Freedom Newspaper: Can you briefly introduce yourself to our readership?
PK Jarju: I was born in the 1980s in Western Division and I started my journalism carer after the completion of my senior secondary education. While I may not have come from a privilege family in rural Gambia that depended so much in farming, I had a passion for politics and journalism since my primary school days. I joined The Independent Newspaper in March 2000 as a freelance reporter and a year later I was made staff reporter specialising in political and judicial reporting.Some of the high profile cases I covered at the time were the treason trial of Dumo Sarho and others, the court martial of Lt Landing Sanneh, the murder trial of the UDP leadership, the Sami chieftancy election among others,
In the summer of 2003, joined the Daily Observer under Sheriff Bojang Senior and Pascal Eze as a sub-editor and later rose to the position of senior news editor or deputy editor as my boss used to put it. While working at the Observer, I also started Allgambian newspaper with Bubacarr Ceesay which is based in the US.
Freedom Newspaper: Many readers are wondering if PK Jarju, is really okay? What makes you to take such an opposition stance against your brother Yahya Jammeh? Anything special about your opposition against Jammeh?
PK Jarju: I don't understand what you mean whether am Okay? Well if you mean mental wise, I am as sane and sober as a saint. I never drink or smoke. My opposition of the Jammeh regime arose from the fact that the regime is unfit to governed the country simple. Just take a look at the actions and behaviour of our political leadership and you will know what I mean.
The APRC regime does not have the interest of the Gambian people at heart. It came to power not to salvage the Gambian people but to fulfil the leadership's long term ambition of becoming the most powerful and wealthy Gambian period! The regime has hijacked the country and is ruining the hopes and aspirations of the Gambian people. The Jammeh regime is tearing our country to shreds. It is a regime that has seized the rights and freedoms of Gambians. It has transformed our God blessed country from a cheerful to sorry state. I see it as my responsibility and indeed that of every Gambian to stand up and oppose tyranny.
Freedom Newspaper: You shared the same ethnic group with President Jammeh. Many believe that PK being a Jola should support Jammeh come what may. Do you buy such arguments?
PK Jarju: National interest transcends tribal interest. I may have been born from a Jola family, which am very proud of, but I don't consider myself to be a Jola. I am ethnic blind and I consider myself a Gambian. If you look at my passport or national identity card, there is nothing there identifying me to the Jola tribe. All it tells is that I am a Gambian and I am proud to be a Gambian. It is very absurd for people to consider all Jolas to be APRC supporters. That is ridiculous. Although Jammeh is a Jola, but maladministration is affecting all ethnic groups.
Freedom Newspaper: How would you reconcile your past assertions on this very paper, that "President was developmental oriented and therefore Gambians should give him a chance to develop the country"? What actually went wrong? What led to your sudden change of heart towards a leader, you once praised ?
PK Jarju: Now lets get this clear. Like many Gambians at the time, I trusted the regime when it claimed that it took over the reigns of power in the best interest of the Gambian people. I used to believe in their policies and programmes and I even nearly lost my life in a car accident in September 1996 while campaigning for the APRC. But how naive I was. I thank Allah for saving my life, thereby giving me the opportunity to see the true colours of this fascist regime. If I had lost my life in that car accident, I would be looking down at the Gambia from heaven and crying, looking at the sorry state of our country's affairs. I was blinded with the white elephant projects the Jammeh regime is using as a political weapon to win the hearts and minds of Gambians. But after a sober reflection and analysis I have come to realise that the leadership is nothing but a wolf in in sheep clothing.
The Jammeh regime has lost its sense of direction and it can be likened to a ship in the middle of the ocean that has suffered a general power failure. The Gambian leadership is sinking believe me or not. The once formidable structure is splitting apart. The leadership is paranoid and trusts no one. And instead of gracefully exiting from the corridors of power, it is using force to cling on to power. Like I stated in one of my recent on-line postings, the Jammeh regime has committed gross human rights abuses against innocent Gambians it has sworn to protect. Utter disregard for the rule of law and democracy have led to a situation of uncertainty. A torrent of arrests, sudden disappearances have left Gambians today more confused by the uncertain direction of a revolution which is supposedly guided by President Jammeh in his "wisdom and magnanimity as the saviour of the Gambia".
Mr M'bai, let me tell you something about me. My parents despite the fact that they were poor farmers, used their hard earn monies to send me to some of the best schools in the country so that I can be wise. My parents knew that ignorance is a cancer and they never want me to suffer from that terrible disease. They wanted me to be enlightened, know who I am and take the command of my own destiny and I am proud to be doing exactly that. Yes, I use to support the APRC party but I am today ashamed to have identified myself with a party that has brought nothing meaningful but poverty and hardships to the ordinary Gambians. I am ashamed to have associated myself with a party whose leadership have made many parents fatherless, wives widows and children orphans.
I believe in democracy and there is no democracy in the Gambia. What we have in the Gambia is Jammehcracy, which can be best defined as government of Yahya Jammeh, by Yahya Jammeh and for Yahya Jammeh. And am I cannot support a regime that have no respect to the rule of law. Jammeh regard himself as god and he wants everyone to worship him. My conscience cannot allow me to ignore the brutality and sufferings Gambians are going through.
Freedom Newspaper: What makes you believe that Jammeh has failed? Any supporting evidence to backup your claims?
PK Jarju: Just take a look at the Gambia and you will know what am talking about. When Gambians should reflect on the very dark days of Yahya Jammeh's regime, they will find in "the revolution" an epoch seething with rage, plunder and recklessness. The Gambian people are being so cruelly held to ransom by a gang of politicians who can employ any means necessary to stay in power despite the deleterious effect their rule may have on the lives of the people.
The regime has failed to live up to its slogan of accountability, transparency and probity. It has become unaccountable, nontransparent and unable to get rid of the ills it claimed were riffed in the previous Jawara regime. This regime is worse than the Jawara regime and the once happy people of the Gambia are today living in a sad and miserable society; where a greater percentage cannot even afford to acquire a decent meal for the day. In other words, the revolution has brought nothing meaningful but retrogression, hardship, and endless suffering to the Gambian people.
What can be described as bad under the erstwhile Jawara regime is at its worst state today. Corruption is at its highest with the president and his cronies hijacking the country's economy which is squandered and diverted into personal use. The president and his associates, who were nowhere near the rich ladder before coming to power, are today the richest and most wealthy people in the country. They own vast assets and properties and businesses both in the country and abroad.
The July 22nd revolution was not brought about to alleviate the suffering of Gambian people. It was conducted by a group of unpatriotic, selfish, greedy, and power hungry soldiers who were only interested in becoming wealthy and powerful. They have become so intoxicated with power that they crush their political opponents and anyone who dares stand their way. Never do they intend to exit the corridors of power, for it is a dream come true. The national cake belongs to them alone. All those calling for a fair distribution of the cake are branded enemies and unpatriotic citizens.
While I welcome the construction of schools especially in the provinces, where I originated from, yet some of the schools can only be seen as white elephant projects. They only have quantity and not quality and do not provide the much needed education to Gambian children. Take for example, while many of the upper basic schools built by the revolution boasts of high enrolment, they lack qualify teachers, libraries and other educational materials. As a result only a small percentage of students get good results to make it to Gambia Senior or St Augustine's Senior or Nustrat Senior Secondary, which are regarded as the best schools in the country. With regard to public senior secondary schools, the number of students graduating with no credits in eight subjects is rising at an alarming rate. These students do not have a bright future. All what they face is a bleak future where they cannot go to university or get any meaningful marketable skills.
Although the government continues to rant about the quality of these schools, government officials prefer to send their kids to private schools like Marina International, Ndows' Comprehensive, and other expensive schools that produce good grades. Education in the Gambia today is divided between the rich and the poor. I say this because public schools that produce poor grades are for children from poor backgrounds while private schools are for children from wealthy backgrounds. Is that what you call success in the education sector?
On the health services, while government has built hospitals and health centres, yet many of these hospitals and health centres like the schools are not well equipped. They are continuously hit by persistent drug shortages, lack of qualified doctors and ambulances. Many Patients die of preventable diseases like malaria and the infant mortality rate gets higher.
In some cases, patients are asked to buy fuel for ambulances to transport them to major hospitals and due to the poor state of our public health services, many Gambians now prefer to seek medical care in private pharmacies and health centres.
The Gambia's agricultural sector is at its worst state. Cultivation of groundnuts which is the country's main export has declined rapidly due to disastrous trade seasons. The continuous failure of government to put in place effective agricultural policies has severely affected the livelihood of farmers. Many farmers today struggle to put food on their tables and the skyrocketing prices of basic commodities is causing a lot of suffering in the farming communities.
Despite spending millions of Dalasis on the Jahally Pacharr and Kuntaur rice projects, Gambians are far from being food self-sufficient. The price of rice Gambia's stable food increases week in week out. The country continues to import almost everything we eat from neighbouring countries.
I can draw a list as long as my arm regarding the abysmal failures of the Jammeh regime.
Freedom Newspaper: I am sure your family are not in support of your critical stance against the Jammeh leadership. What are their concerns? Will you quit writing because of family pressure?
PK Jarju: I went into journalism against the advice of my family. Every Gambian is aware of the plight of journalists in the country and my parents never wanted me to join a profession which although is noble, but hated by the men in Quadrangle. I am always under constant pressure to quit because my family perhaps don't want to see a bullet put through my head. I love my profession and I love what I do. But sometimes it is hard when you are given an ultimatum to choose between family and profession. There are so many things happening in my family life which I will not go about stating here in case it is misunderstood by some big headed people.
Becoming a critic of the Jammeh regime has given me two things. While it has helped to dispel the widely believed notion that all Jolas are supporters of Yahya Jammeh, on the other hand, it has made me a hated figure among the Jola people. Could you believe that some of my close relatives have cut off all ties with me not because I disrespected them or converted to another religion. Its just because I have the balls stand up against a bloody dictator who hates to be told the hard fact. I have lost so many Jola friends especially those serving in the army and other state security units in the Gambia. Don't look at my photo byline and you think that am enjoying. Am not. The worst thing that can happen to a man is to be shun by his family and friends. But you know what Mr M'bai, I will die with a pen in my hand. And may be I will add in my will that I should be buried with a pen and paper.
Freedom Newspaper: We read in ALLGAMBIAN.NET, that your life was threatened. Who are these people planning to finish PK Jarju? Do you know them? Are you worried by such threats?
PK Jarju: Looking at the record of the Jammeh regime, any threat should be taken seriously. If these guys can arrest and torture people for merely subscribing to an on-line newspaper, then what do you think they will do to someone who criticise them, more so a Jola who is expected to remain loyal to them at all cost. I was never bothered about threats. I do receive funny emails from people who claim to know everything about me. One of them is called Kebba T Sanneh a security officer at State House. Mr Sanneh claimed to known all about me including how I came to the UK, my private life, my home address among other things. The guy claimed that my village mates in the army are all sad to see me criticising the regime. And this are some extracts from the email for the benefit of the doubt:
".......I told you brother you are too young to think of this and is better for you to think of the future. I told you that most of us speaking knows you and you dont know us. Am always sad when chatting with your **** (my village) friends who knew you very well and always say they dont know what make you think of this. One thing you must know our intelligence work very well in the Gambia and our country is too small and all of us come from one family...... One thing you fail to understand the politics in the Gambia is base on triblisim. This is why they dont want to see Yaya. They think every jola comes from cassamance just as they are saying all Jolas of **** come from cassamance......Everyone in *****(my village) feel very disappointed to have one shameless Jola saying he s speaking of the truth. I told you there is no truth in this world...... You never know what implication that will bring you but you followed those stupid people in the USA, who is the tribe they fighting not development in the Gambia. I can reveal to that in the military of the Gambia 85% are all Jolas and any security you think of 60% are Jolas. Do you know why this happen? When most tribes where saying that there is no pay in the military and all decided travelling, the Jolas join the army and other security forces. Today we dominated and we ruling and we ready to die for the country whether you know it or not. We keep a dam to all cowards I call it who in exile wanting us to fight for them. Am sorry for you but you full address is know.... I should not reveal this to you but I just feel sorry for you. Sorry that our reggage star [Lucky Dube] is gone and even the president is his reggage star. He even gave a speech about the dam killers. Am back in the Gambia and we looking forward to seeing you ...."
I am not moved an inch by those threats. Allah is my Shepherd and it is only Him who knows how I am going to depart this world. But if these people think that they can silence me, then they better think again.
Let me say one more time to these murder happy boys at the NIA and army that I am not shaken by their threats and no amount of blackmail and intimidation will make me abdicate my noble profession. The Gambia belongs to all of us and it is our responsibility to bring the Jammeh regime to its senses anytime it enact laws or does things that are not in the interest of the country and its people.
These murder happy squad must never think that my commentaries and articles will ever disappear from the front pages of Gambian newspapers and websites. The ink of my pen shall never dry; neither will my computer keyboard get stuck because my instruments of information shall always be mightier than Jammeh's satanic sword and your machine guns and RPGs. Their claims that they know my address and what I do will never make me to move out of my apartment. I will continue to live in the same place and do what I am doing.
And in the event that they succeed in blowing my head up like they did to Deyda Hydara and Chief Ebrima Manneh (May their souls rest in peace), more radical Gambians including my son will stand up and express their thoughts and feelings on the brutal and dictatorial regime in whose name they are committing heinous crimes against the very people the have sworn to protect.
Freedom Newspaper: Why should anyone want to kill PK Jarju, because of his journalistic work?
PK Jarju: They are the only ones who can answer to your that question. But the byline PK Jarju will by the grace of Almighty Allah keep appearing on Gambian newspapers. It will only stop perhaps when am killed or incarcerated at the NIA headquarters in Banjul or secret detention centre. For certain, I know that President Jammeh can only do four things when he lay his hands on me and that is; kill me, torture me, jail me or set me free.
Freedom Newspaper: What would you say to government critics, accusing journalists of defaming the name of the Gambia? Are such claims accurate in your own view?
PK Jarju: You know what. It baffles me when I read such kind of articles. These sycophants are doing a great disservice to the country. Their actions are very criminal and the Gambian people should not pay heed to what they say on GRTS and in the Daily Observer. Its all load of rubbish. What these sycophants are doing can only be seen as an act of desperation. It can be likened to the last kick of a dying horse. They knew that the regime and the leadership they worship has fail woefully and all they do now is shift the blame on opponents and critics of the regime anytime they stumble.These sycophants wants Gambians to believe that Jammeh is a Puritan and Mr Perfect and that anything that goes wrong even due to his incompetence are not his faults. It is always someone else's false and in most cases they want us to believe that it is the opposition or journalists. How interesting is that.
These sycophants are taking advantage on the fact we the Gambian people are believing and trusting lot. They treat us like small kids who should believe in everything Jammeh does or say even when he tells us bed time stories of pigs flying, curing Aids, curing barrenness, dining and settling piece between devils or having the ability to know things that are about to happen in 40 years time. How wonderful is that?
The Gambian people have to wake up and see the light. Hello! But hang on a minute! Should we blame these sycophants? No. They are only doing their jobs. We should blame the Gambian people for allowing them to spread lies and their acts of hypocrisy. Where else in the world would these people be allow to do their dirty work? Well you tell me the answer.
Freedom Newspaper: The general perception in the Gambia is that most Jolas are NIA officers, because of their ethnically connections with the President. How do you managed to work with The Independent Newspaper, all these years, without being suspected of being an NIA agent? What was the reaction of The Independent editors, when you showed up in their office looking for a job?
PK Jarju: I joined The Independent at the age of 18. I could have easily joined the NIA looking at my school results and my family connections. But I have always wanted to be a journalist even though I knew that it is not a get rich quick profession. I hate working in organisations where you act on orders or force to do things that are against your conscience.
Baba Galleh Jallow, Alagi Yorro Jallow and Abdoulie Sey (Prof) were very professional. They never show the slightest doubt in me and have always treated me with respect. I was the youngest reporter in the newsroom and they did a very good job in boosting my confidence and giving me the ability to believe in myself. And I say thank you sirs.
Freedom Newspaper: How was life like at The Independent?
PK Jarju: Life at The Independent was very exciting. The newspaper has the motto Truth is Our Principle and the cardinal rule there is reporters must write nothing but the truth. Competition was very high among the reporters which included Lamin NB Daffeh, Alhagie Mbye, Mbaye Saine, Lamin M Dibba, and Namory Trawally. We only come out twice a week and as a freelancer, I have to work my arse off if I want to take some money home. The only way I can do that is to look for front and back page stories because page 3 stories only decorates the files in the computer room.
The Independent has always been a torn in the flesh of Yahya Jammeh and its editors and reporters were often targeted for having the balls to write stories that Jammeh never want to see on the new stands. Self-censorship was never practised there. We have a rule that Gambians have a right to know nothing but the truth.
Sometime later, Mbaye Saine left the paper. Baba Galleh Jallow left for studies in the US, NB Daffeh left to the UK too to pursue a course in Law and Alhagie Mbye later left the company after falling out with Yorro. Meanwhile, some new crop of reporters like Olufemi Peters, Sanna Camara, Omar Bah and others joined the company. I was later made staff reporter a position I held until I left the company.
I really enjoyed working for The Independent. But I have to admit that my family were always against me. They were always concern and would keep ringing me anytime am not home before dust. We were never afraid to write any story which is in the public interest. The NIA were always interested to find out the author of stories that sometimes don't have bylines.Jalamang Jammeh was also pain in their bum and the NIA officers desperately tried know who the guy was.
We work hard at The Independent but we also have time to play. Ahmed Carayol was our comedian in the computer room and he always kill us with laughter with his jokes and stories.
I will boldly say here that, The Independent was the place that can either make someone a strong, courageous and successful reporter or a weak and unsuccessful one. The choices are there for the men and women in the newsroom to choose.
Freedom Newspaper: What contributed to your departure from the Independent? Do you joined the Daily Observer because of financial fortunes or what?
PK Jarju: Leaving The Independent was not an easy decision.Alagi Yorro and Abdoulie Sey were like blood brothers to me and I will forever remain grateful for all the support they gave to me since the first day entered in the newsroom. I joined the Observer not for financial gains. I saw it as a challenge. And being made a sub-editor was a challenge I could not resist. Everyone want to progress in life and accepting to work in the Observer was another step I think was worthy for me to climb.
Like I said earlier, I knew that journalism in the Gambia is not a get rich quick profession and did not join the Observer to make some quick bucks. I was content with my pay at The Independent.
Freedom Newspaper: Can you reflect on your days at the Daily Observer?
PK Jarju: It would take the whole day if I am to tell you everything. But let me put it this way. The Observer at the time was doing well. Although there was this big question mark hanging in the air regarding its ownership. I believed in Sheriff Bojang when he told me that the company was owned by Amadou Samba. There was no sanction against opposition stories and all our daily prints are always sold out before mid-day. When I joined the Observer, Pascal Eze was then the editor-in-chief.
Mr. Eze left one or two months after my arrival there. Why he left, I don't know. Some said he was asked to go by the company's board after we published a page 3 story authored by Ebrima Jaw Manneh in which Baba Jobe alleged that HIV/Aids was invented by the Americans. The American Embassy in Banjul was very upset with the story and Jackson MacDonald, the US Ambassador at the time made a strong protest to the Gambia government.
Sheriff Bojang took over the mantle and he did a damn good job. The geezer knows his job and we use to finish producing the paper sometimes before six in the evening. I was in charged of editing the inside stories, columns and producing the world news and international sports. Sheriff was modest and honest. He was not bossy and he operated an open door policy and he use to joke and play with the reporters and other members of staff. His cook use to bring food to the company five days in a week which we would all eat together in the newsroom.
The paper also did very well under Ndey Tapha Sosseh, who rejoined the company as editor-in-chief after her studies. Ndey was very friendly but firm. She never took shit from anyone. While she was head of the newsroom, there was never a time when Sheriff Bojang tried to interfere with the editorial content of the paper. Sheriff only pop in and out of the computer room to give us press releases or adverts that were sometimes addressed to him. The only time you see him working in the computer room is when he is helping us produce the Sunday Observer.
Sheriff was never happy when the Observer board sacked Ndey. According to him, it was like been forced to divorce the wife you love so much. Ndey was sacked because the board was not happy with the way the paper was being run. She was accused of turning the paper into a more radical paper than even The Independent.
Her decision to go on a week-long news blackout along with other newspapers after the murder of Deyda Hydara also contributed to her removal.
One thing we later realised at the time was that the Observer was infiltrated by the NIA. An editorial staff we both trusted (name withheld) was recruited as an informer for the agency. Nothing was secret at the office and the agency was privy of anything discussed at the office and who does what in the paper.
The decision of the board to sack Ndey was a terrible mistake and great disservice to the paper. Her successor, Momodou Sanyang [Sanyangba] had no experience in journalism. The man had health problems and cannot withstand the air condition in the computer room. Well, he don't need to be in the computer room in the first place as he was not computer literate. Sheriff was never happy with the appointment of Mr Sanyang. Our sales began to drop and we started getting returns.
Meanwhile, unknown to us, Sheriff was having a secret kung fu battle with the board and he was later sack and replaced with Mr. Sanyang. Lamin Cham, the paper's sports editor, who was helping Mr Sanyang to edit the paper, was appointed editor-in-chief and assisted by me and Omar Bah. While Cham was responsible for editing the front and back pages, me and Omar were responsible for editing the inside pages.
I cried when Sheriff told me in the computer room that he was leaving the company. I had seen a resignation letter he wrote a day earlier which me and Omar Bah pleaded with him not to sent to the board. Sheriff was like a brother to me. He was not only my boss, but my teacher as well. He taught me many things and still have a lot of respect for him. The guy did a lot for the paper and the board should appreciate his good work.
Things were never the same at the Observer since the removal of Sheriff.
Knowing the weaknesses of managing director, the company's board started interfering with the editorial of the paper. But I refused to let anyone police my thoughts. I was then in charged of editing the opinion columns and I continued to use mails and articles that the board never wanted to see. I was ready to get the sack.
One day, I deliberately used an article in the opinion column authored by Salieu John, which was in response to the Justice Paul Commission of Inquiry. In the article, John had a serious go at Jammeh and even faulted his way of fighting corruption. Mr. Sanyang was very mad when he saw the article and he took Lamin Cham to the cleaners for not keeping an eye on the stuffs that I produce on the paper. After the incident, I was assigned new responsibilities. That is to produce only the world news and international sport. Margarette Jones was hired to edit the inside pages.
A commendable thing Mr. Sanyang did during his tenure was appointing some freelance reporters like Ebrima Jaw Manneh, Modika Bah, Lamin Dibba, Ramatoulie Charreh and Sheila Okomiya as staff reporters. He also improved the communication system within the company.
Mr. Sanyang and Mr Cham were later sack in connection with a story authored by Ebrima Jaw Manneh. The story was in connection with a meeting the Gambia Chamber of Commerce had at State House with Jammeh regarding the boarder impasse with Senegal. In the meeting, the Chamber of Commerce admitted that the impasse was hurting the country's economy and that the government should devise a modality of solving the dispute with Senegal. President Jammeh was said to have ordered a news blackout about the meeting and he was reported to have gone absolutely bananas when he read the story in the Observer.
Saja Taal and Mam Sait Ceesay were appointed managing director and editor-in-chief respectively. Their appointment put the company into more mess as everything began going from bad to worst. Saja Taal kept firing reporters for no reason. Take for instance, Malick Faye was sacked for just asking President Jammeh a question at the Banjul International Airport. What the hell am I doing here? I asked myself a week after their appointment.
The Observer was no longer the place for me. It was no longer the place for any serious minded journalists. In fact it was a dangerous place to work. The paper was infiltrated by NIA informers.
Freedom Newspaper: How did you managed to work at the Observer, under such a hostile media climate? Are you for real PK?
PK Jarju: So many things have happened at the Observer, which I haven't stated here. But I will reveal everything in my memoirs Inshallah. I used to ask myself why I was never sacked from the Observer.
I did so many things that could have warranted me to get the sack. What you need to remember is that, I was not the editor-in-chief. I did not have the final say of what was going in or out of the paper.
Freedom Newspaper: Was Saja Taal a good MD, compared to Sheriff Bojang Senior? Can you compare and contrast the difference between the two?
PK Jarju: Hahahaha. Saja Taal was rubbish if am to be honest with you. Comparing him and Sheriff is like comparing day and night. Like I stated earlier, Sheriff Bojang did a lot for the company.
When Sheriff rejoined the Observer, the company had hit the bottom rungs; no good machines, one broken down vehicle, millions of Dalasis in debts, incredibly low sales, very low morale. He successfully turned around the company by acquiring new machines, launched a new website, bought vehicles for management and staff, paid some debts, restructured the rest and started investing in treasury bills.
The paper's circulation was doubled as opposed to before when even with the low numbers it have hundreds of unsold returns each day. Under Sheriff, the Observer gave everyone a voice. Saja Taal on the other hand wrecked the company. He was a loser desperately trying to please someone above. Taal is an intellectual prostitute. He is a disgrace to Ph D holders. And I would not hesitate to show him the two fingers anytime I see him.
Freedom Newspaper: You were writing for the ALLGAMBIAN.NET, while working at the Observer as an editor. What was management's reaction to your action?
PK Jarju: Sheriff Bojang was the managing director at the time when I joined partnership with Bubacarr Ceesay who founded Allgambian. Sheriff never complained about my association with another newspaper. I think he only told me off once for reproducing a story on Allgambian about the arrest of Wally Hakim, who was arrested in connection with the murder of Deyda Hydara.
Things were opposite when Taal came in. Like all cannabis smokers, he was paranoid. He nearly gave me the sack after someone told him about my association with Allgambian, which at the time was giving him a real headache. Taal never trusted me. He was a ruthless NIA informer who never hesitated to report even his own members of staff to the Gestapo. A friend of mine at the agency once advised me to be mindful of Dr Taal. It would have been very foolish of me to have hanged around in the Gambia after quiting the Observer. I would definitely have been another Chief Manneh.
Freedom Newspaper: As a former Daily Observer editor, did you bother to find out who owns the paper? Did you gather any evidence linking President Jammeh to the paper's ownership?
PK Jarju: I was told by my employers that the paper was owned by Amadou Samba, which I naively believed. But after the appointment of Mam Sait Ceesay as Editor-in-Chief, he admitted to me that the paper was owned by Jammeh. In fact he said Jammeh was always moaning of the fact the Observer treat him worst than The Independent. I was also later privy of information that the company was indeed owned by Jammeh and that Amadou Samba was given power of attorney to negotiate and buy the company on behalf of Jammeh. Whether this true or not I don't know. Its all hear say.
Freedom Newspaper: What can you tell us about Mam Sait Ceesay? Did he like the AllGAMBIAN and the Freedom Newspaper?
PK Jarju: The Daily Observer was not the place for Mam Sait. The guy was too busy running his State House job and never had time for the paper. But I don't blame the guy. He was just following orders given to him by his boss. I had a good working relationship with him and I wish him the very best in his court case.
Allgambian was a torn in the flesh of Dr Taal and Mr Ceesay. The paper carried so many article that criticised the appointment and manner in which the two were running the paper. At the beginning, the duo started a war of words with Allgambian which quickly ended after realising that they were fighting a lost battle. Instead they tried to fish out the unknown insider who was said to be posting articles to Allgambian. Freedom Newspaper was then not established.
Freedom Newspaper: Where were you when Ceesay emailed the editors of the ALLGAMBIAN, accusing them of trying destabilise the Gambia? What necessitated the said letter? Any clues?
PK Jarju: It was not Mam Sait. It was Dr Taal. The harsh email was in respond to the paper's editorial policy as well as some of the articles the paper was writing about him and Mam Sait.
Freedom Newspaper: Who is Dida Halake?
PK Jarju: Here we go. Dida is a friend of mine. The geezer was an Ethiopian who fled to Kenya during the war. He attended school in Kenya and later came to the UK. Until his appointment as Observer's managing director, Mr Halake was teaching in Leeds, West Yorkshire. He is married to a Gambian wife with whom he has two children.
Freedom Newspaper: In your recent writings, you claimed that you were among the signatories to Dida Halake's will. What is the said will all about?
PK Jarju: I will have to respect my friend's privacy here. In as much as I disagree with him, it would be very improper for me to say what and what is in the will.
Freedom Newspaper: In your view, what must have compelled Dida Halake to issue the said will? Did Halake foresee any family infighting over his properties after his demise?
PK Jarju: I think the best person to answer that question is Mr Halake. He trusted me by letting me to be a co-signatory to his will and I will maintain that trust and respect.
Freedom Newspaper: In your view, is Dida Halaki, management material? Is he qualified for that job?
PK Jarju: Although am not in the Gambia but I can say for certain that the guy is doing a very good job. He is doing what he is employed to do which is to be a propaganda machinery to President Jammeh and the APRC party. Well, the guy is a very good pen pusher I will admit and he know what he is doing. He is of course more than qualified for the job. Have you forgotten that nowadays, one does not need any experience in journalism to become managing director or editor-in-chief of the Observer.
Freedom Newspaper: Do you consider Halake's appointment as a mistake on the side of the authorities?
PK Jarju: No. Jammeh wanted someone who will stand for him. He wanted someone who will never hesitate to have a go at his opponents and critics. And he has got that in Dida. Appointing Dida as Observer's managing director is also helping to convince Gambians that Jammeh is loved by even white beard people like Dida who have been residing in the UK even before I was born.
Freedom Newspaper: Was this the Dida Halake, you used to know in the UK?
PK Jarju: I knew Dida since I was at the Observer. He used to bring me articles, mostly book reviews for publication any time he visits the country. We use to drive round town in his Suzuki jeep. Rasta Garden was our favourite eating place. The Observer was like his second office. He only stop going there after been embarrassed by Lamin Kujabi, who had a go at his mum and dad in front of the type setters and reporters.
Freedom Newspaper: What do you make out of President Jammeh's claims that he lost one of his devils? Is the President mentally stable, in your own view?
PK Jarju: I don't think he is mad. Like I said in my recent article on this paper, the guy is blessed. He is blessed more than even Jesus Christ. Why do you think he prays more than 100 times a day? It is a way of thanking God for giving him special favours that were not given to any humankind. If Jammeh can make women in menopause to get pregnant, cure Aids, dine with devils and above all know things that will come to past ages in advance, then he could be telling the truth. Innit? So don't be surprise one day when you hear him saying he can make the cripple to walk, the dumb to talk, the deaf to hear as well as raise the dead from the grave.
Freedom Newspaper: What needs to be done restore sanity in The Gambia?
PK Jarju: Sanity would only prevail if the Gambian people take control of the affairs of the state. We have to be the commanders of our own destinies. We Gambians believe in Yallah bahna. God has always been good and He will continue to be good. We need to wake up and say enough is enough to the President and his regime. We should have a desire to be free and the instinct to oppose brutality and repression.
Gambians should forget nursing the dream that international organisations like the UN, the Commonwealth among others will solve our problems for us. While they can influence the process, it is left to us to take the leading role as the country is ours. We are the only people who can stop this political madness. We are a talk and do nation and those who can talk must talk while does who can do must do anything within their powers to ensure the full restoration of democracy and human rights in the country.
Freedom Newspaper: Any last words, Mr. Jarju?
PK Jarju: Yes. May Allah, the ever merciful and ever gracious Lord end our sufferings and oppression.
Freedom Newspaper: Thanks, Mr. Jarju for granting us this interview. Have a great day.
PK Jarju: Its my pleasure. Assalam Walaikum.
Wednesday 26 March 2008
Sunday 23 March 2008
A friend of the devils
by PK Jarju
The Gambian president, Yahya Jammeh is not an ordinary human being. While we humans have two eyes, the geezer has four, which enables him to see both the natural and supernatural world. He is a special creation of Almighty Allah, and has been blessed with the means of belonging to the human and devil race. He even have the means to know things that will come to pass in 40 years time. How wonderful is that?
Hello! I am as sober as a saint and although it is well after 11 pm in freezing cold England, am still wide awake. So please don't think that am sleepy or drunk. I am also not taking the mick at His Excellency, the President either. Am just writing what the Gambian leader openly admitted to the Gambian public.
By Jammeh's own admission, he is a blessed and gifted man. Just think of this. Apart from being able to cure asthma, TB, barrenness among others, he is the only one in the universe whom God has blessed with the medical knowledge to cure HIV/Aids by using leaves and some verses of the Holy Qur'an.
Forget about Sir Isaac Newton, Albert Einstein, Alexander Flemings among others. We Gambians have a greater and perhaps the most intelligent scientist of our time. He don't need a scientific lab and his medicines, which have divine blessings can cure even illnesses that have for many years eluded the scientific community. And by looking at how blessed he is, his recent statement that he intervene in a fight between devils should not be surprising to me.
I am lucky to come from the same division and tribe with Jammeh, which enabled me to know the man who is running the affairs of our country. And believe me this guy is among the chosen ones lol.
When I was a reporter with The Independent NewspaperI once wrote an article in November 2002 captionAed: Who is President Jammeh? The article was based on an interview President Jammeh had in Jola with Alhagie Momodou Sanyang of GRTS.
Sitting on the bank of his crocodile pond in Kanilai, Mr. Jammeh while speaking about his childhood days said:
"In my childhood days here in Kanilai, I got a rare illness. My parents were very worried. They tried all sort of cure but my situation didn't improve. The hair on my head fell off and my head went bald. Many people thought I was going to die.
My mother [Asombi Bojang] took me to one renown dibia at the time who told us that I am going to be a great leader. According to the dibia, the illness was due to the fact that the devils were preparing me for leadership. That my hair fell off because I was about to wear the leadership hat.
As a young boy then, I don't go hungry. My stomach was always full and my parents would sometimes tell me off or flog me for refusing to eat the food they cook.
There were big Bantango trees behind our houses where I will often disappear for many hours and no one will know where I have been. And anytime I return home, my hands would smell of the delicious food I have eaten and people will ask me all sort of questions about where I ate the food and who cooked it."
Believe me, this are not my words but Jammeh's. My story is still in the archives of The Independent and the tape of the interview is in the GRTS library I suppose.
Because of his long term association with the devils, it is therefore not surprising to see Jammeh transformed himself within two years after taking over the reign of power from a poor malnourished soldier to the riches Gambian.
Hahaha chumwai Jilanka! So your friends, the devils were your World Bank. The unknown financial backers who rained money on you to build the white elephant projects and pay salaries of civil servants during those difficult years of the revolution.
So after all he is right when he tell the Gambia people during his election campaigns that if they don't vote for him the devils would vote for him to win the presidency. The devils indeed vote for him in all the elections he contested because I don't think there is any sane Gambian out there who will vote for Jammeh looking at the mess he has plunged our country into.
Jammeh does not trust the Gambian people. The only people he trust are his friends the devils. While he continuously moan about how he is often let down by his secretaries of state and permanent secretaries, the devils will never betrayed him and have always got him out of any difficulty he faced.
They are the ones who provide 24 hour security for him and makes sure that no weapon fire at him will prosper. That was why his military coup was nothing but peaceful. Not even a single soul was killed. Recounting how the July 22 coup was conducted in an interview with Ebou Waggeh of GRTS, President Jammeh said:
"While marching with my men to Banjul, we came across stiff resistance from some soldiers loyal to the Jawara regime at the Denton Bridge. These soldiers kept firing at us but I advised my men not to fire back. I told them that nothing was going to happen to anyone who is within 100 metres behind me. As we continued marching towards Banjul, the opposing soldiers realising that their guns cannot do anything to us surrendered." Incredible isn't it?
President Jammeh is so blessed that even Prophet Sulaiman would be impress with what the guy can do. This is because apart from he Sulaiman, Jammeh is the only creation on planent earth who has the ability to see both the natural and supernatural world as well as converse and dine with devils. And perhaps looking at how gifted our president is, the Gambia will soon be rich like Sulaiman's town.
Oh yes! That is why we have now discovered crude oil and vast quantities of mineral resources. And do not be surprise if you find gold and diamonds in the streets on Banjul.
For comments write to papak196@yahoo.co.uk.U can also read my blog www.pkjarju.blogspot.com
The Gambian president, Yahya Jammeh is not an ordinary human being. While we humans have two eyes, the geezer has four, which enables him to see both the natural and supernatural world. He is a special creation of Almighty Allah, and has been blessed with the means of belonging to the human and devil race. He even have the means to know things that will come to pass in 40 years time. How wonderful is that?
Hello! I am as sober as a saint and although it is well after 11 pm in freezing cold England, am still wide awake. So please don't think that am sleepy or drunk. I am also not taking the mick at His Excellency, the President either. Am just writing what the Gambian leader openly admitted to the Gambian public.
By Jammeh's own admission, he is a blessed and gifted man. Just think of this. Apart from being able to cure asthma, TB, barrenness among others, he is the only one in the universe whom God has blessed with the medical knowledge to cure HIV/Aids by using leaves and some verses of the Holy Qur'an.
Forget about Sir Isaac Newton, Albert Einstein, Alexander Flemings among others. We Gambians have a greater and perhaps the most intelligent scientist of our time. He don't need a scientific lab and his medicines, which have divine blessings can cure even illnesses that have for many years eluded the scientific community. And by looking at how blessed he is, his recent statement that he intervene in a fight between devils should not be surprising to me.
I am lucky to come from the same division and tribe with Jammeh, which enabled me to know the man who is running the affairs of our country. And believe me this guy is among the chosen ones lol.
When I was a reporter with The Independent NewspaperI once wrote an article in November 2002 captionAed: Who is President Jammeh? The article was based on an interview President Jammeh had in Jola with Alhagie Momodou Sanyang of GRTS.
Sitting on the bank of his crocodile pond in Kanilai, Mr. Jammeh while speaking about his childhood days said:
"In my childhood days here in Kanilai, I got a rare illness. My parents were very worried. They tried all sort of cure but my situation didn't improve. The hair on my head fell off and my head went bald. Many people thought I was going to die.
My mother [Asombi Bojang] took me to one renown dibia at the time who told us that I am going to be a great leader. According to the dibia, the illness was due to the fact that the devils were preparing me for leadership. That my hair fell off because I was about to wear the leadership hat.
As a young boy then, I don't go hungry. My stomach was always full and my parents would sometimes tell me off or flog me for refusing to eat the food they cook.
There were big Bantango trees behind our houses where I will often disappear for many hours and no one will know where I have been. And anytime I return home, my hands would smell of the delicious food I have eaten and people will ask me all sort of questions about where I ate the food and who cooked it."
Believe me, this are not my words but Jammeh's. My story is still in the archives of The Independent and the tape of the interview is in the GRTS library I suppose.
Because of his long term association with the devils, it is therefore not surprising to see Jammeh transformed himself within two years after taking over the reign of power from a poor malnourished soldier to the riches Gambian.
Hahaha chumwai Jilanka! So your friends, the devils were your World Bank. The unknown financial backers who rained money on you to build the white elephant projects and pay salaries of civil servants during those difficult years of the revolution.
So after all he is right when he tell the Gambia people during his election campaigns that if they don't vote for him the devils would vote for him to win the presidency. The devils indeed vote for him in all the elections he contested because I don't think there is any sane Gambian out there who will vote for Jammeh looking at the mess he has plunged our country into.
Jammeh does not trust the Gambian people. The only people he trust are his friends the devils. While he continuously moan about how he is often let down by his secretaries of state and permanent secretaries, the devils will never betrayed him and have always got him out of any difficulty he faced.
They are the ones who provide 24 hour security for him and makes sure that no weapon fire at him will prosper. That was why his military coup was nothing but peaceful. Not even a single soul was killed. Recounting how the July 22 coup was conducted in an interview with Ebou Waggeh of GRTS, President Jammeh said:
"While marching with my men to Banjul, we came across stiff resistance from some soldiers loyal to the Jawara regime at the Denton Bridge. These soldiers kept firing at us but I advised my men not to fire back. I told them that nothing was going to happen to anyone who is within 100 metres behind me. As we continued marching towards Banjul, the opposing soldiers realising that their guns cannot do anything to us surrendered." Incredible isn't it?
President Jammeh is so blessed that even Prophet Sulaiman would be impress with what the guy can do. This is because apart from he Sulaiman, Jammeh is the only creation on planent earth who has the ability to see both the natural and supernatural world as well as converse and dine with devils. And perhaps looking at how gifted our president is, the Gambia will soon be rich like Sulaiman's town.
Oh yes! That is why we have now discovered crude oil and vast quantities of mineral resources. And do not be surprise if you find gold and diamonds in the streets on Banjul.
For comments write to papak196@yahoo.co.uk.U can also read my blog www.pkjarju.blogspot.com
Friday 21 March 2008
Charity begins at home
by PK Jarju
When President Jammeh spoke of Gaza being an open prison, it seems that he has forgotten the deplorable conditions Gambians are living in. The Jammeh regime has transformed our God blessed country into a jungle where only the fittest survive.
The rights of Gambians are seized and their hands are tied behind their backs by a regime that claimed to have their interest at heart. While Jammeh dresses and portray himself as the most godly Gambian, ready to die in defense of Islam, the way he governs the country and acts to Gambians is very very unIslamic.
Before ranting about Israel, it was first expected of Jammeh to take a look at himself and his regime first. If Israel can be guilty of killing people who blow up its citizens or fire rockets into its towns and cities in the name of national security, then what about Jammeh? Is he completely innocent of the murder, arrest, torture and disappearances of his political opponents and critics? Hell no.
Since coming to power in 1994, the Jammeh regime has committed gross human rights abuses against innocent Gambians it has sworn to protect. Utter disregard for the rule of law and of democracy have led to a situation of uncertainty.
A torrent of arrests, sudden disappearances have left Gambians today more confused by the uncertain direction of a revolution which is supposedly guided by President Jammeh in his "wisdom and magnanimity as the saviour of The Gambia".
Gambians are today under the mercy of home grown terrorists who kill, arrest and torture political opponents and critics of the regime with impunity. With the full backing of Jammeh himself, these terrorists regard political opponents and critics of the regime as enemies who deserved to be buried six-feet deep.
And as a result, the bodies of many young Gambians are today decomposing in marked and unmarked graves across the country. Their lives have been cut short because they got the balls to oppose a dictatorial regime.
While Israel is guilty of killing armed Palestinians Muslims in most cases, fighting for freedom, in the other hand, Jammeh is guilty of killing unarmed Gambians Muslims who only demand for the full restoration of democracy and the rule of law in the country.
Gambians are today living in fear wondering who is next on the wanted list. A mere bust of car tyre at night sends children scrambling under the beds while the mere mention of the name NIA frightens the hell out of you.
Gambians cannot speak out in the street without looking around to see who is listening. The lives of many journalists have been torn apart by the regime simply because they write what the men in Quadrangle never want to hear.
The recent kidnap attempt on Yahya Dampha in Senegal shows how insecure journalists are. They are not even safe from the clutches of these terrorists even when living in neighbouring countries.
What sort of a Muslim is he who ordered the brutal murder of innocent school children on April 10 and 11 2000 and still continue to deny justice to their families?
How can a Muslim leader under whose command many women have been made widows, children fatherless and parent childless admonished the Muslim world to follow the teachings of the Qur'an? Oh! It is the do as I say and not as I do theory?
Jammeh has to stop acting like water that takes the shape and colour of its container. Muslims are expected to be truthful and honest. A true Muslim don't swear by the Quran and act differently. A true Muslim does not give promises and fails to fulfill them.
Jammeh cannot clamour for justice for the Palestinian people while the oppressed Gambian people are denied justice. He is tearing the entire fabric of our society apart and his continuous denial of justice to the victims of April 10 and 11 2000 is deepening the wounds of their families.
The Muslim ummah will only unite if Muslim leaders like Jammeh respect the rights and freedoms of their citizenry. Peace and tranquility will also rain in the ummah if the likes of Jammeh see them as representatives of the people and not gods who are to be worshipped.
As part of write ups on April 10 and 11, 2000, I hereby reproduced a report by the Gambia Students' Union (Gamsu) into the death of Ebrima Barry whose death sparked demonstration in which over a dozen peaceful protesters were killed.
As the Information Minister of the Gambia College Students' Sub-union [Alhagie Camara] who along side other GAMSU (Gambia Students' Union) officials, particularly the vice president of the Union, Alajie S. Darboe, were closely following the result of the death of Ebrima Barry since it happened on 9 March 2000. It is based on this that we had gathered enough information as to what had happened since day one when violence erupted between the deceased and his teacher at Foster's Vocational Training Centre.
On March 13, 2000, a five person delegation from the Gambia College, on behalf of GAMSU, visited the school which the deceased was attending. We addressed the students on matters of discipline and obedience, as well as the role of the school administration in handling disciplinary matters and not handing down such cases to the wrong agents in order not to repeat another Ebrima Barry's case.
After which proceeding we were brought three witness statement forms from the Brikama Police Station by one CID Officer in order to take down the witness statements from among the deceased class mates. All the interviews conducted with the Ebrima's class mates revealed the same story. Three were selected. Thus, one of the witnesses stated that:
"It was on Tuesday, March 7, 2000 when I and the late Ebrima were sitting on the same bench at the back of the class when Mr. Paul, the Commerce teacher, entered the class and instructed us to get seated in front of the class, which we did.
But upon doing so, Ebrima was still instructed to change position to another seat where the sun rays have their reflection. Ebrima insisted on not going to that particular seat and complained of the sun rays reflecting there.
Meanwhile, a heated debate erupted between Ebrima and the teacher which later resulted to the teacher scolding Ebrima. When Ebrima also scolded back, he quickly gave the teacher a hard punch on the face; thus a fight broke out. Then they were separated and Ebrima came back attacking and insulting. He was then calmed down and he went home.
Subsequently, the following day Ebrima was in class when Mr. Adjhao, the Senior Master, went to report the matter to the Fire Station from where he appeared with a Fire officer before the class and went away with Ebrima...."
Mr. Adjhao is the senior teacher responsible for the school. He confirmed that he did report the matter to the Fire Station, but with the intention that the officer will only witness the handing down of a suspension letter to Ebrima and escort him out of the school premises and nothing more than that.
He further attested that Ebrima came back to the school that very day with the father, the Fire officer and another old man in a bid to plead on behalf of Ebrima.
"I accepted their apology and assured the father that Ebrima could now come to school after the Tobaski prayer. This was the last time when I last saw Ebrima until on Thursday when I heard of his death", remarked the sobbing and regretful senior master.
"Well, Ebrima was an average student, but could have been more than that if he always applied himself. Above all, Ebrima was very watchful in class and did actively take part in class discussions but at times he would just listen rather than participate. Ebrima is also very regular in school."
"I will not say what I do not know about this incident, nor will I exaggerate the story on that ground that they killed my son. I was never aware of Ebrima having such a problem at the school with his teacher.
I only came to know about it on Wednesday, March 8 at the market when he [Ebrima] and a Fire officer came to me. I was asked by the Fire officer to go along with them to the Fire Station upon the orders of his boss.
Upon arrival, I was told that my son had no discipline; that he fought with his teachers and therefore was suspended from school. Then I said to the Fire officer to escort me back to the school to plead with the master concerned over the issue.
"At the school, I pleaded and apologised on Ebrima's behalf for him to be forgiven. I succeeded in doing so and I was assured that he would be accepted back in school, but only after the Tobaski prayer. I went back to the Fire Station to put to them that I had now settled the matter with the senior master. But surprisingly,I was told that Ebrima had to stay with them and be disciplined.
"In fact, we will shave his hair without massaging water on his head," one of them remarked. So, I thought may be they were only threatening him in order for him not to misbehave in school any more. Thus I left Ebrima with them and went to the market."
Later in the evening, on the same day, I reached home only to be informed that Ebrima was reported to have been in the Brikama Health Centre where it was claimed that he would not be attended to by a nurse without me being present.
I quickly went to the Health Centre and found Ebrima bending over the stomach complaining of severe general body pain. He was then prescribed medication and asked to report the following day.
Throughout the night, he could not sleep. He had a sleepless night and he told me that he was beaten mercilessly, shaved and water poured with water. The following morning, Thursday 9 March, I left for the market. But upon arrival at the market, I was told to go back home because Ebrima's condition had aggravated.
On my way back home, I met an escorting vehicle on the way taking Ebrima to the Health Centre and they stopped me. Upon getting into the vehicle, I found Ebrima lying dead, but they did not disclose it to the people there.
Quietly, we arrived at the Health Centre where the doctor performed a test on him after which Ebrima was declared dead. Thus the dead body was referred to the RVH for post-mortem."
Upon hearing the news, we (students at the college) all felt bad about it. The tragedy was a sad and shocking state of affair that lured the bodies of the entire students.
We were all sympathetic over the death of a colleague and we felt that as a family, immediate and quick action needed to be taken against those responsible for this barbaric and inhumane act.
"They must be brought to justice, for justice knows neither citizen nor policeman and justice delayed is justice denied totally", remarked one student.
Apparently, we knew that investigations were on but we also knew for certain that no arrest in connection with the death had been effected, which really frustrated and got into our nerves. Also, we did perceive that the word justice is one of the misused words in our day which is battered beyond recognition, distorted and mutilated and above all justice at times as applied in our midst is ridiculed by members of the law enforcement agents.
Thus, all these factors put together prompted and warranted us, as a family, to cry out louder for justice to prevail and to take to the streets of Brikama way down to the Commissioner's Office peacefully in our large numbers on Wednesday, March 22.
This was also in line with the raping of a 13-year old school girl from Brikamaba Junior Secondary School, who represented her school in the Inter-Schools Sports Competition two weeks ago by an unknown paramilitary officer.
During the march pass, we went as a body to extend our condolence to the bereaved family and on our way back to the College, we had an ordeal with officers of Brikama Fire and Ambulance Service where they (the officers) started the stoning which later turned to raining down of stones from both ends and in the process one of the fire ambulances' windscreen was smashed to pieces.
Soon after this encounter we (the students) had a closed door meeting in the Principal's Office which was filled with a high powered delegation from the Department of State for Education. Among them was the Permanent Secretary and some security personnel from almost all its branches. They included Landing 13 Badjie - the commander of the Serious Crime Unit; intelligence officers from the President's Office; police detectives and CID personnel; the commissioner of Western Division; the Chief of Kombo Central and the Principal Education Officer for Region 2.
During the meeting, 13 Badjie said: "I do not blame you (the students) much since you should have been informed of the latest development as to how far we have gone into the issue, and I am not here to tell you sweet words but the hard fact and not because the situation at hand is tense." We were advised and assured of justice taking its right course.
Besides, I was given a copy of the post-mortem (autopsy) report on Ebrima Barry.
"On the instructions of the Coroner of BRIKAMA, the undersigned on this day carried out a Post-Mortem examination within the mortuary of this institution on the body of EBRIMA BARRY which was identified in my presence by the following persons:
1. Saikou Barry - uncle of Brikama Perseverance;
2. Kebba Barry - Brother of Brikama Perseverance.
Present at the identification was 1ST CC 448 KALILU BOJANG - BRIKAMA POLICESTATION.
"My findings are as follows:-
EXTERNAL EXAMINATION
The body is that of an average build African male of 25 years. It is well preserved and well nourished. No trace and evidence of beating in the external examination were found.
INTERNAL EXAMINATION
At the opening the thoracic cavity many abnormalities of the heart vessel greats and mediastinum were found. All the structures were found in the normal anatomic position. Into the trachea and bronchial lumen were found aereate secretion. In the inspection and examination of the lungs were found that both were increased in size and weight and edema were present. The right lung showed a bigger area of the infarct located in the middle lobe and in the base with severe harmorrhage necrosis.
ABDOMINAL CAVITY
LIVER - Increased in size and weight with fatty liver appearance.
SPLEEN - Normal
PANCREAS - Normal
INTESTINE - Normal
KIDNEYS - Normal
REST - Normal.
The scalp is normal, all the skull bones are normal. No fracture are seen. The suture line of skull were very carefully examined. The brain was normal only showed mild edema and congestion. No abnormalities that has relationship with trauma was found.
CONCLUSIONS
CAUSE OF DEATH-Infarct of the right lung located in the middle lobe and base with severe harmorrhagic necrosis. Severe edema of both lungs.Acute respiratory insufficienceHepatic estaetosis.
DR RAFAEL RIZO
HISTOPATHOLOGIST
RVH.
When President Jammeh spoke of Gaza being an open prison, it seems that he has forgotten the deplorable conditions Gambians are living in. The Jammeh regime has transformed our God blessed country into a jungle where only the fittest survive.
The rights of Gambians are seized and their hands are tied behind their backs by a regime that claimed to have their interest at heart. While Jammeh dresses and portray himself as the most godly Gambian, ready to die in defense of Islam, the way he governs the country and acts to Gambians is very very unIslamic.
Before ranting about Israel, it was first expected of Jammeh to take a look at himself and his regime first. If Israel can be guilty of killing people who blow up its citizens or fire rockets into its towns and cities in the name of national security, then what about Jammeh? Is he completely innocent of the murder, arrest, torture and disappearances of his political opponents and critics? Hell no.
Since coming to power in 1994, the Jammeh regime has committed gross human rights abuses against innocent Gambians it has sworn to protect. Utter disregard for the rule of law and of democracy have led to a situation of uncertainty.
A torrent of arrests, sudden disappearances have left Gambians today more confused by the uncertain direction of a revolution which is supposedly guided by President Jammeh in his "wisdom and magnanimity as the saviour of The Gambia".
Gambians are today under the mercy of home grown terrorists who kill, arrest and torture political opponents and critics of the regime with impunity. With the full backing of Jammeh himself, these terrorists regard political opponents and critics of the regime as enemies who deserved to be buried six-feet deep.
And as a result, the bodies of many young Gambians are today decomposing in marked and unmarked graves across the country. Their lives have been cut short because they got the balls to oppose a dictatorial regime.
While Israel is guilty of killing armed Palestinians Muslims in most cases, fighting for freedom, in the other hand, Jammeh is guilty of killing unarmed Gambians Muslims who only demand for the full restoration of democracy and the rule of law in the country.
Gambians are today living in fear wondering who is next on the wanted list. A mere bust of car tyre at night sends children scrambling under the beds while the mere mention of the name NIA frightens the hell out of you.
Gambians cannot speak out in the street without looking around to see who is listening. The lives of many journalists have been torn apart by the regime simply because they write what the men in Quadrangle never want to hear.
The recent kidnap attempt on Yahya Dampha in Senegal shows how insecure journalists are. They are not even safe from the clutches of these terrorists even when living in neighbouring countries.
What sort of a Muslim is he who ordered the brutal murder of innocent school children on April 10 and 11 2000 and still continue to deny justice to their families?
How can a Muslim leader under whose command many women have been made widows, children fatherless and parent childless admonished the Muslim world to follow the teachings of the Qur'an? Oh! It is the do as I say and not as I do theory?
Jammeh has to stop acting like water that takes the shape and colour of its container. Muslims are expected to be truthful and honest. A true Muslim don't swear by the Quran and act differently. A true Muslim does not give promises and fails to fulfill them.
Jammeh cannot clamour for justice for the Palestinian people while the oppressed Gambian people are denied justice. He is tearing the entire fabric of our society apart and his continuous denial of justice to the victims of April 10 and 11 2000 is deepening the wounds of their families.
The Muslim ummah will only unite if Muslim leaders like Jammeh respect the rights and freedoms of their citizenry. Peace and tranquility will also rain in the ummah if the likes of Jammeh see them as representatives of the people and not gods who are to be worshipped.
As part of write ups on April 10 and 11, 2000, I hereby reproduced a report by the Gambia Students' Union (Gamsu) into the death of Ebrima Barry whose death sparked demonstration in which over a dozen peaceful protesters were killed.
Gamsu's investigation into the death of Ebrima Barry
As the Information Minister of the Gambia College Students' Sub-union [Alhagie Camara] who along side other GAMSU (Gambia Students' Union) officials, particularly the vice president of the Union, Alajie S. Darboe, were closely following the result of the death of Ebrima Barry since it happened on 9 March 2000. It is based on this that we had gathered enough information as to what had happened since day one when violence erupted between the deceased and his teacher at Foster's Vocational Training Centre.
On March 13, 2000, a five person delegation from the Gambia College, on behalf of GAMSU, visited the school which the deceased was attending. We addressed the students on matters of discipline and obedience, as well as the role of the school administration in handling disciplinary matters and not handing down such cases to the wrong agents in order not to repeat another Ebrima Barry's case.
After which proceeding we were brought three witness statement forms from the Brikama Police Station by one CID Officer in order to take down the witness statements from among the deceased class mates. All the interviews conducted with the Ebrima's class mates revealed the same story. Three were selected. Thus, one of the witnesses stated that:
"It was on Tuesday, March 7, 2000 when I and the late Ebrima were sitting on the same bench at the back of the class when Mr. Paul, the Commerce teacher, entered the class and instructed us to get seated in front of the class, which we did.
But upon doing so, Ebrima was still instructed to change position to another seat where the sun rays have their reflection. Ebrima insisted on not going to that particular seat and complained of the sun rays reflecting there.
Meanwhile, a heated debate erupted between Ebrima and the teacher which later resulted to the teacher scolding Ebrima. When Ebrima also scolded back, he quickly gave the teacher a hard punch on the face; thus a fight broke out. Then they were separated and Ebrima came back attacking and insulting. He was then calmed down and he went home.
Subsequently, the following day Ebrima was in class when Mr. Adjhao, the Senior Master, went to report the matter to the Fire Station from where he appeared with a Fire officer before the class and went away with Ebrima...."
THE SENIOR TEACHER WHO REPORTED THE MATTER TO THE FIRE STATION
Mr. Adjhao is the senior teacher responsible for the school. He confirmed that he did report the matter to the Fire Station, but with the intention that the officer will only witness the handing down of a suspension letter to Ebrima and escort him out of the school premises and nothing more than that.
He further attested that Ebrima came back to the school that very day with the father, the Fire officer and another old man in a bid to plead on behalf of Ebrima.
"I accepted their apology and assured the father that Ebrima could now come to school after the Tobaski prayer. This was the last time when I last saw Ebrima until on Thursday when I heard of his death", remarked the sobbing and regretful senior master.
MISS CAMARA - EBRIMA'S CLASS TEACHER
"Well, Ebrima was an average student, but could have been more than that if he always applied himself. Above all, Ebrima was very watchful in class and did actively take part in class discussions but at times he would just listen rather than participate. Ebrima is also very regular in school."
THE DECEASED FATHER - ALIEU BARRY
"I will not say what I do not know about this incident, nor will I exaggerate the story on that ground that they killed my son. I was never aware of Ebrima having such a problem at the school with his teacher.
I only came to know about it on Wednesday, March 8 at the market when he [Ebrima] and a Fire officer came to me. I was asked by the Fire officer to go along with them to the Fire Station upon the orders of his boss.
Upon arrival, I was told that my son had no discipline; that he fought with his teachers and therefore was suspended from school. Then I said to the Fire officer to escort me back to the school to plead with the master concerned over the issue.
"At the school, I pleaded and apologised on Ebrima's behalf for him to be forgiven. I succeeded in doing so and I was assured that he would be accepted back in school, but only after the Tobaski prayer. I went back to the Fire Station to put to them that I had now settled the matter with the senior master. But surprisingly,I was told that Ebrima had to stay with them and be disciplined.
"In fact, we will shave his hair without massaging water on his head," one of them remarked. So, I thought may be they were only threatening him in order for him not to misbehave in school any more. Thus I left Ebrima with them and went to the market."
Later in the evening, on the same day, I reached home only to be informed that Ebrima was reported to have been in the Brikama Health Centre where it was claimed that he would not be attended to by a nurse without me being present.
I quickly went to the Health Centre and found Ebrima bending over the stomach complaining of severe general body pain. He was then prescribed medication and asked to report the following day.
Throughout the night, he could not sleep. He had a sleepless night and he told me that he was beaten mercilessly, shaved and water poured with water. The following morning, Thursday 9 March, I left for the market. But upon arrival at the market, I was told to go back home because Ebrima's condition had aggravated.
On my way back home, I met an escorting vehicle on the way taking Ebrima to the Health Centre and they stopped me. Upon getting into the vehicle, I found Ebrima lying dead, but they did not disclose it to the people there.
Quietly, we arrived at the Health Centre where the doctor performed a test on him after which Ebrima was declared dead. Thus the dead body was referred to the RVH for post-mortem."
"Reaction of the Gambia College
Upon hearing the news, we (students at the college) all felt bad about it. The tragedy was a sad and shocking state of affair that lured the bodies of the entire students.
We were all sympathetic over the death of a colleague and we felt that as a family, immediate and quick action needed to be taken against those responsible for this barbaric and inhumane act.
"They must be brought to justice, for justice knows neither citizen nor policeman and justice delayed is justice denied totally", remarked one student.
Apparently, we knew that investigations were on but we also knew for certain that no arrest in connection with the death had been effected, which really frustrated and got into our nerves. Also, we did perceive that the word justice is one of the misused words in our day which is battered beyond recognition, distorted and mutilated and above all justice at times as applied in our midst is ridiculed by members of the law enforcement agents.
Thus, all these factors put together prompted and warranted us, as a family, to cry out louder for justice to prevail and to take to the streets of Brikama way down to the Commissioner's Office peacefully in our large numbers on Wednesday, March 22.
This was also in line with the raping of a 13-year old school girl from Brikamaba Junior Secondary School, who represented her school in the Inter-Schools Sports Competition two weeks ago by an unknown paramilitary officer.
During the march pass, we went as a body to extend our condolence to the bereaved family and on our way back to the College, we had an ordeal with officers of Brikama Fire and Ambulance Service where they (the officers) started the stoning which later turned to raining down of stones from both ends and in the process one of the fire ambulances' windscreen was smashed to pieces.
Soon after this encounter we (the students) had a closed door meeting in the Principal's Office which was filled with a high powered delegation from the Department of State for Education. Among them was the Permanent Secretary and some security personnel from almost all its branches. They included Landing 13 Badjie - the commander of the Serious Crime Unit; intelligence officers from the President's Office; police detectives and CID personnel; the commissioner of Western Division; the Chief of Kombo Central and the Principal Education Officer for Region 2.
During the meeting, 13 Badjie said: "I do not blame you (the students) much since you should have been informed of the latest development as to how far we have gone into the issue, and I am not here to tell you sweet words but the hard fact and not because the situation at hand is tense." We were advised and assured of justice taking its right course.
Besides, I was given a copy of the post-mortem (autopsy) report on Ebrima Barry.
Post-Mortem Report On Ebrima Barry
"On the instructions of the Coroner of BRIKAMA, the undersigned on this day carried out a Post-Mortem examination within the mortuary of this institution on the body of EBRIMA BARRY which was identified in my presence by the following persons:
1. Saikou Barry - uncle of Brikama Perseverance;
2. Kebba Barry - Brother of Brikama Perseverance.
Present at the identification was 1ST CC 448 KALILU BOJANG - BRIKAMA POLICESTATION.
"My findings are as follows:-
EXTERNAL EXAMINATION
The body is that of an average build African male of 25 years. It is well preserved and well nourished. No trace and evidence of beating in the external examination were found.
INTERNAL EXAMINATION
At the opening the thoracic cavity many abnormalities of the heart vessel greats and mediastinum were found. All the structures were found in the normal anatomic position. Into the trachea and bronchial lumen were found aereate secretion. In the inspection and examination of the lungs were found that both were increased in size and weight and edema were present. The right lung showed a bigger area of the infarct located in the middle lobe and in the base with severe harmorrhage necrosis.
ABDOMINAL CAVITY
LIVER - Increased in size and weight with fatty liver appearance.
SPLEEN - Normal
PANCREAS - Normal
INTESTINE - Normal
KIDNEYS - Normal
REST - Normal.
CRANIAL CAVITIES
CONCLUSIONS
CAUSE OF DEATH-Infarct of the right lung located in the middle lobe and base with severe harmorrhagic necrosis. Severe edema of both lungs.Acute respiratory insufficienceHepatic estaetosis.
DR RAFAEL RIZO
HISTOPATHOLOGIST
RVH.
You liars
by PK Jarju
The Gambia Government was lying in its Tuesday's Press Release issued by the disgraced secretary of state for Communications and Information Technology, Neneh Macdoul-Gaye, in connection with the gruesome murder of Ghanaian immigrants in the country in July 2005. And it is not surprising to see a government that has a reputation of distorting facts shamelessly stating that the only eight mutilated bodies were found littered in the beeches of Brufut and Ghana Town and not 44.
What I can state here is that, over 40 mutilated bodies were discovered in July 2005 in the coastal fishing villages of Brufut/Ghana Town and until now, no progress has been made in the investigations pertaining to the murders.
Following the discovery of the bodies, the Gambia Government, which is being accused of carrying out the killings of the Ghanaians whom it suspected of trying to distabilised the country banned the state radio and television from reporting the case. Even the Daily Observer, which is owned by President Jammeh was very reluctant to published the story. It was only The Point, Foroyaa, The Independent and some online Gambian newspapers including AllGambian that reported the case.
Looking at the sensitivity of the story, one would have expected the Jammeh regime to have acted swiftly in trying to find and punish the perpetrators of this barbaric crime. But instead, the government dragged its feet and it is still continuing to drag its feet in the case. Investigations started only eight months after the incident but it went ice cold just after it started because of the unwillingness of the Jammeh regime to cooperate with the team of Ghanaian investigators. And all those who have been accused of having a hand in the killings were never questioned by the police. The men were all big fish who have all been rewarded with high government positions.
In a bid to let the public know who is telling the truth and lies, I hereby reproduced the government press release and a report presented at the 41st Ordinary Session of the African Commission of Human and People's Right by Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative regarding the gruesome murder of the Ghanaian immigrants.
Government press release
"It could be confirmed that in July 2005 eight bodies were found in the vicinity of Brufut/Ghana Town and not 44 bodies as reported.
Furthermore the nationalities of the dead bodies are not known.It could also be recalled that immediately after the discovery of the bodies, a press release from the Department of State for The Interior was issued inviting the public to assist in identifying the said bodies and any other pertinent information.
Furthermore a post-mortem was conducted on each of the eight bodies, the results of which were shared with the Ghanaian delegation that visited the Gambia on the matter. The claims that they were suspected coup plotters hence the killing are utterly false.
The Gambia is known for its peace and stability. Similarly, foreigners have always enjoyed freedom and peace in this country. Ghanaians have been residing in The Gambia for the past 50 years to the point of having their own dedicated town.
This unfortunate incident is equally a great concern to the Gambian authorities. Investigations are still on going and The Gambia and Ghana have agreed to have a joint international investigation committee to further investigate the matter."
Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative statement
"This case arose while a group of approximately 50 African immigrants were traveling en route from Senegal to Europe when they were arrested by the Gambian immigration officials.
The immigrants were last seen alive amongst various Gambian authorities, namely the Gambian Navy and the Gambian Police. According to reports, the remains of these immigrants were found littered throughout the Gambian coastal villages of Brufut and Ghana Town.
The" most comprehensive story came from a top Gambian official who wished to speak out against his govemmenfs actions. His story was that on July 23rd 2005 a group of 50 men, 44 of whom were Ghanaian, were intercepted in the waters off The Gambia while on their way to Europe and taken to the Naval Headquarters in Banjul.
Subsequently, the men were divided into groups of 8 and taken to a killing site in the farms of Siffoe in Gambia's Western Division, under the command of Major Ousman Sonko, Colonel Ndure Cham and Major Ousman Badjie. Once at·the fields, the State House men killed the detainees using machetes, axes, knives, sticks and other sharp objects.
The bodies were then indiscriminately dumped at various locations, among them the village of Brufut near Siffoe.On March 1st 2006 an investigtion into this incident was launched by the Ghanaian and Gambian governments, to be led by Nana Addo Dankwa AkufoAddo, the Ghanaian Minister of Foreign Affairs.
On March 14th 2006, Nana Akufo-Addo, Ghana's Foreign Minister said that it was proving difficult to conduct investigations in The Gambia due to the nature of the incidents and the circumstances under which they occurred, but" that both the Ghanaian and Gambian governments were investigating several locations and would soon come out on the matter.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ghana has confirmed in a letter to Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative dated 15th January 2007, that he, with instructions from the President of Ghana, led a team of Ghanaian officials to Banjul from 7th to 9th August, 2005 on a mission to seek audience with the Gambian government on the matter.
He said it was agreed that the two countries form a joint investigative team to spearhead the investigations regarding the deaths and disappearances of the approximately 50 African Immigrants.He said a seven-member Ghanaian investigative team later visited The Gambia from 19th - 28th January, 2006, during which time discussions were held with the Gambian officials to define the terms of reference and framework for the investigative team. It was also agreed that the joint investigation would commence on March 1, 2006.
The Minister continued that in a frustrating turn of events, it was later revealed. that the Gambian officials were not prepared to allow the investigation to proceed in Banjul but rather informed the Ghanaian team to conduct the investigations from Dakar contrary to the agreed terms.The Ghanaian team with the assistance of the Senegalese authorities proceeded with the investigations from Dakar from 10th - 18th March, 2006.
On 19th March, 2006 the Ghanaian team managed to visit Banjul until 25th March but never received any audience from the Gambian authorities save for a message from the Gambian Foreign Ministry through the Ghana Honorary Consul stating a series of reasons justifying the inability of the Gambian authorities to fulfilling their commitment including among others the absence of President Jammeh from Banjul.
The Minister said in his letter that after numerous requests to the Gambian authorities to revive the investigative work were ignored, it was later decided by the Ghanaian authorities to conclude the investigations in December, 2006.
The government of Ghana has observed that as a result of the uncooperative attitude of its Gambian counterparts, the attempts. to conduct a thorough investigation relating to this incident- have thereby failed.To date, there has not been any report on the incident and thus the true facts surrounding the incident still remain unknown to the families of these victims and . to the public at large."
Reading the two above press statements, it is clear that the Jammeh regime is far from being honest and its continuous reluctance to help the Ghanaian investigators to get to the root of the case can only mean one thing. It is responsible for the extra judicial killing of these innocent immigrants who were nursing the ambition of carving a better life for themselves in Europe and their families.
With regard to the Daily Observer's editorial on the same subject matter captioned Shame on You, it is not surprising to see a newspaper which is owned by President Jammeh coming to his defense. If the men at the Observer can be so dumb to believe in anything the government says, the Gambian people are not. They have for the past years learned not to believe in anything the government says. Its nothing but lies.
Take for instance, in January 2000, the government accused Lt. Landing Sanneh of throwing a grenade and firing at soldiers who came to arrest him in connection with an alledge coup plot, when eyewitness accounts stated the opposite. In the same press release it stated that Lt. Almamo Manneh was killed in a shot out along the Banjul-Serrekunda highway when he was actually killed at State House. In April 2001, government accused the unarmed student demonstrators of starting the shooting that killed over a dozen people when in actual fact it was the security officers on the ground. Again in 1995 it alleged Koro Ceesay died in a freak car accident when the guy was murdered. This among many lies have make Gambians to realise how untruthful the men in power are.
No Gambian is using the murder of the Ghanaian immigrants to score political points. What the Observer needs to understand is that a disgusting crime has been committed in the shores of the Gambia and the perpetrators of those crimes are still out there. And it is the responsibility of every Gambian to talk about it especially when the government is shamelessly keeping a tight lip.
Rather than trying to shift the blame on opponents and crticis of the regime, the Daily Observer should have rather asked the Jammeh regime why it is still continuing to refuse to cooperate with the Ghanaian government? Why should the Jammeh regime demand that the investigations into the masacre of these innocent civilians be conducted in Senegal and not in the Gambia where the crime is committed?
The only people who should be really ashame here is the Gambia Government and the Daily Observer. The Gambia has failed its duties to provide the peace and safety to its West African brothers. Thats the bottom line period!
Talking about how many times Jammeh won the elections is irrelevant in this circumstances. And do you know what the Gambian and Ghanaian people want to hear at this moment? They want gaddem answers from the government and not accusations.
As a nonGambian, I will excuse Dida Halake's ignorances. He can continue to glorify the murder happy regime of President Jammeh so as to secure his job. But we Gambians will not sit by and watch evil to triumph in our beloved country. While Dida Halake and his children Hassan and Jainaba hold British passports and can leave the Gambia anytime the situations becomes unfavourable, the Gambian people don't have a second home. The only know have one home and that is Jollof.
Gambians need to be aware of Mr. Halake's hypocrisy? We have seen his types before who iglorify brutal dictators and ignore the sufferings of the masses for their own selfish gains. These locusts are only interested in the green and juices leaves they fly away as soon as the leaves began to turn yellow.
For comments pls write to papak196@yahoo.co.uk. U can also visit my blog www.pkjarju.blogspot.com.
Reading the two above press statements, it is clear that the Jammeh regime is far from being honest and its continuous reluctance to help the Ghanaian investigators to get to the root of the case can only mean one thing. It is responsible for the extra judicial killing of these innocent immigrants who were nursing the ambition of carving a better life for themselves in Europe and their families.
With regard to the Daily Observer's editorial on the same subject matter captioned Shame on You, it is not surprising to see a newspaper which is owned by President Jammeh coming to his defense. If the men at the Observer can be so dumb to believe in anything the government says, the Gambian people are not. They have for the past years learned not to believe in anything the government says. Its nothing but lies.
Take for instance, in January 2000, the government accused Lt. Landing Sanneh of throwing a grenade and firing at soldiers who came to arrest him in connection with an alledge coup plot, when eyewitness accounts stated the opposite. In the same press release it stated that Lt. Almamo Manneh was killed in a shot out along the Banjul-Serrekunda highway when he was actually killed at State House. In April 2001, government accused the unarmed student demonstrators of starting the shooting that killed over a dozen people when in actual fact it was the security officers on the ground. Again in 1995 it alleged Koro Ceesay died in a freak car accident when the guy was murdered. This among many lies have make Gambians to realise how untruthful the men in power are.
No Gambian is using the murder of the Ghanaian immigrants to score political points. What the Observer needs to understand is that a disgusting crime has been committed in the shores of the Gambia and the perpetrators of those crimes are still out there. And it is the responsibility of every Gambian to talk about it especially when the government is shamelessly keeping a tight lip.
Rather than trying to shift the blame on opponents and crticis of the regime, the Daily Observer should have rather asked the Jammeh regime why it is still continuing to refuse to cooperate with the Ghanaian government? Why should the Jammeh regime demand that the investigations into the masacre of these innocent civilians be conducted in Senegal and not in the Gambia where the crime is committed?
The only people who should be really ashame here is the Gambia Government and the Daily Observer. The Gambia has failed its duties to provide the peace and safety to its West African brothers. Thats the bottom line period!
Talking about how many times Jammeh won the elections is irrelevant in this circumstances. And do you know what the Gambian and Ghanaian people want to hear at this moment? They want gaddem answers from the government and not accusations.
As a nonGambian, I will excuse Dida Halake's ignorances. He can continue to glorify the murder happy regime of President Jammeh so as to secure his job. But we Gambians will not sit by and watch evil to triumph in our beloved country. While Dida Halake and his children Hassan and Jainaba hold British passports and can leave the Gambia anytime the situations becomes unfavourable, the Gambian people don't have a second home. The only know have one home and that is Jollof.
Gambians need to be aware of Mr. Halake's hypocrisy? We have seen his types before who iglorify brutal dictators and ignore the sufferings of the masses for their own selfish gains. These locusts are only interested in the green and juices leaves they fly away as soon as the leaves began to turn yellow.
For comments pls write to papak196@yahoo.co.uk. U can also visit my blog www.pkjarju.blogspot.com.
Friday 7 March 2008
Mr. President did thou gave the shot to kill order?
by PK Jarju
Mr. President, following the publication of my last article, someone claiming to be a member of your Armed forces sent me an email claiming that you gave the shot to kill orders to your security officers on April 10 and 11 2000.
According to the officer, you regarded the demonstration as a challenge to your leadership and that the students were been used by certain tribalist opposition elements who were aggrieved with the fact that they had a Jola as president.
Mr. President, after much reflection, I was left with no choice but to agree with what the guy said. On April 10 2000, just after the Bundung Police Station was set ablaze by the students, some armed soldiers patrolling the Bundungka Kunda area came to our house looking for students.
Fortunately for us, they were Jolas with heavy Casamance accent. For these soldiers, the demonstration was not about the alleged murder of Ebrima Barry by officers of the Brikama Fire an Ambulance Services or the rape of the teenage student from Brikamaba. To them it was a demonstration against a Jola regime. And with the anger and determination in them, I was over a 110 per cent sure that they are willing to pull the trigger on any student they came across. They were not trying to protect the civilian population. They were only killing innocent people trying to seek justice to protect you, Mr. president. Yes, they were in a state of war against a student body who they regarded as rebels.
Thank God I was a Jola who could speak kasumai, karesibu, katisindai etc. Even though I was wearing my former school trouser, the soldiers never touched me. But a Sarahuli friend returning from the market, who was not even in uniform was not lucky. He was bundled into a military truck fully loaded with students and the soldiers on board could be seen flexing their muscles on them.
Don't get me wrong, am not trying to play the tribal card here. Am just trying to put one and one together.
Mr. President, any mature political leadership would be ashamed of the manner in which the security officers reacted to the demonstration. It was an act of brutality that has no place in any civilize society. Murder was foreign to the Gambia, a country where people almost know each other. You and your government must be ashame with the way and manner in which you handle the April 10 and 11 incident. Shame on you! Again shame on you!
Mr. President, the demands on the basis of which the students went out to demonstrate eight years ago, merely constituted a request for justice. April 10 and 11 2000 were indeed days during which Gambian students took to the streets to protest against rape and murder, with a clear call for justice to be done. Rape and murder are not only repugnant in the eyes of all faiths, but laws in all civilized jurisdictions prescribe stringent punitive measures against them.
Similarly, all our national cultures in the Gambia denounce them in the strongest possible terms. As a result, one should easily understand the reasoning which led to the decision to peacefully demonstrate against these heinous crimes against the two students.
About two years ago, Omar Joof, exile leader of Gamsu said in an interview with me that: "At the time of the demonstrations, we thought that all civilized and law abiding persons would support us. The criticisms that were subsequently levelled against us by some members of the ruling cabal in Banjul and Kanilai, were therefore great sources of surprise to us. But all their criticisms against us have since proven futile, and they had to effect a shift in strategy by directing their energies at making a deal which has since resulted in an infamous reconciliation.
"Once more we totally reject the so-called reconciliation on the basis that it failed to discuss and resolve the relevant issues at stake. Issues such as the conditions of the victims of the incidents and the loss and pain of their parents would be key to any meaningful reconciliation. After many years, it is now obvious that the political leadership in The Gambia is too arrogant to accept its blatant errors as a prelude to resolving the issues that divide us. There have been other horrendous blunders since which have created a pattern of acts of brutality on the side of the ruling A(F)PRC and its cohorts whenever conflict scenarios appear in The Gambia."
Mr. President, it is still beyond any human imagination that a government that portrays itself as having the interest of its citizenry at heart is still denying justice to the victims of April 10 and 11 2000. Your government still regard victims of the incident as enemies who got what they deserved. That is why Gambians are no longer allowed to talk about the incident. Talking about April 10 and 11 is now a taboo and anyone who talks about the incident is regarded as an enemy of the Gambia. How rediculus is that? I would be right to say that enemies of the Gambia in this instance is you and your government. Your hands are dripping with the blood of young Gambians. Young Gambians full of dreams and aspirations.
Mr. President, I again, I call on your government to repeal the Indemnity Act of 2000. The Act continues to be a fetter to national reconciliation. It has failed to make the Gambia safe. Instead it has created a Gambia with home grown terrorists, who now fire bomb newspaper premises, kill, torture and kidnapped opponents and critics of your regime with impunity. Gambians are now at their mercy. But you got to remember that the perpetrators of these crimes will never go unpunished. Those named in the Commission of Inquiry report as being responsible for the murder of these innocent Gambians can still be tried under international law even though they have been shamlessly given an amnesty by you and your government.
Mr. President, if you were not touched by testimony of the victim's parents and Pathologist Sorhegui Rafael's report in my last piece, take a look at Dr Sam's report. It reduces me and many others who fear Allah, who trembles and cry when we recite Qur'anic verses regarding the Day of Judgement to tears. Though you were a soldier trained to shot and kill without showing any mercy, I still believe that someone like you who prays more than a hundred times a day will have the heart and courage to allow justice to take its full course.
Read on.
Testimony of Dr Omar Sam, pathologist at the RVH:
Dr Sam said he conducted 8 autopsies on April 11 and another one on April 22 relating to Ousman Sabally at Kerewan Samba Sireh, CRD. This he said, was as a result of the request from the Coroner. He added that not all bodies have been identified; that there is still one body which is not yet identified.He told the Coroner that he conducted autopsy on Momodou Lamin Njie; Calisco Priera; Karamo Barrow; Reginald Carrol; Omar Barrow; Momodou Lamin Chune; Lamin A. Bojang and Ousman Sabally. He performed the following tests on the deceased persons: X-rays, blood test, urine test, external examination, systematic internal examination and special test. He told the Coroner that he undertook all four stages.Upon the request of the Coroner, he went on to explain his findings as follows:
1. MOMODOU LAMIN NJIE:
X-Ray showed fracture of the right ribs. External examination showed that he was 145 centimetres tall.
First wound: Collar bone.
Second wound: Ribs
Internal Examination: Amputation of the left pulmonary artillery.
He attributed the cause of death to massive haemorrhage from the perforating wounds of the left lung, injury to the aorta from a gun shot and penetration through two rib cages.
He said further that from experience these wounds can only be caused by gun shots; that it is only a modern weapon that can cause this and that the extent of tissue damage including dislodged fractures can only be caused by a high velocity weapon.
Asked whether there is any basic difference between rubber bullets and live bullets, he said that rubber bullets cause minimal abrasion; that live bullets damage soft tissues. He said further that in this case, it was only a high power and high velocity live bullet which caused the multiple wounds.
QUESTION: So, the cause of death is a live bullet?
ANSWER: Yes.
CROSS EXAMINATION
Kitimo Njie, uncle of Momodou Lamin Njie, asked why parents were not allowed to see the bodies before autopsy. In response, Dr Sam said that this was a forensic postmortem requested by the Inspector General of Police [Rex King], with the authorisation of the Coroner and not a medical postmortem for which they would have been directly responsible.
2. CALISCO PRIERA:
According to Dr Sam, his body shows fractures at the cage rib at the back. External examination shows that he was a male teenager; that two external wounds were evident. One at the region of the cage rib at the back and the other at the front rib.
Cause of death was rupture of the heart and massive haemorrhage due to gun shot wounds in the thorax.Calisco's mother, Mrs Ann Marie Therese Ndey-Sonko asked whether it was a live bullet that killed her son. The Coroner indicated that was what the conclusion of the doctor.
3. KARAMO BARROW:
According to Dr Sam, Karamo, the X-Ray showed fractured rib; that two fresh wounds were identified on the chest.Cause of death: Penetrating chest wound with perforation of right lung and massive haemorrhage due to gun shots.
Asked by the Coroner why are the bullets not lodged in the body, Dr Sam said it was because of the high velocity of the bullets, but that there is a case of a lodged bullet.Bassirou Barrow, father of the deceased said he wanted to know whether a live bullet or a rubber bullet killed his son. In response, the pathologist said that the features he had seen are characteristics of live bullets.
4. REGINALD CARROL:
Dr Sam told the Coroner that the X-Ray was unfortunately poor; that he identified two wounds on the chest - one on the right mid chest and the other at the left lower chest.Cause of death: Massive haemorrhage from perforating wounds of right lung, heart, liver and stomach as a result of gun shot wounds.
The Coroner enquired about wounding agents. Dr Sam said that the wounding agent is a high velocity single bullet; that the entry was from back to the front.He also indicated that some aspect of bleeding was controlled through earlier surgery.
The Coroner asked whether it would have been possible to save his life. Dr Sam said that the facilities are not available at the RVH. He finally indicated that the characteristics are the result of live bullets.
5. OMAR BARROW:
Dr Sam said that the X-Ray was difficult to print, but that it did not affect the examination; that four wounds were found on him - two on the right upper arm and two on the chest.
Cause of death: Massive haemorrhage from injury of heart, lung and major blood vessels in the right arm and chest.The Coroner asked what the cause of the fatal injury is. Dr Sam said that the entry is the cause of a live bullet.
6. MOMODOU LAMIN CHUNE:
Dr Sam disclosed that Momodou Lamin Chune had a wound on the chest which he identified. He indicated that there was a tear in the right artery. The doctor showed the bullet from the body of the deceased which was tendered as exhibit. He further indicated that the penetration of the bullet measured 20-25 mm.
7. LAMIN A. BOJANG:
Dr Sam said he could identify a grazing of 55mm in the skull of Lamin Bojang; that there was a fracture in his skull which measures 320 x 120mm.
Mr Abdoulie Bojang, father of the deceased asked the doctor whether there was any attempt for a surgical operation on his son. Dr Sam said that he was not aware since the death of Lamin was a sudden one.
8. OUSMAN SABALLY:
Dr Sam said two wounds were identified in the chest - on the right 70mm and the other side 65mm in the chest cavity. He further said that there was a tear in the right diaphragm.
9. THE UNIDENTIFIED BODY:
Dr Sam indicated that he personally did the identification of the body before the postmortem took place He further indicated that the body was 1.4 metres in length and that there was a wound on the thigh which measured 40X25mm; that it was 100mm above the knee.
He said at the time, the postmortem had to be done due to the following reasons: refrigeration problems; that people who lost their children were waiting impatiently; that the IGP requested for the body to be postmortem because of the need for death certificate.
Dr Sam finally submitted that the victim died because of the injuries due to the massive haemorrhage. He said the victim might have been in a sitting or lying posture. He said the wound could only be caused by a high velocity live bullet.
In my next piece, I will reproduce a report by the Gambia Student Union (Gamsu) into the murder of Ebrima Barry as well as the pathologist report on the body.Until, I say Assalamalaikum.
For comments write to Papak196@yahoo.co.uk. U can also read my blog www.pkjarju.blogspot.com
Mr. President, following the publication of my last article, someone claiming to be a member of your Armed forces sent me an email claiming that you gave the shot to kill orders to your security officers on April 10 and 11 2000.
According to the officer, you regarded the demonstration as a challenge to your leadership and that the students were been used by certain tribalist opposition elements who were aggrieved with the fact that they had a Jola as president.
Mr. President, after much reflection, I was left with no choice but to agree with what the guy said. On April 10 2000, just after the Bundung Police Station was set ablaze by the students, some armed soldiers patrolling the Bundungka Kunda area came to our house looking for students.
Fortunately for us, they were Jolas with heavy Casamance accent. For these soldiers, the demonstration was not about the alleged murder of Ebrima Barry by officers of the Brikama Fire an Ambulance Services or the rape of the teenage student from Brikamaba. To them it was a demonstration against a Jola regime. And with the anger and determination in them, I was over a 110 per cent sure that they are willing to pull the trigger on any student they came across. They were not trying to protect the civilian population. They were only killing innocent people trying to seek justice to protect you, Mr. president. Yes, they were in a state of war against a student body who they regarded as rebels.
Thank God I was a Jola who could speak kasumai, karesibu, katisindai etc. Even though I was wearing my former school trouser, the soldiers never touched me. But a Sarahuli friend returning from the market, who was not even in uniform was not lucky. He was bundled into a military truck fully loaded with students and the soldiers on board could be seen flexing their muscles on them.
Don't get me wrong, am not trying to play the tribal card here. Am just trying to put one and one together.
Mr. President, any mature political leadership would be ashamed of the manner in which the security officers reacted to the demonstration. It was an act of brutality that has no place in any civilize society. Murder was foreign to the Gambia, a country where people almost know each other. You and your government must be ashame with the way and manner in which you handle the April 10 and 11 incident. Shame on you! Again shame on you!
Mr. President, the demands on the basis of which the students went out to demonstrate eight years ago, merely constituted a request for justice. April 10 and 11 2000 were indeed days during which Gambian students took to the streets to protest against rape and murder, with a clear call for justice to be done. Rape and murder are not only repugnant in the eyes of all faiths, but laws in all civilized jurisdictions prescribe stringent punitive measures against them.
Similarly, all our national cultures in the Gambia denounce them in the strongest possible terms. As a result, one should easily understand the reasoning which led to the decision to peacefully demonstrate against these heinous crimes against the two students.
About two years ago, Omar Joof, exile leader of Gamsu said in an interview with me that: "At the time of the demonstrations, we thought that all civilized and law abiding persons would support us. The criticisms that were subsequently levelled against us by some members of the ruling cabal in Banjul and Kanilai, were therefore great sources of surprise to us. But all their criticisms against us have since proven futile, and they had to effect a shift in strategy by directing their energies at making a deal which has since resulted in an infamous reconciliation.
"Once more we totally reject the so-called reconciliation on the basis that it failed to discuss and resolve the relevant issues at stake. Issues such as the conditions of the victims of the incidents and the loss and pain of their parents would be key to any meaningful reconciliation. After many years, it is now obvious that the political leadership in The Gambia is too arrogant to accept its blatant errors as a prelude to resolving the issues that divide us. There have been other horrendous blunders since which have created a pattern of acts of brutality on the side of the ruling A(F)PRC and its cohorts whenever conflict scenarios appear in The Gambia."
Mr. President, it is still beyond any human imagination that a government that portrays itself as having the interest of its citizenry at heart is still denying justice to the victims of April 10 and 11 2000. Your government still regard victims of the incident as enemies who got what they deserved. That is why Gambians are no longer allowed to talk about the incident. Talking about April 10 and 11 is now a taboo and anyone who talks about the incident is regarded as an enemy of the Gambia. How rediculus is that? I would be right to say that enemies of the Gambia in this instance is you and your government. Your hands are dripping with the blood of young Gambians. Young Gambians full of dreams and aspirations.
Mr. President, I again, I call on your government to repeal the Indemnity Act of 2000. The Act continues to be a fetter to national reconciliation. It has failed to make the Gambia safe. Instead it has created a Gambia with home grown terrorists, who now fire bomb newspaper premises, kill, torture and kidnapped opponents and critics of your regime with impunity. Gambians are now at their mercy. But you got to remember that the perpetrators of these crimes will never go unpunished. Those named in the Commission of Inquiry report as being responsible for the murder of these innocent Gambians can still be tried under international law even though they have been shamlessly given an amnesty by you and your government.
Mr. President, if you were not touched by testimony of the victim's parents and Pathologist Sorhegui Rafael's report in my last piece, take a look at Dr Sam's report. It reduces me and many others who fear Allah, who trembles and cry when we recite Qur'anic verses regarding the Day of Judgement to tears. Though you were a soldier trained to shot and kill without showing any mercy, I still believe that someone like you who prays more than a hundred times a day will have the heart and courage to allow justice to take its full course.
Read on.
Testimony of Dr Omar Sam, pathologist at the RVH:
Dr Sam said he conducted 8 autopsies on April 11 and another one on April 22 relating to Ousman Sabally at Kerewan Samba Sireh, CRD. This he said, was as a result of the request from the Coroner. He added that not all bodies have been identified; that there is still one body which is not yet identified.He told the Coroner that he conducted autopsy on Momodou Lamin Njie; Calisco Priera; Karamo Barrow; Reginald Carrol; Omar Barrow; Momodou Lamin Chune; Lamin A. Bojang and Ousman Sabally. He performed the following tests on the deceased persons: X-rays, blood test, urine test, external examination, systematic internal examination and special test. He told the Coroner that he undertook all four stages.Upon the request of the Coroner, he went on to explain his findings as follows:
1. MOMODOU LAMIN NJIE:
X-Ray showed fracture of the right ribs. External examination showed that he was 145 centimetres tall.
First wound: Collar bone.
Second wound: Ribs
Internal Examination: Amputation of the left pulmonary artillery.
He attributed the cause of death to massive haemorrhage from the perforating wounds of the left lung, injury to the aorta from a gun shot and penetration through two rib cages.
He said further that from experience these wounds can only be caused by gun shots; that it is only a modern weapon that can cause this and that the extent of tissue damage including dislodged fractures can only be caused by a high velocity weapon.
Asked whether there is any basic difference between rubber bullets and live bullets, he said that rubber bullets cause minimal abrasion; that live bullets damage soft tissues. He said further that in this case, it was only a high power and high velocity live bullet which caused the multiple wounds.
QUESTION: So, the cause of death is a live bullet?
ANSWER: Yes.
CROSS EXAMINATION
Kitimo Njie, uncle of Momodou Lamin Njie, asked why parents were not allowed to see the bodies before autopsy. In response, Dr Sam said that this was a forensic postmortem requested by the Inspector General of Police [Rex King], with the authorisation of the Coroner and not a medical postmortem for which they would have been directly responsible.
2. CALISCO PRIERA:
According to Dr Sam, his body shows fractures at the cage rib at the back. External examination shows that he was a male teenager; that two external wounds were evident. One at the region of the cage rib at the back and the other at the front rib.
Cause of death was rupture of the heart and massive haemorrhage due to gun shot wounds in the thorax.Calisco's mother, Mrs Ann Marie Therese Ndey-Sonko asked whether it was a live bullet that killed her son. The Coroner indicated that was what the conclusion of the doctor.
3. KARAMO BARROW:
According to Dr Sam, Karamo, the X-Ray showed fractured rib; that two fresh wounds were identified on the chest.Cause of death: Penetrating chest wound with perforation of right lung and massive haemorrhage due to gun shots.
Asked by the Coroner why are the bullets not lodged in the body, Dr Sam said it was because of the high velocity of the bullets, but that there is a case of a lodged bullet.Bassirou Barrow, father of the deceased said he wanted to know whether a live bullet or a rubber bullet killed his son. In response, the pathologist said that the features he had seen are characteristics of live bullets.
4. REGINALD CARROL:
Dr Sam told the Coroner that the X-Ray was unfortunately poor; that he identified two wounds on the chest - one on the right mid chest and the other at the left lower chest.Cause of death: Massive haemorrhage from perforating wounds of right lung, heart, liver and stomach as a result of gun shot wounds.
The Coroner enquired about wounding agents. Dr Sam said that the wounding agent is a high velocity single bullet; that the entry was from back to the front.He also indicated that some aspect of bleeding was controlled through earlier surgery.
The Coroner asked whether it would have been possible to save his life. Dr Sam said that the facilities are not available at the RVH. He finally indicated that the characteristics are the result of live bullets.
5. OMAR BARROW:
Dr Sam said that the X-Ray was difficult to print, but that it did not affect the examination; that four wounds were found on him - two on the right upper arm and two on the chest.
Cause of death: Massive haemorrhage from injury of heart, lung and major blood vessels in the right arm and chest.The Coroner asked what the cause of the fatal injury is. Dr Sam said that the entry is the cause of a live bullet.
6. MOMODOU LAMIN CHUNE:
Dr Sam disclosed that Momodou Lamin Chune had a wound on the chest which he identified. He indicated that there was a tear in the right artery. The doctor showed the bullet from the body of the deceased which was tendered as exhibit. He further indicated that the penetration of the bullet measured 20-25 mm.
7. LAMIN A. BOJANG:
Dr Sam said he could identify a grazing of 55mm in the skull of Lamin Bojang; that there was a fracture in his skull which measures 320 x 120mm.
Mr Abdoulie Bojang, father of the deceased asked the doctor whether there was any attempt for a surgical operation on his son. Dr Sam said that he was not aware since the death of Lamin was a sudden one.
8. OUSMAN SABALLY:
Dr Sam said two wounds were identified in the chest - on the right 70mm and the other side 65mm in the chest cavity. He further said that there was a tear in the right diaphragm.
9. THE UNIDENTIFIED BODY:
Dr Sam indicated that he personally did the identification of the body before the postmortem took place He further indicated that the body was 1.4 metres in length and that there was a wound on the thigh which measured 40X25mm; that it was 100mm above the knee.
He said at the time, the postmortem had to be done due to the following reasons: refrigeration problems; that people who lost their children were waiting impatiently; that the IGP requested for the body to be postmortem because of the need for death certificate.
Dr Sam finally submitted that the victim died because of the injuries due to the massive haemorrhage. He said the victim might have been in a sitting or lying posture. He said the wound could only be caused by a high velocity live bullet.
In my next piece, I will reproduce a report by the Gambia Student Union (Gamsu) into the murder of Ebrima Barry as well as the pathologist report on the body.Until, I say Assalamalaikum.
For comments write to Papak196@yahoo.co.uk. U can also read my blog www.pkjarju.blogspot.com
Still Crying for Mama
This week, I decided to take a break from politics, to pay tribute to the most instrumental woman in my life -- my mom. Mama was my best friend and she was a million times better than diamond, gold and silver and may Allah the most merciful shower His mercy on her soul. Amen.
I decided to write this piece after a chat with a friend in The Gambia, whose dad is terminally ill. I want to point out that like most journalists, I hate writing about myself and am not seeking sympathy from anyone. Instead, I want my readers to understand how sad it is to have a loved one dying from a disease that you cannot cure.
January 27th, marks the third year since mama departed this world after a brief illness. It all started in November 2004 and like all village boys, I went to my peaceful village (name withheld) to spend the Muslim feast of Korite with Mama and other family members. I love life in the village which enables me to chill away from the hectic and ever busy journalism life.
Everyone home loves to see me and the kids would normally run to welcome me at the gate like I use to do when I was a kid. But on that day, everything was quiet and the kids who love playing football in the compound where all sitting on the veranda. All were in a sad mood and did not even run to welcome me.
"Something must be terribly wrong," I told myself. As I got to the veranda I was told by one of the kids that Mama was not feeling well. I busted into her room without even knocking at the door, where I found Mama lying on her settee. Our eyes met and she tried to assure me that the illness was not serious. "Its only tummy pain and the doctor assured me that everything will be fine if I continue taking the medication," she said with a reassuring smile on her face.
Despite taking the medications, I realized that Mama's conditions were not getting better. She eats less and complained of pain below the chest. With the help of my sisters, we took Mama to the Royal Victoria Teaching Hospital in Banjul, where she was examined and prescribed with some tablets. The doctors told us that her conditions were not life threatening and that it was better for us to take her home.
Two weeks later, Mama's condition continued to deteriorate. Some relatives who visited her from the village suggested that we take her to my ancestral home in Casamance for local treatment. Looking at Mama's situation, I strongly dismissed the suggestion and took Mama to the Westfield Clinic, where she was admitted immediately. The doctors there did a fantastic job and by the following morning Mama's condition began to improve. And by the third day, she could eat and walk in and out of the ward without help. Two days later, she was discharged. With our hearts full of hope, we took Mama home.
However, a few days later, things took a dramatic u-turn. Mama's pain kicked up again. She could not walk to the bathroom or even sit up. We again took her to the Westfield Clinic, where she was admitted. Dr Peters, who is in charged of the hospital, took the responsibility to conduct a thorough medical examination on Mama. Some minutes later, the examination was done and Mama was wheeled back to the ward.
Dr Peters later invited me and my sisters, who were with me into his office where he told us the unpleasant truth. " Ehem! he cleared his throat. I have done the examination and am very sorry to say that your mum has a tumor on her liver. The disease is at an advance state and has damaged a large part of her liver. The treatment is not available in the country. It is only available overseas and even with that, there is still a big problem. Flying her abroad is expensive and secondly there is a shortage of human organ donors......She has a few weeks to live am sorry, and I would suggest that if there is any money, it will be better to keep it. At the moment all I can do now is to remove a fluid like substance which is dripping from the liver....."
I felt like a death sentence was pronounced on me. With tears, I stormed out of Dr Peters' office and cried like a baby. My sisters later joined me outside and consoled me. As I was the youngest in the family, my sisters tried as much as they could not to cry. "Be a man," one of them said. "If you who is the man is crying, how do you expect we the women to do," the other one added.
With shame, I quickly composed myself and agreed with their decision that we must on no occasion broke the news to Mama. According to them, breaking the news will only make matters worst to her. Some minutes later, I went back to the ward and found Mama lying on her bed. I tried to assure her that she would make a swift recovery, but I was betrayed by my weakness. Mama could tell when am telling lies since I was a kid. And as I tried to explain to her that she would be discharge within three days, Mama looked at me and smiled.
"It is OK my son, she said.”You don't have to hide the truth from me. I am a Muslim and I believe the Qur'anic teaching that every soul that tastes life must taste death. I know that I will die soon but I don't know whether it is today or tomorrow. But even if I die today, I am happy that Allah has blessed me a loving family. So please continue to love and care for each other as both of you were fed from my breasts" she added.
I tried to assure her that she was not going to die, but the more I tried, the harder it was for me to control my tears. We were later joined by my sisters who also tried as much as they could to convince her that everything was going to be alright.
We kept Mama at the hospital for over a week where she was given pain killers and other medicines to ease the pain. During that time, I visited her in the mornings before going to work at the Daily Observer. In the evenings, I would take an hour break from work to visit her and in most cases I do found my sisters and other relatives there, who give support and comfort to her. I must say that Ndey Tapha Sosseh, who was my Editor-in-Chief at the time, was very helpful. She would in most occasions do half of my work while I was away at the hospital. Her successor, Momodou Sanyang (Sanyang Ba), was also helpful. They never complained when I made silly mistakes at work. They were very understanding and I say thank you all.
As days turns into weeks, Mama's health started to go from bad to worst. She started finding it difficult to speak, eat or drink. Dr Peters, who was so caring to her, decided to discharge her on the ground that there was nothing much he could do to reverse the situation.
With a heavy heart, we took Mama home and began counting the hours. This was the most painful period in my life. I found it difficult to concentrate at work or sleep at night. I shiver anytime a family member calls my cell phone.
Then the final hour came. It was on a Monday. I woke up early as usual and said my prayers before going to see how Mama was doing. Mama was then staying with one of my sisters, who lived opposit from me. I found Mama lying on her bed. She was on a vegetative state and could not even eat solid food. My aunty, who was nursing her told me that Mama had a good sleep. I stood beside her bed for God knows how many minutes and wondered how can life be so cruel. With a heavy heart, I said bye to Mama and left for work.
At a round 10:30 while editing the opinion page of the Daily Observer on a computer called DaCosta, my cell phone rang. It was my sister. "Pa, am sorry to say this but you got to come home. Mama has just departed this world," she said. The whole computer room went dark. All the compositors who were busy typing scrips for the next day's Observer edition stopped all what they were doing. I could feel their sharp eyes on me. It was terrible. Tears started pouring down from my eyes but I quickly wiped them.
"PK lahlah?" Sainabou Fofanah, our chief layout editor asked.All I could say to her was suma yai. The compositors all expressed their condolence to me. I have to state here that the ladies in the computer room (Mariama Danjo, Betty Quacco, Marie Gomez, Aji Sagar Mbye, Nyima Marong, Mariatou Faal, Jainaba Baldeh and Yasin Faal) are among the best people I have ever worked with. We were like a family and the working atmosphere was very friendly.
As the news began to sink, I informed Andrew DaCosta, Observer's deputy managing director, who led a delegation of the company's staff to sympathise with my family.
At home, I found the compound crowded with sympathisers. The required Muslim bath for the death was already conducted on Mama. With tears running down my cheeks, I knelt beside her head and prayed for Allah, the most merciful, to shower His Mercy on her and blessed her in His heaven.
A few hours later we drove Mama to the village where she was laid to rest. Hundreds of mourners attended her funeral many of whom spoke well of her. The local Imam could not hold his tears when he was praising Mama for the good work she did to the community more so to the our mosque.
Yes, that was Mama's character. She have always put others first. She was more than a friend to me. She was there for me when Daddy wants to flex his muscles on me for being naughty. She struggle to raise me and my sisters single handedly when daddy died and did all sort of jobs to feed and pay our tuition fees. She never abdicated her responsibilities as a parent and has encouraged us to be God fearing, respectful, tolerant, caring to others, and to be responsible.
Rest in peace Mama.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)