to produce an outright winner, election monitors reported cases of disorder, intimidation and even violence in several regions on Sunday.

Police said this included attempted snatching of ballot boxes and several arrests were made.

For many years Ghana has been a bastion of successful democracy in our volatile region. In the last few days the United States top diplomat for Africa, Jendayi Frazer, praised Ghana as a "model of democracy" because of its repeated successful elections. She however told the BBC she was concerned about the reported election incidents. For this reason we pray for two things.

1. That the loser of the election will accept the decision of the people of Ghana and do so peacefully and without complaint. And 2. That there are no "irregularities" for the loser to cite in their loss. If this happens it will be a proud day not only for Ghana, West Africa and Africa; but for democracy all over the world.

Gambiaaffairs blog your most authoritative source of news.Please stay tune,we have the required professional to serve you around the clock.

"The world must be made safe for democracy""Quote of the day"

---

check out the rest of the Windows Live™. More than mail–Windows Live™ goes way beyond your inbox. More than messages

Corrigendum Corrigendum!!!

The story we ran on Tuesday dated 30th December 2008,titled "Two British couple sentenced"
is misleading and distortion of information on our side.It supposed to be "British couple sentenced"not "Two British couple sentenced" we gracefully apologize for any inconvenience. 

---

Invite your mail contacts to join your friends list with Windows Live Spaces. It's easy! Try it!

TOP HEAD LINE STORY:TWO BRITISH COUPLE SENTENCED!!!

Following their plea of guilty to the offence charged, the British Couple David Borland Fulton and Fiona Rachael Fulton were on Tuesday 30th December convicted and sentenced to one year imprisonment with hard labor and a fine of one thousand dollar. The couple are expected to serve their prison term at the State central prison of Mile Two.

The British Couple were standing trial at the Banjul Magistrates' Court, presided over by Principal Magistrate Edrissa Mbai, on a charge of seditious publication contrary to the laws of The Gambia.

It could be recalled that the particulars of the offence stated that in the year 2007 and 2008 at Banjul and diverse places in The Gambia, jointly printed, distributed, and reproduced seditious publications intended to bring into hatred or contempt to excite disaffection against the president or the government of The Gambia, thereby committed an offence.

---

Get news, entertainment and everything you care about at Live.com. Check it out!

Breaking News:Let’s Disregard Our Political Differences - GPDP Leader

By:Saikou Ceesay,Banjul

Mr. Henry Gomez, leader of the opposition Gambia Peoples Democratic Party (GPDP) has called on all Gambians to put aside their political differences and work together for the development of the country.

In his New Year's message, Mr Gomez appealed to all Gambians to forget about the past and work as one for the betterment and progress of the country, noting that nobody will come from outside and develop this country for us.

"As we move away from one year to another new year, I would like to call on all Gambians irrespective of their political affiliations to come together and work for our own good; that is for the development of our country," he said.

According to the GPDP leader, Gambians should apologise to each other for anything that has happened. "We should also be willing at all times to support each other," he added.

For Mr Gomez, the GPDP is apologising to everyone for anything that it might have done wrong either intentionally or unintentionally.

"We should also be ready to always work with the incumbent government because we can in one way or the other contribute our quota to national development despite having different political affiliations.

"Lets forget the past and work for a better Gambia. The country belongs to us and we are the only ones that can develop it.We should open a new page and come together be it the opposition or the government," Mr Gomez asserted.

He also expressed on his behalf and on behalf of the GPDP party, special Christmas and New Year's greetings to all Gambians. "We are also looking forward to seeing new developments in all aspects of society most especially on our economic status".

Mr Gomez also went further to call on the rich to help the poor whenever the need arises. He also called on all and sundry to support the security forces in the country to ensure a peaceful and safe environment. "Yes they cannot give us 100% security but with all hands on deck, everybody will be safe in this country," he posited.

Source: Picture: Henry Gomez

---

Invite your mail contacts to join your friends list with Windows Live Spaces. It's easy! Try it!

TOP HEAD LINE STORY: News:Trust Bank Disburses Over D1m in Health Sector!!!

By:Saikou Ceesay,Banjul As part of its unending benevolence, Trust Bank Gambia Limited recently completed the refurbishment of the Royal Victoria Teaching Hospital Sanatorium at a cost of D70, 000. The Bank, which has over the years been in the forefront of demonstrating its corporate social responsibility by dedicating generously from its profit to nation building, also sponsored the construction of the Sanatorium few years ago. This, it should be noted, follows the bank's inspiring donation of D50, 000 to the organising committee of the just concluded National Youth Conference and Festival (NAYCONF). Speaking at the handing over of the keys at a ceremony held at the Sanatorium, the General Manager, Banking, Trust Bank, Mr. Oreme Joiner, said it is a tradition for Trust Bank to share their profit with the Gambian people especially in the health sector. He revealed that Trust Bank has spent over a million Dalasi's on The Gambia's health sector alone. "We have refurbished the sanatorium for over D994, 500 in the health sector this year, with another D70, 000 for the refurbishment of the kitchen, toilet and the dinning room for the sanatorium", he said. According to Mr. Joiner, Trust Bank is also sponsoring Business coalition for HIV/AIDS, AFPRC hospital in Farafenni, Gamblood and Bakoteh Multi Purpose Centre. Mr. Saihou Janneh, deputy permanent secretary at the Department of State for Health, expressed his delight in Trust Bank for their support to the health sector. He called on other stakeholders to emulate Trust Bank. For his part Dr Tamsir Mbowe, chief medical director of the RVTH, described Trust Bank as a true friend of the Gambian community especially the health sector. "They are examples worth emulating in this country. The bank doesn't only receive from people but also tries to give back to the people,"  he said. According to Dr Mbowe, he who maintains the health of people maintains the welfare and wellbeing of the people. Mr. Mafu Ceesay, a senior nursing officer at the RVTH sanatorium, delivered the vote of thanks. He appealed to  other stakeholders to emulate Trust Bank by providing an ambulance for the sanatorium and also the fencing of the area. Source: Picture: GM Oreme Joiner presenting to Dr Tamsir Mbowe

---

Get easy photo sharing with Windows Live™ Photos. Drag n' drop

Breaking News:British Couple Await Sentence!!!

By:Our Judicial Reporter, Saikou Ceesay,Banjul

Following their plea of guilty to the offence charged, the British Couple David Borland Fulton and Fiona Rachael Fulton will know their fate when their case resumed on 30th December 2008.

The British Couple is standing trial at the Banjul Magistrates' Court, presided over by Principal Magistrate Edrissa Mbai, on a charge of seditious publication contrary to the laws of The Gambia.

According to the particulars of the offence, in the year 2007 and 2008 at Banjul and diverse places in The Gambia, jointly printed, distributed, and reproduced seditious publications intended to bring into hatred or contempt to excite disaffection against the president or the government of The Gambia, thereby committed an offence.

ASP Touray, the prosecuting officer in narrating the facts of the case stated that it was in the month of November 2008, a concerned Gambian visited the United Kingdom and went to one of the Church in the UK were he was confronted with some documents from The Gambia. He said the Gambian was asked whether what they saw from those documents was something that was happening in The Gambia. He said those documents were later faxed to Gambian security to explain whether what contained in those documents was what really happening in The Gambia.

ASP Touray further adduced that immediately those documents where faxed to the Gambian securities, a joint sister security service mounted an investigation which led them to the residence of the accused persons in Kololi. He said inside the accused persons' house they found CPU and two-lab tops and in the presence of the accused persons the information was downloaded and 69 copies were printed. He added that going through those 69 copies it was discovered that the accused persons made bad remarks about The Gambia. The said 69 copies were later tendered as exhibits. He said the accused persons where confronted with the 69 pages which they confessed to owning the documents. He added that they were later cautioned and charged with the offence committed. Their statements were later tendered in court as exhibits.

After the facts were narrated by the prosecution, both accused persons admitted the facts as correct and accurate.

---

Add maps and directions to your party Show them the way!

Breaking News:Inferno Ravages Serrekunda Market!!!

By:Saikou Ceesay,Banjul

In recent years Serrekunda Market has seen almost every other year the scene of a destructive inferno. On Saturday 27th December 2008 between 3:30am to 4am many residents of Serrekunda were awake at the crack of dawn with agony on their faces as a wave of fire erupted yet again at one of the most complete markets in Banjul leaving hundreds of properties destroyed.

At the height of the rush hour for work, many vendors and stall owners were stopped at strategic points guarded up by security personnel in order to allow the fire service and other stake holders to put the destructive flame out.

The flame, which was completely put out at around 11:00am Saturday morning, burned a lot of properties, the value of which has not yet been estimated.

Shop owners who bore the brunt of the fire were asked to report to the Serrekunda police at the Criminal Investigation Department for questioning and assessment of the worth of their damages.

While the cause of the blaze still cannot be ascertained, many people exclude, this time, the possibility of the flame been cause by electricity since the area does not have electricity. This area burned was considered the heart of the market.

Some of the items seen burned are second hand blankets, textile, shoes, legumes, cosmetics, electronics, heaps of salt, tie and die, and many other items.

Speaking to Gambiaaffairs, the mayor of Kanifing Municipal Council, Yankuba Colley, said that the cause of the disaster is yet to be known as investigations are still being carried out by the police. He reassured the public that his municipality will do their best to restore the victims to their former status.

The Divisional Fire Officer, Sang Ndow, said that all the stations in KMC were on the ground to control the fire including Banjul and the airport.

Most of the victims who spoke to Gambiaaffairs were disgruntled and severely enraged by the whole scenario which, they say, will likely take them back to "square one".

---

check out the rest of the Windows Live™. More than mail–Windows Live™ goes way beyond your inbox. More than messages

YOUR COMMENTS AND SUGGESTIONS ARE HIGHLY WELCOME,WE HAVE THE

---

check out the rest of the Windows Live™. More than mail–Windows Live™ goes way beyond your inbox. More than messages

The Life Of A Journalist:Journalist/Newspaper Editor - Geoff

Culled From City University Of Newyork(CUNY) Description of Job: In my particular job, I write the articles, take the photographs and tackle the desktop publishing of the newspapers. Usually, in larger newspapers, there are separate people to undertake each of these tasks. A journalist would normally just write articles for the publication, or sub-edit the articles written by other people. A typical day involves interviewing people about their activities, or asking them questions about their opinions on particular topical issues. The most interesting feature is the opportunity to talk to people from all over Australia and, often, from other parts of the world. Experiences: It's difficult to remember when I first decided I wanted to be a journalist. My father was production manager of the two local daily newspapers in the city in which we lived. My uncle worked there, too. My eldest brother became a reporter when I was about 6 and we lived for some years in an apartment on the top floor of the same building the newspapers were produced in. So, there was probably a good chance I would do something in newspapers. Interestingly, my other brother didn't. I grew up reading newspapers. My mother told me I started to read them when I was four and always loved newspapers, any kind, from anywhere, more than practically any other type of reading. When I have travelled overseas I always looked out for the local English-speaking newspaper. I had fleeting moments thinking about a career in teaching, but never very seriously. I expected to become a journalist. My parents never put any pressure on me to do so that I can remember. Opportunities: Because of my experiences detailed in the previous question, the door was opened somewhat easily to a career in newspapers. In those days (1969), jobs were not difficult to gain and I had the inside running anyway I suppose. Although I was never a brilliant English student, I enjoyed language and I had a wonderful man (a Marist Brother) as English (and cricket) teacher at one stage. He would have been very encouraging to me personally when I talked about careers. I was fortunate, too, that when I started in newspapers the night editor of the morning newspaper I worked for took something of a shine to me. He was a man with a fearsome reputation, but he, for some reason, treated me as a son. The first day I met him, he asked if I was serious about being a journalist. I told him I was, and he never doubted that. perhaps he met others who weren't so serious! Education: I talked above about an English teacher who treated me like an adult in a world (a Marist Brothers college) where it was possible to be treated by teachers and other male students as unimportant, or a fool, or inadequate in some way. Actually I have always been better at numbers than probably anything else! the ability to be quick on my feet with figures has often been very handy in my career. Training: My training was done very much on the job. I left school one day and started at the newspaper the next. I had no university training. I did notice after a year or so that some people were earning more than me who had less experience but had a university degree under their belt. That didn't please me and I was able to say so. I am glad to say my employers recognised that I had some talent and did their best to pay me accordingly. (University degrees in those days in the country in which I lived - South Africa - were considerably less common than they are nowadays). Training then involved a three-year cadetship. Truth was, however, that if you were keen and showed some aptitude for the job you got senior reporter's assignments regardless of your experience. The most senior reporter's job in an office of a couple of dozen reporter's was covering the city council "round". I was doing that as a second-year cadet journalist. Today, the emphasis is very much more on university degrees for journalists - not only in media or communications, but also in specialised fields, such as law. I still believe young people who are able to get a job on a newspaper in a country town would do a lot for their job prospects and their career if they just took it and worked hard - starting at the bottom. Hands-on experience is still a much valued part of newspaper life. Employment: Was my first pay important? What a question! I was amazed at the size of it. Things I had taken months to save for from pocket money were suddenly available on the spot overnight. In fact, it went a great deal further in those days than the much larger pay packet goes today with three children and a wife to get their fair share. As I get towards 50 I think a whole lot more about retirement. I'm in the same state as many Australians - I don't think I am well enough prepared financially. I try not to concentrate on seeking more and more of the almighty dollar, because I believe there are a whole lot more things in life than that. I need to make better use of the dollars I already earn. I'd say most of us are in that situation. I keep telling my 19-year-old son that he will never earn as much money as he wants; we never do. We have to draw the line somewhere between work and lifestyle. I work on my own producing two monthly newspapers which I write, take the photos for, sell advertising and desk-top publish. My typical day is a mixture of bashing away on a keyboard and interviewing people either on the telephone or in person. So my work includes lots of people in one way. The outcome of my work is very obvious to others - the newspapers I produce for the Catholic and Anglican Churches in Canberra - and I find many people are interested in what I do, even if they are not practicing Catholics or Anglicans. People are really interested in religion, in spiritual things. Many are quite ignorant of what the mainstream churches are doing nowadays. Development: I try to keep abreast as best I can of development in desktop publishing, and in other areas such as digital cameras, the internet etc, because all these impinge on my working day. The more I am able to keep up with new developments, the more chance I have to decide whether I need to use some of them. I don't buy new computer software, or updates, for example, just because they are new, however. I have to sell enough advertising to keep my newspapers going, so I need to be careful about the dollars coming in - just the same as if it was my own home budget. Yes, productivity is very much affected by how well I keep up with developments in my profession. I do a far more efficient job now than I did five - six years ago when I started in this job. Explore what a Journalist does!

---

Add maps and directions to your party Show them the way!

An Unwarranted Attack On Gambian Journalists Again!!!

By:Saikou Ceesay,Banjul

For some of us who know the relationship between Dr. Henry Carrol and the media, it came as a surprise and shock to hear him making an unwarranted attack on the journalists of this country, whom he said lack training to call themselves journalists.

Dr Carrol who uses words as gutter journalists who impersonate journalists, said the Gambian journalists lack the necessary training to call themselves journalists. True as it may be, we are pleased with the response of the president of the Gambia Press Union (GPU), that the best journalist in the world does not go to any formal school of journalism. But for us, what is responsible for Dr. Carrol's change of heart against the journalists of this country? For us at The GambiaAffairs Newspaper here, we can vividly remember Dr. Carrol with his walking stick and his laurels walking into our offices with his own so-called prepared press releases after attending an international workshop or a paper he has delivered at a seminar or workshop no doubt to publicize himself. And we are sure this has been the case for other media houses too.

Is Dr. Carrol trying to tell us that he was not aware that the media houses that he took his press releases for publication are journalists who lack proper training? Or is it that Dr. Carrol is no more enjoying the publicity that he used to enjoy at our various media houses, that has made him make such attacks? It is true that Gambian journalists who are practising the trade find themselves from the classroom to the newsroom, when one travels in the sub-region and compare the level of professionalism to that of the Gambian journalists and these countries that have journalism training institutions, you will realise that despite not having a school of journalism, the young media professionals in this country perform not badly in terms of ethics and responsible and objective journalism which are the hallmark of the trade.

Rather than criticising journalists who are toiling day in day out informing the populace, what Dr. Carrol should do is to encourage the government he is serving to put up a School of Journalism in the country rather than using platforms to launch attacks on the media fraternity.

We called on all our partners to help the Gambian journalists in conducting series of informal training for our journalists.We once again solicit the intervention of the Twinning project of the Danish Union of journalists to come to our aid again.There is media training NGO in the country called Media Agenda,but this institution can excel well with help of our noble partners in the profession.

Mr Carrol should look before casting stones, as the stones he cast might revert to shatter his own dream house. A word for the wise, it is said, is usually sufficient.

"He who allows himself to be insulted, deserves to be."

Pierre Corneille

---

Get news, entertainment and everything you care about at Live.com. Check it out!

An Unwarranted Attack On Gambian Journalists Again!!!

For some of us who know the relationship between Dr. Henry Carrol and the media, it came as a surprise and shock to hear him making an unwarranted attack on the journalists of this country, whom he said lack training to call themselves journalists.

Dr Carrol who uses words as gutter journalists who impersonate journalists, said the Gambian journalists lack the necessary training to call themselves journalists. True as it may be, we are pleased with the response of the president of the Gambia Press Union (GPU), that the best journalist in the world does not go to any formal school of journalism. But for us, what is responsible for Dr. Carrol's change of heart against the journalists of this country? For us at The GambiaAffairs Newspaper here, we can vividly remember Dr. Carrol with his walking stick and his laurels walking into our offices with his own so-called prepared press releases after attending an international workshop or a paper he has delivered at a seminar or workshop no doubt to publicize himself. And we are sure this has been the case for other media houses too.

Is Dr. Carrol trying to tell us that he was not aware that the media houses that he took his press releases for publication are journalists who lack proper training? Or is it that Dr. Carrol is no more enjoying the publicity that he used to enjoy at our various media houses, that has made him make such attacks? It is true that Gambian journalists who are practising the trade find themselves from the classroom to the newsroom, when one travels in the sub-region and compare the level of professionalism to that of the Gambian journalists and these countries that have journalism training institutions, you will realise that despite not having a school of journalism, the young media professionals in this country perform not badly in terms of ethics and responsible and objective journalism which are the hallmark of the trade.

Rather than criticising journalists who are toiling day in day out informing the populace, what Dr. Carrol should do is to encourage the government he is serving to put up a School of Journalism in the country rather than using platforms to launch attacks on the media fraternity.

We called on all our partners to help the Gambian journalists in conducting series of informal training for our journalists.We once again solicit the intervention of the Twinning project of the Danish Union of journalists to come to our aid again.There is media training NGO in the country called Media Agenda,but this institution can excel well with help of our noble partners in the profession.

Mr Carrol should look before casting stones, as the stones he cast might revert to shatter his own dream house. A word for the wise, it is said, is usually sufficient.

"He who allows himself to be insulted, deserves to be."

Pierre Corneille

---

Invite your mail contacts to join your friends list with Windows Live Spaces. It's easy! Try it!

Editorial:Who is a journalist?

Once again the debate of who is a journalist has surfaced. Absolutely nothing is wrong about the fact that such a very pertinent issue is being discussed, because the dream of all of us who call ourselves journalist is actually to be professional in the trade. And it follows that, like in many other trades, it is only by enrolling into professional institution and acquiring some form of education regarding the trade in question can one be well placed to not only excel but also to do better in serving their purpose.

Journalists of the Gambia would welcome any suggestion that call for the creation of some training opportunities. But to say that if you do not attend a journalism school you can not be a journalist is absolutely false and utterly misleading. And all the more absurd is to brand untrained journalists as impersonators.

Haven't you heard of the word training on the job? This is exactly what many of us rely on to pursue our goals. Just in the same way The Gambia as a nation pursued it goals forty years into independence, with Gambians serving at various positions in the running of the affairs of the country, many of them with virtually little education. It may not be wrong to say that that contributed to underdevelopment, but life went on.

But where does this leave the so-called unqualified teachers; must they get college training before standing in front of the students who badly need their services in supplementing the effort of the trained teachers?

As a matter of fact, most of the few Gambians who boast of degrees in journalism today started off as virtual scavengers (sorry for that term). That is because the problems we are faced with today is what they battled with then. But they certainly did not give up; they wouldn't be where they are today if they had.

And it might interest the voices of decent to know that it is not these so-called untrained journalists who connive in selling off the continent's integrity with their insidious writings; on the contrary, these 'untrained' journalists help give some of you undeserved publicity by writing about you, in return for some payment.

In effect, some of you connive with them in making image for yourself you do not deserve. Doesn't that make you impersonators?  There should be a clear distinction between lack of proper training and misbehaviour in the field of journalism.

Recent remarks  regarding legitimacy of practicing as journalist are unfortunate on the part of the person (s) who uttered these misleading words. We do not expect these from some one who  literally begs for undeserving publicity from these very same journalists he calls impersonators. What a shame!

And by the way, it is reassuring to learn that very soon we can have the opportunity to enrol into a journalism school on Gambian soil. We look forward to that.

---

Invite your mail contacts to join your friends list with Windows Live Spaces. It's easy! Try it!

Breaking News:Acting British High Commissioner calls on VP!!!

By:Saikou Ceesay,Banjul

Her Excellency Susanna Montgomery, Acting British High Commissioner to The Gambia, yesterday afternoon, paid a courtesy call on Her Excellency Aja Dr Isatou Njie-Saidy, vice president and secretary of state for women's affairs, at her office in State House, Banjul.

Speaking to journalists shortly, after her audience with the vice president, High Commissioner Montgomery said she was in The Gambia to act in the absence of Phillip Sinkinson, British plenipotentiary to The Gambia, who is currently undergoing medical treatment in the United Kingdom.

She described the British High Commission as an open minded Embassy ready to work with the government of The Gambia in all sectors of development. According to the acting British representative, her office will soon provide scholarships for young Gambians to study in the  UK, all at the expense of the Embassy.

She added that anyone can be qualified for this scholarship package, but that the requirements and other necessary details will be contained in a press release to be issued when the time is due. The acting British High Commissioner recalled that she came to The Gambia 16 years ago. She expressed delight at the numerous development projects that has taken place in the country within a short period.

She finally extended Christmas and New Year wishes to the President, Vice President and the entire population of The Gambia.

---

Get news, entertainment and everything you care about at Live.com. Check it out!

Celebrating Around The Globe. The Staff of "GAMBIAAFFAIRS NEWSPAPER" We Wish All Its Readers Happy Very "Merry Christmas"!!!

We wish to take this opportunity to inform all our readership that the people of the tiny west African State of the Gambia are currently celebrating Merry Christmas in the Capital Banjul and its environs.
Large groups of people encompassing Muslims and christian were seen in cultural masquerade,kanquran amongst other,celebrities are in high gear in the country. The celebrating also coincides with the musical performance of the Jamican musician star "Sizzla Kalonge"  at the Independence Stadium in Bakau about 6 kilometres from the capital.The country is very peaceful at the moment as we celebrate merry christmas.we pray for sustainable peace in the Gambia.We therefore urge all our readers to join us in celebrating  next christmas celebration in grand sytle.

---

Add maps and directions to your party Show them the way!

TOP HEAD LINE STORY:Breaking News:Debate on the Appropriation Bill 2009!!! africa » gambia

By:Saikou Ceesay,Banjul The National Assembly on Tuesday 22nd debated on the Appropriation Bill 2009. The object of the Bill is to provide for the services of The Gambia from the Consolidated Revenue Fund for the period 1st January 2009 to 31st December 2009. The draft estimates, which among others, highlights the Estimates of Revenue, Recurrent and Development Expenditures of the government of The Gambia for the fiscal year 2009, was on the 1stDecember 2009 submitted to the National Assembly for consideration and approval. This year's projected total revenues and grants had been revised from last year's D4, 831 million to D3, 345 million. It was however approved by the lawmakers with some minor amendments. During the debate on Tuesday, it was only the opposition side that had the opportunity to speak. The issue of groundnut marketing problem in the country and development of agriculture were the centre of the debate. Sedia Jatta, Member for Wuli West said he wonders how the marketing of groundnuts, the country's main cash crop, is going to take place, noting that so far there is no groundnut buying points in most areas in the country. "Nothing actually is taking place with regards to buying of nuts in Wuli West to the end of Wuli East", he said. "It is a crucial problem that has always confronted farmers. Marketing is a fundamental problem. When we talk about poverty reduction, we must also bear in mind that this thing is a contributory factor because people's produce, (groundnuts) the only main cash crop in the country and end up not having the possibility to market it the way they want to market it", he added. He said even though it is being reported that a certain amount of money has been sent for the purchase of groundnuts there is still the seemingly continuous experience of poor groundnut trade the country had been through for the past years. The Secretary of State for Finance and Economic Affairs, Mousa Gibril Bala Gaye, indicated that D27 million had been sent to purchase farmers' groundnuts and this week another D10 million will be sent. Momodou L. K. Sanneh and Babanding Daffeh, Members for Kiang West and Central respectively, spoke of the need to further develop the country's Agricultural sector in terms of equipment and finance, marketing, and proper storage facilities. Source: Picture:Hon. Sidia Jatta

Related Topics debate, appropriation, revenue, draft, estimates See Also

---

check out the rest of the Windows Live™. More than mail–Windows Live™ goes way beyond your inbox. More than messages

TOP HEAD LINE:Breaking News:Gambia:Charged British Couple to Make up Their Minds!!!

By:Saikou Ceesay,Banjul

Defence Counsel Antouman Gaye, representing the British couple David Borland Fulton and Fiona Rachael Fulton, yesterday told the court that in view of the development on the case, he would like the matter to be adjourned until the next date for the defence to make up their minds in one way or the other.

According to senior Counsel Gaye, he was aware that the case was set for hearing but since the last adjourned date, there had been some development with regard to the case. He disclosed that his clients, particularly the 1st accused, had a statement to read to the court, adding that the contents of the statement would become clear after reading. He said his instructions were to apply for the case to be adjourned until the next adjourned date and hopefully there may be no need for any further proceedings on the matter.

Principal Magistrate Edrissa Mbai for his part stated that he had never come across such court proceedings, adding that allowing the accused person to read will affect the case. He said the accused persons pleaded not guilty to the charge and was therefore for the prosecution to prove their case.

ASP Touray, the prosecuting officer did not object to the defence application for an adjournment.

The case was accordingly adjourned until 24th December 2008.

It will be recalled that the British couple is standing trial at the Banjul Magistrates' Court on a charge of seditious publication contrary to section 52(1) of the criminal code Amendment Act No.3 of 2005, Cap 10 volume III, Laws of The Gambia 1990.

The alleged offence revealed that the accused persons some time in the year 2007 and 2008 at Banjul and diverse places in The Gambia, jointly printed, published, distributed and reproduced seditious publications intended to bring into hatred or contempt to excite disaffection against the president or the government of The Gambia, thereby committing an offence.

---

Get easy photo sharing with Windows Live™ Photos. Drag n' drop

Breaking News:Room-girl Testifies in Dutch National’s Case!!!

By:Saikou Ceesay,Banjul

Adama Sarr, a room-girl at the Kombo Beach Hotel yesterday testified at the Kanifing Magistrates' Court as the prosecution's first witness in the ongoing trial involving Maurice Alfred Vanmaldegum, the Operational Manager of Kombo Beach Hotel, charged in connection with the escape of Mr. Andrew Charles Northfield, the General Manager of Carnegie Mineral Company.

In her testimony Ms. Sarr told the court that she has been at KomboBeach for 10 years as room-girl.

She adduced that she was the one who cleaned the room (Room 110) where Charles Northfield was residing on the 31st August 2008. She told the court that that day she left the accused person, Mr. Maurice Alfred Vanmaldegum, in the room and went to continue her work.

Under cross-examination, she said that she never spoken to Charles Northfield and she did not know how long he had stayed there.

Carnegie Mineral Company an Australian Mining Company in the Gambia had its operational licence terminated by the authorities and legal action taken against the company and its General Manager Mr. Charles Northfield, for stealing and economic crime.

However, Charles Northfield during the course of the trial reportedly jumped court bail and escaped to the United Kingdom.

The government of The Gambia on the 10th September 2008 issued a press release declaring Mr. Charles Northfield, General Manager of Carnegie Minerals Company in the Gambia, 'wanted'.

Reports quoted from the Daily Mail have it that Mr. Charles Northfield arrived in the UK on the 2nd of September 2008. The paper stated that Mr. Northfield was smuggled out of the country ahead of his trial by security expert Martin MacGowan-Scanlon through Senegal.

Mr. Maurice Alfred Vanmaldegum is charged with two counts:

Count I states that the accused on or about 3rd September 2008, at the Kombo Beach Hotel, where he works as Operations Manager, conspired with others at large to defeat the course of justice by communicating with Charles Andrew Northfield, a trial prisoner, knowing him to have absconded from trial.

Count II has it that the accused on the same day and place knowingly prevented the execution of a legal process by communicating with Charles Andrew Northfield who had absconded from trial and entered his room and removed his personal effects instead of reporting to the authorities.

He, however, denied the charges.

The case continues on the 29th December 2008.

---

Get easy photo sharing with Windows Live™ Photos. Drag n' drop

Breaking News:Projected Total Revenue and Grants Revised!!!

By:Saikou Ceesay,Banjul

Despite the hike in world food and energy prices, food consumer price inflation in The Gambia fell by 1% this year. According to the government's budget, the rate fell from 9.3% last year to 8.3% in September 2008.

The government has however revised its projected total revenues and grants for 2008 from D4, 831 million to D3,345 million. The revision is "due to the food and fuel price increases and the financial crisis" according to the Secretary of State for Finance and Economic Affairs Mr. Moussa Gibril Bala-Gaye.

Despite these revisions the Secretary of State portrayed a solid economic outlook for The Gambia's "small, open, vulnerable economy which relies heavily on trade and overseas financial aid flows", saying that real GDP growth is projected at 6.1% for 2008 "mainly due to a bumper crop harvest".

Grants particularly have been significantly revised from D363 million to D196 million "due largely to the slow progress in the implementation of the European Union road projects."

According to the Secretary of State Gaye, "the inflationary impact of rising market prices for food and fuel have been mostly contained up to July 2008". Despite this, The Gambia reaching the completion point under the enhanced Highly Indebted Poor Country Initiative and also qualifying for debt relief under the multilateral debt relief Initiative, "capital expenditure will be revised from D1,679 million  to D755 million, or 1.5 % of GDP by end 2008".

Despite the global economic downturn, Secy. Gaye added, the Gambian government remains committed to its objective of "transforming The Gambia into a financial centre" through ensuring the presence of "strong and sound banks". "In the last three years, the number of banks has risen from seven to eleven".

The sectoral allocation for the coming year sees the servicing of debts eating up the largest proportion of our national budget with a total of 19.76% allocated to "debt service charges". Works construction, and infrastructure are followed closely by education with 14.59% and 14.45% of the budget spending allocated respectively. The Office of the President enjoys a slightly higher allocation than the Department of Agriculture on 4.57% but remains slightly lower than the 5% allocation of the annual budget to meet the costs of the Department of Health and Social Welfare.

Source: Picture: Secy Musa Bala Gaye

---

Add maps and directions to your party Show them the way!

Breaking News:Global Financial Crisis: Gambia Yet to Ascertain Impacts!!!

It is evident that the global economy is experiencing a major slowdown owing primarily to the worst financial crisis since the great depression. Stock markets have become increasingly volatile, some major financial institutions in advanced economies have collapsed, capital flows to emerging markets have weakened and some currencies have depreciated sharpl The global financial system is facing turbulent times, and the international financial markets are uncertain, and volatility continues in the world market. Governments have taken unprecedented measures to address these problems. Despite this, international financial markets are still marked by a high degree of uncertainty and risks of a global recession are high. The International Monetary Fund in October 2008 marked down its growth projections of the global economy for 2009 to 3.0 percent and the outlook is subject to considerable downside risks. Well, the multi-million dollar question now is how will the global financial crisis affect the world, Africa in general and developing countries in particular. The Gambia, according to Mr Moussa Gibril Bala-Gaye, Secretary of State for Finance and Economic Affairs, cannot ascertain exactly for now the details of the impact of the world financial crisis, the credit crunch, and rising food prices on our economy, and people. Mr Gaye, who presented before Members of the National Assembly, Estimates of Revenues, Recurrent and Development Expenditures of the government of the Gambia for the fiscal year 2009 last Friday, said the Gambia economy has performed magnificently, but serious challenges from outside have started to emerge in 2008, and the situation may continue into 2009. The budget, which runs across all sectors of the economy, highlighted key primary areas ranging from Education, Health, Agriculture and Communication with particular emphasis on poverty eradication. "We have seen the value of our imports drop, and so our revenues on non-oil imports. All we know is that remittances, tourism receipts, foreign direct investment, and aid flows may be affected. Some challenges have already emerged, and, perhaps, more formidable challenges may come sooner than later", he said. For Mr Gaye, the current financial crisis seems to be more severe, and we are seeing a tsunami of credit crunch in the United States, Europe and some parts of Asia, where banks cannot extend credit even to each other. "As the Gambia globalises, and integrates more with the world markets, we will be affected directly or indirectly in terms of Remittances from abroad, Aid flows, Foreign Direct Investment, and Tourism Receipts", he said. He was however quick to add that government will take the necessary policy response to dampen the impact of these on the Gambian people. "More importantly, Government will continue to monitor closely the situation, and ensure that deposits and savings are safe through tightened bank supervision, and monitoring of potential risks, and also ensure more transparency, accountability, and oversight functions in our financial system". He added, "The Gambian people have made great sacrifices in the recent past, and overcame great difficulties, when the country was left on its own to manage its own survival and development. And as a country, we succeeded magnificently". Source: Picture: Musa Bala Gaye (SOS for Finance and Economy Affairs)

---

check out the rest of the Windows Live™. More than mail–Windows Live™ goes way beyond your inbox. More than messages

Breaking News:Gambia:Detained NIA Finance Director’s Family pleads to President Jammeh

Family members of the embattled Finance Director of the National Intelligence Agency, Mr. Bakary Gassama, who has been in detention since on the 13th of May 2008 has renewed appeal for his release.

Speaking to Gambiaaffairs recently, a brother to Mr. Gassama expressed the family's total frustration and concern over the continued detention of Mr. Gassama, and seriously appealed to President Jammeh to intervene to have him released.

'We are appealing to the President to forgive him for whatever he might have done", he said in a pleading tone of voice. "We are so disturbed by continued detention", he added.

Mr. Gassama was arraigned at the Banjul Magistrates' Court on a charge of abuse of office, but he was discharged on the 3rd of December by the trial magistrate, Magistrate Edrisa Mbai, but was re-arrested.

---

Add maps and directions to your party Show them the way!

Media Agenda Trains 30 Journalists

By:Staff Reporter,Saikou Ceesay,Banjul

A four-day training workshop for 30 journalists of middle manager level ended yesterday at the Tango Resource Centre. The programme was organised by Media Agenda and funded by NATCOM. The programme brought together 30 participants from different media houses.

Mr. Madi K. Ceesay, the managing director of Media Agenda, gave credit to NATCOM for making the idea of training journalist a reality. Mr. Ceesay pledged that this programme will last for three months and 170 journalists will benefit from training. There will be various types of training ranging from basic journalism to management and some specialist areas like court reporting will also be touched upon. Mr. Ceesay stated that media agenda will come up with a lead across the country to train the court reporters. He urged the participants to take the training seriously and make the best use of it. Mr. Ceesay notified the participants that journalists are out for construction and not destruction and warned them to be mindful of news items that can be destructive. He finally thanked the participants for turning up.

Deputising for the Secretary of State for Information Communication and Information Technology, Mr. Darboe performed the official opening. In his opening remarks that training is good for the Journalist. He highlighted that the ethics of every journalist should be to be truthful in their job. He added that they work for the society and therefore the journalist should work accordingly. He finally commended Media Agenda and the funders NATCOM.

Mr. Cherno Jallow the first presenter spoke on the importance of photophobic writing and urged the participants to write clearly in their stories so that the readers will easily understand.

Well done Mr.Madi Ceesay for the initiative.Our reporter has benefited from the week-long journalism training workshop.

---

Get easy photo sharing with Windows Live™ Photos. Drag n' drop

Breaking News:NADD VS APRC in Foday Kunda By-election!!!

Picture: Mustapha Carayol (IEC Chairman)

The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) yesterday nominated Mr Malamin Darboe through the ruling APRC party for the position of councillor for the Foday Kunda Ward in the Basse Area Council.

For the same ward, the IEC also nominated Mr Alhagie Kanteh through the opposition National Alliance for Democracy and Development (NADD) ticket for the position of councillor.

Therefore, according to a statement from the IEC, a by-election will take place in accordance with Section 53, subsection (2) (a) of the same Decree, in order to fill the position of councilor for Foday Kunda Ward on 8th January 2009.

Source:Gambiaaffairs Newspaper

---

Get easy photo sharing with Windows Live™ Photos. Drag n' drop

Breaking News:Gambia:Pastor in Army Net!!!

Picture: Pastor Gideon A. Adeoye

The Gambia National Army has picked up Pastor Gideon A. Adeoye of the ChristApostolicChurch in Bakau for making a baseless allegation against them.

According to S/Sgt Buba Jammeh, Station Officer at the charge office of Fajara Barracks, the pastor wrote against his office that they detained a year-old child. He said the allegation was untrue, as the child had never been in their custody.

He said the matter was under investigation and they are going to get in touch with their lawyer on charges to be preferred against the pastor.

The pastor, for his part, informed the press that the information was given to him by his sources, adding that based on the information given to him he wrote the said letter. He admitted that it was his error for not contacting the Army about the issue. The pastor added that he had since apologised to the army, as he was misinformed by his source.

Victor, Daniel and Kebba Touray all denied giving such information to the pastor, as alleged.

We reproduce below the full text of the Pastor's letter, which was addressed to the Chief of Defence Staff.

 

APPEAL FOR JUSTICE AGAINST UNLAWFUL ARREST AND DETENTION OF A YEAR-OLD BOY: LAWRENCE DUBEM UZOEGBU.

I, Gideon A. Adeoye, the senior pastor of ChristApostolicChurch in The Gambia, wish to alert you on the above subject stated.

On the early hours of October First I received a distress call from one Liberian boy (Victor Dubem Uzoegbu's guardian) that the army people in Bakau Barracks instructed him to report at the station with the boy along with a friend of the boy's father (known as Pa -a Gambian citizen). This was in connection with a visa processing case between Dubem's father, a Nigerian, and some Nigerian boys.

Without hesitation, Victor and Pa reported at the Barracks with Dubem to answer the law enforcement agents. On their arrival Victor alerted Pa who stood bail for Dubem's father - Emest Uzoegbu, who up till now is at large, was immediately detained. Victor was instructed to go home and bring additional clothes and socks for Dubem quickly. In prompt obedience, Victor asserted he went for the items.

Before Victor's arrival, Dubem had been taken away to an unknown destination as submitted by Victor on the October 1 2008. Later MrPa was released, and I invited him to know the where the innocent boy was. To my amazement the man declined his knowledge of Dubem's whereabouts. It is pathetic to know that none of the people concerned, Victor, Pa, or "the Nigerian boys" could say who is taking care of the one-year old boy. They all claim innocent. The parents were members of the Church but are presently nowhere to be found while the family members contacted in Nigeria showed no interest in the plight of the innocent boy.

As a concerned citizen of Africa and a minister of the Gospel of justice, equity and righteousness, I hereby call your attention to this inhuman development in a lawful society. And I plead your urgent action to save the life of this toddler and should not pay for the sin of his father. While awaiting your response to my appeal, I wish you, the entire leadership and citizens of The Gambia and all dwellers of the land a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year in advance.

---

Add maps and directions to your party Show them the way!

Breaking News:Escapee’s Accomplice Faces Fresh Charges!!!

By:Our Staff Reporter,Saikou Ceesay,Banjul

Marc Maurice Alfred Vanmaldegum, the Dutch national who has been standing trial at the Banjul Magistrates' Court on a charge of aiding the escape of Andrew Charles Northfield ofCarnegia Minerals Company, is now facing new charges at the Kanifing Magistrates' Court.

He was arraigned on Tuesday 16th December 2008 before Senior Magistrate Sainabou Wadda-Ceesay on a two-count charge.

Count one states that the accused on or about 3rd September 2008, at the Kombo Beach Hotel, where he works as operations manager, conspired with others at large to defeat the course of justice by communicating with Charles Andrew Northfield, a trial prisoner, knowing him to have absconded from trial.

Count two has it that the accused on the same day and place knowingly prevented the execution of a legal process by communicating with Charles Andrew Northfield who had absconded from trial and entered his room and removed his personal effects instead of reporting to the authorities.

He, however, denied the charges.

---

Invite your mail contacts to join your friends list with Windows Live Spaces. It's easy! Try it!