Gainako Newspaper

In a rather unsurprising move, Magistrate Buba Jawo of the Kanifing Court
sentenced Journalist Lamin Fatty of the closed Independent Newspaper to pay
D50, 000.00 or in default serve one year in prison.

Talking to Gainako, external GPU�s Secretary General Mr. Pa Samba Jow
expressed dissapointment over the whole verdict.

�This is another outrage. It clearly shows to what extent the Government of Yahya Jammeh
will go to trample on people�s rights.� Mr. Jow frowned. When Gainako quizzed Mr. Jow as to
what help the external GPU will give to Mr. Fatty, he said �I will consult other members.�

In another good gesture Gainako�s editor, Mr. Demba Baldeh ask all patriotic citizens to move
forward to meeting our colleague�s sentence cost.

It is to be remembered that Journalist Lamin Fatty�s legal trouble started when he reported the
involvement of Samba Bah former interior minister on the alleged coup in March 2006. Once this
error was realized and that the actual Samba Bah involved was a a member of Gambia National
Army, a rejoinder was published to clarify the matter.

This paper is reliably informed that the GPU in the Gambia is actively participating to see Mr. Fatty
freed. Until late Tuesday evening there was no official statement from his associates at the
Independent, namely Baba Galleh Jallow, Alagi Yoro Jallow and Abdoulie Sey.

To view more pictures of Journalist Lamin Fatty and other journalist in the Gambia click here

.........................A Book Review
.Made in The Gambia
.........................By Foday Samateh.......................Posted June 5th, 2007

...Title: Homegrown
.- The Student Experience of a Unique Canada-Africa University Program.
...A Memoir: Momodou Sabally Publisher: AuthorHouse (2007)

The opening two sentences of "Homegrown," originally published as
"Janji Jollof," read: "'I have been directed to expel you from the program!"
the voice thundered into my ears. A brief, uneasy silence ensued as my
colleagues and I stared at the permanent secretary of the Ministry of
Education."

Could it have been said better? In the realm of the possible, we can say a doubtful maybe. But
within the confines of the thinkable, it is doubtless the perfect. In spite of its brevity, the scene in the
office of the Permanent Secretary introduces the principal theme of the story, the conflicts and the
tensions of the drama, power as a role, the challenges and, yes, a sense of fear of unsolicited
consequences. Putting together the Permanent Secretary's exclamatory exercise of authority as,
supposedly, harbinger of the higher-ups; the ringing horror of his words into the vulnerable ears of
the author; and the collective arrested stare with which he and his fellow students greet the shocking
message of the government bureaucrat, "Homegrown" has from the very start successfully fulfilled
the condition of memoir as a literary form that embeds the state of society in a personal story. Of
course, it is needless to add that the perspective is at the mercy of the author's point of view.

But more than professing credibility, Sabally looks up to the audience in many instances as priest to
whom he must perform the solemn duty of confessing his troubles, doubts, faults, misjudgments and
needs. At the actual beginning of the story in terms of chronological sequence, he watches time offer
everything but opportunity. Out of school and without a job, he hangs out with fellow daydreamers
begging with earnestness some magic moment for a flight into the bliss of the West. He begins his
narrative from the doldrums of his life-story with a deliberate intent. We know that progression is not
only a mathematical concept even though it goes by the name arc in the world of metaphors.
Upward mobility is his only path from the concave of hopelessness to the convex of his dreams. But
dreams (including university education) at this point exist only in mere wishful thinking for him and
most Gambian youths.

Then the University Extension Program (UEP) materializes thanks to the tripartite collaborative effort
of the Nova-Scotia Gambia Association, the St. Mary's University in Canada, and the Gambia
Government. This is a historic landmark that would be the foundation for the nation's first (and only)
university. Sabally is overwhelmed with a born-again hope when he is admitted as a pioneer in this
international experiment derided and dismissed by no shortage of skeptics, critics and doomsayers in
the country.

In spite of his enthusiasm, climbing the metaphoric arc proves nothing like the smooth and
predictable linear progression of mathematics, his major. Unlike his fellow students, he is accepted
into the program without the faintest of hopes for a government scholarship. There is his
hardworking mother, who has done menial jobs to support her orphaned five children and could not
wait for her last-born and best hope to land a job after his completion of sixth form in high school.
She would not hear of any further education, because its potential benefits are too distant to her
immediate needs. She even goes out of her way to help him find a job as a youth officer at the
Department of Youths and Sports. And there are other forms of "challenge," a word he and his
classmates more often substituted with the disproportionately hyperbolic synonym "struggle:" an
obvious lexical behemoth that, if it serves any purpose, truly measures the elastic exuberance of their
youthful self-importance, self-assertiveness, self-idealization, and over-seriousness. The struggle
almost leads to their expulsion from the program.

There are many high and memorable moments too. His mother finally comes around the idea of
university education. He routinely deputizes for his boss, a divisional commissioner, at youth forums.
His classmates become joke-cracking buddies, who also variously offer him helping hand during
very difficult times. There are inspiring professors, Canadians as well as Gambians, who love doing
what they do. And there is the highlight moment of student union presidency that earns him the
privilege to deliver the graduate student convocation speech. The speech he uses to lambaste the
skeptics and critics with the credentials of their success. It would also be the speech that puts him on
national spotlight, sends him to an international youth conference in Taiwan, and paves his way to the
Central Bank as an economist-statistician.

His candor in telling his most depressing and joyous moments, his innermost doubts and emotional
outbursts; his full disclosure of the support and favor of others are not only admirable, but make him
a credible and an honest writer. Publicists create heroes; flatters make angles; and writers construct
humans.

The Bard of Avon asks the world: "What stuff are dreams made of?" Sabally's answer in
"Homegrown" includes the luck of opportunity, the willingness to succeed, the readiness to face the
obstacles, and most importantly, a goal born of clarity and conviction. Would he finally listen to his
mother that he has enough academic education? The answer: He is currently pursuing a master's
degree in Economics in Georgia State University, Atlanta, Georgia, US.

....FREAKY JOE
.....STORMS SEATTLE
.........By Demba Baldeh Seattle, Editor & Political commentator...................June 4th, 2007

Seattle: Becoming one of the most favorite cities for West African artists,
Seattle was once again on Saturday June 2nd, a host to one of Gambia�s most
talented young artist Singateh aka Freaky Joe. Singateh and his group of
fellow young aspiring artists stormed Seattle with an electrifying performance
at the Fraternal Order of Eagles hall in Lynnwood Washington.

Hundreds of Gambians and their American friends turned out in large numbers to
witness the display of magnificent musical show from these young multi-musical
talents from the Gambia, West Africa. If there was any doubt that Gambian
youths like Freaky Joe are making history in revolutionizing the role of art
and music in Gambian society, one only need to stop at one of his explosive
nights to finally acknowledge that history is in the making in West African
music revolution.

The twenty five (25) year old Singateh, a born native of Bansang the Gambia, is unbelievably single
handedly putting the Gambia on the musical map of the world just like Akon did for our sister
country Senegal. Singateh, hardly visible in the crowd because of his little over five (5) feet size is a
musical fire brand, and his voice will leave you with no choice put to jump on your feet and sweat it
off with him.

Caught up with Gainako�s Editor, Singateh expressed his profound gratefulness and appreciation for
Gambians� unconditional support for his music and efforts to insight culture of love for our own
brand of music. He called on Gambian entrepreneurs to invest in the music industry and promote our
own young talent. �As for me, I cannot complain because am always on Gambia TV and bill
boards, which promotes my music across the country� said a calm and humble Freaky Joe.

Asked how he got into music, Singateh said, �I have always love music and I wanted to use
music to communicate the message of peace and reconciliation to society. I believe music
carries a special message delivered in the form of entertainment to the fans� He was motivated
to sing his first music song to brokered a peace deal between the students of his Alma Mata Gambia
High School and their rival St. Augustine�s High School. The long rivalry between the two
competing schools led to a catastrophic violence during the 2001 interhouse sports competition
which resulted in the death of three students.

Singateh young as he was, decided to compose a song he called �Reconciliation� which was
played at a reconciliation party between the two schools. Ever since that song was released, the two
schools have competed in a spirit of brotherhood without letting their emotions escalate into
senseless violence and destruction of lives. This was the beginning of young singateh�s full fledge
motivation into using the art of music to educate, inspire, and communicate positive messages to the
youths and society in general.

When asked about why Gambians love to listen to foreign music more than their own? An emotional
singateh expressed his growing frustration on the lack of exposure and promotion of our own home
grown music. �When I visited Freetown in Sierra Leone, there was constant local music on
their airwaves and Television all day and night. After listening to that music all day, one
become used to the local music and as a result begins to love and embrace his own talent.�
He further opined that this is what is missing in our Gambian society, as there are only five (5) radio
stations, which only play music on Saturdays most of which is from foreign artists.

Speaking on the need for Gambians to come together to promote development through music and
sports, singateh said, �Unity is Strength and we should love, support, and be there for each
other as my success will lead to the success of others and our nation as a whole�. He further
emphasized that music promoters should be working together as well to jointly promote the talent
pool and encourage the young ones to come forward and explore their talents.

Asked by Gainako�s Editor whether he ever thought about composing another reconciliation song
between the Gambia government and its citizens in the Diaspora? Singateh,said, �I have not
thought about it, but now that you brought it up, I might consider it.� He urged all gambians to
work together to bring positive development to our nation. Those of us in the arts of music will
continue to spread a message of peace and solidarity. We serve as good will ambassadors and will
always represent the positive image of our beloved nation the Gambia.

Singateh concluded the conversation by appealing to Gambians to continue to work hard and be
proud of what belongs to them. He urges all those who know people in Europe to tell them about his
impending first tour of Europe in July and August of this year. He will be visiting London, Sweden
and possibly Germany at the invitation of One Gambia, Soul Sound, and Mega Force Records in
Germany respectively.

Other aspirating artists who were in attendance were Fanseikou Darboe aka Chess who resides in
Seattle Washington; Alhagie Malan Touray aka Alex and Pa Bobo Jobarteh who is a local Kora
player also performed. The crowd was particularly moved by Fanseikou Darboe (Chess) who
reminds the reporter of young Bob Marley who had Africa at the heart of his music. He electrified
the crowd with his lyrics full of love for mother Africa. He cooled of the crowds� sweat by humbly
saying �I am a proud African, when Africa cries I cry, and when Africa smiles my heart is
warmed�.

At the center of Singateh�s success story is his U.S Atlanta based energetic and
entrepreneurial-minded manager and promoter Mr. Pa Ousman Joof, the founder of Gambian
Talents Network. His dedication to expose Gambia�s young talent is worthy of admiration. He
urged Gambians to support Gambian Talent Network by visiting their website at
www.gambiantalents.com.

Other brains behind the success of the show were Seattle�s social icons, Saidy Ceesay of the Seattle
Gambia Association, Momodou Njie, Fatou Dibba Saidy who was the MC to the show, and Fatou
Dibba Junior in charge of Patrons. The Current President of the Seattle Gambia Association Lamin
PF Manneh, and outgoing secretary Alta Denali and her husband Karl were also in attendance to
grace the occasion. Other residents of Seattle especially the youths turned out in large numbers.

Editor�s Note: Gainako online newspaper (GON) was privileged to cover the occasion as it is
inline with our goals to promote Gambian talents� whenever we can regardless of invitation. We do
not wait to be called to national duties and therefore take it upon ourselves to be there whenever
possible. It is our humble believe that with little help, our young aspirating artists will one day
succeed in adding our nation�s name on the world map of music. To view more pictures of artist
freaky Joe, click here

........ � BE PROFESSIONAL �
OPEN LETTER TO GAMBIAN ONLINE NEWSPAPERS
...........................................Louis Friend................Posted June 3rd, 2007

"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.

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