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Current Feed ContentPaedophiliaTuesday, August 26, 2008 Paedophilia, someone writes, is spiritual murder. Child seduction is just as bad as rape; and rape constitutes the most heinous of crimes against humanity. Apart from the physical damage they cause, paedophiles inflict lifelong mental injuries on their poor victims. There is no crime, no sin greater than the destruction of the innocence of children by paedophiles. While it may not be a new phenomenon, paedophilia has not been commonplace in our part of the world. Recent developments, however, suggest otherwise; and there is every reason to believe that the practice is even more palpable now than ever before. Amongst the world’s most nauseating social menaces, paedophilia seems to have been given a new dimension thanks to the advancement in technology, especially the internet, as it has given its perpetrators an even more robust stance in their dastardly acts, making prospects of their apprehension all the more difficult. The arrest in The Gambia of a Norwegian national, Anthony Michael Dobson, last week, for alleged engagement in paedophilic activities, was not only worrying due to the fact that the culprit disguised himself as a tourist, but also because he had a Gambian as an accomplice. Many other people with similar intent have been discovered to have disguised themselves as innocent helpers when in actual fact they were wreaking havoc on our largely unsuspecting society. Normally, we ought to be able to learn from these experiences, and set examples that would forever deter potential criminals. The Dobson case also rekindles the debate of patriotism; that a Gambian could connive with such a dubious personality is a disgrace. Whatever the case, by the end of the day, we must be able to send a clear message, through our judicial system, that The Gambia’s culture of openness and tolerance should not, and must not, by any means be allowed to be abused. Having said this, we have no doubt that justice will take its course. In the meantime, it is important for Gambians to note that in our effort to wipe out this threat, our goal should be to prevent future occurrences. The Department of State for Tourism, the Department of State for Interior, The Gambia Tourism Authority, the security forces, the general public, as well as parents themselves, all have a great role to play in this regard, in making this country unsuitable for paedophiles and other criminals. Author: DO Celebrating 2 years of existence Wednesday, August 06, 2008 Global Unification – The Gambia chapter, last Saturday, August 2nd, 2008, celebrated its 2nd year existence with a symposium on the theme: ‘Humanity begins with me.’ The one day program which took place at the KMC Chambers, was succeeded by a social get-together,which was punctuated with presentations by celebrated personalities who spoke on various topics. Dr Alieu Badara Saja Taal, a senior lecturer at the University of Gambia, dwelt on the significance of peace building and conflict resolution in the development of a society. Society, he said, has to learn how to minimise problems. He singled out The Gambia as exemplary, as it had been able to escape the prevailing spree of conflicts that dominate life in the African continent. Dr Taal attributed this to the socio-cultural background of the people of The Gambia (cross-cultural and religious connections); all of this, he said, have their base entrenched in our constitution. To this end, he said, the fact that countries like The Gambia has escaped these conflicts should arouse interest for further exploration Dr Taal ascribed all these to an integration process which he said, had started ‘many, many years ago.’ ‘If there is anybody who is capable of peace building,’ he argued, ‘it is Gambians. Gambians are easily adoptable. We have destroyed ‘castism.’ He described religion as one of the most important reason of co-existence in the country. The way we do our politics, he went on, is not done in any other country in the sub-region, describing ‘freedom of taking part in elections’ as a very rare commodity in other parts of Africa. He said that Gambians have a culture that makes them feel ashamed of certain inhuman things. He said that the size of the country has also brought its people closer together. ‘Our attitude of togetherness, he concluded, makes it difficult for people to exploit us as Gambians.’ Ebrima S Dem, the National Representative of Global Unification – The Gambia, dilated on the mission and vision of GU, describing it as keen for the unification of the continent. He told the gathering that the concept of forming the chapter in The Gambia had croped during the pre-sessions of the historic African Union Summit hosted by The Gambia in 2006. He hailed partners of the organisation for their continued support, and promised that GU was keen in ensuring that its enshrined goals are met. Mr Shiekh Omar Faye, speaking on the topic: Importance of gender mainstreaming in national development, said that there had been heightened global interest in improving on women’s advancement for sometime now. Gender, he said, is as old as the society. We must not see women as threat, rather as partners in development. Women, he went on, need men just as much as men need women, advising against seeing the opposite sex as threat in anyhow. Mr Faye had unreserved praises for The Gambia for its progress in mainstreaming. He however warned that it would take some time for men to accommodate women in the mainstream decision making bodies. ‘The importance of mainstreaming,’ he emphasized, ‘can’t be achieved without certain key factors entrenched in the attitude of the entire society. He moaned that even highly educated people are not willing to listen to anything about gender, saying that ‘gender is not a monster.’ For Mr Mustapha Kebbeh, a renowned youth activist, all conflicts in Africa have economic connotations. The youth, who are mostly used in these destructive ventures, he said, mostly have nothing to gain at the end of the day. Mr Kebbeh was speaking on the topic: ‘the role of the youth in the development of society. He admonished that some section of the youth in society have sort of formed their own culture, engaging themselves in rebelling against any other culture that is against theirs. These people, he told the audience, need help. And that, he said, should be the role of this generation of youths. He lamented on what he called: ‘Sub-culture formation, wherein a section of the youth feel that people outside their ‘voes’(circles) were bad or out of tune with the reality. He also delved on the ‘Babylon syndrome,’ calling for policies to safeguard the fabrics of the society, while urging the youth to take advantage of the numerous opportunities in place for them. He also called for the diversification of economic activities. ‘The life of the society, he said, is in our hand.’ The symposium was characterised by a documentary show on the role of women in developing a society. Author: by Kemo Cham Sheraton to stage ‘Ride for Life’
Monday, June 16, 2008 The Sheraton Gambia fundraising drive to raise funds for vulnerable children on behalf of UNICEF that would kickstart with the ‘Ride for Life’ will begin on on Saturday 21st June 2008 at 09.00. The event was announced by John Pantelides, General Manager of Sheraton Gambia Hotel Resort and Spa, during the launch of the UNICEF State of the World’s Children Report 2008 on behalf of President Jammeh by First Lady Madam Zineb Yahya Jammeh at a ceremony held at the Sheraton Hotel in Brufut Heights on Thursday May 29th 2008 on the theme "Child Survival". Mr Pantelides also acknowledged the long-standing partnership between UNICEF and Starwood Hotels worldwide, including all Sheraton Hotels. According to a dispatch from Sheraton Gambia Hotel Resort and Spa, Since it’s launch in 1995, the Starwood Hotel Check Out For Children (COFC) program has raised almost US$20 million for UNICEF immunization programs world wide and enabled over 1 million children to be immunized against preventable diseases. The program now touches on many aspects in life to mirror the core values of our brands. Starwood earned UNICEF’s 60th anniversary the prestigious Corporate Partnership Award for the most significant contribution by a corporate partner from 1996-2006. The award, which is only granted every ten years, is given as a way of acknowledging the exceptional contribution of an organization. This year inspired by the 2007 Tour de France bike ride, Sheraton management and associates will experience the tough physical challenge pushing the riders to their limits in a long-distance bicycle ride from Arch 22 to Sheraton Gambia Hotel Resort and Spa. The drive, however, has the potential to initiate change and is in line with company objectives to pursue corporate responsibility indispensable in today's world. In the past 8 years, Starwood associates have raised over $800,000 through associate fundraising. The success of the Check Out for Children Challenge 2008 in The Gambia depends on the generosity of our community as a whole, from corporate bodies, international conglomerates, diplomatic corps, philanthropists and individuals. This noble gesture benefits humanity and saves lives. 16th June is the International Day of the Child, therefore the date of the fundraising drive exactly two weeks after on the 28th June 2008 serves as a reminder to The Gambia that vulnerable children of the world remain the responsibility of everyone. The next big date for Sheraton Gambia efforts will be in December to coincide with the Day of the African Child when a sub-regional Mega-Star and UNICEF Ambassador will perform a fundraising concert at Sheraton Gambia. UNICEF National Representative, Mrs. Min Whee Kang will offer her moral support and cut the ribbon at the start-off point on Saturday 28th June. She will also be there to cheer in the participants at the end of the gruelling ride. An after party with light snacks, balloons, drinks and music will close the day. It could be recalled that various speakers including the UN Resident Coordinator Chinwe Dike, UNICEF National Representative Mrs. Min Whee Kang, Dr. Malick Njie, Secretary of State for Health spoke at the launch.
Author: DO SOS Grey-Johnson on Slavery
Friday, June 13, 2008 On behalf of His Excellency Alhaji Dr. Yahya A.J.J. Jammeh, President of the Republic of The Gambia, the Government and people of The Gambia, I welcome you all to The Gambia, the Smiling Coast of Africa. I hope that during your brief stay among us, you will find time to enjoy the beauty of our country and the friendship and hospitality of our people. It is indeed an honour for The Gambia to play host to this important, historic meeting on slavery and racism. It is probably the very first time that our continental organization, the African Union, or indeed its predecessor, the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) has convened a gathering of continental and diasporan African experts to deliberate on a subject which has had a severe negative impact on the lives and livelihood of Africans and people of African descent, the world over. Africans were the victims of the trans-Atlantic slave trade which lasted some four hundred years, and to this day, they continue to be the main victims of racism and xenophobia. And there is no gainsaying the fact that slavery and racism have taken their toll on the lives of Africans. Their effects on the African social, economic and political fabric have been debilitating and enduring to this day. It is therefore fitting, albeit long overdue that as a people, we should come together to craft a common position on the subject of slavery and racism and their continued drag on the self-actualization of Africans wherever they may be. Convening the meeting on Gambian soil is of great significance and symbolism. It was the River Gambia - from which our country derives its name - that was used to penetrate the African continent and to hunt down, enslave and export our people to the Americas and the Caribbean. From the Fourteen Hundreds up to the late Eighteen Hundreds, hundreds of thousands, if not millions of Africans were captured, chained, fettered, flogged, branded like cattle, caged like wild animals and kept in holding pens on several stations along the River Gambia. The enslavement of our people was graphically depicted in ROOTS, the epic story of Alex Haley’s Kunta Kinteh, who was captured and taken into slavery in America, from the village of Juffure on the River Gambia. In fact, every other year, we in The Gambia organize an "International Roots Homecoming Festival" to which both people of African descent and non-Africans are invited, to relive that dark period in the history of race relations, so that we learn from it and allow that experience to positively influence our understanding of ourselves and of each other. This year’s Festival came to an end just a few days ago. European nations were the main perpetrators of this crime against humanity. Between them, they were responsible for the capture and enslavement of more than 13 million Africans and the death in transit, or in the process of enslavement, of some 4 million more. The trans-Atlantic slave trade was the largest forced migration in human history and has come to be acknowledged as the most violent abuse of human rights as well as the greatest crime against humanity ever recorded. It disrupted Africa’s political and social systems, de-populated large areas of West Africa, arrested our social and economic development and caused the underdevelopment of the continent. To this day, Africa has not recovered from the effects of this criminal trade, which now exists in the form of social and economic inequities, bigotry, hatred, prejudice and structural and racial violence. Not only did the slave trade cause untold misery, suffering and damage to Africans, it also led to the colonization of the continent and the institutionalization of racism especially in the Americas and in certain parts of the African continent itself. And even after the formal abolition of slavery, the practice of slavery has endured in different forms through the many acts of racism that have affected the lives, and caused the death of millions of Africans on the continent and beyond, as well as through the emerging and growing phenomena of human trafficking, sexual slavery, child prostitution, etc., of which Africans continue to be the main victims. The racist trans-Atlantic slave trade has been classified in international law as a crime against humanity, and in the same league as the holocaust, apartheid, genocide, ethnic cleansing, etc. It is no secret that the Jews, the Japanese, the Native Australians the Native Americans and every other group against whom such crimes were perpetrated have all received some form of restitution or an apology, or both. Why have Africans and people of African descent remained the only victims of these crimes, that have not as much as received an official word of apology, not to mention reparations, for the death and destruction caused by this crime committed against them? As Americans observe the bi-centennial of the abolition of slavery in the United States this year, and as the United Nations prepares for a mid-term review of the United Nations Durban conference on racism, let us as a people rise up together and for once make it known to the whole world that we have not forgotten our history, and that we shall never forgive those who have wronged us, for as long as they refuse to ask for that forgiveness and offer to make amends. It is my sincere hope that in the course of your deliberations you will come up with a set of strong, clear guidelines that will help our leaders to evince an unequivocal, common position on slavery and racism, a position that will hopefully set in motion the process of reconciliation, restitution and healing, over the greatest crime against humanity ever perpetrated in all of human history As we prepare for the forthcoming review of the implementation of the Durban Declaration in 2009, let us refresh our memories on some of the salient points agreed in that Declaration. The Declaration calls, among other things, for the "provision of effective remedies, recourse, redress and compensatory and other measures at the national, regional and international levels", in order to mitigate the severely negative effects of slavery, the slave trade and racism. I dare ask, what have we, Africans and people of African descent done so far to begin implementing those provisions of this Declaration? Should we not – as indeed the Declaration requires - now begin doing what ever it may take to ensure that we secure redress for all our people for all the centuries of violence, oppression and abuse that they have suffered as a result of slavery and its after-effects, racism and xenophobia? I would like to believe that these are some of the questions that have brought you all to Banjul on this day. I have no doubts that you will consider them with all the seriousness they deserve and without fear, or an iota of apprehension as to the rightness of this cause. I thank you for your kind attention and now declare the meeting open. Author: DO Africa Liberation Day observed Thursday, May 29, 2008 May 25 each year was aside by the defunct Organisation of African Unity (OAU), now the African Union (AU), as a day for the remembrance of the struggles made by African freedom fighters for the total liberation and emancipation of the continent. The day, observed throughout Africa, Europe and the rest of the world, is a day of reflection and a moment of stock taking by many Africans and the rest of humanity. The day is viewed as a barometer for measuring Africa’s situation since after independence in the early 50s. It is worthwhile noting that words such as poverty, mental slavery, neo-colonialism, imperialism, among others, continue to be the subjects on the lips of the world’s people. As part of series of activities marking this day, The association of non-Governmental Organisation (Tango), on Sunday May 25, organized a press briefing at its conference hall. Speaking at the briefing, Ousman Yabo, director general of Tango, reflected on the importance of the day to the history of Africans. He noted that the day should be deeply honored by all Africans and African defendants noting that it reminds Africans of the struggles and sacrifices made by great African freedom fighters for the total liberation of the continent. The Tango boss recalled a recent meeting in Nigeria for the civil society attended by over 50 civil society organizations across Africa, organized purposely for the African Civil Society Organizations to reflect on current issues confronting the continent such as post election crisis in Zimbabwe, the Sudan crises and the looming food crisis in the world, specially in Africa. However, he added, the need for African Civil Society Organizations to observe the forthcoming re-run of presidential elections in Zimbabwe and many other issues and resolutions were discussed at the meeting. Amadou Taal, chairman of the Civil Society Organizations in The Gambia, highlighted the historical background of the Africa Liberation Day. Mr Taal linked Africa’s backwardness to what he called, ‘the imposition and implementation of foreign policies and programs in Africa by the Western world’. He described the current state of food crisis in the world, especially in Africa as very serious, saying that it needed urgent solutions. Author: by Sanna Jawara President Jammeh Wins Another Award Monday, May 26, 2008 Because of his natural gift of generosity and kindness to his subjects at all times, President Jammeh has been awarded a Man of Humanity Award. The Gambian Red Cross Society (GRCS) awarded this to His Excellency, the President, Dr. Alhagie Yahya AJJ Jammeh for his tireless and generous contribution towards the GRCS. They also believe he deserves this award for his efforts in curing HIV/AIDS and many other communicable diseases in The Gambia. Similarly, Mr. Saihou T Sabally, Ex-President of the GRCS was also given a Man of Humanity Award. Alhagie Jarju, Director of Information and Communication for GRCS thanked the President and Mr. Sabally for their wonderful generosity. He noted that the GRCS will never forget them for their generosity. He finished by calling on individuals, NGOs and the Government to help assist the Red Cross in achieving its aims and goals. Author: By Alieu Jabang Source: Picture: President Yayah Jammeh Red Cross awards JammehFriday, May 16, 2008 The Gambia Red Cross Society (GRCS) recently awarded President Jammeh, on the occasion marking the commemoration of the World Red Cross Day, held at the Arch 22 in Banjul. The award was in recognition of Jammeh’s services to humanity, ranging from his treatment of the sick to awesome assistance to the sick and the needy. The society also awarded Dr Saihou Sabally, a former president of GRCS. Speaking on behalf of the GRCS president, Mamud Bah, the vice president GRCS, said the day is observed each year to raise the concerns of Red Cross and Red Crescent and remember the founder of the movement, Henry Dunant, and all those who lost their lives in the services to humanity. Mr Bah told the volunteers that the day also presents an opportunity to reflect on their strength and weaknesses, as well as challenges for more improvement. “The GRCS is the only voluntary organisation in the country with over 1,500 registered members, covering every community in the country,” he said. He assured the gathering of the society’s resolve to partner with the government, communities and other stakeholders to deal with the needs of people. “The national society is now giving community based voluntarism as a priority so as to maintain the presence of the Red Cross in the communities and sustain our programmes there”, he said. For her part Mrs Ndey Sirens Bakurin, the secretary general of GRCS, said it would be difficult for GRCS to achieve its goals in the face of limited resources, and she called for more support. “The dynamism of our volunteers and the commitment of our members are the key to our successes,” she emphasised. The GRCS volunteers and school children marched from July 22 Square to Arch 22, led by the Army Band. The occasion also witnessed drama performance, First Aid demonstrations by a number of the volunteers, inter-link quiz competitions and awarding of certificates, as well as blood donations. Author: by Ebrima Jatta World Red Cross Day observedThursday, May 08, 2008 The Gambia Red Cross Society [GCRS] in fulfilling one of its mandatesyesterday embarked on a weeklong celebration of the World Red Cross day, on the theme ‘together for humanity’ . In commemoration of the day, The Gambia Red Cross Society held a press briefing on Friday to highlight the activities of the week long celebration. Speaking to journalists during the press briefing held at the Red Cross headquarters in Kanifing recently, Mr Lamin Gassama the IEC Chairperson and dissemination officer of The Gambia Red Cross Society, said that the national society is concious of the need to enhance the recognition of the Red Cross emblem. He further recognise the efforts of the volunteers as a result, the GCRS will join hands with the government and all its partners to commemorate this very important day. In his overview of the itinery for the celebration Mr Gassama said there will be a five minutes statement to be delivered by Dr Malick Njie secretary of state for health and social welfare On the regional activities he said that there shall be a host of activities in each region . He added that there will be matchpast at regional levels. as well as VTC’s and bloood donations. For his part Fabakary Kalleh the youth director said men can become saviours and be of benefit to their fellow men through their actions as a result “we have seen God choosing the likes of Henry Dunant to bring men together in the service towards humanity. Because of his success in this noble cause ,192 states are following in his footsteps in serving humanity”. He called on all and sundry to come out and support the red cross in the service for humanity. Author: by Ebrima Jatta Red Cross fraternity mourns their presidentMonday, May 05, 2008 Abdoulie Siby, the president of the red cross society of Senegal (SRS), has died in after a prolonged illness. Siby died in france, where he had been undergoing medical treatment, and was buried in his home town of St. Louis, on Saturday. To this end, the Gambia red cross society (GCRS) sent a high-powered delegation, led by its president, Fatou Mas Jobe, to attend the funeral ceremony. In an interview with the Daily Observer, Fabakary Kalleh, the director of youth at the red cross headquarters, soon after he learnt of the demise of the Senegalese red cross president, stated that Siby had not been well for the past three years, but that his death came as a great shock. Mr Kalley said that Mr Siby’s demise was a loss to the whole red cross fraternity, by virtue of his level of commitment to the servitude of humanity. He added that Siby had been the president of the SRS for nearly a decade and that during this time, he had been working closely with the GCRS on many activities. He noted that the last visit he made to the Gambia was during the sub-regional Sahel+ meeting, held earlier this year. Mr Kalleh further prayed, on behalf of the GCRS, for Gods mercy and forgiveness for the deceased, for his soul to rest in perfect bliss. Author: by Ebrima Jatta Organization in the spotlightFriday, April 11, 2008 Global Unification If there is any organization that is into Pan-Africanism, it is Global Unification the Gambia. Just two years old, it dedicates itself to the service of the underprivileged. Technological transfer, among other things, is the focus of this organization. Its members strongly believes that through empowerment of the citizens of impoverished countries, development can be achieved at a fast rate. Just last week, GU Gambia threw what it called a volunteer social gathering, at the Palma Rima Beach. Today, we focus on this organization that has endeavoured to defy the difficulties that limit the successes of many of the youth organizations in this country. Global Unification the Gambia, (GU) is a sub- chapter of Global Unification International’s African chapter. Its sole purpose is to bring together dynamic international intellectuals, for the advancement of humanity, to provide technological transfer and technical assistance, for sustainable development in developing communities. In 2006, during the African Union summit held in Banjul, some students studying at the University of the Gambia came in touch with some officials from GU Africa chapter. This marked the beginning of the Gambia chapter. Headed by Ebrima S Dem, a graduate of UTG, Global Unification, the Gambia has made great strides in terms of its aims and objectives. One remarkable achievement of the association is its emphasis on unity. The African chapter hads,as its as one of its prime objectives,tobring to the attention of the global African community, the work of the African Union, an institution that hasbeen created to represent the Global African community. The chapter has initiated a campaign entitled: 1 Voice 1Action 1Africa. This program’s principle objective is to raise awareness to the global African community that there exist an institution with parliamentary powers that can change the course of Africa’s intolerable circumstances. GU the Gambia successfully embarked on its campaign last year,which was a requirement for member countries to seek for the hosting of the continental campign some time in the near future. Apart from this, the association has embarkedon a lotof other activities geared towards promoting the course of humanity. For more information about GU, you can contact: Ebrima S Dem Country representative Global Unification the Gambia c/o Africa in Democracy and good governance Churchill’s Town Serekunda Author: by Kemo Cham |
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