Gainako Newspaper

Unlike all other towns, life in our precious little Smart Town was always
normal. Not even the greatest of storms and tornadoes could disturb the
smooth musical rhythm of life in our little town. Come hail come wind,
come rain or shine, our little town remained calm and serene, its life
patterned along age-old traditions and established norms of peace and
respect. Peace on Earth, read the great white banner at the entrance to
our little town.

The small streets of our little town were paved with air and marked by rows and rows of beautiful
thorn bushes, sharp and pricking to the touch, which grew freely and lent an added tranquility to the
atmosphere. This meant that when our common townsfolk walked our common pathways, they had
to stiffly hold their arms by their sides to avoid getting seriously pricked, or their garments caught in
the brambles. Here and there were big trees under which were erected big wooden beds that served
as meeting places for the learned among our common townsfolk. There under the cool shades of
those mighty trees, they would discuss every subject under the sun and carry on their learned
debates, day in, day out.

Society in our little town was divided into several distinct strata. Right at the peak of the social
pyramid perched our most prominent bigwigs, the fat-potbellied moneybags and fake paperbags
who controlled the strings of all our bulging purses and drove around in brand new Pajeros and
other expensive cars. These were the Homo Beevys and Homo Rattys, the Homo Luhatis and
Homo Jelyebs, the really great names whose mere utterances activated the juicy glands of our
common townsfolk. Nicknamed the untouchable homo tohotoho, these our most prominent bigwigs
led a life of ease and plenty. They led what was commonly known in our little town, as �pramboyal
divestyles� even though none of them was really a diver.

The favorite past time of our famous moneybags and fake paperbags was to ride their fattened
mares at the golden dusk of our little town, waving their flywhisks at our amazed common townsfolk
as they trotted gaily by, and letting out small shrieks once in a while, so as not to be mistaken for
wicked impersonators. For of late, some of our dishonest townsfolk with no money and little brains
had taken to riding stolen mares along the streets of our little town, pretending to be our untouchable
bigwigs so as to be able to dupe one innocent victim or the other. But now, with their special
shrieks, the real bigwigs could be easily distinguished from the fake ones, for these could only make
strange noises with their coarse and unpolished voices.

A rung down the top of our social ladder were our less prominent bigwigs, the Homo Wayhas and
Homo Sachas, the Homo Diyamus, Homo Lambalehs and Homo Degalas whose defining
characteristic was their nearness to the real moneybags and their expertise at the elusive science of
maratu. They made up the administrative cadre of the prominent council of our little town. Owing to
their fabled garrulous cleverness and nimble minds, they were also the chief advisers to many a giant
businessman in our little town. These had no fattened mares to ride in our golden sunsets, but they
owned beautifully painted lil� donkeys, which they loved to slowly ride before our famous
moneybags, cracking their leather whips and waving gaily at our distinguished ladies, often to make
easy way for their prominent bosses, often to catch a small glimpse for themselves. Their favorite
past time was to hang around our prominent moneybags, listening to their tall tales of gallantry and
exploits, and giving advice where needed and even where not needed. They were truly, the most
spectacular lot in the social cocktail of our own very smart little town.

Next on the social ladder, almost parallel to our less prominent bigwigs, were the quiet ones of our
little town: the Homo Norpicos and Homo Mofiseshs, whose defining characteristic was silence,
but who nevertheless contributed immensely in making our little town what it was: A lively hub of
exciting activity that was the pride of the centuries and all of the other towns in the neighborhood, big
or little.

These silent ones were men and women of great wisdom and experience. However in our little
town, survival, in our true sense of that word, demanded more than wisdom and experience. To be
in the real swing of things and perfectly in line in our little town, you needed more brawn than brains,
more muscle than experience, or so it really seems. That was why our gentle Homo Norpicos and
Homo Mofiseshs decided, at some sad point in time, to withdraw into the background and watch
the never-ending drama in our little town with guarded interest. Once in a while, they groaned and
sighed and shook their heads and sadly smiled, and flicked their tongues or made a small guttural
noise to emphasize their presence; but they otherwise remained very quiet, and simply watched with
saddened eyes. They were always misunderstood and no longer felt comfortable in our little world
of facts, facts, and more hard, undiluted facts and iron figures where well, you really had to know
the hard facts and iron figures or withdraw into your melancholy world of silence. Why otherwise
would our little town be called smart town?

.......PREPAID PHONE CARDS;
ANOTHER ILLEGAL EXPLOITATION OF
......IMMIGRANTS RESOURCES
............ By Momodou Lamin Drammeh................June 26th, 2007

Are you as frustrated as I am with the shady business practices of the various
prepaid calling card companies across America? If yes, then it is time to break
the long silence and submissiveness.

Using these calling cards has persistently been consumers' nightmare. Almost
ninety five percent of all prepaid calling card consumers are immigrants and I
just wonder if that is the very reason we are being taken for granted. Or are
the crooks behind these operations just confident that we, the consumers, most
of who originate from third world countries will remain dormant and submissive
to their continuous exploitive practices. Enough is enough and it is time to act
and make our voices and concerns heard. We have to send a clear message to
these firms by exposing their fraudulent business practices.

It is very disgusting and disappointing that the average five-dollar prepaid calling
card cannot yield twenty minutes of proper calling time to Africa. There are far
too many hidden charges and costs associated with the use of these cards than those disclosed in the
fine prints. Moreover, the minutes usually announced by the automated voice system are
exaggerated, falsified, and far less than the actual calling time allocated, which I believe constitutes
false advertising and is punishable by law.

There are so many ways and means at our disposal that we can use to expose these unscrupulous
practices by these firms and eventually correct their unacceptable mode of business.

One way is to use the power of the Internet to expose these crooks by denouncing their negative
attitudes towards us. We can also sign petitions through our local organizations and representative
bodies like the Gambian organizations and similar associations of other countries and submit them to
various attorneys' general offices all across the United States.

Another effective means is to refrain from buying these prepaid calling cards for a certain period of
time. We can protest against their exploitation by boycotting their products and services, which will
subsequently result to a significant loss of revenue for them. Let's all participate in one form or
another, and we shall make a difference.

Editor's note: We want to add that some of the hidden charges associated with these phone cards
are call rounding to the nearest minute. Sometimes there are as much as six (6) minutes rounding.
Meaning when you use five (5) minutes you are charged eleven (11) minutes. It is also a fact that big
companies like AT&T and MCI benefit immensely from these fraudulent charges. These prepaid
phone card companies purchase minutes from these giant long distance companies and once several
people start calling the lines get jammed and the phone card gives you a busy signal while your
minutes are consumed. Gainako echo the writer's call to take action against another illegal
exploitation of immigrants. This is no different from using illegal immigrants for cheap labor only to
put the blame on them for simply wanting to make a living.

...TICKETS SHORTAGE
HITS U-20 FANS IN CANADA
............By Yero Jallow, Staff writer��June 25th, 2007

Reliable sources close to the Gambian community in Toronto, Canada revealed to Gainako that
there is massive tickets shortage in the expected U-20 soccer competition in Canada. The source
who spoke under condition of anonymity in Ontario, Canada indicated that the Jammeh
administration disapoints Gambians in another instance by their failure aforetime to submit a certain
form that was going to secure enough tickets for all Gambian attendees. The same source added that
the lawyer that was assigned to the Gambia for the tickets called them and notified them he couldn't
secure the tickets at the last minute. The said source complained and queered bitterly about this
man-made misfortune by Jammeh and his followers.

Meanwhile it is alleged that Jammeh spent one million Gambian Dalasis securing a Ghanaian 300-jet
flight supposedly to carry fans to Canada. A slight delay is anticipated, but it is expected by evening
of June 25th 2007, Gambian fans and soccer players would have arrived in Canada.

In sideline, at least two Gambian representatives are believed to be in Canada working with the
Gambian community and are helping them secure lodging in the cultural center situated in Toronto.

Any Gambian fans wishing to attend the soccer tournament is advised to purchase their tickets in
their places of residence. Gainako will give full coverage to the tournament. We appreciate any
information forwarded.

....IN LOVING MEMORY OF
.......MUSA CAMARA
...............................By Yero Jallow.................June 23rd, 2007

The death of Musa Camara of Radio Gambia has been announced.

Musa Camara fondly �Balla� is a long time serving journalist at the Gambia
Radio as a Pularr translator with over two decades of journalism experience.

According to sources emanating from the Gambia, the man met his sudden demise on June 22nd
2007.

According to one commentator in Maryland [USA] who spoke with Gainako, Balla will be truly
missed by the Fulbe community and the entire Gambian populace. �Balla is known for �jokkereh
endam� [keeping the blood relationship] �faded a mourner in crying throat voice.

Meanwhile many Gambian forums signaled a powerful tribute to a man who died while in active duty
serving his country men.

Editor�s note: Gainako mourns with the entire Camara family and the Gambian people at large.
We wish to extend our deepest condolence to his family and love ones. May his soul rest in perfect
Peace. Amen.

SEVERAL HUNDRED REFUGEES IN FONI
..........By Yaya Dampha courtesy of Foroyaa.................June 22nd, 2007

The fighting in Casamance has forced many people to seek sanctuary in the Gambia. The refugees
who are from the villages of Kuram, Kabakel, Penam and Eloli in the Cassamance are staying
with their family members in Kafuta and Kafuta Tumbung. According to the Alkalo of Kafuta
Tumbung, Mr. Ansumana Jarju, there were over four hundred refugees in his village, but most of
these people have now gone to Serekunda and Brikama. He said that as at now, only one hundred
refugees are living in his village.

He said the refugees are now receiving support from World Food Programme and UNHCR.

In Ndemban, there are over six hundred refugees who are staying with their relatives and are
receiving aid from the UNHCR and WFP. Mr. Buba Jarju, a refugee in Kafuta Tumbung said he
came from Kabakel in Cassamance when the rebels attacked their village and held many hostages.
He said the Senegalese Forces later repelled the rebels from the village.

Mr. Malang Sanyang from Eloli said there was a struggle between the Jakai rebels and forces of
Alexandra Gibba, who is currently detained at Mile Two Central Prison. Sanyang said the Jakai
rebels were able to flush out Gibba�s fighters and they have since taken control of the area. Another
refugee in Somita, Bubacarr Badjie said the Jakai rebels are gaining the upper hand in the struggle to
control territories in Cassamance. He said this group often attacks the rebel factions in the area,
especially when they learned that another rebel group has seized a village. He described the Jakai
rebels as a disciplined force that does not engage in taking villagers as hostages. He said the rebels
have scattered since the deployment of the Senegalese Forces at the border.

............................BOOKS
......Coup de'tat
......... by the Gambia National Army, July 22nd 1994
......................By Lt. Col. Samsudeen Sarr....June 21st, 2007

Lieutenant Colonel Samsudeen M. Sarr was born in the Gambia in the 50's.
He first started his career as a school teacher before enlisting in the Gambia
National Army in 1986. For thirteen years he had served as a commissioned
military officer and ultimately became the commander of the army before he
was unceremoniously retired by the country's president in 1999. He has since
immigrated with his family to the USA where they are now living permanently.

"Coup de'tat by the Gambia National Army, July 22nd 1994" is the
author's autobiography chronicling the events of the title and its impact in his
life. It is a story filled with lessons about Gambian history with a special focus
on the genesis of the Gambian Military. For complexity, Lt. Col. Sarr alternated his story in the early
chapters between scenes in the Gambia and his struggles to obtain political asylum in the United
States of America. The book also revealed recollections from his childhood to educate his readers
about certain social and spiritual beliefs and traditions in the Gambia.

After the first few chapters, which set up the coup and established his thoughts about it, he further
provided a detailed history of his personal life up to the time of his enlistment in the Gambia National
Army. There he discussed his first days in the USA in the early 80's sequentially focusing on life in
the Gambia before, during and after the coup.

The book is intended to be instructive and educational to readers interested in, among other things,
the background of the Gambia National Army and current APRC government headed by President
Yaya A. J. J. Jammeh since July 22nd 1994.

The Book is Published by Xlibris and can be Order from your local bookstore,
call 888-795-4274 ext. 7876, or order online at www.xlibris.com, www.bn.com,
www.borders.com, or www.amazon.com
ISBN13 Hardcover: 978-1-4257-6113-4
ISBN13 Softcover: 978-1-4257-6111-0

CONSTITUTIONAL CRISIS HITS GAMBIAN
...ASSOCIATION IN MINNESOTA
.......................By Yero Jallow.................June 19th, 2007

Minneapolis (MN)-Last week, June 9th 2007 members of the said Association
gathered for their quarterly general meeting. In his opening remarks, the current
president Mr. Dawda Sowe expressed delight in having the gathering at the
newly acquired resource center.

Among the things discussed was the newly acquired facility for the community
which is at service to all Gambians in the area, member contributions and the
way to unify all Gambians under the umbrella of the Gambian Association. It is said that the new
facility located in the heart of South Minneapolis will work with Gambians in the area in many areas
of need; employment, legal advice, recreation, and a lot more.

During the meeting Mr. Lang Dibba, former president of the said association used the occasion to
submit the 501( c) document which finally ended a long time wait of a promise he made to the
association years back.

Detail financial reports were filed by the auditor Mr. Wuyeh Sanneh and authenticated by the
association�s treasurer, Mr. Lamin Komma. The said report also indicated that the association is in
good financial standing but the amount less than what was handed over from the old executive,
however the auditor did account for all the lapses.

During the process of a long meeting, certain stipulations in the association�s constitution were
widely criticized. In a scale, 97% of attendees would have voted against the said stipulations which
brought rage and counter attack from the floor with the committee members. The committee
which seated itself so disgracefully, defenseless in the front didn�t have it their way, as the whole
floor was loaded with one voice.

Anonymous members who spoke with this reporter expressed dissatisfaction over the new
association�s take on things. �They failed us totally. They showed no concern at all.� said one
critical attendee whose relative is a victim of the new law in the constitution. �No one should be left
behind. We should make sure all are equally represented.� Fumed another one.

At the end of the meeting, it wasn't clear if the committee agreed to meet and repeal the said
stipulations now that all the community is firing at them in that manner. Some other long time critics
also communicated to Gainako, and they argued that the new committee should be tasked to either
serve effectively or resign their positions in good faith.

The meeting was chaired by Mr. Lamin Dibba alias Pap who doubles as the vice president of the
association.

� Copyright, 2006-2007: Gainako On-line Newspaper . Site Maintained by Gamway Computers