Gainako Newspaper

" His theory, on solar eclipse alien to the crowd, and a people unable to comprehend this new revolutionary
idea, quickly dubbed him "Boy Doma" - a name that regrettably signifies fear of the unknown, yet at the same
time embodies a grudging respect and admiration for unusual talent. In retrospect this becomes the reflection
of the state of mind of a society and in a larger context, a nation still wrestling from traditional beliefs at the
dawn of the 20th century. "

In a small room made of bamboo (Kirin-tin), Banjul The Gambia, 23 year old Pico
sat in front of table with makeshift electronic assembly made from salvaged parts of
an old army field radio and a couple of broken transistors. On one end of the table
lay a car battery with parallel wires running from each terminal pole to the makeshift
unit. Another long wire protrude from this unit and is connected to what look like a
long antenna that passes through the window and was being held outside above the
ground by one his friends. Like someone solving a jigsaw puzzle Pico intensely stared
at this makeshift assembly- a Ham radio. The room was very quite.

Oblivious to everybody around him Pico moved around the table inspecting the maze of wires that
represented the artery of the whole assembly. Occasionaly tightening loose screws, plugs and
connections. The silence in the room was palpable. Finally satisfied, he then carefully turned on the
power and then slowly rotated what look like a dial knob. Like a radio, came a crackle noise
followed by an intermittent static's. Amidst this cosmic chaos, suddenly came a low pitch sound
barely audible. Everyone inched closer for better reception. Pico delicately increase the volume, the
clarity becomes much better -"Beep!" "Beep!" Beep!" and then followed by a brief silence. This is
repeated at regular intervals. After a couple of cycles the signal is now unmistakable. Can you hear
it? Pico yelled. Yes! His friends answered. What is this pinging signal somebody asked? SPUTNIK!
.....SPUTNIK! he answered. He has just captured impulse signals from the Russian satellite
sputnik- the first man made object to orbit the earth lunched in October 1957 by the Soviet Union.
"Boy Doma"! They all screamed in adulation, some even shaking their heads in amazement.

Late the previous year, during the Easter holidays, Pico stunned everyone in his community by
winning the "Kit Contest". A famous competition that drew the best boys and young men from all
over Banjul. He successfully flew his kit from the old Box Bar Stadium (Tati Pac) all the way to
Gambia Ports authority. His only navigational control was a long string wrapped on a short stick.
Moreover he successfully recovered his kit after such a long flight. A phenomenal feat considering
that most contestants either abandons their kits by cutting it loose or it get tangled in telephone and
electrical poles all over the city. Those that witness this event still talks of how like a maestro playing
the violin, He delicately handled the flight by occasionally jerking the string it to ease the tension and
gain lift. They still remembered the unusual shape of his kit. Its long elongated diamond shape and
large surface area- a novelty and was never tried by anyone before. His secret was Pico understood
a little bit about aerodynamics and how to use lift and drag to his advantage.

During Christmas festivities it was traditional in Banjul, to have different groups forming association
or clubs and build lanterns. During this time of great pomp and pageantry, Pico introduced two
concepts that were revolutionary. First due to the large incident of fire that ruins weeks of
painstaking labor due to the usage of candles as a source of light Pico adopt the practiced of using
batteries as a more stable source of light. Second the mobility of these Lanterns especially the huge
built in the form of boats was very labor intensive. Teams of boys and men will have to carry the
whole thing Pico introduced the idea of using an improvised wheel cart by adding axles connected to
a wheel. Once even adding a steering column. This was not only a welcome relief for all the
able-bodied boys and men but at the time a marvel innovation.

One day on a hot summer afternoon, Pico and his cousin on a short visit to their grandmother in
Wilberforce street, on the other section of Banjul known as Half-Die decided to take the short
route back home to Soldier Town through the dried swamps (Tan)- a Buffer zone that protects
residential area to potential flood of the river Gambia. On their way they saw what appears to be
water glistening in the distance. Every time they come closer the image disappears and then
re-appear in the distant. His cousin unable to understand this aberration got scared and ran home.
Pico stood for a while observing this phenomenon. When he reached home he was besieged by his
parents who admonished and warn him about the dangers of young boys wondering during the
daytime especially when the sun is very hot. (Local beliefs have it that aliens snatched people
during these times). Pico calmly explained to them that the event horizon witness by him and his
cousin is nothing supernatural but a mirage. He further explained how such anomaly is just an optical
illusion in which atmospheric refraction by a layer of hot air distorts or inverts reflections of distant
objects. He then concluded that the image observed is probably transposed from the other end of
town.

Three years earlier, during a solar eclipse Pico stood in front of a large crowd at the junction of Kent
Street and Anglesea and offered a rational explanation for this celestial event. He demonstrated by a
series of sketches on the bare tarmac that this is a consequence of the Moon coming directly
between the Earth and the Sun, thereby temporarily blocking out the Suns rays. His theory, alien to
the crowd, and a people unable to comprehend this new idea, quickly dubbed him "Boy Doma" - a
name that regrettably signifies fear of the unknown, yet at the same time embodies a grudging
respect and admiration for unusual talent. In retrospect this becomes the reflection of the state of
mind of a society and in a larger context, a nation still wrestling from traditional beliefs at the dawn of
the 20th century.

Momodou Laama Jallow
North Carolina, USA

........WYOU TV MUSIC
PROMOTOR SANKULAY JALLOW CALLS FOR VOTE
OF CONFIDENCE.
...................By Gainako....................Posted May 28th, 2007

Talking to Gainako Staffers earlier on today, Famous WYOU African music
promoter, Mr. Sankulay Jallow was echoing calls for support in a new take by
WYOU TV, Madison (WI) to have producers receive awards based on the
number of votes they receive.

“Let them go ahead and vote for me. I am here representing them as far as the African music goes,
and I won’t let them down.” Said Mr. Jallow during an exclusive interview with Gainako.

Mr. Jallow revealed to Gainako that he was nominated for three awards namely; Series on African
Music from the continent; live format series on Music from the African continent; and one time music
performance on Jaliba Kuyateh.

Hopeful Mr. Jallow expressed appreciation to those that already stormed the WYOU TV station
and demanded to vote for him because they love his music series. He further stressed that all those
that want to participate should do so before Friday June 1st 2007. In another kind-hearted gesture,
Mr. Jallow invites all African Musicians on WYOU TV.

The votes that well-wishers will give him at the TV station and on the net (www.wyou.org), will
determine his victory on these awards.

Editor’s note: It is to be noted that Mr. Sankulay Jallow is one of those few Gambians who
devoted all their precious times at the expense of their families sacrificing for Africans as far as
African Music Promotion goes in America. Not long ago, he was the host to Kora born Superstar,
Jaliba Kuyateh. Alongside, he features a wide range of African music, hence the name “African
Music from the continent.) It is our view at Gainako that such a man deserves all the support to win
these pending awards. Gainako is asking all its readers to give support to the man while it is
necessary in their eyes in a view to encourage him. Please visit www.wyou.org to vote for Uncle
Sanks. Gainako will update its readers with developments at WYOU TV, and a special reporter will
soon be assigned to cover their Sunday weekly African Music Series.

....FOUR DJS IN ROAR;
AS "JALI MUSO" SANG THE PRAISES.
........By Staff writer..............................Posted May 28th, 2007

The memorial weekend went groovy in Minnesota on Sunday May 27th, after four DJs sparked the
twin cities in full beams at a baby naming ceremony of one Mr. Ebrima Touray. It was the initial
stance of the paper not to make this a newspaper story, but as things intensified, the press became
no guest to this wonderful program. Instead, Gainako decided to share such a program with its
wide readership. The decision to get the story onboard site Gainako was also consulted with the
owners of the program which they Okayed.

The four DJs and music promoters namely Mr. Sankulay Jallow alias Sanks (From WYOU TV,
Madison, Wisconsin), International DJ Bamba Jallow alias Wowu (From New York), DJ Ismaila
Janneh alias Mosh-dooly (From Madison, Wisconsin), and host DJ Lamin Jagne alias Bless were all
in full parade. In attendance also Jali Muso alias Tappanding, Malian Born traditional griot from
New York was in full operation singing traditional melodious praise-singings, thundering
raining dollars from the crowd.

For Mr. Sankulay Jallow, it was another unifying event. “I am very happy to be in attendance. We
have to show up to support each other. I am here to cover the program. The unity observed in
Minnesota is rare in other places. Minnesota planted the sweet apple fruits that they are reaping
now.”

Both DJs Mosh-dooly and Wowu echoed similar sentiments. Meanwhile super DJ Wowu based in
New York is inviting all to their annual music festival event scheduled on September 1st 2007, which
aims at promoting African Music and a lot more. According to music commentators at the program
the superstar DJ has been in operation for 16 good years promoting African music.

In attendance were members of the Gambian Association in Minnesota, Gainako’s editor Mr.
Demba Baldeh based in Seattle, and a lot of other Gambians in the other states of Ohio, Wisconsin,
New York, Seattle, North Carolina and et cetera.

Speakers at the night program included Mr. Lang Dibba and Lamin Sabally, formerly of the IEC
and now staff writer to All Gambian.

Editor's note: We commend the people of Minnesota, Gambians and non-Gambians alike. Over
the years, Gambians enjoyed great deal of homage in this state from their American host. We also
thank the Gambian community in Minnesota for their renowned unity and cooperation during times
of sorrow and happiness. Gainako will sideline them in any positive program. We are truly partners
in unity and development.

Gainako's co-editor speaks at a
graduation
....................................By Yero Jallow...............................May 28th, 2007

Gainako's co-editor, Yero Jallow was the keynote speaker at a graduation party in Minnesota on May 19th 2007.

In the opening chapter, Ms. Amie Dibba, 2006/7 beauty peagnant winner, who chaired the gathering saluted a
friend of high calibre for her achievement. "I am proud to be here. Lets give a round-up-applause to Nyaha." she
happily noted.

The graduate, Ms. Mam Nyaha Jome was crowned a qualified LPN. The program well attended was graced by
many including Mr. Lang Dibba, former President of the Gambian Association in Minnesota, former Rtd. Major
Ann, Mr. Lamin Dibba, Current Vice President of the Gambian Association in Minnesota, Mr. Pateh Baldeh,
Senior RN with the University of Minnesota, and Mr. Dodou Jome, former Parliamentarian in Nuimi Jokadu.

The program was covered by photo-journalist, Mr. Ebrima Touray and music provided by famous Minnesota DJ,
Lamin Jagne aka Bless.

Below we reproduce the whole speech delivered by Co-editor Jallow.

............A SPEECH AT A GRADUATION
........Prepared & delivered by Yero Jallow. May 19th 2007, Minnesota, USA.

I feel delighted for the opportunity yet another time to be the speaker of ceremony
of my Serer family. Like the famous musician, Baba Maal once said "Diyam wawih
jaigol. Ghiteh noh Gharih Serer." –meaning, in any battle between water and
fire, water is the victor. The eyes are flashing like a Serer's bull." My Serers knows
that the Fulas are the masters, and today I ask them to give me a bowl full of chakri,
Chereh and milk.

I start by congratulating the graduate; Ms. Mam Nyaha Jome who after years of hard work
graduated with a LPN (Licensee Practical Nurse). I congratulate her for this great achievement. I
humbly ask the august-gathering to give her a round-up-applause. Bravo Ms. Jome! Jokingly, we
ask her to look after the sick, the suffering and the tired. We ask her to show love, care and
empathy to the sick. We ask her to utilize what she learnt and transmit such useful knowledge to
succeeding generations. We ask her to show responsibility to a noble career like nursing, for we
know that's where the big bucks are. (Laugh!)

At this juncture, I would like to share with you all a poem authored by an American resident of
Pennsylvania by the name of Mr. Joseph P. Renaldi. Mr. Renaldi's poem reflects on a graduation
day, echoing the success after the many challenges in school. The poem is beautifully written, and to
my admiration, I decided to share its greatness with you. I humbly ask to be excused, because I
don't sing the poem like Freaky Joe or Amie Dibba, but I can still narrate the words to you. Are you
all ready?

Graduation Day

Graduation Day is the climax of a dream.
A parental dream that began when a child is born,
And their hope come true it would seem,
A triumph held after periods of forlorn,
A feeling of pride and euphoria years away
For a daughter or son - Graduation Day.

It is a peak of success for the graduate,
Not only for the graduate but parents too.
A joyful event after many years they had to wait,
Realizing the glorious thrill of a dream come true,
A genuine smile accompanied by a deep sigh,
Often a handkerchief in hand as the class goes by.

Graduation is a deserving, hard earned goal
With mortarboard and gown as foretold,
A gratifying service of the mind and soul
In a simple and beautiful sheepskin told
That the graduate fulfilled the educational rule.
At last, for the mother and father, a dream come true.
Graduation Day!

Joseph T. Renaldi

This is the end of the great poem by Joseph T Renaldi. I hope you all like it?

To the parents of the graduate, Mr. Dodou Jome, former parliamentarian in Nuimi Jokadu, and his
wife, Auntie Mrs. YaJay Jome, I commend you both for the good role of parenthood. Two years
ago, you accorded me the same honor during the graduation of your other two daughters, Tuti and
Yama. It is an indisputable fact that bringing up a child is no easy job, because therein lies the
responsibility of feeding, sheltering, clothing, educating and all the other basic amenities that a
growing child may need. That wasn't an easy work. To you today are proud parents over promising
children, graduating one at a time. I hope your children will emulate you, and be a source of
insurance for old age for you at a later time in life. I look forward to answering to your call any time,
though the later invitation came late to me, and it didn't leave me with any choice. I wish I was only
here today as the Fula man of the Serers, dancing, and moving around like any member of the
audience. But in anyways, I thank you for the repeated honor and trust. May God spare your lives
for me. Amen. You will be excused this time around by agreeing to bow down before all the Fulas.
Now, I see you laughing.

Today is another day, a day to reflect on the struggle of humanity. The struggle to be someone; the
struggle to be educated; the struggle to be beneficial in society, and the struggle to give back to
society what you owe it. It's not all about how much money you can make from your profession, but
how much service you can render to a nation like our great world. This is a milestone achievement.
Make sure you guard it with care. Going to school is not only for paper degrees or certificates. It is
for one to develop their mental wellbeing, and to be able to utilize such knowledge in practical form
in society. We all must endeavor to go to school, though understandable of the obstacles that barred
many smart ones from achieving their dreams. Age should never post a barrier in this endeavor.

So ladies & Gentlemen,

Education goes with morality. The great mentor and former Principal of Gambia High School, Mr.
Willie E Carr always stressed that "Education without morality is useless." Therefore, lets exercise
decency, respect, honor, responsibility and patronize everyone in the society-the sick, the suffering,
the homeless, the disabled, the lame, the educated and all other categories of people. Such
humbleness is demonstrated in the prayer rows when Muslims converge to prayer in congregation.
There is no difference among those in rows. We know coffee without sugar is tasteless, so many
consider education without morality in that vein and I greatly share that sentiment.

So ladies & Gentlemen,

This world of ours is not all about drinking, eating and going to sleep. We belong to a nation, and we
are the people of that nation. That means we have to render our quota of service to the community.
The community needs you. The Gambia needs you. America needs you, and the whole world for
that matter needs you, just like you need the community yourself. Do what is within your limits to
help your local community. Helping your community is a great virtue. Whether you are young or
elderly, you should render your quota of service without fear or favor.

So ladies & Gentlemen,

Don't forget where you came from, for as the old adage goes, "If you don't know where you come
from, you will never know where you are heading to." Another adage adds: "No matter how long a
stick stays in water, it will never be a crocodile." So render your service, little or big, to your country
of birth, the Gambia, and the nation, America, where you live, for it is only fair you pay back to your
first and second home the good bestowed on you .

So Ladies and Gentlemen,

It is only good to be honest and fair. Please don't abuse your knowledge. Use it in the best of ways.
Don't ever be like those military cowards, or those dishonest intellectuals who came praising the
gods and the God, dine with the devils and wolves at night, and during the day laugh with the sheep
and the doves. Such is a rotten palaver. Those military idiots are far from being the patriots of our
nation. Their service to our world is worthless, and they represent nothing but evil. Our world
deserves better leaders. Not the world leaders dwelling on terror, corruption, nepotism, and oozing
the bloods of decent humanity. That is not right. They come to power with little or no knowledge,
seat themselves comfortably on the pillars of tyranny, and abuse power with all the magnitude of
arrogance and bigotry. Those world devils deserve no good, no good, not even a niche of good.

So to the graduate and the rest of the audience here tonight, I wish you all good look. I like the
smiles, and respect and honor rendered to me by this great long-serving community of ours. I
promise to share the sorrows and the happiness at all times. Those that want me to participate in
their programs are welcome to call on me at any time. This is a call of duty, and I will answer
anytime when duty calls. Like the great philosopher, Hon. Halifa Sallah said," There is no turning
back." Me too, there is no turning back in sharing your sorrows and your happiness. I humbly ask
God to help me keep this promise now, and until the time that God will take my soul.

I say to you all:

Al-ning-wurara (Mandinka)
Nyu-fahnan Jammah (Wollof)
Safoosaf (Jola)
Jam-hirih (Pullar)
Good night (English)

Thanks you! Thank you! Thank you!
.........

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