First, some three youths were arrested in Gunjur a fortnight ago and then charged with bogus offences for standing up to the obnoxious Golden Lead factory in their community.
For many days now, scores of youths in Faraba have also been arrested and detained and then bailed for their determined stance against industrial sand mining in their community. Now there is news that Amadou Scattered Janneh and many more youths have also been charged with the same bogus charges for uprooting Golden Lead pipes clandestinely buried under the beach to dump waste in the ocean. These actions by the Police are utterly unacceptable and unhelpful.
It must be noted that until the change that Gambians registered in December 2016, several individuals, families and communities had their lands taken away from them by the Despot Yaya Jammeh with impunity. That regime had also given licenses to many extractive industries to mine and farm in the Gambia against the interest of the host communities. We can all recall Carnegie Minerals in Sanyang as well as clandestine mining in URR, not to mention Golden Lead itself which came to Gunjur during the period of the dictatorship. The continued festering of Bakoteh Dumpsite and the threats against Monkey Park must also not be forgotten.
Since taking over, the new Government is expected to review all of these companies and their activities to ensure that community interests are protected first and foremost by ensuring that these companies do not engage in unethical practices and that the environment is protected to guarantee the survival of present and future generations. Until Golden Lead came to the Gambia, this country has never witnessed large amounts of fish being dumped on the beach including dolphins being swept ashore. Therefore any reasonable person should be concerned that such occurrences are taking place now.
The environment and the resources and means it provides for human beings to live and earn a source of living are an integral part of economic, social and cultural rights. These rights are guaranteed by the Gambia Constitution in Chapter 20 under Sections 215, 216 and 218 as Directive Principles of State Policy. Furthermore international law has guaranteed these rights in the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights that the Gambia had ratified since 1978. Therefore the Gambia Government has obligation under national and international law to protect the economic, social and cultural rights of citizens.
The situation in Gunjur and Faraba as well as the Bakoteh Dumpsite or the case of Kololi including the proliferation of housing estates where lands and natural resources of communities are taken away for private benefit is a major cause of concern. Most of these cases find their roots in the APRC Dictatorship. Hence Pres. Barrow must not remain silent and ignore these happenings. We must not take these cases as a mere law enforcement issue and therefore the police can handle them.
Pres. Barrow must be told that these economic, social and environmental issues are in fact in the heart of the peace and stability of this country and our failure to address them urgently and constructively could potentially destabilize the country.
Human rights experts and development thinkers have noted that economic, social and cultural rights including the environment concern the basic social and economic conditions needed to live a life of dignity and freedom. It is these rights that provide and ensure durable livelihoods, social security, health, education, food, water, healthy environment and practice and survival of culture. Social, economic and cultural rights are based on the fact that human dignity would be compromised if these rights are not fulfilled. Therefore international law requires that governments take full steps in ensuring that their citizens have adequate conditions to live a meaningful life.
What we are therefore seeing in these communities is a direct threat to the present and future abilities of these communities to live decent and healthy lives as well as obtain a decent and unfettered source of livelihood because of the activities of these private businesses. It has been recognised that the disregard and contempt of human rights have been one of the major, if not the leading factor that compels human beings, to have recourse, as a last resort, to rebellion.
The happenings in Gunjur and Faraba are not a police matter. Subjecting community members to arrest, detention and trumped up charges will only delay but will not and cannot prevent an eventual uprising by the rest of these communities so long as private businesses continue to unduly benefit from the natural resources of those communities. These actions by the police will only threaten the peace and stability of the community and the Gambia as a whole eventually.
The solution to this matter is therefore a political one where the president must take the lead. Pres. Barrow must summon all the necessary public agencies as well as all of the affected communities to engage in a dialogue to find a lasting solution. These communities have a genuine concern that needs the full attention of the Head of State. The youths and other members of the community engaged in this matter are not foolish men and women without any purpose in life. Hence the Government must not take the matter as a criminal affair by some irate folks.
The incidence of private companies, local or foreign, exploiting natural resources in communities to the detriment of the people is an factual reality all over Africa. The reason there is war in the Niger Delta of Nigeria is the same reason why folks in Gunjur and Faraba are standing up. It is the same reason that communities in several African countries are also engaged in all forms of violence in response to the operations of companies while their governments remain indifferent. In most cases the government is indifferent because these companies bribe public officials.
Pres. Barrow must be told that he was elected for a purpose which is to correct the wrongs of the past and usher in a new democratic dispensation in the country. His government had passed a transitional justice law and has started the process of setting up a truth commission. The fact that these steps were taken is a recognition that many wrongs were committed against individuals and communities in this country by the former government particularly in the area of economic, social, cultural and environmental rights. Hence when some of those wrongs now manifest as social, economic and environmental issues, what is expected is for the Government to take urgent steps to deal with them politically and not through law enforcement.
If the police have to involve it must only be to restrain community members where violence is likely to erupt and maintain law and order. But the police must not go further to arrest, detain and charge citizens for a matter that is a political issue primarily and not a criminal matter. The folks involved in these cases are not clandestine but open and visible. They are not armed and they have not been releasing violent statements.
Hence this matter is not a criminal matter. It is a political issue that requires a political solution for which the intervention of the president and all of the political resources of the State and society are necessary, i.e. including the National Assembly, Area Councils, governors, religious and traditional authorities, community elders as well as youth leaders.
Drop all Charges. Free the Youths of Gunjur and Faraba. For the Gambia, Our Homeland.
Revolt, people of Faraba and Gunjur, revolt!!
Your communities have been wronged against and you have decided to stand upright for the future of your children. I clench a right fist in the air in solidarity with you.
Do not despair, do not relent and above all, do not loose faith in your abilities to set a precedence the country will follow in our quest for independence from the marauding neocolonial imperialist and their cronies in our midst.
Mobilize, organize and revolt until the vampires bow out, leaving our lands and resources intact for our own exploitation and benefit. Revolt!!
Do not settle for crumbs and half loafs. Get it all because it belongs to you. Revolt, My people!!
Weed out the traitors and the saboteurs and continue to manifest your stamina and determination for your individual and collective survival. Revolt!!
Do not negotiate, if you do, they will bring you to your knees. I swear. Revolt!!
Lamin, a “revolt” or in Madi’s own words “eventual uprising” does seem the logical next step from the one-sided way in which Madi has presented the issues here, but I wish to sound a warning for these reasons:-
1. Two government ministers, fisheries and agriculture, have visited Golden Leaf and have apparently given an interview on GRTS that Madi and the handful of Activists are exagerating the environmental problem;
2. It appears that within the Gunjur Community itself there is a difference of opinion. The silent majority seem to side with the government’s stance … possibly also accepting that such development projects do have envrionmental costs – to which next …
3. A KairoNews piece today by a certain Wandifa Sanneh seems to dispute the evidence of the pollution even stating that a photo is fake and is from Cassamance beach … and finally …
4. Where is Fatou Jaw Manneh, the “Lady with the Flaming Pen” and the MOST TRUTHFUL Gambian journalist I know? She is a GUNJUR CITIZEN and an incredibly trusted person by Gambians and all who know her. We all know of her brave fight against Jammeh, in the Monster’s own Gambia, while Madi Jobarteh was hiding under his bed from Jammeh. Fatou Jaw manneh is NO POLITICIAN like Madi Jobarteh. She is a FIGHTER for Truth. I have no doubt that if the Gunjur situation is as bad as Madi paints it, Fatou Jaw Manneh will NOT remain silent. So the question remains: WHY IS FATOU JAW MANNEH SILENT?
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In conclusion Lamin and others, I will ask all to tarry awhile before calling for a “revolt” or “uprising”.
On my part, I await the WORDS of Fatou Jaw Manneh on this manner. Remember, Fatou Jaw Manneh is born and bred Gunjurian – unlike Madi. Once I hear what Fatou Jaw Manneh has to say, I will respond in a London Letter. Please forward me any comments, past and present, from Fatou Jaw Manneh on the matter
UNTIL THEN, I call for a peaceful resolution – not a “revolt” or “uprising”.
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Dida, I can’t rely on the words of those ministers. I trust the people of Gunjur than them. They have everything to gain with the continuous operation of Golden Lead and the people of Gunjur have everything to loose in the same token. You can wait until Fatou Jaw writes or says something, the people of Gunjur don’t have that luxury. Wandifa and co. are UDP position hustlers, who believe anyone criticizing this government is an enemy of the state, just like Dr. Sarr. His arguments are very shallow.
I also call for a peace resolution of all and every fracas that rears its head in this fragile times. Yet, this government is known for anything but engaging the citizenry in the management of their affairs.
I wondered how long it will take before remnants of APRC and the many Yahya operatives begin their campaign to overthrow the Barrow administration. I guess this is it. This is the first salvo. I always knew Lamin hiding behind a screen has a diabolical agenda to undermine the Barrow administration and restore power back to APRC. Know that you have revealed yourself. Stop the cat and mouse game.
Get this in your head. Yahya is gone. He will not be back. Nobody will answer your call for a revolution and insurrection, Gambia is better today than when your former boss was in power. Tell Ma Bah that all the cash he is giving you will not change a thing. The defeat Rambo suffered in KMC should send a clear signal to you. It’s over.
Finally you have called for a violent overthrow of a legitimate government. That is called treason. You will go to prison for that crime. I promise you that you cannot hide behind a computer screen. You may fool most on this forum and in Gambia but not me. We the people that love this country will come for you. No Lamin you are not in service of Gambia, you are an enemy of the State, a traitor that serves only on master, the killer from Kanilai. And yes, I am going to beat the living daylights out of you when we meet. Soon.
Lol, Lamin, you better start running Bro!
He will. But he can’t hide. Lamin is dangerous.
I can’t contain laughing out loud for the above ignorant and nonsensical utterances coming from the learned Doc. From the word go, let me help you understand once and for all, I, cannot be intimidated by neocolonial stooges like you. Yes, you can beat the living daylight out of my physical body or even liquidate it. Still,you can’t kill the words of freedom and liberation that emanate from my soul and my mind.
That’s the first point.
For the sake of clarity, I am not calling for a violent uprising of any form or nature. Not accepting the status quo is a form of revolt. You have taken one meaning of the word “revolt“ for you to do what you do best: attack Lamin and accuse him of every nasty thing in your book in order to begin a fight. Well, all your attacks and attempted attacks will get a very cordial response until I win you over to our camp. The camp of Pan-Africanism.
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Regarding your guess on my political affiliation, I was, am still and will forever continue to be a PDOIS militant/supporter/member. Yaya can’t buy me with his stolen money. I value morality, selfless service and a legacy of honesty and truthfulness. People like you are too conditioned in consumerism, desire and the aspiration to attain whiteness. Am beyond those kind of reproachable idiocies.
Doc in fact am not hiding, am in plain sight with my rhetoric and activism. I don’t want to see Adama undermined, I want to see him out of power through legal means. Is a demonstration now illegal in The Gambia? Why did you use the word insurrection? Your own fantasy going wild.
Why fear Lamin so much to label him as dangerous? What’s at stake for you if ordinary people like me in Faraba and Gunjur stand up to fight for their rights? Your bourgeoise privileges?
You and I must not have the same political views about and for our country, but why stoop to such lows as to call for my imprisonment just for telling my people to stand up and revolt for their rights?
One can best describe your attitude towards my post as typical of Yaya Jammeh ruling style. Anybody who dares to open his or her mouth is automatically considered an enemy of the state and charged with treason. I can’t help chuckling again. You and your utterances are very much closer to the APRC brand of politics than me calling for a revolt in The Gambia.
Am suspecting you have old scores to settle with me and nothing is gonna hold you back. But you might just be using too much energy for a furtive adventure.
Yours in the service of The Gambia and Africa, I remain.
I won’t be so pompous if I were you.
You see, you misjudged me again.
Pomposity is for the vainglorious. Am a very humble commoner who is content in his nature and natural setting(s). Wait a moment, I have an itching question for you:
1) Why have you made it a hobby to be constantly and furiously coming after this humble man up to the point of seeing him jailed for no apparent cause?
Nbakokoo, dunyaa. Yaalna ma yaala musaal chi fitna.
There is a difference between advocacy and a crime. Encouraging an uprising and revolt is a crime. It is people like you in the shadow that kill our country. You can’t fool me. Your objectives have nothing to do with peace and nation building. You a are very dangerous man.
You need medication for you paranoia.
You need medication for your paranoia.
I just watched a video where the owner of the golden lead factory said he only wants to help The Gambia with his investment and if Gambians don’t want that, he will move his business to Senegal or Mauritania.
Here is my take on his comments and the genesis of the environmental genocide been perpetrated by “our government” on its own people:
Mr. China man, you have not choosen to do business out of altruistic considerations. You have first done a feasibility studies, drawn a business plan and came to the conclusion that Gambia can offer sound returns on your investment.
Telling us you are here because of your good nature rings a frightening bell in our ears. You know when the white man came to enslave and colonize us, he said the same similar stupid thing:
<> claimed the wildest of all scavenging beast. When they were asked by the “few good ones” amongst them, why they doing such savagery to their fellow human beings, they answered : <>.
That’s exactly what the china man and all Chinese “investors” in Africa are doing. They goddamn believe it’s in our nature to readily help every time without even been asked and to accept “help” without the will and guts to say, thank you, but no!
China man, I admire your courage and boldness in insulting us for our kindness to you. You said you will move your factory to Senegal or Maritania. Fine, why won’t you move your factory to the United States of America, France, England or any other European country? Or even Asia but prefer to stay in Africa, in our back yard to continue wrecking havoc on our livelihoods.
You know you will be taxed dry and fined to hell in those countries for a fraction of the pollutants you are releasing into our waters. China man we will not succumb to your bastardization of our natural properties. I promise you, we will win, so just leave whilst you can.
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To:
Ousainou and Adama, the president and the Vice President respectively:
This commercial project in Gunjur began on the wrong footing. You know this.
There was not enough and honest consultation with the community. There are no royalties paid to the VDC so that the village could finance its own social service needs etc.
The people where not adequately informed about the environmental hazards that will come with this factory on there beaches.
Instead of going back to the drawing board, your government is engaged in harassing and arresting law innocent citizens leaving the china man, who is the true criminal here, to continue operating as if nothing had happened. Wallahi, you two should also go be prosecuted for letting such a gross violation of citizens rights to happen under your watch.
Shame on you two.
“…Government…review all…companies…activities to ensured communities…environment is protected to guarantee the survival of present and future generations…”
The environment is one thing that belongs & links the interdependence for lives; between living & non-living things for the very basic survival of the human being which is (MUST BE) NECESSITY…
The trucks plying the Faraba community & areas, damaging the poor roads network & landscape; making the areas difficult to be motorable; in addition to the environmental degradable illicit sandmining are responsibilities mandatory on incumbent government mainly & largely on the very community/ies concerned; for truthful addressing & redressing for the very survival of the Nation Community including the selfish political players & the few leeches(compatriots/proprietary) & (everybody’s) very own families alongside the poor peasantry community being destructively exploited…
The inspector General, somewhere else, mentioned about “the Faraba community direct deriving revenue (D100, 000.00) from the mining co” which the “VDC chairman denied” on media; instead of engage the affected concerned communiy & the very Village Development Committee mandatorily responsible, lawfully in honesty, the “sheep cloth wolves” ran out on oppressive rampaging harassments; through some thuggeries; in “police uniforms” & from behind public offices, against the very deserved Lawful Owners; one can wonder but not miss the fact, who’s the liar(s) here…?
The very same continue to be said about the Golden Lead co illegality in South, down Gunjur; they) government) continue to spew lies, ; in lips-servings(services) ONLY; what about illicit criminal Air-Pollution the Golden “DESTRUCTIVE company is Lead(ing) all the way on the ground in the innocent community; the very stench foul odour; perforating our very own lungs, health & lives, affecting all in the community – residents & visitors; destroying other equally entitled businesses & livelihoods amongst others; not to mention the marine & other unquantifiable resources among the numerous effects in pollution….?
All communities go through their moments at points; for example, “mighty UK” borrowed some $3.9 billion from the IMF in 1976; under James Callaghan Labour Party government – the largest ever loan sought (taken) from IMF; so are we (Gambia) too, amongst other countries world over; but we must be responsible enough inclusively, to find (we MUST) realistic effective solutions for positive realisations for any meaningful progression to take effect Communally; not through illegitimate ‘superior enforcements’ for ulterior motivational endeavours of the few; irrespective of consequences communally….?
I hereby call on the Gunjur Environmentalists & Faraba youths to report their grievance to the Truth Reconciliation & Reparation (TRRC) Commission for redress; so (that) independent bodies can be engaged & involve in testing the Golden Lead pollution levels & provide independent verifiable results; NOT the alleged so-called tests being emphasised & relied upon, by the ‘persecuting judge-juries’ policy being relied upon currently by the government supposed to be genuinely deliberating at the helm…
The whole of Gambia (majority) stand in continuous solidarity together all the way & at all times; against any form of parasitism; the community & humanity in general will not be kind to the ‘devils’ among us (humans)…
God bless Gambia….
Madi Jobarteh,
I take you seriously. This is what we have to do. To tell this CORRUPT and INCOMPETENT administration that its violating the rights of the people of Kombo Gunjur and Kombo Faraba Banta. When people legally fight their rights to get a better future, it’s deemed illegal by a CORRUPT bunch of very SELFISH and UNPATRIOTIC administrators.
Who will trust the Inspector General of Police? A CORRUPT LIAR who’s in office to fill his pocket with HARAM.
Release the Gunjur and Faraba Banta people without charges and leave their soil for the future of their respective communities.
Dr Isatou Sarr,
When you beat the living daylights out of Lamin when you meet him, won’t you be worse than what you advocate?
No Babu
I will feel great
Yaya Jammeh is also said to have enjoyed inflicting pain and cruelty on his fellow human beings. He dishes out money after torture sessions and smoke all manner of things to celebrate and feel great.
“… Remember, Fatou Jaw Manneh is born and bred Gunjurian – unlike Madi…”
Dida Lair Halake(Ringo! – in Mandinka)…
(Fact) Fatou Jaw Manneh is Sukuta Saabiji, North Kombo born & bred; NOT South Kombo Gunjur….
You are “Ethiopia associated Kenyan”; what soever warrants you into your appalling Devilish Modus Operandi of your this life of a diabolical heartless mercenary…?; (“tell me your friends, I’ll tell you who you definitely are”) why were your murderous “friends calling you a British turncoat spy, in mission on their Devilish Evil kanilai Devil Killerdom machine’s services; in insinuations, which you couldn’t decode enough, assuming them as mere “jokes” in immaturity; why did you take to your heels, when reality came to ‘bite your dirty-behind’; instead of staying as genuine, when your personal safety wasn’t guaranteed on the world-stage level anymore….?
Evidently, what do one like Dida actually (factually do) know, except the blatant myopic assumption of presumed “intellect of farcicals”; in the Lucifer Devil’s services only, against genuine human beings, across the globe…
(Dida) You have Memories only: out of your ignorance; despite been through some presumed form of “formal schooling” but not facts; neither (based) on any real sense of belonging for purpose; neither in your home in Ethiopia, Kenya, &/ Innocent Gambia; & I believe right here in England too…
Can you Dida, for one, answer why the stench lungs infectious air pollution is being ignored, not acknowledged & ruled out, so far, of Golden Lead Co “damaging the environment” by the government officials involved; will any of the ministers & those interested parties in the Golden Lead illegality accept to live under those circumstances in their communities they & families live in…?
There’s something smelly filthy about (Dida) your habitual devilish lies & meddling; blame on some substance abuse hallucinations…?
Lamin, I’m not surprised that you’ve been classed a “dangerous man”. Many have paid dearly for possessing the ideas you share here, through delegitimization, banishments, imprisonment and/or assassinations. Some, like the great Patrice Lumumba, had their remains dissolved in acid to remove all traces of their existence.
Indeed Lamin, you are a very “dangerous man” because the ideas you possess and propagate seek to alter the rigged, corrupted and manipulated global system that dehumanises 2/3rds of world population and fraudulently transfers 80% of global wealth to 20% of world population, whilst 80% of the population is left to share only 20% of global wealth, and to replace it with a fairer system that guarantees the rights of populations to their wealth: natural or created.
In this war, the battle for our minds, which is the most difficult one, must be fought and won first, but as you very well know, it is not going to be easy. The achitects of this corrupt system had a good head start over us, and for them, maintaining it is a matter of life and death. Any challenge to change this status quo, as so obnoxiously stated by Paul Wolfowitz, one time president of the WB, is a threat to world peace. That is the magnitude of the challenge we face and it’s not getting any easier, as new generations of the oppressors have only brought more aggressive players onto the political, economic and financial stages for us and an increasing line of ever ready puppets (our own people) to serve the cause. Keep it up.
OK, my in-law, I buy your thesis. But “Keep it up”? Sounds heartless in the circumstances you described!
I meant, “keep up the struggle.” How is that heartless? Not the fracas with Dr Sarr..
It’s indeed an honor to mention the names of giants like Lumumba in talking about my little contribution am trying to make to the progress and welfare of our people. Bax thank you for those motivating words, I appreciate it.
Dida am aware, very much aware of the dangers of having views like mine. In Africa, such views turn you into a jail bird if you are lucky not to get shot by the very people you care so much about. I have no illusions about that. But I have decided to live my life for me, my family and Africa. A commitment to the latter comes with very high hazards some of which Bax has already mention. But you know what? Ain’t gonna give it up for comfort and material gains of the world.
The “keep it up” I understood to mean “let’s do it”!
Finally, even though Dr. Sarr has manifested some very deep seated antagonistic attitudes towards me, I still consider her a useful asset in our push to free our people from mental subjugation and the ever present danger of recolonization.
I think any government that puts its citizens on trial for merely expressing political opinions peacefully (whether that’s in a demonstration, a conference, a political platform or in any public space) cannot claim to be a respecter of citizens’ rights.
And when the citizens’ actions is a direct consequence of the failures of the government to address their concerns, then the reaction of the government to criminalise the youths, as is the case here, thus becomes an admission of their lack of ideas and understanding required to meet the challenges of governance.
The Barrow led Coalition Government is, undoubtedly, a huge improvement from the criminal, one man dictatorship of Yaya Jammeh, but it has not sufficiently demonstrated that it fully understands the challenges it faces, never mind address them. One even wonders whether it (The government) knows the full extent of what it has inherited and what it needs to do. (And this is stated with ALL DUE RESPECT .)
For a start, as the author has stated, the government needed to review the operations of ALL companies engaged in resource exploitation to establish their worth to the economy, their compliance to domestic laws and what improvements needed to be made to the legal and/or regulatory structures to facilitate private sector contribution to National Development, as well as protect the interest of indigenous communities and workers in the affected locations/development sites.
The government also needed, if it had not done so, to carry out a comprehensive AUDIT exercise of ALL entities that are connected to the government and tax payers.
At the moment, all this government seems focused on is taking loans and begging. Whilst this may seem to solve the problems of cash availability and under investment in the short term, it cannot be the strategy for long term sustainable development. That has to combine reliance mainly on the INTERNAL FACTORS, local communities and external factors.
The good thing from our (those who offer an alternative approach) perspective is that ALL political parties that were in opposition against the APRC, except PDOIS, are the ones running government today. So, the voters can “kill” 5 birds with a stone, if things don’t change by next round of elections.
All neocolonial African governments use the same tactic to silence and subjugate their populace. They use the security apparatus to inflict violence and laws from the colonial era to prosecute and imprison the innocent. All in an attempt to cling unto power forever.
Right now in The Gambia, we have two convicts wrongly serving as ministers and everyone is damn silent about that. Why? Dida jump in here.
However, the heroes in Gunjur and Faraba will be asked to report to the police on a regular basis until god knows when, wasting their precious time and resources.
The self contradictory application of the law and the double standard is very glaring.
But honestly one cannot expect better with the calibre of clueless half wits we have running the affairs of the country.
Now it’s left to the people (all of us), to speak truth to power for a change of direction or just keep on day dreaming for a change of fortune from heaven. As we always do.
http://foroyaa.gm/village-elders-associate-themselves-with-protesters-against-sand-mining/
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Open the above link and be your own judge as to whether this is the kind of raw deal our citizens deserve from a government that came to power with the promise of bettering our lot than Yaya, the moron.
If peoples livelihoods is been taken away from them, leaving families to starve without any arrangements to secure them a replacement to survive on, they should REVOLT.
Because of such incidences, PDOIS have been calling for the institution of the land commission established by the Gambian constitution. Ousainou and his Vice President never listen.
Faraba and Gunjur, rise and revolt.
@Lamin: “Right now in The Gambia, we have two convicts wrongly serving as ministers and everyone is damn silent about that. Why? Dida jump in here.”
@Dida: Nelson Mandela and many of his top leadership colleagues in post-Apartheid South Africa were “convicts” – and the Late Great Mama Winnie Mandela was convicted 100 times or more and yet South Africa and the Whole of Black Africa LOVED her to the end (RiP Mama).
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SOLUTION:
Lamin, I do not dispute that Golden Leaf activities and Sand-Mining are SERIOUS issues … just as the Uhuru-Raila conflict that brought Kenya to the edge of Civil War was a few months ago.
Uhuru, Raila and Kenya found a way to avoid Civil War – and the country which celebrates Madaraka Day today (“Republican Day” Madi!) has descended into a NATIONWIDE LOVE-FEST which sees all parties shaking hands, hugging and “prayer meeting” at the slightest opportunity.
An “uprising” and “revolt” in Faraba and Gunjur WILL NOT address the problem because ANY state’s FIRST DUTY is to:-
1. Maintain Law and Order;
2. Safeguard lives against any IMMINENT danger;
3. Safeguard property against any IMMINENT danger.
Rather than an “uprising” and “revolt”, which ANY state will use legitimate force to prevent, the resolution to these problems needs to follow the following steps:-
1. An objective assessment of the situation on the ground, by independent experts, to assess what the actual FACTS and problems are – without apportioning blame; (The Commonwealth could help by providing independent experts).
2. A thorough and objective “Resolution Assessment Report” by the said experts for the resolution to the problem;
3. The “Resolution Assessment Report” to be completed within 90 days, with all parties including the villagers, the companies and the government agreeing to accept and enforce the “Resolution Assessment Report”.
Clearly Lamin,
The PEACEFUL WAY forward that I propose may not be acceptable to the PDOIS Revolutionaries (sorry my in-law!) and Activist Revolutionaries (sorry Madi!) but it is the best way forward – and it is The Gambian Way.
PS: I just noted the Madi comment that “Police should maintain law and order to prevent violence – but MUST NOT ARREST”!
How does one maintain “law and order” to prevent violence (and damage to property) without the power to arrest the law-breakers? Over 2 U – Lamin & my in-law!
Dida I guess my use of the word “revolt“ is been miscontextualized. I won’t condone even throwing stones during protest marches. So I repeat, am not calling for any sort of violence in any form or shape.
Am calling for hoisting of banners, singing of freedom songs in front of the area councils and where the operations are taking place, collection of petition signatures and so on and so forth. Isn’t that a form of a revolt against the status quo? One can the revolt/resistance up to the International Court of Justice. I am not advocating mob behavior. Langauge has it’s limitations of putting a message across.
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About the convicts:
A selective application of constitutional provisions will not do. If they can be released through a presidential clemency, fine. But what about those who continue to be witch hunted under the same draconian laws to suit the needs and egos of today`s elite ruling class.
Glad for the clarification. Most take the word revolt to mean “violent” protest. We have had too much bloodshed in the Gambia, we don’t need any more of our brothers and sisters been shot by overzealous and poorly trained armed thugs. Peace
I suspect Ramadan might have impaired the good doctor`s cognitive capabilities yesterday because I have done the “clarification“ since yesterday.
Thirst combined with your nag to derive pleasure from bitter confrontations with me has veiled your power to reason a bit. In good humor……….
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Besides, I believe am talking to very intelligent people here who understand that words can have multiple meetings and won’t necessarily pick the most common connotation to make deductive conclusions.
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Just like anyone who cares about our collective well being, I won’t advocate the shedding of a single drop of blood on our land. I believe in the sanctity of human rights and human life.
I also know that actively resisting oppression and subjugation is the only way a people can free themselves from opportunistic instruments of power and coercion.
Kairo kang.
Chí jaama.
I just looked at Amadou Scattred Janneh FACEBOOK page and he uploaded some “evidence” of lorries dumping pollutants. But really, I think that is a POLICE & National Environmental Agency matter – not a political matter. Even here in UK we have so-called “FLY-BY-NIGHT” DUMPERS but they would be arrested straight away if caught and taken to court.
What we need on this GOLDEN LEAF problem is for the police and NEA to act decisively whenever laws are broken – and for Dr. Sanneh and the activists to gather and provide the evidence to the authorities. It is in the authorities own interests to act because otherwise communities may take the law into their own hands – that is what happened with the 2000 Student Demonstrations against a girl-student rape by a soldier and the Fire Station killing of a student. When authorities fail to act against illegalities people may resort to illegalities too.
I think Lamin and Madi are trying to say the same thing – but using inappropriate words such as “revolt” and “uprising”!
Dr./Lamin,
Analyse for me this “evidence” on Amadou Scattred Janneh FACEBOOK page. These questions arise:-
1. Those fish on the lorries: is the guy saying that the fish belong to Gambian fishermen but the fish are rotting now because Golden Leaf are refusing to buy the fish from the fishermen???
2. The dead fish on the beach: must have been dumped on the beach – or must have been thrown back into the water after they died. Who is responsible? The local fishermen or Golden Leaf?
3. The lorry spewing waste onto the ground: is it Golden Leaf owned or is it a Gambian contractor? Same lorries caused the smell in Kotu and elsewhere across the Kombos. But we need to know WHO is doing this: Golden Leaf or Greedy Gambian Contractors behaving illegally?
……………………………………………..
Now get this: Neither Madi Jobarteh nor Dr Amadou Scattred-Janneh seem to help us answer these 3 questions.
Dida, I don’t do facebook so I can’t see what Amadou posted there.
Nevertheless, am bound to assume he must have verified that the trucks, whatever they are doing on the beach, is connected to the operations of Golden Lead. Now, whether that’s evidence enough of an act of harzadous pollution is entirely a different story.
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You seem to be bent on debunking the fact that the operations of Golden Lead is wrecking havoc on the community of Gunjur and its environs when we know what’s going on.
Switch sides and be on the right side of history. Same applies to Doc.
Andy (too?).
So now Lamin, we are NOT ALLOWED to verify allegations made without being labelled REACTIONARIES???!!!
Am not sure what more verifications are needed to know our marine environment is been polluted leading to undesired consequences for the community of Gunjur and a future generation of Gambians.
I respect your journalistic instinct to verify and double check the source or sources over and again. Remember, this one has gone beyond that level.
I am not on facebook.
I am on the side of what is in the best interest of Gambia. Golden Lead is NOT a responsible corporate visitor. We must continue peaceful advocacy to make them respect us, and respect our soil or make them leave our country.
“NOT” Doc? VERIFY, VERIFY, VERIFY!
Dida, it is safe to say that most residents, even a donkey is not happy with Golden Lead in Gunjur at this time. I am convinced based on the information I have that this company is not following the rules, and their effluent are dumped illegally into the sea and discharged into the ground water. But that’s not my issue at this time. What I will like is a permanent solution that will benefit all sides:
1. First let’s educate our Officials that the bribe they are getting is not worth it. Do your jobs. Stop protecting the company.
2. Let Golden Lead know that we will work with them to become responsible. We can both benefit from each other. They can make money without poisoning us, and we can get jobs and other economic benefits.
3. All stakeholders must agree on an independent consultant to study the operations, decide on best practices and environmental mitigation that will be binding on all parties.
AGREE 100%, Doc!
Lamin, HERE IS A TRUE story:-
1. A man comes to my table at Ali Baba and says: “Dida, OCEAN BAY hotel is polluting the beach. You need to write a story for them to stop it”!
2. “TERRIBLE!”, Dida says and summons his photographer Mr. Njie.
3. Mr. Njie arrives and Dida tells him to take a reporter with him to Ocean Bay and get the Daily Observer AN EXCLUSIVE.
4. An hour later Mr. Njie and the reporter arrive and say:
“BOSS, THERE IS NO POLLUTION & NO STORY. YOUR INFORMANT WORKS FOR MR. X AND IS TRYING TO GET YOU ARRESTED”!
Question: “Where is the evidence?”
Answer (by my Gambian in-laws): My uncle Dida says so; my koto Madi Jobarteh says so; my Vous-mate Lamin says so; etc, etc.
HEARSAY is not acceptable “evidence” for me Lamin – more so in controversial topics such as the one under discussion.
I was representing someone in a Social Services meeting one day and the Chairman said:
“We are NOT in a Court of Law Mr. Halake!”
I got up with my ‘client’ to leave, smiled and said:
“Tell that to a judge”!
Social Services NEVER harassed that family again.
……………………………………………………………………….
PS: Dr. Sarr:-
I SECRETLY recorded that meeting and the SECRET recording IS admissiable as evidence in a British Court of Law. Repeat: IS admissable. Dr, did your “harassed” cousin secretly record her boss? If not why not?
No she did not. But he contacted her through social media to apologize for his actions.
Lamin, you said,
“Switch sides and be on the right side of history. Same applies to Doc.
Andy (too?)”.
Let me point out that I’ve offered ideas on resolving what appears to be the Golden Lead debacle but I will say this:
1. Let’s agree to remove the words poison and poisoning from this discussion. These words are reserved for narrow minded environmental activists.
2. The parties directly impacted in this unduly prolonged tussle must find the courage and willingness to come to the table. That way the conversation isn’t hijacked by self serving activists, opportunists and the press.
3. Where Golden Lead has invested in encatchment structures designed to trap all effluent for treatment, the plant must must be allowed to pursue that avenue.
4. The drive towards industrialization and a modern economy in Africa isn’t gonna come clean as the resources just aren’t there to invest in ultra modern, green and clean facilities. China went through the same challenges and is only working now to clean the air and the environment.
5. Those crazy “Rasta” must understand that agricultural processing of plant and other organic matter comes with its down side. Travel through the western or any other part of the world that sees large scale agroi-industry and you’d want to hold your nose on account of noxious fumes wafting into the environment. The same applies in modern dairy, hog and chicken houses in Canada, Switzerland or the tidiest of nations. People in these countries LEARN to live with modern farming techniques in the interest of national advancement. They don’t go pillaging and setting property ablaze!
Our call for transforming The Gambia will bring about unique challenges that call for dynamism and creativity. We must learn to look outside of the mainstream if we’re to find sustainable positions.
I’m with Luntango on this. Let’s be adults, go by the evidence on the ground, give the negotiations a chance to bear fruit and steer away from the age old politics of emotion and Radio Kankang that has dogged The Gambia from independence!
Fine, y’all kick Golden Lead out and then y’all go back to begging and eating KEMMEH DETTO from the brackish waters.
Then y’all can use the empty premises for a community youth center and/or BALE POUSSIERRE dance hall!
Remember that nobody farms in Gunjur anymore to grow much needed food. They all want to be commuting to work in TUBABU KUNDA like Nyambi Touray. Won’t happen!
So be careful what you wish for!!
I half heartedly agree with number 2. With the rest, I agree to disagree.
Why?: I see this issue as a governance and structural failure.
The NEA is here to regulate and adjugate in such matters. Now we have two contradictory lab test results, one from Senegal and the other from Germany.
Don’t forget the witnesses on the ground who have seen the destruction first hand.
The stench, the reddish color of the water and the dead fish streaming ashore.
No economic gain can be justified to out weight the calamities that are yet to unravel on scale and extent. The future should be safeguarded.
“…Let’s agree to remove the words poison and poisoning from this discussion. These words are reserved for narrow minded environmental activists…. Let’s be adults, go by the evidence on the ground, give the negotiations a chance to bear fruit and steer away from the age old politics of emotion…”
Andrew I beg to differ; this is a “non-starter”; truth is, there’s a problem which needs fixing apparently; the Golden Lead stench air-pollution in Gunjur is poisoning; not to mention about the toxic waste dumpling; that’s why the industrial communities you cited are cleaning up; best development practices are to learn from others’ (people) mistakes along the industrial revolution evolution; while one strive to improve upon, with improvements in technological advancements along with time & age….
The air is vitally crucial for the very survival & health of the individual; not to mention the food-chains cycles for every single person including the elusive politicians taking the cheap corruptible approach currently; thinking they can getaway with but not…
Factually, NEA have established (proven) evidence in the court injunction (which the politicians now interfering with calling for dialogue whilst persecution & harassment of the wronged-community continues unabashed); what evidence else does The Liar Halakeringo Devil about here…?
Apparently, we (citizens) are doing disservice to ourselves & community (only) in self-serving endeavours at expense of the very community we owe lots, if not our all back to in return (for the future generations unborn); why are the government officials mandatorily responsible & the colusive interested beneficials ignoring & dismissing the relevant air-pollution side of the golden lead toxicities…?
Apart from slowly sniffing life out of us all, from the air poisoning, there are other businesses on the ground in the community too, small hotels/lodges, restaurants, shops, etc etc etc most of them in the community employing & generating revenue (well well) longer before the Golden-coated destructive co came; who’s businesses & livelihoods too, alongside side the residents lives & livelihoods are being affected in the name of “development” for who…?; Not to mention poor Mother Gambia being “damaged for life” & the bleak-future this can only point towards, if we refuse to admit the truth nor matter who’s ox is gored for the collective betterment of the community together….
(Desclaimer-I’m not holding brief for Dr Amadou Janneh here) I believe Amadou as a citizen have his rights, constitutionally, like everyone else, to opinions about illegalities in the community; nobody should insinuate & associate the environmental activity in Gunjur for any undue political exploitation against his reported political wishes which are entitlements for all citizens equally, whosoever wishes/harbours political office….
Evidently Andrew, there’s a problem that’s why we (Gambia) got to this point right here; the government officials must swallow their prides & deliberate genuinely & for everybody to accept the truth that there’s poisoning indeed; & sought dialogue between the affected parties which can only be the realistic sustainable ways for industrial practices for progressive development they (government) are mandated for constitutionally….?
God bless Gambia…
Rectification please -… wronged-community continues unabated)…
Thanks
“…They all want to be commuting to work in TUBABU KUNDA like Nyambi Touray…”
Andrew if you aren’t Alagy Conteh, (Golden lead agent) like Lang once believed, are you a Jassey or Bojang…?
Bajaw is “kombo nka” but you might as well look for his roots & relatives everywhere because its the whole of Gambia – in Fulladu Pacharr, Kerewan Samba sireh, sami Pachonki, Basse, Fatoto, Kaur, Kerewan, Mbollet, Barra, kiang Jaali (mono-ming-naalu yaa), Bullock/Sibanor, Banjul & Nyofelleh, etc etc…..
Please let’s (always) leave the personalities out Andrew; I know uncle Bakary Nyambi but I’m not directly related in his family/family unit; take this from me; both late Tamara (uncle Nyambi’s late mum) & late Mbinki Cham (Allah SWT bless them all in Heaven – Ameen) remarried to me when their husbands “packed home”….
GAMBIA BAA-DING BUNKILING – (MANDINKA)
Aaah that Sami Pachonki and Karantaba Bajaw?
I’ve been there and seen how folks needed to unshackle themselves from the cycle of poverty to be able to feed their children.
And by the way, let’s add Niamina Jareng to the list of Mono Mingnaa Baalu.
Bajaw, allow me to point out that there’s little indication of pragmatism in the Golden Lead conversation but a lot of bluster. You may let Kombonka Yaa get you all entangled in your emotions in this matter but that’s clearly not going to better the lot of the Kunjurunkolu. I truly believe that this matter can be resolved as I can determine that the parties can find middle ground under the circumstances.
Let me also add that there’s a counter to every point in a conversation. This is mostly about the rumblings and undercurrents in Kunjuru bubbling to the surface. Being the astute observer that you’re Bajaw, that comes clearer.
You got it Bajaw, I’m a Jassey and my mention of Nyambi Touray or Bajaw Touray is always in kind humor and never out of disrespect. Now I take the burdensome Burrrrrka off!! Eh!!
You said it Bajaw,
“GAMBIA BAA-DING BUNKILING – (MANDINKA)”
However, Manding also says,
KUTA FULA LEH YEH NYO KING DUKA LONG!
Andrew, yes, we are together; thanks for the honest answer; we all (the Gambian) are blood-interrelated-relatives; who must solve the Nation Community problems together no matter what; yes a common ground is well said Andrew; the rest of Gambia seconding after you; like we all been saying since, along….
The government argued in the NEA Injunction court, for example, to “settle the case out of court”; (suppose to be settled on mutual agreement between aggrieved parties=GL & VDC) between Golden Lead & Gunjur community, who are represented here by the VDC mandatorily by the Local Government Act legitimately under the very government….?
Then “fines” were announced suddenly; (while Golden Lead operations & pollution continued unabated) by the judge-jury public officials (who are) supposed to be genuinely deliberating for the greater community’s betterment, than individual big-fishes; they (government) officials turned both the NEA & Magistrate Court’s arms; into “out of court settlement dialogue” which was single-sided against the whole Gambia community mirroring from Gunjur & the environmental pollution; BUT (government) can still terrorise & continue persecute parade the genuine community environmentalists, in the very same kangaroo Courts in misuse of “justice name of law & ordered”, on trumps charges, range from damage to materials, down to mere fact of one showing contempt & exercise protests with banners & symbols, etc etc….?
Certainly that isn’t one of the things this government should associate with; what about other people’s lives & livelihoods in the very same community too…?
How long does it have to go like it’s currently, for the officials to read the writings & take the rightful approaches…?
President Barrow, Aja Fatoumata, Lawyer Ounsainou, Dr Isatou, my humble sister Amie Sissoho; please take the responsibility for a genuine dialogue fairly, on this issue with the rightful aggrieved representatives of the community; who are being harassed currently; that won’t work; the effect will develop & affect other aspects of live in the community & beyond for a greater havoc, if not handled rightly….
God bless Gambia….
Bajaw points well said, but why am I being lumped with UDP politicians. I am not even a politician. I am an equal opportunity non-aligned Gambian. My political party is my country, my goal is what is best for ALL. Just like Lamin always label me an “elitist whiteman supporters” whenever we disagree, now you assume I am UDP. Not fair my brother. Can’t we just be Gambians on opposite sides of the same GOOD.
Clarification please “…why am I being lumped with UDP politicians…”
No absolutely. My apologies sister Dr Isatou Sarr; the above Dr Isatou isn’t you, it’s supposed to be Dr Isatou Touray politicians; just like the rest of them, you can see are all politicians; I should’ve made it clearer….
Sister Dr, I can’t fault you at all; in fact you speak for me all the time; with your selfless contributory dedication to nation building; my hat off for you & the gallant ladies in service of community…
God bless Gambia & we all…..
That’s how it’s meant to be – President Adama Barrow, Aja Fatoumata Tambajang, Lawyer Ounsainou Darboe, Dr Isatou Touray my humble sister Amie Bojang Sissoho; please take the responsibility for a genuine dialogue fairly….
Thanking you…