It is with great pleasure that we notify the general public that the long awaited Gainako is now operational,
with its main headquarters in Minnesota and Wisconsin. For now, Gainako is online based, and we are
working on having it print.
We thank all our wide readership and good wishers whose motivational factors contributed immensely towards our
existence. We are also grateful to all those that gave us space time and again without censorship. We will still be forwarding
our pieces to Bantaba (www.camara.dk), also Gambia post mailing list, and notably we thank Momodou Camara, George
Sarr and all others that constantly provided space to our pieces. Not forgetting the editors of Freedom, All Gambian, The
Echo, the Point, and the Gambia Journal, whom we interacted greatly in the past, and still continue to do. We are also
happily riding comfortably on the camel’s back of our webmaster.
We humbly entrust the affairs of Gainako in the Hands of Almighty God, and we are certain that God will always be by our
side.
Sincerely,
Gainako Management.
Gainako Accepted; One click to activate it
By Yero Jallow...............................Posted september 12th, 2006
The entire Management of Gainako Online is pleased to announce to its wide readership that
Gainako will be formerly launched to start operations.
It is clear that after we engaged the people at home and abroad, they all gave us maximum encouragement and blessings.
Many also pleaded with us to operate, while it is a need and necessity. Others couldn’t just understand why such a golden
egg is not allowed to hatch the golden chicken. The fact that our pieces has succeeded in being featured for a long time in all
the Gambian Online and Local papers without censorship is the biggest testimony that we are accepted nationally and
internationally.
When Gainako joins her sister partners in development, we will waste no time in telling the people the reasons for our coming
into operations. We will also give explanations as to why we weren’t in operation since Editor Mbye of the Freedom
Newspaper featured us as soon to be operational.
Pending the final click to give Gainako standing legs, we thank all those who gave us space, time and again. This, we value
very well, and we will ask them to continue on the good initiation they started. We are partners in development, and we will
continue to work with all good minded people in the struggle to rescue Africans, and the world as a whole. Ours is also a
clear way out to deal with the world’s injustices. All areas of life will be covered.
Meanwhile, we also thank our webmaster, who will profile for his active part in supporting those in need of his services. We
also call on the GPU members at home, and the external youth wing GPU to welcome the new paper, and give all due
support.
Since Gainako is nationally and internationally accepted, we decided to operate.
One Click; Gainako is now operational.
By Yero Jallow & Samba Baldeh..........................Posted september 12th, 2006
For the information of the general public, the long awaited Gainako is now operational.
Gainako, a Fula word meaning shepherd is a well calculated name. As the name denotes, we intend to
watch over happenings. Our motto “Guardianship and Independence” reveals that we are an independent
media outlet, and out to guide and be guided by honest intellectual interactions.
We are careful not to see this paper as belonging to an individual, and therefore will give a voice to the voiceless. This paper
is for all positive minded people. Our African intellectuals, and politicians will be put to a test, and we ask them to answer to
our calls when ever we call on them. The paper’s editorial policy will not be altered by individuals out to give it a bad
reputation.
Gainako is the paper that all and sundry were waiting for. We will not fail you. We have a long term plan of even printing in
the Gambia. Ours will be reliable, well authenticated facts, and directed at fostering unity to enhance national development.
With barely about two weeks to enter into the Islamic month of fasting, it becomes evident that Gainako’s arrival at this time
is a mercy from Almighty God, and fulfillment of a requirement as called upon by circumstances, best described by Hon.
Halifa Sallah as a “Call of Duty.”
News
Gainako Management
SUN SHINED IN GAMBIA'S CHICAGO CONFERENCE;
By Yero Jallow
As African intellectuals preached African Values.
Midwest Gambian Association's 7th annual Conference kicked off September 2nd 2006 at the Majestic Star hotel, Gary,
Indiana. The conference that attracted a lot of Gambians in the area was also a forum for African intellectuals to argue their
opinions on what is the reality for our current Africa. The theme of this year's conference "Vote 2006-Beginning of our Third
Republic or Continuation of our Second Republic" brought to the conference table Mr. Baba Galleh Jallow, Dr. Michael
Gomez, Dr. Nnam Nkuzi, Honorable Halifa Sallah via telephone conference, and lot of other Gambians living in the
American states of Chicago, Indiana, Illinois and Minnesota.
Dr. Gomez in his speech called for a real change of attitude from Gambians. "It's about changing the hearts and minds of the
Gambian people. You don't lead by dictating, you lead by examples.", said Dr. Gomez while emphasizing the need for
Gambians to criticize, offer solutions to problems, and not condemn others. Dr. Gomez, who spoke openly against
corruption, also signaled Gambians to have a term limit to the presidency, and exercise intellectual honesty at home and
abroad to avoid overthrowing of Governments because of African leaders overstaying in power.
Dr. Nkuzi, a Nigerian professor living in Chicago, called on Africans not to abandon their culture. "What is African doesn't
appeal to us than what is foreign, even though ours is better.", he said in a speech that he titled "Colonial Mentality In Africa",
which is also a summary of a book he authored deals with societal morality of the abandoned cultures which he blamed on
colonialism.
Mr. Baba Galleh Jallow who spoke on "Beyond Neocolonialism: Approaches of Understanding Africa's
Underdevelopment.", hit hard on many African rulers describing them as mere rulers out to terrorize the citizens of their
countries. Galleh cannot comprehend the so called excuse of terror meted out to Gambians in the name of national security.
"It needs to be National Security with a human face.", Galleh emphasized while frowning at Gambian tyrant, Yaya Jammeh,
who he accused along other rulers of being monsters, sycophants, criminal rulers, and thugs.
"You have to build a nation's state from below, and never above-that will never work. Develop the minds of the people, and
the people will develop the country", Galleh pointed while explaining the proper order of how the system needs to look like.
Galleh also called on Gambians and Africans to have a common National Identity, rather than seeing themselves as belonging
to tribes: "Gambians and Africans need to see themselves under a common identity." Meanwhile he asked his wide
readership to check for his funny stories at the Gambia post, and watch out for the book in the pipeline titled "Diary of an
African journalist", which he said will unveil of all the atrocities taking place in our the Gambia since 1994.
Joe Sambou who chaired the conference mourned two of their late members namely Amie Njie and ML Prom, and the
whole crowd observed a moment of silence for them, in respect for their past dedication to the Midwest Gambian
Association of Chicago.
In a similar development, Hon. Sallah of NADD honored the invitation, and briefed Gambians about NADD's development
so far. Hon. Sallah, who sounded very optimistic of victory for NADD, openly described NADD as the real progressive
party with galvanized supporters who are in charge of their destiny. The chairman of the occasion, Mr. Sambou revealed to
the gathering that the same opportunity was accorded to the UDP/NRP, and they failed to honor it saying they are too busy
with campaign, and no reason was advanced why Jammeh of the APRC didn't honor his'. Meanwhile a document submitted
by Karamba Touray, external youth activist for the UDP couldn't be shared with attendees because of an alleged forgery and
plagiarism on the said document, and he was notified of the association's move not to share the document with attendees. It is
not clear to the author of this piece if the document was written by Karamba or not, and we do hope he deems it necessary
to give an explanation to Gambians.
One Kemo Jarjou, Executive member of the SeneGambian Association in Madison, Wisconsin, sounded very critical to the
Midwest Chicago host when approached for comments. Mr. Jarjou's argument that the name " Midwest" is supposed to
represent all the surrounding states, and therefore the yearly gathering should be rotational in all these states. Mr. Jarjou said
they are patient, and he will continue to call on the Executives in Chicago to reverse their decision of hosting it continually in
Chicago to foster unity among all the states of the Midwest, and he cited some states that used to attend this gathering, but
now backed off after they suspected that Chicago is making this gathering a personal event. Others who wish to remain
anonymous made similar comments, and in fact one commentator said he already signaled the association about that for a
long time. At this time, we hope Mr. Ousman Conteh, Isatou, Demba Sowe, Joe Sambou and their entire team will
communicate to Gambians about this situation, which is likely to jeopardize their cordial relations with their neighboring states
if no remedies are implemented.
In attendance Samba Baldeh, President of the SeneGambian Association of Wisconsin, described the conference as "well
spirited". Mr. Conteh, Chairman of the Midwest Gambian Association gave the vote of thanks. The night dance on Sept 2nd
was also well attended with Mbalax and Ndagga echoing in one of the famous "Sunugal" restaurants, where the night
program was held.
DETROIT TAKES AMIE NJIE'S TROPHY HOME WHILE PROM'S TROPHY STAYED IN CHICAGO.
Sad and honorable was the second day events in Chicago. Two trophies were contested among the Midwest states. Detroit
won Chicago in the finals of the soccer competition, taking home the first trophy provided in honor of the Late Amie Njie,
and Chicago being second won the ML Prom's trophy-it is noted that the late Njie and Prom were very active members and
participants in the Midwest Association. As attendees at the soccer field observed a moment of silence for the two, family
members were honored to present the trophies to the winners. We summarize the soccer matches below.
ANJUL (Reuters) - Gambian President Yahya Jammeh has dissolved his entire cabinet two months after securing re-election for a new five-year term, state broadcaster GRTS announced on Thursday.
The brief announcement did not say why Jammeh had taken the decision or when the cabinet would be replaced. It said the president had commended his ministers for their patriotism and hard work.
Former military coup leader Jammeh scored a landslide 72 percent victory in November to extend his 17 year-rule over the tiny West African country, which attracts thousands of Western tourists to its white-sand beaches and tropical forests.
The African Union said Jammeh had benefited from a strong media bias and greater financial resources than rivals.
Although he has presided over a period of stability, a number of former allies have been accused of plotting coup bids during his rule.
Minnesota Department of Health
National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (NBHAAD) will be held in Minnesota, as across the nation, on Feb. 7 to call attention to the staggering toll HIV/AIDS has had on Black communities across the country.
With the national theme of, "I Am My Brother/Sister's Keeper: Fight HIV/AIDS," local organizers hope to raise awareness and encourage African-Americans and African-born persons to get tested, get educated, get treated and get involved within their communities to halt the spread of this disease.
"We are emphasizing the importance of getting tested for HIV and getting into care if infected," said Peter Carr, manager of the STD and HIV Section, Minnesota Department of Health (MDH). "New studies show that HIV transmission rates can be reduced by 96 percent when infected persons get into care and treatment. As part of this year's observance, local agencies will be offering free HIV testing."

By Mathew K Jallow
Civil Society Associations-Gambia, a coalition of seven Gambian civil and human rights organizations spread across Europe, the United States and West Africa has been launched after a year of online meetings and dozens of conference calls between founding members. The purpose of CSAG is to challenge the impunity with which the Gambian state has subjected innocent citizens to the most egregious rights abuses, which include extra-judicial executions, murders, tortures, forced disappearances, and the pervasive arrests, detentions and incarcerations. To more effectively execute its responsibilities, a new executive was elected to manage the affairs of the organization for a period of two years. The new executive comprises: 
i. Banka Manneh; Chairman, US
ii. Ndey Tapha-Sosseh; Secretary General, Mali
iii. Yaya Dampha; Treasurer, Sweden
iv. Abdoulie Jobe; Member, UK
v. Alieu Ceesay; Member, Scotland, UK
vi. Buba Baldeh; Member, Senegal
vii. Mathew K. Jallow; Member, US 
Following the election a new executive, and after extensive and exhaustive consultations, CSAG launched a website to facilitate the gathering and dissemination of information in timely manner. Readers will notice that over the past few weeks, CSAG put out press releases and public notices in line with the organization’s commitment to the restoration of the rule of law in The Gambia. So far, CSAG has sought to network with like-minded regional and international rights organizations to more broadly involve the wider international community in the effort to put the spotlight on the atrocities perpetrated by the Gambian regime. CSAG recognizes the difficult challenges confronting the Gambia and, therefore, values the working relationships so far established and continue to establish with other regional and international rights organization.
Dear Editor,
I am a board member of Hand In Health (HIH – handinhealth.org), a Minnesota based NGO. Hand In Health has been supporting health and education in The Gambia since 2006. In 2010 HIH provided 7500 medical books for the hospital library in Bwiam.
Hand In Health is partnering with Books For Africa, (BFA - booksforafrica.org) with a goal of ending the book famine in The Gambia. Together we will send one million school and reading books to The Gambia and build up to six regional libraries, over a 3 to 5 year period. BFA and HIH raised funds for two 40ft containers of over 44,000 school and library books for The Gambia. This shipment left Atlanta 3 weeks ago and is due in Banjul by early February 2012.
By Mathew K Jallow
Dr. Amadou S Janneh conviction
For once, the cynics proved me wrong. I admit. It was just that given the extraordinary amount of unsubstantiated prosecutorial evidence, I felt that no judge could find grounds on which to convict Dr. Amadou S Janneh. Or so I thought; rather, I hoped. I was holding our hope that at the very minimum; Dr. Janneh would come out this fracas wounded by the blatant abuse of his citizen rights, but still a free man. 
I was wrong; very wrong. Quite frankly, I was thrown way off guard by the allure of fair-play; charmed by some of the comments and observations Judge Emmanuel Nkea made during the trial. But these turned out to be mere rhetorical flourishes weaved in sadistic deception and delivered with provincial embellishment to project a false sense of fairness. Read more
Thursday, January 24, 2011
GAMBIAN CIVIL SOCIETY GROUPS AND PARTNERS CAUTION AGAINST A PRESIDENT YAHYA JAMMEH AFRICAN UNION CHAIRMANSHIP
Your Excellencies,
On the eve of the African Union Summit to be held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on the 29th and 30th January, we the undersigned Gambian Civil Society Groupsi, regional and international partners in the struggle for human rights, democracy and free expression in The Gambia, humbly petition your august body, the Assembly of the Heads of State and Government, representing the member countries of the African Union not to elect President Yayha Jammeh of The Gambia, as chairman of the African Union.

It has been brought to our attention that according to the rules of procedure of the Assembly, the Heads of State during the January Summit should elect one of their peers to assume the rotating Chairmanship of the Union. We are also aware that in 2012, West Africa has the chairperson responsibility and that President Yahya Jammeh, of The Gambia has declared his candidature. Read details
Click on link for details http://www.gainako.com:2095/3rdparty/squirrelmail/src/webmail.php
By Archam Molengel, Sare Balebeh, The Gambia
Reflections from a Gambian citizen on the recent imprisonment of a former government information minister-Dr. Amadou Scattered Janneh will spend the rest of his life in prison, this, after a Gambian court found him and others guilty of attempting to overthrow the democratically eleceted government of President Yahya Jammeh.
Exploring the Scattered Janneh case
I observed from the onset, how the trial started, reading very seriously the editorials, and the general trends in the news media. I wasn't supposed to be very occupied to miss the court reports about the case when I could not make it at the courts. Somehow, I had started to make up my mind after I allowed myself to be part of a spiritual flight that traverse across the cosmos urging the heart to doing things that are so passionate to itself. That moment, the moment, we, call love, yes or no. If someone can get kicked for speaking one's mind, rest assured, if Amadou Scattered Janneh, (scattered as they call him his native Gunjur) is there, his face will be kicked right on. And here is why? Read more
By Fakebba j Samateh.
I learned with sadness and dismay that the chief Gambian cheat had given himself another five year term in the office, thus making a fourth five year term. Watching Yahya Jammeh's inauguration on televission would show any sensible thinking Gambian, what the true intentions of this Kanilai Monster are.
1. Jammeh came to power accusing the Jawara administration of staying too long in power thus encouraging rampant corruption and mismanagement of public funds.
2. Jammeh said he hates politics because all politicians are hypocrites for they always lie to people promising what they cannot do.
3.Maybe Gambians either did not know or they keep pretending they don't know. How many of you have ever visited Kanilai? Yesterday Kanilai and today Kanilai are like earth and heaven for Kanilai is turning into a Dubai with Banks and hotels also the president has built a semi stadium now called the cultural square.

President Obama's State of the Union Address 2012
"So it is with America. Each time I look at that flag, I’m reminded that our destiny is stitched together like those fifty stars and those thirteen stripes. No one built this country on their own. This Nation is great because we built it together. This Nation is great because we worked as a team. This Nation is great because we get each other’s backs. And if we hold fast to that truth, in this moment of trial, there is no challenge too great; no mission too hard. As long as we’re joined in common purpose, as long as we maintain our common resolve, our journey moves forward, our future is hopeful, and the state of our Union will always be strong". Read full text


Press Release:
In accordance with the organizational by-laws, the general membership of Save the Gambia Democracy Project (STGDP) elected a Management Committee to run the affairs of the organization for the next two years on Saturday January 21, 2012. The Management Committee comprises of six officials as: Chairperson, Vice Chairperson, Secretary General, Public Relations Officer, Treasurer, and Political Strategist At-large. Listed below are the newly elected Management Committee members: Banka Manneh of Atlanta Metro Area (Georgia, USA) was elected to extend his term as Chairman of STGDP. Banka's relentless demeanor and hard work, commitment and top notch leadership has proven to be a tremendous asset for the organization.
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