Gainako Newspaper

"False can only breed false or deception. If our country is to be called a save haven means
Gambians have been peaceful but not the government of Yahya Jammeh. Gambians by nature are so
calm to the extend that people say they are docile. This is why our culture is so powerful to contain
an arrogant stranger like Yahya Jammeh and his pouch of sheaths and cutlasses." - online Gambian
news website, staff writer, January 4th 2007

Believe it or not, this is an excerpt from one of our online Gambian "newspapers". I am quite sure
I'm not the only one who gets a headache trying to make sense out of any or all of the above
sentences. Unfortunately, this is not just a one-time mistake. It happens to be the standard of writing
and reporting for some of our popular online "newspapers". The grammar, spelling and overall
caliber of writing in these news websites is so atrocious that people like me have to hide what we're
reading when someone walks by while we're visiting their websites in public places.

The Internet is arguably the most widespread and easily accessible face of Gambia to the rest of the
world. I would like to remind all our online "journalists" that you owe all Gambians a responsibility
to represent us in the best possible manner. You also need to hold yourself to higher standards of
writing, ethics and professionalism. This I must say is an area that I find completely non-existent in
some of our online papers like the one quoted above. To say that I'm disappointed is an
understatement. Some of you seem to hold yourself to absolutely no standards of journalism. Some
of your stories seem to me like someone just published the discussions at the "attaya vous",
showing no attempts to think about, investigate or analyze them before publishing.

Second and probably even more appalling is the absolute abuse of the English language. Have you
guys never heard of "spell check"? Pressing the F7 key when using Microsoft word helps you
correct some spelling and grammar when writing. I'd suggest you try using it but I'm afraid your
computer would not even know where to begin. It is no surprise that the author of the above article
didn't put his/her name on it. He or she just used "staff writer" instead. I'd be ashamed too.

My third area of concern is the quality of pictures you put on your stories. The pictures you put on
your stories need to make sense and be somewhat related to the stories and if you decide to put a
picture of yourself, it needs to be "professional". Pictures of a journalist standing next to a car,
sitting in front of a computer or next to a wall with a huge grin and your suit wide open are NOT
professional. Those are the pictures you send to the girl who rejected you back in secondary school
saying "I made it to the USA", or to your distant cousin in Gambia who takes it to school and
shows to her friends saying "nkotoo ming beh toubabudoo" or "suma mak bi neeka out". A
simple "passport" style photo will do.

Finally, while some of your newspaper is based on criticizing Yaya Jammeh, I'd like to point out that
you are no different to him if you cannot take criticism. You accuse Jammeh of intolerance and lack
of objectivity while you yourselves are so unable to take criticism that you refused to publish my
comments just because it's the truth and you know it. You need to open up to criticism. Either
respond to it or take it in good faith and try to improve. It can only make you better.

Guys, you the media are ambassadors of the Gambia and you need to hold yourselves to higher
standards. I know it's hard but please take the time to get an education (I mean higher than
secondary school). If that is too difficult, please get an educated person to edit your stories for you.
Also take the time to read and learn from other journalists and newspapers. There are plenty to
choose from. NY Times, Wall Street Journal etc are just a few that have been around for decades
and you can see the types of pictures, for example, that you can use in your stories.

Louis Friend
United States

FORMER COLONEL ANN BREAKS SILENCE;
....As He Graduates At The U OF M.
........................................By GON................Posted June 2nd, 2007

Talking to Gainako on Wednesday, May 30th 2007 at his Minnesota
residence, former Gambian Colonel, Mr. Pa Modou Ann informed this
paper of his long silence, and struggle to established a respectable residency
outside the Gambia. Mr. Ann who recently pulled out a degree in political
science and global studies at the famous University of Minnesota (U of M)
overwhelmingly expressed satisfaction over an appreciable American system
where all peoples have the unique opportunity to improve their human
resource capacity on any aspect of one's choosing, in order to contribute
to peoples' livelihoods.

"I loved my job as a professional soldier, a soldier who served with
dignity and professionalism. I love the Gambia very much, and hardly
a day goes by without thinking about the Gambia." Said former Colonel
Ann when quizzed by Gainako as to how much regret he had being in the
Gambian military.

Talking about his long silence, he noted "I was adjusting myself to my new environment. I am
with my family and also going to school." The former Gambian Colonel famously known as
Major Ann was in high spirit, and expressed hope in serving Gambians and humanity at large. "We
should all work together to find viable answers to Gambia's problems. Lets reserve our
energies for a progressive future engagement and try to desist from pointing fingers to each
other." he remarked in a touching tone.

When asked further whether he had nibs in the cupboard during his time with the current rulers in the
Gambia, he noted "I lived by what I believe in, being a professional officer. I believe in the fair
and judicious application of the set rules and regulations guiding one and all. These
fundamental foundation should be the bedrock to prepare every society for progress and
prosperrity".

The former renowned Gambian military man agreed to be fully engaged by Gainako over the
months ahead to completely break the silence and tell Gambians of information that was within his
midst then, of an administration he one time worked for, which now is alleged to be responsible for
so much terror and human dehumanization of Gambia's citizens within the last 11 years.

Mr. Ann who rectified Gainako's reporter that he is not a retired Colonel since he was relieved of
his position ended the interview with a call for Gambian unity.

It is to be noted under Jammeh's administration, a lot of students died in the April 2000
demonstration and scores of others maimed and traumatized for life. In the many alleged counter
coups, a lot of military personnel, politicians, journalists and human rights activists lost their lives,
others languishing in jail, and many others cannot predict their fate. The same administration is
accused of random hire and fire of civil servants in a trend that resembles tribalism. This
administration is believed to be responsible for the death of former finance minister, the late Koro
Ceesay and Point's editor, the late Deyda Hydara. Foday Makalo's disapperance is still a tale of
heresay naration. Gambians are concerned of what happened to their citizens and therefore it is
important for any one with information to voluntarily submit for the records.

Editor's note: Gainako will conduct future interviews with former Colonel Ann.

.....................Tribalism
.....A Rebuttal to Mathew K. Jallow
..........................................By Louis Friend .............Posted June 1st, 2007

..............RE: 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

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