Gainako Newspaper

,,,,,RE: Tribalism: The Label Does Not Fit Me

A few months ago, I had written a rebuttal to you Matthew K Jallow about your categorization and
labeling of people as Banjulians or Wollofs instead of Gambians. Unfortunately, I seemed to be the
only one who noticed your tribalism. Either that or others did not see it because it was not directed
at their specific tribes. My only regret about that article was that I failed to directly call a spade a
spade. Today, in your attempt to deny the label, you have instead proven it not only fits you but that
you are also willing to mislead your readers to make a case. I’m not saying this is your fault because
I do not know what your background is. However, it seems to me like you have some serious
discrimination issues that you need to confront in order to help you become an objective journalist
and help “educate young Gambians” as you put it.

I agree with you that there has been and still is tribalism in our communities and it is wrong. People
have been hurt and people are still being hurt. I don’t blame you for being mad at whoever denied
you whatever opportunities that left lasting scars on you. I’m just begging you, and all other
“educated” Gambians who have been hurt to stop living in denial and accept that you have a
problem. Then and only then, can you start to heal and forgive and start to effect positive changes.
Otherwise, you’ll just continue to be like that crazy guy who shot and killed over 30 people at
Virginia Tech. The only difference I see is that he used a gun and you’re using the pen.

Here are some quotes and analyses to help you understand and accept that you do have a problem
and perhaps need to get some professional help.

“In my immediate Family, we are married to a Mandinka from Brikama, Wollofs from Serekunda,
Jola from Foni, Serere from Banjul, and a Serahule from Mauritania; all in the same household, and
children from there marriages are my nephews, nieces, aunts, children and grandchildren. So, calling
me a tribalist does not hurt me NOW as it used to…”

This gives me the impression that for whatever reason you’re so concerned about it that you sit there
counting and categorizing what ethnic group your immediate family members are marrying. Instead
of seeing your in-laws as people, you see them as Mandinka, Wollof, Jola or Serere. In addition,
you’ve also stated that it does hurt you, just not as bad as it used to. If it doesn’t fit, why would it
hurt even “a little”?

“Nearly five years ago some subscribers to a website wondered why I hated O.J. and Halifa Sallah,
and they are both Fulas like myself; well of sorts”

Again, the “well of sorts” at the end shows that you’re even discriminating and differentiating
between the “different sorts” of fulas.

“Anyone who accepts a position from Jammeh after this record of brutality and incompetence is in
my book, an idiot. It is just as simple as that. Everyone who is not a Jola should be man enough to
resign their position and allow Jammeh to recruit Jolas to fill every position there is in the Civil
Service. Since he wants to run the country with the Jolas, allow him to do just that.”

Are you serious with that or is that another of your “ways to spur a debate”? Idiocy does not
exceed that statement. Mr. Jallow, Africa in general and The Gambia in particular is suffering from
great brain drain as we all know. If you are too scared and in self denial to go there and contribute
your quota to effect the needed changes, the least you can do is to be quiet and let the true sons of
Africa go about their business. What good will come out of letting Jammeh “recruit Jolas to fill
every position”? This sentence proves that you’re letting your rage cloud your good judgment
because I’m quite sure you’re more intelligent than that.

“Over the past few years, I have written things critical of the Banjulians too, but the only response I
ever got, was in support and it came from, guess again, a Wollof from Banjul.”

What do you call the article published on the very website you’re writing on entitled “LOUIS
TAKES ISSUE WITH OUR OWN MATTHEW K”? That article was in response to you
criticizing Mr. Abdou Jobe, formerly of NAWEC, for taking a delegation to apologize to Jammeh.
Contrary to your above quote, my issue was how you generalized it as a Banjulian thing and I did
emphasize that I was neither Wolof nor from Banjul. Mr. Jallow, there can be one of two
explanations for this untrue statement. Either you lack a good understanding of the English language
to mistake a criticism for support OR you’re deliberately lying to mislead your readers. Your
readers will agree that the former is certainly not the case because you do have a good grasp of
language and there is no way you could have misunderstood that article of mine.

Finally, on the appointment of Benedict Jammeh you wrote Both his new appointees do not possess
the requisite qualifications to handle the jobs they are appointed to.

Well, I’m not sure about Kujabi but my sources tell me that Benedict Jammeh had been in the police
force from the days of the Gambia Field Forces. Not only that, but he also did go back into the
police force upon completion of his studies at the University Extension program prior to leaving for
the UK for his law degree. In no way am I saying that Yaya Jammeh’s appointments are free of bias
but your anger seems to again get the better of you that you’re not even doing your homework as a
journalist. I would pick on Angela Colley whose resume on the State House website states that she
comically jumped from Acting Vice Principal at a school in Abuko to Secretary of State. I’m sure
there are lots more that you can pick on and have a better case than Benedict.

Mr. Jallow, I implore you not to take this personally. I am not a Mandinka or Banjulian. I see
myself as a Gambian and if pushed Serere is what I’d be labeled as even though I do not know a
word past “tambina”. I am also a fan of good Gambian journalists, a field at which I think we’re
deficient in. Your command of the language is one of the few we can be proud of so please get
some help and refuse to let the hurt inflicted on you by tribalists turn you into another Cho
Seung-Hui. Being Jola, Mandinka or Bambara does NOT qualify someone from holding a civil
position. However, it is NOT a reason for disqualification either. I applaud all Gambians, Jola or
not, who sacrifice to accept positions despite the far from favorable working conditions under
Jammeh. I hope we all remember that the country belongs not to Jammeh, but to ALL OF US and
that if we don’t shed sweat, blood and tears, for advancement, no one else will.

Running away and hiding in America and talking the talk will not move us forward. If you talk the
talk, be prepared to walk the walk.

Louis Friend
United States

Editor’s note: We encourage all commentators at Gainako to do so as is appropriate. We will
appreciate it if they have a method of contact, like an E- mail. In that way, we are able contact them
on the editorial take. We are open to constructive criticism, and we will not censor any one. You
can use a pen name also as long as what you are writing is within the limits of constructive debate
that our readers can digest. Gainako urges all commentators to be within the range of ethics and
intellectual honesty.

..........INTERVIEW
...Mr. Omar Ann
..........................................By GON .............Posted May 31st, 2007

In an exclusive interview with Mr. Omar Ann a recent graduate in business administration
and long-term residence of Raleigh, North Carolina speaks about his humble beginning,
his family and the unique support that has been the driving force behind his success. Mr.
Ann who is married with three beautiful children is also an active member of the Gambian
community. At his recent graduation ceremony (GON) caught up with him and below is
the full interview.

GON: Mr. Ann on this great occasion can you briefly described yourself?

ANN: Thanks God, Thank God! My name is Omar Ann from Brikama, Latrikunda,
and Banjul. I attended Brikama Primary school, Latrikunda primary school. I did
my high school education at Muslim High School. I graduate in 1987.

GON: What this achievement meant to you and your family?

ANN: First and foremost, I would thank God the almighty for having accorded me and my family
this opportunity. I would also like to thank my mother, my family and friends. It means a lot to all of
us. In life any goal is set and achieved, it is rewarding. It is by no means an easy task.

GON: Considering the difficulties of going to school, raising a family how did you managed to
balance this difficult task?

ANN: As you know well the difficulties of raising kids in a purely western society, it takes patience,
growth and perseverance. I have been very lucky to be surrounded by good people. Remember our
biggest resource is ourselves and I have been lucky to know good people.

GON: What is your future plans?

ANN: I am planning to get to a higher degree to change as many lives as possible. This graduation
ceremony is symbolic but for me the real graduation is when I am able to sit and reflect how many
lives I have helped to improve for the better.

GON: Any Advice to Gambian Youths in Raleigh and America in general?

ANN: My advice to any youth or person for that matter is to keep chasing your dream and
whatever life's pursuits. There are going to be many abstracts but your strength carries you through.
Remember there are some who prohesized your failure but only if you let them succeed. While it is
agreeable that some of life's plans don't go well as planned you must be receptive to change.

I personally take solace from my own mother who got her first degree after having four ugly children
( laugh) The fear of the impossible is eased when there is hope for the possible. We should all avoid
being out of focus. I strongly encourage all those who can to seek knowledge in the most humble
way possible. Experience has taught me that in the thirst and quest for knowledge, one must equally
do away with arrogance and it is always a plus to be a good listener. Never go into an argument to
win but rather make a point. Another important task to conquer is how to respect dissent and not
see it grudgingly. In all of life's facets, dissent is what helps one attain the point of equilibrium on the
alchemy to achieved balance. From my humble opinion dissent is healthy and our challenged is how
to reconcile personal opinion with a different point of view.

Lastly we should encourage everybody in whatever their pursuits are stress to them it is possible to
achieved. I strongly and whole-heartedly admire those that have worked hard to achieve their goals
in the various disciplines. We need more successful people in all avenues of life. Remember
education is not just in the classroom setting.

GON: Anybody in particular that contribute influence and support you to persevere?

ANN: After thanking God, I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to my mother for believing in
me and not giving up. Secondly my sincere appreciation to my wife Haddy Nyan of 11 years and
counting for lifting certain huddles on me in order for me to achieve this honor. You know how
difficult it is without help. My three beautiful kids have also played an important part in helping me
grow and lastly to all family members and friends whom when push come to shove they save me or
give me a chance to live another day.

GON: You are recognized to be very active in the community especially Gambians social circle in
Raleigh. What are your thoughts in those compliments?

ANN: As you know I am a social animal. I love people without any reservations. I may occasionally
disagree with a thought but I may not harbor grudges as a consequence. Our community should be
front and center because we have our kids here. So, how we shape up is very important and we all
have important roles to play if we want history to be kind to us all.

I hope and pray that history will be kind to us all. I wish you all and everybody success in various
pursuits of life

Thanks again for your forum

....." BOY DOMA "
......The Gambian Einstein
.......................................By Momodou Laama Jallow.......Posted May 29th, 2007

" 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

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