On Wednesday, the body of President Levi Mwanawasa, the deceased Zambian leader who last month succumbed to a stroke that had hit him while attending the recently convened African Union Summit in Egypt, was finally laid to rest in the Zambian capital of Lusaka.

The funeral ceremony of this great leader (although it was intended to be low key) eventually attracted mourners of high caliber; among them the Zimbabwean leader, President Robert Mugabe.

The picture shown on the front page of our Wednesday edition shows a rather empathetic Comrade Mugabe paying his respects to the former first lady of Zambia, the widow of the late Mwanawasa.

This picture, contrary to what many would have believed some months ago, does not only depict a scene of the true side of core African values, but is also an illustration of the level of attachment of a true African son to a noble African belief. The picture depicts the Mugabe many innocent people do not see, thanks to an organised conspiracy fueled by hate, racism, insubordination and xenophobia. It gives you an idea about the totality of a man, clearly devoid of grievance; clearly defying the image of savagery he has all along been made to look like. That image, in effect, has in it the poignant effect of shattering the most resistant of hearts.

Having been an arch critic of his government, very few would have believed that the funeral of Mr Mwanawasa would be attended by Mr Mugabe, let alone to pay so humble a tribute to the Zambian leader. Mr Mugabe did not only fly over to attend the former leader’s funeral, but he also showered praises on him for being “always very frank in expressing his honest views” in reference to the deceased’s repeated condemnation of his [Mugabe’s] policies.

The question is: where is it in history that a tyrant, a dictator, an autocrat, call it whatever you wish, would hail their critics for being “bold?” We better think twice! Mugabe is as human as any other leader in the world; in fact more human than some world leaders, who disguise themselves as saviours of human souls and defenders of freedom.

One very important lesson to be deduced from this landmark visit, however, is that nothing is impossible to achieve. The Zimbabwean opposition, more than anybody else, should take this lesson more seriously. The man is human; he listens; he is compassionate and caring; indeed, the problems of Zimbabwe are not insoluble.

The Government, Management, Staff and Volunteers of The Gambia Red Cross Society regret to announce the sudden death of their colleague and friend

Marian Jatta

who died on Sunday the 24th of August 2008.

Prayers will be held on Friday 29th August at her residence in Pipeline and Funeral services will take place on Saturday 30th August 2008 at 4:00 pm at St Therese Church Kanifing

This sad news is extended to all family members, relatives and Red Cross family in the Gambia and abroad

May her gentle soul rest in perfect peace
 Amen!!!

St. Therese’s parish council regret to announce the sudden death of their chairman
 
Mr Anthony Mendy

which occurred on Sunday 3rd August 2008.
Funeral service is on Wednesday 6th August 2008 at St. Therese’s Church Kanifing at 4pm

This sad news is extended to all Parishioners, clergy, religious & cathechists

The Executive  & entire membership of St. Therese’s Senior  Choir Kanifing, Martyr De Lu ganda of Dakar- Senegal, St. Beniot Senior Choir Zicquinchor Senegal regret to announce the sudden death of

Mr Anthony.J. Mendy

which occured on Sunday 3rd August 2008. This sad news is extended to St. Therese’s Junior Choir, Holy family Church of Kanifing and all cell Sister Choirs in The Gambia and Senegal.

Funeral service is on Wednesday 6th August 2008 at St. Therese’s Church Kanifing at 4pm
 Burial will be at Bakoteh Cemetery.

May his soul rest in perfect peace  Amen.

Mrs. Bilo Njie and family, the family of the late Philip Sowe, Mrs Mary Owens and family, Mr and Mrs Francis Jawo and family, the family of the late Bamba Lloyd, Mr and Mrs Ishmel Lyea and family, Mrs Ruby Diab and family, Mr and Mrs Eustace Cassell and family, regret to announce the death

Madam Madeline Brandon

(Commonly known as Miss Madeline)

which occurred on Friday 11th July, 2008.

This sad news is extended to the Sierra Leonian Community and all friends in The Gambia.

Funeral Arrangement: Wake Keeping will take place at Fajara (behind Fajara Skills Centre) on Wednesday 23rd July 2008 from 7.00pm - 9.00pm.

Funeral Service will take place at Methodist Church - Bakau on Thursday 24th July 2008 at 4.30pm.  Internment: Old Jeshwang Cemetary

May her soul rest in perfect peace.

Mrs Alice carr and family regret to announce the death of

madam hannah oryah carew

(commonly known as nurse carew)

which sad event occured on Friday 11th July 2008 at no. 1 grant street, banjul.

Funeral service will take place at wesley  methodist church, dobson street on

saturday 19th july 2008 at 4:00pm.

she will be interned at the banjul cemetery

may her soul rest in peace.  amen.

Ms Chioma Iroganachie  & Siblines, the Iroganachi   family of Nigeria, Mrs Bijou Bidewll & family, Doctors John & Florence Mahoney & family, Dr Lenrie Peters and the entire Peters, Broderick and Maxwell families in The Gambia & abroad, announce with profound sorrow the death of their mother, youngest sister, cousin, aunt & relative

Ruby Lerina Agnes Peters

This said event occurred in Dakar- Senegal on Wednesday 28th May, 2008.

Funeral arrangements are as follows: The body will be laid in state at the residence of Mrs Bijou Bidwell, South  Atlantic, on Tuesday 3rd June 2008 at Midday.

Funeral and thanksgiving service will follow at 4:30 PM at the Wesley Methodist church Macoumba Jallow Street, Banjul.

May her soul find eternal bless in Christ Jesus.

Ms Chioma Iroganachie  & Siblines, the Iroganachi   family of Nigeria, Mrs Bijou Bidewll & family, Drs. John & Florence Mahoney & family, Dr Lenrie Peters and the entire Peters, Broderick and Maxwell families in The Gambia & abroad, announce with profound sorrow the death of their mother, youngest sister, cousin, aunt &   relative

Ruby peters

This said event occurred in Dakar- Senegal on Wednesday 28th May, 2008.

Funeral service will take place at the Wesley Methodist Church, Dobson Street, Banjul on Tuesday 3rd June 208 at 4:30 PM.

Condolences will be received at the residence of Mrs Bijou Bidwell, South  Atlantic Road off

New Town Road.

The late Aunt Mrs Felicia King,  Alhaji Momodou Mbye & family, Mr Modou Ceesay & family, Mr Eku Allen &     family, Mrs Yameday Allen & family, Mr Sam Joshanet King & family, Ambassador Antouman Saho & Mrs Adjayi Saho & family, Florence

Fatoumatta King & family, the Mendy family, the Kuyeh family, the Harding family, the Thomas family, the Lusack family, the Williams family, the family of the late Beatrice Allen, Mrs Modu Parker &    family, the Artley family, Mrs Minina Cole & family regret to announce the sudden death of

Mr Ivor carrious Wallace  King

Which sad event occurred on Wednesday 21May 2008  at his residence in Tallinding.

Funeral Service will take place on Wednesday 28th May 2008  at Trinity Methodist Church at 4:30pm and interment will be at the Banjul Cemetery.

May his soul rest in perfect peace.