Gainako Newspaper

Dear Editor

I must tip my hat for Mr. Jambang for being a man of principles and someone with conscience by
distancing himself from what was too ugly about this Lamaranian fiasco in particular. I know it is one
of the reasons he has given for quitting the Freedom Paper. This is the special quality in humans that
separate us from the rest of the animal kingdom. Understanding that there is a God or a supreme
being that monitors our activities whether performed in public or private, for our interest or against,
favorable to our desires or not have always been a cornerstone in what guide both our conscious
and unconscious behaviors. Where we essentially choose to stand in the wake of a dilemma is what
divides the good humans from the bad ones.

When I first read Lamarana's silly story about me, I made it clear to the Freedom editors that I was
not going to dignify the message because some thing about it stank high way to heavens. I thought
such outrageous allegations forwarded not for constructive debate but, at best, to assassinate my
character required a real name and personality behind it. But instead of courageously standing by
what I think should have been the principal paradigm for conscientious journalism they took the
ungodly decision of jumping into the quicksand. This is what they came up with after I merely asked
them who Lamarana was:

Dear Lt. Col Sarr we are writing to inform you that we at the Freedom Newspaper have received a piece
from a certain Lamarana Jallow who have leveled some serious allegations against you on your alleged
role in the trial by media of the Farrafenni attackers and your alleged torture to death of Yahya
Drammeh. He also alleged that you acted in utter insubordination by physically fighting with your senior,
Baboucarr Jatta, and that your charge file is still open. Please read the piece on our homepage and
possibly respond. You are also free not to clear the air for the benefit of the Gambian people who
deserve to be told what they have to know.

You are also informed that the Freedom Newspaper has launched an investigation into the activities of
top military officers who have either collaborated with the murderous regime of Yahya Jammeh or
served at top positions as you did. You and Sana Sabally are both included. It beats our imagination that
in your write-ups, you deliberately or unintentionally avoided mentioning anything negative of Yahya
Jammeh. And you very well know that Yahya is the master of all murderers in our beloved country and
you worked with him at a top rank during the time most of these heinous crimes were committed. Do
you wish to tell us that Gambians are interested only in the crimes Sana Sabally committed. If you think
so, you, Sana and others will be disappointed on the day of reckoning. We cannot just focus on the
crimes of only one officer and ignore the ones that were committed while you were in full participation
and could either avert them or refuse to commit them (if you really did).

We at the Freedom Newspaper hold the belief that both you and Sana are holding Gambians with
contempt by failing to speak on some pertinent issues that you blatantly choose to ignore. You cannot tell
us you did not commit any crime in allegedly torturing detainees to death and subjecting people to trial
by the media and yet physically beating up your boss. You cannot tell Gambians that you have nothing to
elucidate on that. In the same vein, Sana Sabally cannot tell us that he did not play a leading role in the
assassination of soldiers on November 11, 1994, yet he also chose to avoid any mention of these in his
endless ranting. You in particular chose not to mention the Jammeh side of the murder of innocent
Gambians. You said in some of your right-ups that the Jammeh coup was wrong yet you seriously served
that same tyrannical ignoramus in the person of Yahya Jammeh during which time he had committed a
lot of crimes against humanity. Are you telling us that only the crimes committed by Sana are crimes
because you were directly a victim! of his?

For your information, the Gambia people feel insulted when both of you are avoiding what they want to
know about most. We at the Freedom Newspaper will continue to investigate and expose the criminal
activities of both Jammeh and his accomplices - no exception. The allegations leveled against you are
serious - the ball is in your court! We rest our case.

Awaiting your response,
Freedom Newspaper editorial board

Reading such statements from the editors of the Freedom told a lot about where they stand on
Lamarana's articles. My decision to refrain from replying to their threatening statement didn't mean I
hadn't had anything to say to them. I simply thought it was a bit over the top for them to entertain the
ridiculous notion that Gambia would one day provide them with the ideal jurisdiction in a court of
law to present evidence gathered against me from their so-called investigation. I think that was
somehow delusional in every respect of the adjective. I am not good at forecasting what Gambia
holds for the Gambians in the future and I don't have a crystal ball to try it either; but what I am
absolutely sure of is that Gambia today is governed by President Yaya Jammeh where those
freedom editors-the judges and jury- like me dare not go now and claim any part of our rights to live
there much more contemplate the commissioning of courts to try GNA military officers culpable of
human rights abuses. We are all entitled to different kinds of hallucination even if realizing them may
never happen in our lifetimes.

Anyway, they even went as far as admonishing me for not saying bad things lately to Jammeh as if
Lamarana the unknown had published any statement in the past critical of the Jammeh government.
Is this not a classic failure of not realizing that by the paradox of their statement they had involuntarily
exposed their guilt of sleeping with Lamarana? With all honesty, I was hundred percent convinced
that Lamarana was a part and parcel of that secret cocoon sheltering the Freedom paper editors'
obsessed with trying to discredit me for their own hidden reasons. Using the name Lamarana Jallow
was certainly not necessary and definitely seemed to have hurt their scheme more than build it. I'm
therefore glad that the godly ones like Mr. Jambang who has proven to me more qualified for the
position of a fair judge on my trial rendezvous could see through the filth and quit in preference to
staying and getting contaminated.

I am afraid the only downside about Mr. Jambang's situation would be the upcoming artillery of
smear campaign they might direct on him to discredit his honorable image. I only hope they wouldn't
say that his mother and my uncle share the same father and mother. We shouldn't underestimate how
far these guys could go before the eyes of god to change the position of the goal post in order to tidy
up their mess.

Just take a look at what they wrote after I tried to coax them into playing it a little cleaner because
Chongan, a gentleman I call a dear friend was becoming a casualty of the dubious Lamarana tirade:

Editors note:
The views of the author does not represent the position of the Freedom Newspaper. This paper cannot
be held liable for the contents of the author's piece. His views are his views. Opinions expressed by
private contributors do not necessarily reflect the position of the Freedom Newspaper. Thanks for your
attention.

Are these guys for real? Or do they take the time to read what they write? But I think this is one of
the drawbacks of playing the art of deception.

Reading that statement reminded me of a phrase by one reader seriously angered by a writer whom
he felt had really underestimated his intelligence. I had felt the same way after reviewing everything
surrounding this Lamarana garbage. I am however glad that Mr. Jambang has come out to stand by
the truth at a time when he could have followed the shady crowd and may never have been
discovered or blamed for it; his actions whether he knows it or not has placed his character among
the exemplary ones known among good people. I once again commend him for his courage and
candor.

As the former commander of the Gambia national Army, I will continue to make myself available for
any discussable subject forwarded by genuine critics even if I don't know who they are or where
they come from. But if any person tries to provoke me into an unnecessary confrontation, without
any regards for human decency or respect for each other but choose to flout the sacred principles
associated with God or conscience, then that person may as well count me out as a contender.

Things that Gambians wish to know about me would soon be out in a book due for publication in
the USA in June. It is my autobiography but entitled "Coup D'etat By The Gambia National
Army", July 22nd 1994. The book is about my entire life before, during and after my military career.
It is comprehensive and very informative and would be available in all major bookstores including
Barnes and Nobles.

I thank you all at the Gainako Newspaper. Your work stands admirable to all Gambians in and out
of the country. Keep it up.

Lt. Col. Samsudeen M. Sarr

....BOMBSHELL AT FREEDOM
.....Associate Editor, Jambang Quits
.............................................................Posted May 22nd, 2007

Dear Comrades:

I, Yankuba Jambang wish to inform my colleagues in the media and the readership
of Gambian online news outlets that I have decided, on principles, to quit as the
associate editor of Freedom newspaper.com with immediate effect for the following
reason(s):

-Journalism is a responsible reporting and maintaining ethics; informing the public with credible news
and not otherwise - this does not obtain at freedomnewspaper.com any more.

-Freedom newspaper's editor, Pa Ndery has resorted to the practice of censoring my observations
on the stories he published without deciphering the truth from fiction, checking the language and
making necessary corrections with view to avoiding unforeseen libel, defamatory and slanderous law
suits. The most recent such incredible stories were the Daily Observer "insider's" ignoramus attack
on Dr. Saga Taal and the fictitious Lamarana Jallows's incoherent diatribes on Col. Sam Sarr. I
believe a grade 6 student in The Gambia would be able to connect the dots on that "disinformation"
from Lamarana. And, much to my chargrin, the associate editor of the paper, Muhammed Jawara
has decided to be Lamarana's defense attorney with an even immature argument. A porous matter in
a perforated container cannot be solid!

When Lamarana wrote: "BB was one of those working with Sam on Jawara's comeback" and again
said:"BB was posed to replace Jammeh if his plan materializes", one is bound to ask questions
because the statements are contradictory.But editor Jawara with no journalistic background
whatsoever thought the story was fit for publication!

On the coup statement, my argument was why would Sam Sarr subject Mr. Conateh for writing a
statement when he (Sam) has the talents to do more than that. What Pa Ndery and Jawara failed to
understand is that, be it Yahya Jammeh, Sana Sabally or Edward can each write statement on the
coup. They had planned for it and each of these people had attended highly prestigious high schools
in the Gambia and were good students academically. I said this because I have seen records;
Edward at St. Augustine's where I too, did my A' levels, as for Sana Sabally I used his note books
from Armitage when I was sitting for my O' levels years ago. If Pa Ndery and Jawara are able to
write good statements why can't Jammeh and his men who graduated in late 1970s when standard in
schools were far better than in our days? What Jawara and cannot appreciate is the fact that though
these people(Jammeh and co) may have not held any high public office, they have been involved in
the system since early 1980s when Jawara might have been a toodler. Let them; Pa and Jawara, tell
the public why Sam Sarr would leave Jai Saidy, former president Jawara's press sectary for Mr.
Conateh? Why would he leave Ebrima K. Sarr, former parliamentary secretary who used to write
poetry for DK Jawara for M. Conateh?The story forwarded by Lamarana lacks merit due to
inconsistencies and therefore unfit for publication.

I am out of the paper, period. Pa Ndery even went to an extent of posting my second piece on
Lamarana only to remove it in minutes because he did not feel confortable with it without contacting
me. Well, editor Jawara's is hanging up there because it's pleasing to his ears.

Yankuba Jambang
Minneapolis, Minnesota

...........................INTERVIEW
“ ON-LINE PORTALS CAN BECOME AN ENGINE OF
.GOOD FOR POSTERITY ” –Says Momodou Laama Jallow
..............................................By GON...Posted May 21st, 2007

In an exclusive interview with Gainako, Mr. Momodou Laama Jallow discussed his writings,
his engagements and efforts to support a true course at a time of political redemption. Laama,
whose pieces can be found in the archives of Gainako, authored a lot of pieces, most of which
provoked healthy debates at Gainako; one such was the soccer game an epic battle between
Uniclam and Napoli. Laama, who has expertise in computers, also enjoys writing historical
pieces about our surroundings that resonates with the people. He is also the secrete giant
behind Gainako together with its editors, a mutual respect deal which is admirable. At his
resident in Raleigh, North Carolina, USA (GON) caught with him, and below we reproduce
the whole interview.

GON: Good evening Mawdo Laama. You command a lot of respect to our readers especially the
younger generation. Tell us a little about yourself.

Laama: Well as you are aware, I am the founder of Gamway computers, a computer company that
design websites and web base systems, an entrepreneur per se. More importantly I consider myself
a simple man but a proud Gambian. I believed in the greatness of our people- The Gambian people.
Given the right opportunity the right environment the people could excel extremely well in all
endeavors.

GON: You are the great architect (Technical guru) behind the birth of The Gambia Echo and later
instrumental in reviving Gainako to its current prominence. Tell us something about it how you feel
about shaping history in that direction.

Laama: Humbling experience. Honestly my participation in these endeavors originally emanates
purely out of commercial interest. I simply provide the technical know- how to get the websites up
and running. My hope is that these on-line portals become an engine of good for posterity. A
repository of knowledge that succeeding generations will inherit and cherish. To serve as a time
capsule for a given time, a snapshot of this moment and beyond.

GON: You authored a lot of pieces, among them the great " Karamoko", "Erinjang", "Deutchland",
and "Nerves" amongst many. Tell us a little about your motivation to write those pieces.

Laama: In my pieces I am trying to capture the essence of the Gambian experienced as seen
through the eyes of many. My objective is to write stories that will resonate with many people. In a
way it is a celebration of our common heritage, interest, experience and way of life that reflects the
broader Gambian communality. You have to remember that I grew up in the Gambia, at a time when
literary materials uniquely Gambian was very scarce. The few that were available such as "Meet me
in Conakry" by Samsudeen Sarr was greatly celebrated and treasured. -A real Gambian classic. I
hope this form of desktop publishing will built on this legacy by ushering a new era of Gambian
writers and a body of literary writings that is accessible to a broader segment of the people to read
and enjoy.

GON: Since your association with Gainako, you dually served both as its System Administrator,
and mentor, together with the two Baldehs. How do you like working with the team?

Laama: Great! Team Gainako is very formidable. I like the frankness of the views, and most
importantly the diversity of the topics, the overall approach to the issues and most importantly its
commitment to be a fair and balanced medium of information.

GON: Being the computer expert you are, you are well known to avoid being political. What do
you make of politics?

Laama: On the contrary, I love politics especially healthy political discourse; I guess sometimes the
mean spirit ness is what I found disheartening. I tried to avoid weighing on political matters that I am
not fully conversant with or due lack of adequate information drawn the wrong conclusion that
adversely affects people lives. Well I believed in informed decision.

GON: Your dedication to Gainako is no open secrete. What's special in it?

Laama: I guess, balanced. The paper allows other forms of views without undue restrictions or
censorship. Its "open door policy" of publishing issues that are not only politics is my main
attraction. Hence my decision to become a regular contributor to this website.

GON: It's hard to tell that your specialty is computer Systems. Most of what we followed
resembles the work of a historian, at times even poetic in style and nature but in your resume, you
were a science student. What will your former schoolmates in high say about you?

Laama: Well I never really abandoned my first love, SCIENCE. Interesting that few days ago I
was tutoring my daughter rudimentary algebra. Maybe at some point in the future we might discuss
the works of Hegel, Karl Max and perhaps even relativity by Albert Einstein. Or shall I say maybe
discussed the crux of Riemann hypothesis (...laugh). It is just that for now my passion is to write
things uniquely Gambian. I am simply using my life experienced as a vehicle to create characters that
many Gambians will identify with.

GON: No doubt you are soccer fan and a then soccer player as evident in your piece. Briefly tell us
about this experience?

Laama: Well as you are aware I was a soccer player in my day. An experience best described in
the piece "UNICLAM" I am still an avid fan of the game and really followed soccer developments
worldwide especially in the Gambia. Having said this, I might add that I am also an avid American
football fan and a strong supporter of the Carolina Panthers

GON: Any works on the Pipeline?

Laama: Look out for my next piece "BOY DOMA" - The Gambian Einstein

GON: Thank you for being Gainako's special guest. What's your last word to Gainako's readers?

Laama: We are experiencing an interesting time and we are all witness to the making of history or
as one writer puts it " The dawn of Gambian literary renaissance ". I hope the views to be more
divergent, the topics more diverse and the discussion more indebt. Also to be more inclusive above
all to urged Gambian women to participate by introducing topics that cover a wide range of
spectrum.

Below is a list of the pieces written by our gallant shephered Laama Jallow

..NERVES - An Apotheosis of a whole generation
..UNICLAM - A Nawettan Phenomen
..ROUSE -The Ideosyncracies of youth
..ERINJANG - Under the Shadow of the gods
..87 STUDENT RIOT -Lost of our Innocence
..FANKA MANNEH - The Floating prophet
..DEUTCHLAND - Land of My Dreams
..KARAMOKO - An embodiment of a Genius, Mystics and Teacher
..AFRICA - A Confluence of History, Tragedy & Hope

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