(JollofNews) -For those unaware this is what happened on 23 March 2017. First, Justice Minister and Attorney General, Ba Tambedou, called a press conference and criticised the haste with which the police investigated, arrested and charged the NIA 9 in the case of Solo Sandeng’s murder. The police are as we all know under the Interior Ministry.
Then, Interior Minister Mai Fatty responded with a press release congratulating the police actions – and pointed out that if the NIA 9 had not been arrested as soon as possible they would have absconded and left the jurisdiction of The Gambia.
It is clear from social media discussions that 99% of Gambians support Mai Fatty for ensuring that these particular individuals were arrested and charged as soon as possible.
Ba Tambedou has a different approach: “… encouraging open discussions about the past and fostering national reconciliation through the establishment of a Truth and Reconciliation Commission. Any action, particularly in these early days, must be geared towards achieving that objective. Any other action that runs contrary to this spirit at this moment in time is both unwise and potentially dangerous. As leaders, we will have to make some hard choices. Difficult decisions form part of the burden of leadership. We must lead by example and at times, even lead public opinion in the supreme national interest”.
Read the full article here.
In Britain the Police send there file the The Crown Prosecution Service for there opinion that there is a case and enough evidence to charge the accused.
One can see The Justice Ministers “objection” But one can also Understand Mai Fatty’s haste.
One looks forward to the end result/
All are innocent until proven guilty.
I think the Magistrate considered the risk of absconding and acted appropriately.
But its a very good sign for Justice to note these opinions/differences from Ministers.
I am sure it will all work out for all.
Dida, whilst a abhor the crimes meted out to Gambians by Jammeh and his cohort i think the Justice is right in this case. Personally i would rather see them exposed through a Truth and Reconciliation Commission(TRC) see them to walk free from a criminal court due to lack of material evidence. The TRC can recommend sanctions against individuals and if some material evidence is uncovered then prosecutions can follow. I have no doubt that Jammeh and his cohort have destroyed some damning evidence against them. However there are other legal avenues like economic crimes that can be used to see them behind bars. Sanctions from the TRC, charges of economic crimes and the court of public opinion will be sufficient in the mean time.
These are not seasoned technocrats and are likely to make errors, but why the public display. Quite unprofessional from both sides . We must follow due process, but we must also demonstrate good judgement . Failure of interior to secure arrest will be negligent in this case. Justice must learn that you do the best with what you have. Gambia is replete with evidence of NIA guilt, make your case and stop whining .
For once I agree 100% with the good DR: “why the public display”???!!! And I agree again 100%: “Gambia is replete with evidence of NIA guilt”.
WHY DID THE JUSTICE MINISTER MAKE THIS MATTER PUBLIC??
Buba, for many years I was a “Free Mandela” Activist in Scotland in the 1980s. The South African TRC was a BETRAYAL of the Black people’s sufferings – a betrayal engineered by “biggest investor of Apartheid” UK Plc and the second biggest investor USA Inc.
I hope the likes of Chief Ebrima Manneh’s father, Solo Sandeng’s family, Sheriff Dibba’s family, Deyda Hydara’s family, etc, etc, don’t end up BETRAYED by a Gambian TRC.
This week we have seen Solo’s and Ebrima Manneh’s families and we should ask them what THEY want as JUSTICE (unless we want to decide for them as the Justice Minister says “for the Supreme Nationalist Interest” – which, I think the Justice Minister implies, may not include punishment for murder and torture).
Dr. Sarr, it is Not “Public display” as you and Halake and others selected to label it. It is called Accountability, Credibility, Due Diligence and Public Service. The Justice Minister, Mr. Tambedu was being Intentionally or Unintentionally Set up by the Zealot Mai Fatty and his fellow Dark Night Travelling Companions of UDP’s Single minded Agenda without Due Process or Adherence to the Constitutional and Legal Requirements. Mai Fatty may be comfortable with Illegal and questionable Actions and Behavior, a but Legal minded Experts like the Justice Minister, Tambedu knows better. His Reputation, Duty, Career and beyond depends on the people having Confidence in and of the Courts, and in this case the Justice Minister who is the A head of Jurisprudence in the Gambia. Appearance of Fairness and Equal Access and Treatment Before the Law was at Stake. Hon. Minister Tambedu had to Act And Act he did. He did so in Public, to Reassure and Endure that the Gambians for whom he is hired to work for as well as the International Community, he is a Justice Minister who will not be Compromised or Unwittingly Co-opted into Illegal Wrong doing by Zealots with an Agenda (s) Not Compatible with Due Process or Adherence to the Tenents of the Law. A Minister of Justice or any Law Enforcement Official who is Perceived to be Biased would Not be Credible or Ethical. That would not be a good thing for Gambian Jurisprudence or Courts for that Matter. JUSTICE Tambedu Needs and Deserves our Gratitude and Support. For Mai Fatty, all I have to say is, the “Evil is not in the Stars”, but in Men who will Stab anyone in the back, friends included if the “Price” is right. Some might say, Thus Mai Fatty, Ousainou Darbo and Adama Barrow Believe! Gambia is More than the Sum Total of One Ethnic Group and Region.
Sidi, crawl back under your rock of stupidity. That’s where you belong, there is no place for you in a civilise society.
I think it is very unfair to make these public attacks on Mai Fatty.
He suffered, He Worked hard around Africa and elsewhere to expose Jammeh’s atrocities. He is obviously well motivated to see Justice is done.
Why again these differences cannot be solved behind closed doors is beyond me.
Again we see officials behaving badly in public.
I really am shocked and surprised they don’t communicate and resolve day to day issues in private. It does not help themselves or Gambia.
Mike
All friends of The Gambia and able Gambians should com together and stop all gangster importers in other to bring down basice goods like rice sugar and oil
People are hungry because of high prices of basice commodities are too expensive
It is not practical at all to make any political sense when people are hungry, how could they?
It is worth noting that you can only sole these kind of issues out of the public domaon id the the otger person is willing to listen in private. Otherwise, going public could be the only option. Above all, this is a new democracy. Bring it out for everyone to see and here if you are acting in the interest of the public.
Mike Scales, assuming that Mai Fatty did all you said, that is all the more reason why he should be the one who should be the “Rock” standing akimbo between those who would repeat and some might say, engage in Despotic and Unconstitutional Activities within the Short period of time Mai Fatty and Ousainou Darbo came in authority in the Gambia. I said authority, because Honest, Patriotic and Sincere Gambians know who is the real Power Broker is. He is Not in the Gambia or Gambian in the legal sense of the word. He is in Senegal and pulling the Strings of the Popetts who would be “Mansa”. Blind Allegiance to a Man, Men or Party is dangerous. It caused a Second World War. In the recent past, Ethnic Group Based Party Politics Purveyors in Rhwanda contributed to the Rhwandan Genocide. Mai Fatty and Ousainou Darbo aided and abetted by Adama Barrow who is Supposed to be the Mediator and or Armchair on whom the Coalition Alliance Parties can turn to in times of Conflict or Misunderstandings, is in “bed” with Ousainou Darbo and Mai Fatty and UDP. If this is not a Betrayal of Trust and a Naked Power Grab, coupled with an Insidious Usurpation of Due Process, and the Rule of Law. Interior Ministry is Not a Law Enforcement Office. Yet, Mai Fatty and his Supporters want to Spin and try to shift Wrong Doing Committed by Mai Fatty and his Ministry to the Minister of Justice. Please. Mai Fatty needs to be Tethered to a Lease by Adama Barrow. He is out of control and Drunk with the perceived “Power” he feels he has. Like I said, he may soon born out and discarded like some of the Over Zealous Members of the 1994 Junta who went about Terrorizing the Population in the early days and months of the 1994 Coup. Mai Fatty’s True and Well meaning friends, family and friends’ of the Gambia, need to sit him down and advise him of his Self-inflicted wounds and Potential Destructive Actions and Behavior. Justice Minister Tambedou, Deserves and Merits our Collective Explicit Support for his Honesty, Integrity, Ethical and Moral Standards Demonstrated on the Subject matter before us. Gambia is More than the Sum Total of One Individual, One Ethnic Group and Region. One Gambia, One People, One Destiny.
Dida, we must always think long and hard before writing what in my mind presents a drift between creating a parody and satire of daunting Gambian issues!
While I accept that you are a keen follower of Gambian events, I do scratch my head to find answers to the positions that you take intermittently. I also ask what your ultimate objective(s) are with certain positions and opinions that you offer in your writing.
The British Police with the support of the Crown Prosecution Service represent a seemingly competent, decades old and well oiled machine that is in a totally different league with the Gambian Police Service and Judiciary that has always been and are still struggling to earn their places in society. So one couldn’t objectively compare the two scenarios. Apples to palm kernel?
I reel at some of your offerings that clearly relegate the seething needs of The New Gambia well below ego trips and comedy!
I must confess that I am a true Africanist and son of The Gambia that truly believes that if only Africans and Gambians can put greed, vested interest and big egos aside, we can ultimately share the vision to put our meager resources to work for the benefit of a nation that almost everyone seeks to milk but not give anything back. All we do is complain, complain and complain about what Demba and Pateh are doing wrong plus all else that’s the other person’s fault!!!
The business of resuscitating The New Gambia this time around is too serious an undertaking for anyone to be seen to be sowing seeds of discord this early in the JOURNEY. Dida, the role of A TEACHER, which I believe you are, in imparting knowledge, strong moral values, MOTIVATING young people and rewarding EFFORT is INDISPUTABLE.
So taking cheap jibes at Gambian effort may be misplaced and I must emphasize, distasteful!!
Much time is being wasted on trivia. So let’s look to devote more of our energies to meaningful effort!
And, you are quite free to offer what, in your mind’s eye, you truly believe helps your cause(s). It’s called freedom of expression. Think the corner jester here!!
Andrew, you have lost me here!
What are you complaining about?
The fact that I am writing about the Ba/Mai spat AT ALL?
It is the gentlemen who used the media for their dispute!
What exactly are you complaining about?
Andrew, just noticed what is bothering you!!
I DID NOT says anything about “British Police” or “Crown Prosecution Services – CPS” in this discussion!!!
I agreed that would be like comparing “Apples to palm kernel” but it WAS NOT ME who made the comparison!! Why are you ATTACKING me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
We can engaged each other on issues that have an impact on The Gambia without the personal attacks. My opinion is to focus on what will improve our economy and developed the country, an inclusive economy and development regardless of ethnicity, tribe, gender or religion affiliation.
Remember our Unity, peace, security, justice are the foundation of our lasting development and the reinforcement of our democracy. We must take all efforts to defeat CORRUPTION, without which we are bound to fail.
Well well! will some one out there start investigating our importers of basic food commodities like rice sugar and oil in to our country.
We are spending too much
We the common Gambians for something that doesn’t have to be that expensive at all
We want to know who is responsible of such high prices
Hope someone will start working on the above issues instead of political wrangling
Gambia has decided so now is the time to assist us to improve our daily life.
Too many families are going hungry because of high cost of living
Start doing something now.
I am not complaining!
What I am saying is that it doesn’t help to add salt to a wound or be a rabble-rouser!!
At your level, I am amazed that you appear to be drawing glee from what amounts to calumny!
Be the adult in this endeavor and point right from wrong! Offer good advice but not attempt to pitch one camp against the other in a clear test of ……….
I am can’t speak for Mai but I will say that Baa Tambadou is a man of substance, well grounded and of an impeccable character thus far. And I will say thus far out of caution!!
Mai Fatty is a man of substance. He had displayed good judgement in many areas and has fought Jammeh till to the end. I won’t be tempted to try to stick a wedge between him and Baa Tambedou. Those calling Tambedou a saint today will pretty soon slander him, as soon as he start uncovering the dirt of jammeh and cohorts.
Dida
My dear brother, start investigating the importers
of goods like rice sugar and
oil to our country in other to facilitate bringing down the price for the common man, people don’t have money to buy enough food here, so you will be doing great service to us instead of wasting your time on mindless thinking
Common Gambians are aware of your efforts long before to date
Please keep it up
Forward ever backward never
@ Sonko= I completely agree with you. Thank you!
Not attacking. So no reason to try to figure out what’s bothering me!
Just saying that your stance or leaning on certain subjects do come across as unsavory!!
To be an adult, one must act adult!
We need all the good heads that we can. Not lose good heads to cacophony, excitement and pursuit of trivia. You are a smart, Ki Chini Chini, man so you do know where I’m coming from.
Kweli Bwana (smile)!!
Dida, in a friendly jibe, I’d add a common Gambian Wollof adage, DAHUM GINAARR, WOHALEH SA SOHLA.
I’ll ask you to decipher that! Hahaha!
Andrew, may be I can answer your concerns by answering our brother Sonko:
“L K Sonko:
Dida
My dear brother, start investigating the importers
of goods like rice sugar”
I have just entered “Bantaba” in my 1GB storage file, and an interview of myself by Daily Observer Editor, Sheriff Bojang, comes up. He asks me a question which he hopes will make him a Minister if Jammeh sees it:-
“What do you think of 2020 Vision?”, he asks.
I answer: “It can be replaced with one sentence:
OUR AIM IS TO ENSURE THAT THERE IS PLENTY OF RICE, OIL AND MEAT FOR ALL GAMBIANS AS AND WHEN THEY NEED IT BY 2020” – Sunday Observer, 1st December 2002.
Next day, I was at the Banjul Docks because a Ship had docked with APRC Rice – which according to Baba K Jobe who was there with me was SUPPOSED to provide cheap rice for the people. And the next day I was at Baba Jobe’s house having lunch when Tariq Musa of AK Motors brings Baba Jobe’s brand new £50,000 Mercedes USV Jeep 4×4 and parks it next to my 15-year old £1,000 Suzuki (the old little one liked by Rasta Garden boys).
My point Andrew and LK Sonko, is that Africa’s elite do NOT really care about the poor hungry starving people – as long as they turn out to vote every 5 years (look at the current starvation in “rich” UK/USA friendly Kenya). Consider the starvation next to the piece on Kenyan MPs and the fact that 2% Swallow 50% of Tax Revenue (on SAMBAGATE.COM).
I had thought Jammeh’s and Baba Jobe’s “Revolution” would priortise FEEDING THE PEOPLE – but infact they made THEFT their Number One AIM (and killing fellow Gambians). I know that those who have taken power will NOT kill fellow Gambians … and now that I am older and wiser I will settle for that. As for L.K. Sonko’s “importers of rice”, it will depend who in the new power structure is supporting them – and if they have that support, “investigations” will be a waste of time … they will continue doing what they do best: bribing the powers that be and robbing the poor.
On a final note, OJ said he wants to prioritise “Commercial Farming”. I would have said prioritise Subsistence Farming and give farmers free seeds and fertilizer but what do I know? Jammeh decide to SELL the free fertilizer to the farmers – to put the money in his own pocket.
This is too long, so I will stop here.
Mr Sonko,
I don’t think I am ready to “spill the beans” on the opportunist fringe in Gambia. I am mindful that some have died, some still living and some were caught in difficult positions under Jammeh. I also have made many confidential conversations with leading figures. I never betray a trust. But rest assured if I make a comment, it is usually based on sound information and experience. I have been urged to write a book, but again I don’t need the glory or the royalties as such a book would be a best seller.
My main interest is to see Gambia rise steadfastly from tyranny. For sure this coalition has developed “growing pains” But I remain confident with the right support they will do the right thing.
God Bless
Breaking News :
The chocolate digestive has won The World Cup of biscuits 2017
I bet on the chocolate finger 2nd/
Am gutted.
Andrew;
Mr Halake is a scholar of interesting and original ideas, which he does hesitate to give;
He also stimulates debate which makes the Gambian online media stronger, more credible and relevant/
Ndugu Andrew, huyu mtu anakuja HalakeKunda kuona matato ya Halake na ndugu yake Andrew!! Tumupige?
Below is a copy of the questions and my comments earlier on this issue;
Bax, i want to be a bit of a devil’s advocate here and ask few questions because we need more clarifications on these issues. How was it possible that Mai Fatty managed to draft two amendment bills and present them to the national assembly without the Justice minister being aware of it? Who drafted the amendment bills? Where was the Justice minister when all this was happening? If the Justice minister was not consulted by Barrow, then Barrow should explain why he is not seeking counsel from his chief legal adviser. Mai could not have unilaterally decided that he was going to introduce some amendment bills without the president’s knowledge. Are the people who drafted the bills employees of the ministry of Justice? If yes why or how come was the Justice minister not aware of it? On the issue of the NIA 9 the police do not have to inform the Justice ministry that they were going to arrest them. What is required of the police is to act promptly on intelligence they receive in order to prevent crime from taking place and prevent miscarriage of justice. They do not have to have all the evidence to effect arrests, suspicion and credible intelligence is sufficient. That’s why the constitution gives the police the power to detain an individual for 72 hours without charge. That 72 hr grace period is for the police to gather evidence and if they could’t gather enough evidence within that period then they can go to the courts to seek an extension to detain the suspect longer. That is how policing is done even in Europe and America. The police will effect an arrest, gather evidence and pass it to the prosecution for decision on what charge or charges to be brought against that individual. So what is happening in the Gambia in the case of the NIA 9 is not unique. Who charged the NIA 9 of conspiracy to commit felony, was it the police or the office of the DPP? If it was the police then Mai is at fault for any mess that comes out of this but if it was the office of the DPP then Ba Tambedou should have been aware of it unless if he is being Machiavellian in this whole drama.
Buba, tread with caution here and not attempt to think for Mai Fatty. Remember that the ultimate decision maker in their midst, Mr Adama Barrow, is new to the mechanics of government and COULD be taken advantage of by an over zealous person that has or may have had his ear at the time! It may also have been a situation where MAI, in good faith, felt that the exigencies of the circumstances called for taking charge in order to bring the desired results. You have worked in government as I have and we should have no illusions as to what could go wrong or orchestrated in a blink behind the scenes!!
Now that both MAI and BAA have hopefully learned vital lessons ( YEH NYO TEMBO LONG NEH SILANG), the going will be good and seamless from here on. You may recall the old adage of Gambian youth that to be the best of friends, you must test each other’s mettle (smile)!!
Also note that The Gambia is rife with, E KO, DEYGA NAA NEH or KAARI KO all aimed at pleasing the Boss.
Ndugu Halake, Mu Kubwa, Si Ndiyo.
Siina Matata. Lakani, Ni Nna Swari Kubwa!
Asante Njema
Andrew, thanks for reminding me of that old Gambian adage it has really made me smile. Am sure Andrew you have asked yourself some of the question i asked above. With respect to the Justice minister, but something doesn’t sound right in this whole business and if he wants us to hold Mai accountable then he should know that we will hold him accountable as well. Gone are the days when people in positions of authority can say whatever they like and get away with it. That was what Jammeh used to do, blame everyone but himself.
Buba Sanyang, what exactly did the Minister of Justice Tambedou do with Specific reference to the Actions/Deeds of the Interior Ministry and Mai Fatty in particular? Mai Fatty Appointed himself, the Investigator, the Police, the Arresting Officer (s), and Potentially a Witness. How it that be. By virtue of his personal involment in the “Gambia 9”, under Normal Acceptable Legal Practice and Due Process, Mai Fatty would have to Recuse himself from the Case. Any Evidence even Circumstantial evidence that Mai Fatty is in anyway involved in the “Gambia 9”, Would Trigger Substantial grounds for Mistrial based on Undue and Inappropriate Influence and Interference of the Judiciary. I am repeating what I had said on many comments. If and when Evidence is Obtained a that is “Beyond a reasonable doubt” or “Substantiative” Circumstantial evidence” is Collected, Gathered and Reviewed by Experts and Certified Professionals with an Independent Oversight Entity in place, any Individuals, including Former President Yaya Jammeh should be brought before the Court (s) to have their Day in Court. What I Will continue to Protest is Arbitrary and Capriciousness Coupled with Selective Arrrests, Detentions and Prosecution and many would say, Persecutions of Some while letting those of your Ethnic Group go Free. All Gambians should detest and Vigilantly fight against such Deeds as being Perpetrated by Mai Fatty and Company. One Gambia, One People, One Destiny.
Sidi, as usual, you have come up with yet another ridiculous and quite frankly juvenile attempt to have a go at Mai Fatty. Your hatred of Mandinkas will soon completely devour you of all your senses. The NIA 9 came from different tribes and everyone knows that, so your silly attempts to portray it as a vendetta against a particular tribe is only exposing you as stupid, ignorant tribalist slimeball. The ministry of Interior or the minister do not have to inform Justice ministry or the minister about their intentions to arrest any individual. The police can arrest and detain anyone for up to 72 hrs without charge. During that period they can continue to gather evidence and pass that to either their own prosecution unit or the DPP for advice and to proffer charges. If the 72 hrs is not enough, they can go to the courts and seek an extension. It is good practice though to involve the people who are going to be carrying out the prosecution once the police arrest an individual but not before the arrest. Tell me one country in this world were the security services first gather all the evidence and give it to experts and certified professionals to review to be sure it is beyond reasonable doubt before arresting suspects??? That’s what the courts are for, don’t you know??? Your lack of knowledge and understanding of basic policing procedures is and the criminal Justice system in the Gambia is alarmingly mind boggling. How could the actions of the police be classed as Judicial interference?? Just go and educate yourself a bit more before jumping into things that are way beyond your comprehension. Like i said before you should ask for a refund of your tuition fees from the “world class college and University” you said you got your education from because it doesn’t your in your arguments. I have seen year 3 kids put better arguments. And one last thing you rambling buffoon, do not insult the memories of those whose suffered at the hands of Yahya Jammeh and his cohort by referring to these people as “Gambia 9”. Nothing about them represent Gambia or Gambian. Stick to NIA 9, that’s the name they deserve because for the rest of their lives they will be associated with that infamous notorious institution.
Sidi village idiot Bojang
We are bored of your incomprehensible and senseless rants and can you please think with your brain rather than your backside.Mai Fatty and company are better men than your sorry confused self.
“On a final note, OJ said he wants to prioritise “Commercial Farming”. I would have said prioritise Subsistence Farming and give farmers free seeds and fertilizer but what do I know? Jammeh decide to SELL the free fertilizer to the farmers – to put the money in his own pocket” as per Dida.
Dida, I will start with stating that I have nothing against OJ but speaking from an informed position on The Gambia and Gambian Agriculture!!
OJ may wish to prioritize Commercial Farming” but he still doesn’t have a clue as to how to do this! Nor does he have a team with the requisite experience to do this without external help from private operators, proven farmers and folks that can translate the science of farming into the art of farming. What is mostly lacking in The Gambia. Dida, you know first hand what successful commercial farmers look like in Kenya, Zimbabwe, South Africa, the US, Canada and Europe!! They all have dirt under their fingernails and neither fear the heat of the sun nor the elements!! Barrow’s team must look to Radville Farms, Toubakuta Farms or the Karafi Operations to learn how these folks do it. I wish to suggest the following strategies:
**Invite retired and semi-retired farmers from overseas (Kenya, South Africa, Europe or North America) to team up with PRIVATE FARMERS OR PRIVATE CONSORTIA that’ll trigger sustainable commercial farming operations in The Gambia.
**Invite the parent company of Radville and Toubakuta Farms to a contractual arrangement to set up sustainable commercial farms and marketing operations together with Gambian investors. Village gardens have reached a point of saturation!
**Focus on MILLET, CORN, SORGHUM, FINDO AND PULSES. Let’s shy away from peanut (groundnut) farming that’s too labor intensive and doesn’t sell well on account of the poor quality of the produce. The folks at SAARO (Denton Bridge) are clearly aware of the down side.
**Identify priority areas in rural and suburban Gambia for fast tracking commercial agricultural farming targeting the chronic shortage and exorbitant prices of SIIMANGO or DUNDU!!
**DO AWAY with Agricultural PROJECTS. Carve out parcels of land on project sites for LEASE to young farmers, operators and investors in the diaspora! This element could also be a reward to diasporans for their sweat and tears. We are watching!! Operators could be current or former agricultural officials that are worth their salt.
**Enable secure LOAN funding sources for beneficiaries of project site leases at the 65% level i.e. beneficiary comes up with 35% equity and funding source provides/guarantees 65% of total investments. A similar structure currently on the ground on The Gambia should be devolved to private board that could transform this body into a PRIVATE FINANCE AGENCY.
**Encourage proprietors of idle farmland to get back into farming with measured incentives. Initiate a Commercial Farming Revolution Campaign at the SME level.
**Lease out the SAPU BASED SEED MULTIPLICATION UNIT AND PLANT TO PRIVATE OPERATORS that could transform this facility to a serve as a hub for a Private Seed Company.
**Strengthen existing Agri-supply companies (GHE, SANGOL FARMS and others) on the ground plus enable new companies to set up sustainable farm supply distribution networks in all regions of The Gambia. Farm supply agencies will provide services for hire,employment plus inputs for sale through local agents.
**Invite investors and offer reasonable incentives, devoid of government interference, for the object of setting up of Farm Service Agencies such as TRACTOR PLOUGHING, ON-FARM CONTRACTING, HARVESTING, TRANSPORTATION AND MARKETING SERVICES.
I wist to bring to the attention of all Gambians that care to listen that PROJECT FUNDS IN THE GAMBIA HAVE ALWAYS BEEN REGARDED AS, KU BOKA CHI GETA GI NAAN CHI MEEW MI!! OJ knows this and everyone else that’s ever worked for Gambian Agriculture knows this!!
So Dida, Mike, Dr Sarr and Buba, we can do this outside of government to the extent that The Gambia can become the envy of the sub-region. For starters, distribution costs can be much cheaper in The Gambia with the proper enabling policies on the ground!
It’s important to recognize that government does have an important role to play in the regulatory, policy and legislative domain but government shouldn’t attempt to have a finger in every pot. A tendency that puts corrupt and inept official breathing down the neck of investors that worked hard to earn the funds being invested in diverse ventures!!
OJ may claim to have worked for years with the Gambia Cooperative Union and therefore has the experience to lead the Ship of Agricultural Transformation. I say No! He doesn’t! The role of GCU agents at the time (his time) was that of as glorified book keeper. He may be an astute politician from the PPP school of DK Jawara but he lacks the experience to lead the Ministry of Agriculture as an Executive. A political leader yes but certainly not an expert executive!! Again, too many professors bu too few listeners/learners.
Dida, the business of providing subsidized or free farm inputs in Gambia (Africa) belongs of old. You will recall that there’s KENYAN whole milk available for sale in every corner shop. The same applies for Kenyan UNGA corn meal, the staple of the Kenyan LUO and LUHYA (smile)! YAMA YA KUCHOMA NA UGALI! Zimbabwe was the same before the advent of MUGABE!
Let me pronounce this at the top of my online voice!
IF THE GAMBIA IS TO MAKE HEADWAY IN COMMERCIAL AGRICULTURE AND FOOD SECURITY, THE GOVERNMENT MUST STEER CLEAR OF AGRICULTURAL PROJECTS OR TRYING TO MAKE GAMBIANS BELIEVE THAT THE GOVERNMENT CAN DO THIS FOR THEM. Over a short period of 10 years, a 40Kg bag of imported rice went from D170 to D1300 (800%). A 20 Litre drum of imported oil went from D200 to D1000 (500%). A 40Kg bag of Gambian rice, BAARA MAANO, follows the same trend!
Agricultural Projects have been going on in The Gambia since I was a toddler but government has nothing to show for it today! The sixties generation will remember the scandalous RDP-Rural Development Project that brought names like late Abou Denton, Kassama Jobe, Francis Mboge, Scattred Janneh and other Agricultural officials the notoriety! Where were OJ, Saihou Sabally and Yaya Ceesay that held prominent positions at the Agriculture Ministry at the time. What benefit did Jahally-Pahaarr, RIDEP, LADEP, The COTTON PROJECT and a host of other projects bring The Gambia as a nation?? ZILCH!!
We must collectively note that ONLY IF WE CAN PUT THE RICE (BAARA MAANO), OIL (DIUW LIGN U GERRTEH), MEAT, FISH AND STEW CHEAPER ON THE GAMBIAN SIIMANG BOLO AND PUT DECENT SAVINGS ASIDE CAN WE BE IN THE BUSINESS OF STARTING TO COUNT OUR SUCCESSES IN AGRICULTURE. As of now, nothing to show for it and we cannot lay the blame solely at Yaya Jammeh’s door step.
OJ HAS BEEN THERE AND DONE THAT WITH NO TANGIBLES TO SPEAK OF!!
I’d advise OJ, who keeps burying his head in the sand, to go back to his mentor Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara to ask for advise on how to resuscitate Gambian Agriculture. The wise old man that also knows Kombo and Fulladu very well may still have a game changer that can help OJ make a difference in the transition period! STOP PUTTING FOLKS WITH STINTS AT IITA-IBADAN, ANDRA PRADESH, WARDA, IRRI (Phillipines) OR NARI, in charge of Gambian Agriculture! While these folks may claim to be steeped in Agricultural Research, they’re often found short on the art of commercial farming for they’ve never been there or done that! The decades old practice doesn’t help The Gambia at all.
ONLY COMMERCIAL FARMING WILL MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN THE QUEST FOR NATIONAL FOOD SECURITY. SUBSISTENCE FARMING (DABANDINGO FARMING) BELONGS OF OLD!!
While the image of the wrinkly old farmer from Marong Kunda with the Dabandingo on his shoulder may bring back nostalgic feeling of what used to be, it is just that. What used to be with a call to move beyond that era.
I’ll take a breather here Dida!
Well, well, well, I shook the beehive out of ignorance and got seriously stung by an expert! There is ONE simple thing I do behind my compound and my watchman’s village compound: We plant SWEET CASSAVA. This plant provides lots of carbohydrates and is drought resistant. IF EAST AFRICA HAD PLANTED CASSAVA EVERYWHERE THEY WOULD NOT BE STARVING TODAY. Cassava feeds West Africa. Let us plant Cassava everywhere – even on the beach! That would be my agricultural policy!
Absolutely Andrew, no to industrial agriculture, at least not at the moment. You are right we should help the peasants to developed and sustained traditional subsistence farming, which will increase crop yields and save to the environment. Food was secure in Sub-Saharan Africa until the 1980s-90s World Bank/IMF Structural Adjustment Programs removed all governments subsidies to agriculture. We must continue the negotiations to get good trade deals on our food commodities or just abandoned the current one. I think we should developed and strengthen the regional trade to reach its potential.
@ Andrew= I agree with promoting sustainable productive subsistence farming.
Your recommendation for comercial agriculture is great but i don’t think we should be engaging on that nationally in the moment. Please help me with these questions:
(1) If we commercialized agriculture, what is the guarantee that our poor farmers would be able to keep their farming lands and avoid eventual land grabbing by those with money?
(2) Commercial farming need a lot of fertilizers, and how sure are we that this will not destroy the natural soil fertility and encourage drought.
Commercial agriculture encourages land grabbing and our smallholder farmers will eventually lose their farm lands and potentially become farm laborers to the wealthy farmers. We also have to thing of damage to our environment and health, and the impact of climate change from comercial agriculture . I think commercial agriculture would eventually work if we have effective regulations to protect small-scale farming, the environment, and have good markets for our poor local producers.
Buba, I have asked the same question but believe that with time and I hope sooner rather than later, we will see some element of congruence in this new team. It may also be a case of KUNG FOLO KIBIRO. We are getting to know them better with time. However, three months of tinkering is enough for everyone in this new administration to find their rightful places. Let’s all agree not to second guess them or shower praises FOLO. Let’s adopt the old Badibunka stance of saying the word “FOLO” as in NGA MENG JEH, FOLO. Let’s see all the dancers in this mix, FOLO, or in Wollof, ANGUM before we attempt to characterize behavior or shower praise as the last dancer may very well steal the show!!
My take on events Gambian is that EGO and EMOTIONS tend to get the better of folks. My experience with folks in positions of responsibility in The Gambia is that they tend to mature at much slower rates than their contemporaries elsewhere. One can ask why.
Barrow, the leader must step up to the plate, talk more, tackle more issues, and show a bolder face so that he offers more assurances on his capacity to bring a team together and LEAD!!
We also will get to know him and feel him better the more he takes a leader’s stance! What’s he hiding from? Or is it the KI CHINI CHIN DARBO MAN that’s calling the shots?
And Dida, please drop the Mandela part!! Kinda self serving!
It’s about time and the HONEYMOON will be over March 31 after which time we will tell that he, Barrow, is a JOLA MBIRO (Kung Folo Kibiro), SURUWA MBIRO (Chow Li Chi Lew Tor), HAKU MBIRO (Raffett Ngemba, Nyaaw Borreh) or FULA MBIRO!! All in kind humor!
Don’t want to stir up my KOMBO KANYALENGOLU to come out singing BARROW JII or BARROW EH FATOUMATA JIPPO!
Or KOMBO would say ALLY KUMA SILANG!
I did say that I’m getting fidgety now. So I’d say, SHOW US THE MONEY FOLKS. THE BEEF, we like to say in the US!! LET THE RACE BEGIN.
OR are they still waiting to reconstitute the new parliament?
Can’t drop the “Mandela” bit! The man EARNED it when I marched out saying “Solo’s Body or Mine”! What I notice about my in-laws is that they are abit niggardly (Lol – purely meant as a technical ADJECTIVE!) with their praises. Solo is surely Gambia’s Biko – and Darboe their Mandela. It is funny how Gambia’s have forgotten so soon that yesterday they were under Jammeh’s TERROR!
“HE” marched out – not “I”! Lol, Andrew, a seriously telling freudian slip!
Yes Dida! Cassava too! The beach is too salty though and reserved for WaZungus Dida!
Only that Cassava is eaten as vegetable in The Gambia and not a staple.
It’s for the elitist like Dida and the Mzungu to enjoy NYAMBI, NYEBEH, FRIED BONGA AND SAUCE!
Anything to help with the FOOD DEFICIT in The Gambia is most welcome.
The Wollof adage goes, KU AMUT NDEYE NAMPA MAAM!
Andrew;
The last time I was in silence was when Prince Sankanu opened up his superior intellect and boundless vision upon the lower echelons of ordinary Gambian’s and this friend of The Gambia. I would say your flow is of almost equal measure;
I would argue against your almost perfect delivery on two key points;
First, I don’t agree that OJ is “obsolete”
Secondly, I don’t agree that Groundnut production should be downsized further.
OJ presided over the highest production of Groundnuts in Gambian history, He handed over an annual production of 100,000 metric tonnes PA in 1994 to The APRC,
Successive interventions By Jammeh himself at The Ministry of Agriculture, always perplexed me, especially when the experienced Permanent Secretaries had the experience of policy implementation. I also do not agree that Government policy should be remote in what is Gambia’s economic food basket.
In 2002, my trade initiative programme was well oiled and attracting some high achievers in Agriculture and world class mechanical reprocessing, to turn produce into reprocessed higher value products for export. Giving significantly higher profit margins on existing production levels and increasing employment in the Farming Industry significantly. At that time Gambia was producing 70,000 Metric tonnes of Groundnuts PA { a drop of 30% under Jammeh in just 8 years.}
The introduction of such a reprocessing plant and bottling plant was identified with a view to increasing incentive for Gambian farmers to increase production. It was also thought that the plant would attract produce from neighbouring countries. The cost of that Plant was 32 million dollars and came with an attractive finance package. The plant would also convert on a daily basis to reprocess fruit. On available figures at that time, the repayments would have cost only a third of profits with a further third of profit paid to the farmers and one third of profit available to government. The re- payment period was only 5 years. By then the plant would be solely owned by The State and would be a significant State asset. It also came with a guaranteed price sales market franchise in the UK. Similar plants were being sold to governments all over the world.
I agree that Gambia’s groundnut seed does contain an amount of Alpha toxin, but this could have been negated by introducing toxin free seed.
Even medium quality groundnuts attract a good market value. However, the reprocessing process would significantly reduce the need for the top end of Groundnut quality.
Though this proposal was delivered personally To the Gambian Ambassador by myself { a 600 mile round trip} and a copy delivered to all Ministries, I failed to get a common agreement from all for confidentiality. The firm who did the market research had spent £ 20,000 on gathering information and tests to bring the valuable report to Government. We also viewed the site at Denton Bridge formerly owned by the American’s As you know most it was scrap salvage but would have made a perfect site for the plant.
The proposal never achieved any response from Government. Though it did travel as a private initiative for a couple of years until death.
{I may tell the full story one day}
Regarding fertiliser;
I had an avenue into Togo. My associate was a business partner of a Togo Prince who had a company which sold an abundance of high quality fertiliser. The Prince was happy to provide all the fertiliser The Gambia needed, and what’s more he did not want paid in cash. He wanted payment in Groundnuts.
So I would further argue against a reduction in groundnut farming. You see in business you don’t always have to trade for cash. You can trade commodities. This suggestion should add to your trade and business horizon further.
Your knowledge is breath taking.
I think you own something very special and important and of great value to The Gambia.
The knowledge and information approach to African economic profit generation.
Gambian government take note; A star is born.
Mike, what happened to your pronouncement of “Old Boys to be Taken out to Pasture”? OJ not obsolete? Really? Mike OJ took over from Saihou Sabally under whose watch groundnut production in The Gambia started heading south!! There are substantive production and trade figures in support of that. So OJ couldn’t have worked a miracle under his watch!
Almost perfect delivery, Mike?
I feel deflated. Hahaha!
How about the Prince in Togo of all places? I thought Eyadema Sr was gonna be King and the son (Jr) would be the Prince and President? Tell me more about the Togolese Prince.
I will share with you tangible Gambian economic data showing that groundnut production may not be good for The Gambia after all. Just as cotton production may be a waste of the URR farmers’ time and resources without a subsidy!
I’d like to know more about Aflatoxin free seeds.
@ Andrew= I agree, agriculture might never developed in Sub-Saharan Africa as far as the current policy of the Liberalized Agricultural Trade is active.
Dida, do you know about the “special properties” of Sweet Cassava and Gerrteh Bu Toi (Green Peanuts)? You could find material for a new venture in herbal medicine! Haha!
Ask the old KIANGKAS about the secrets if there’re any old Kiangkas left in Kiang or Kombo.
Oh, wait a minute! BB Darbo is back home! He qualifies for an Old KiangKo (smile) that would know about the secret properties!
And Mike, I am lost! Not sure that I own anything special, important or of great value to The Gambia. Just your average Joe. But what do I know?
Andrew, I don’t know the Kiangkas herbal magic but PEANUTS are sure rich in PROTEINS. So I will grow peanuts. And I am also going to grow CASSAVA for the CARBOHYDRATES ( and proteins from the leaves!). So you see, with eggs and meat from my KUKU, I will be a contented bush-man. Andrew, having been spoilt by the delicious cooking of West African women, I find Kenya’s NYAMA YA CHOMA bland and tasteless! ANJERA is fine because of the spice that comes with the sauce. But nothing beats the Benechin cooked with minimal oil and loads of lamb meat!
Hah Ha Hah !!!
I love the banta.
OJ is my Father !!! Wise,,, Strong,,, and the thorn in Jammeh’s side>>>For him only the sweetest grass.
>>and Gambia’s greatest survivor.
As such experience tells me there are some parts of “the old guard” that needs preserving.
You see if you introduce college theories to old working methods without long term training need is over rided for expediency.
AS we say “you can’t teach old dogs new tricks”
Habit is skill, knowledge and certainty.
For Gambia I would keep the old trusted policies and make them work better.
Yours is the new modern way.
It just won’t work at this time for Gambia. Change must be gradual I think You could be involved in this…But reading your reply, me thinks your a player not a doer.
Am racing in Ireland just now
Come back later God Bless
Mike, I am starting to believe that you belong to the old school that subscribes to the old farmer’s tricks and rules of thumb with little appetite for the theory part of things! I agree that knowledge and certainty are intertwined but habit is no skill. Particularly when habits, especially that of the old guard that refuse to call it quits, clog the wheels of progress! Who needs those skills then?
My Canadian friend would say in response to your adage, “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks” not to be too hard on oneself. Life is all about learning new things until one hits the grave Mike!
You’ll agree that complacency and bad habits do get in the way of success. Especially in not-so-well endowed Gambia. So don’t let your softer side get the better of your judgment Mike. There’s also a good reason that creative minds go to college Mike albeit that there’s a bunch of folks in the US that’ll tell you that they don’t need a college degree to make it in life. (Mike may also subscribe to this school of thought). Oh what a fallacy for there are untold numbers that regret that notion today! I’d say that a college degree does bring more certainty to success in life.
Mike please list the old and trusted policies that have worked somewhat in The Gambia and worth keeping or tweaking.
Mine is not only the modern way but the pragmatic way that’s not necessarily the panacea or cure-all. However, my approach shows more of the traits of a doer and of course, to be a successful doer, one must be a team player with leadership skills!! Keep racing Mike!
Dida, Mike has just sent my head spinning, So I’m gonna placate myself with a plate of ANJERA and DORO WOTT. Tomorrow will be KUTFO for dinner! Together, these will hpefully put me on the right tangent.
Agriculture will never developed in the developing countries as far as the Liberalized agricultural Trading policies are not reform to benefit the global South. No subsidies and all barriers reduce or eliminated will never work for us. The trade negotiations is still on since the Doha round and no agreement has been reach.
We need to start thinking of agriculture that would really benefit us and provide lasting food security. Commercial agriculture will only work if the current global trade policies are amended for the developing countries to enjoy equal benefit with the developed world. So many poor smallholder farmers in the developing world are now landless due to the current exploitative commercial agriculture
Andrew;
Now I will tell you about the real world.
The majority of Gambian’s are not interested in development and generating profit as a means to never again ask for loans, grants and handouts from the richer nations.
Neither are they interested in working and generating a business that will give them independence.
If its foreign businessmen, its the picture of the Queen in his pocket book. they want.
If its Foreign aid it is for the upkeep of there government, with the top guys syphoning off the cream.
The poor guy’s at the bottom of the food chain, beg for scraps from the tables of there elite.
For sure there may be a large” bridge” to be built or a new Parliament, but again the big boys will take there cut, and the tax payer, rich and poor will pay for that” bridge” loan for the next 25 years.
As for The UTG, the only purpose of getting some qualification for the majority, is they think it is a “passport” to The West. But only to find that when they get here there qualification is not recognised or under valued. Then they have to go to college again over here to get a recognised degree for another 3 years costing thousands.
So who benefits from your University?
Those who want to stay home/ go to a Government job.
I don’t have a definitive answer as to why this situation exists ?
Maybe it was colonialism, where The British controlled everything. Or maybe the political elite learned too many bad lesson from the British? For certain the best jobs in Gambia are in the government. Hence the bickering and in fighting and the back stabbing.
So its a culture thing. A vicious circle of “dog eat dog”
I mean look at all the foreign companies that have been “raped” in Gambia. Carnegie being the latest.
Africa has always been a difficult market. The common consensus amongst foreign investors, is “trade in Gambia at your peril”. Is Adama Barrow capable of changing that perception within 3 years?
There are so many illegal migrants in the UK, The numbers are staggering. Then there are the asylum seekers/ who go down a 5 year route for indefinite right to remain and getting benefits and legal aid during the process. They marry British tourists then go after there assets through divorce courts.
African’s will take any risk through the back way to Europe, Many have died. What is it with African governments that makes them take such risks.?
The other side of the coin is far worse. I have many accounts of illegal African ladies being raped and made slaves here in the UK by unscrupulous men who pray on there vulnerability. I have written to Government many times about this. But on this matter they have never replied. Its the silent scandal of The Home Office.
When it comes to The World Bank or The IMF, they want to see tax revenues to secure there limitless loans. Loans upon loans that your tax payers pay for 50 years and counting.
Somewhere and sometime,,,, a long the line Gambian’s must stop!!!
and be finished with this vicious cycle and effect a real change of direction.
Out of all the Party leaders I think Halifa Sallah would bring Gambia closer to a sustained period of socialism and audited accountability.
But I doubt he will ever be President.
You see the good and the honest never rise to the top.
That’s my take…shoot me at dawn.
(A) There are many people who want to developed themselves ethically, but they don’t have the means. There are the greedy individuals who want to make quick money overnight without having to sweat for it.
(B) I agree the World Bank/IMF loans and Structural Adjustment Programs has been devastating, but if there is no alternative, then the conditions on those loans should be feasible for these countries to have room to focus on other development programs.
(C) I believe the local and international markets would perform well for all if we all make efforts to eliminate the distortions and promote fair and equitable trade.
(D) Illigal migration would be significantly reduce if we all make efforts to defeat poverty.
(E) Some blame Africa’s underdevelopment on corruption, but others argue is because of the unethical activities of the Multinational Corporations (MNCs), and yet other points of view is although Colinization is long gone, its impact is still real in Africa.
(F) The illegal activities of trafficking sex has been blamed on poverty, but others argue that some women involved in the sex trade because they see it as an easy route to make quick and large money.
In my opinion, all these problems can be significantly reduced if the global communities own the problems and own the solutions.
This is in addition to my above posting:
(C) I like the free market, but it should be clean to a level where the costs and benefits are shared fairly.
(F) Obviously is a fact that there are vulnerable women force into the trafficking sex, and we should do all we can to put these illegal activities out of business
Mike, in your attempt to tell me about “the real world” you said and I quote:
” The majority of Gambian’s are not interested in development and generating profit as a means to never again ask for loans, grants and handouts from the richer nations.
Neither are they interested in working and generating a business that will give them independence.
If its foreign businessmen, its the picture of the Queen in his pocket book. they want.
If its Foreign aid it is for the upkeep of there government, with the top guys syphoning off the cream.”.
I regard the foregoing statements as an attempt to paint the majority of Gambians with a broad brush that borders on disrespect. I believe that you owe Gambians an apology for the short sighted statements.
To think that honorable Gambians that go about making a decent living for themselves and their families are in short supply in The Gambia is preposterous. I am quite willing to join discussion forums on how to move The Gambia forward but I take exception to entertaining discourse that borders on calumny.
I see what my old college professor described as the Self-Reference Criterion where the individual falls back on his/her socio-cultural perspectives and experience to draw conclusions on any set of circumstances. A reminder of the benefits of diversity in decision making and most if not all undertakings! Your analyses of the failed cell phone business with young Gambians and other comments do point to inherent bias that most “friends of The Gambia” and some in the expatriate community harbor. Grab sampling never yields a sound analysis of any situation.
While you may be au fait with the lay of the land in The Gambia, your claim to extensive knowledge of the mechanics of Gambian society appears to be deficient in many respects.
In the US, the comment goes, “show me a person without a bone of prejudice and I’ll show you a saint”!
I have worked in The Gambia, Africa, Canada and the USA in the public, private and other sectors. I wish to take exception to the sweeping statements for myself and the countless numbers of decent and honorable Gambians working endlessly to make a difference in this world!!
Ndugu Andrew, huyu mzee ni mjinga sana. Hana elimu kidogo – walahi bilahi talahi! Hana pesa na hana kazi – serikazi wanamupatia chakula! Ni kama wale watu wa nchi hii wana kazi ya kwendesha basi – alafu wanakuja Gambia na wanasema wana pesa mingi! Wacha yeye apige kelele.
Chule yangu Nairobi in Starehe – unaijua?
Mike, I’d also recommend an article in The Point Newspaper on the launching of Aflasafe SN01 in The Gambia!
Ali Kuwa Mjinga Kweli!
Asante Saana Ndugu Halake!!