Thursday 28 December 2017

Gambia's Ambassador To Ethiopia and African Union Presents Credentials To The President of Ethiopia.

The Gambia's ambassador to Ethiopia and the African Union (AU), Mr. Sulayman Alieu Jack Tuesday, December 19th, presented his letter of credence to H.E. Mulatu Teshome, President of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia  as the Ambassador Extraordinary  and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of The Gambia to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.


The presentation ceremony was held at the Presidential Palace in Addis Ababa and it was attended by high ranking officials from the Ethiopian government and Gambia Embassy officials.


During the close door meeting H.E Ambassador Jack conveyed the fraternal and warm greetings of H.E. President Adama Barrow to his Ethiopian counterpart.  He indicated his appreciation of the enduring friendship and strong spirit of solidarity that continues to underpin The Gambia and Ethiopian relationship and expressed his commitment to its further strengthening through mutual beneficial cooperation of the two countries. He also expressed his appreciation of the impressive economic growth that Ethiopia has registered over the years and her continuing and steadfast support to the efforts to develop the African continent.


H.E. President Teshome reciprocated the fraternal and warm greetings of his Gambian counterpart. He congratulated The Gambia government and people for the peaceful, historic and democratic transition that occurred in the smiling coast and recalled the fond memories he always cherished about his previous visit to The Gambia on two occasion. He further more highlighted that Ethiopia will continue to support the effort to develop the African continent and to work on mutually beneficial and development partnership with African countries including The Gambia.


In another note Ambassador Jack credence have been approved by The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E. Moussa Fakki Mahamat and the President of Ethiopia. He will also soon present his letter of credence to the Executive Secretary of United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) and he also doubled as the Gambia Ambassador to Kenya.   


The discussion were followed by book signing and a photo session.


By:  Saidina Alieu Jarjou
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia


Tuesday 26 December 2017

The URR Governor’s Statement On NaYCONF Is Irresponsible..

Reference is invited from the article published on the point newspaper on Wednesday, December 20, 2017. “NaYConF as a huge waste of resources”. “Left to me alone NaYConF should not be a weeklong event, but only two days where youths can come together and discuss issues affecting their development to avoid waste of resources,”

I was very staggered, flabbergasted, bowled over, perturbed and provoked beyond all human endurance as a Gambian youth, when I read a nasty, hateful, malicious, malevolent comment by the Governor of Upper River Region, Fatou Jammeh-Touray with the intention of tarnishing the image of NaYCONF in order to suppress the voice of the youth.

According to Mr. Lamin Darboe, the Executive Director of National Youth Council “the biennial event, NaYCONF is meant to bring young people from all over the country and beyond to share their experiences and dilate on issues that affect their lives. The theme for NaYCONF 2017 is “New Gambia: Challenges and Opportunities for youth”. Is the Governor saying that the event is of no importance to the welfare and the advancement of the youth?

The last time I checked this year’s NaYCONF event was poorly managed as a result of inadequate accommodation and food which you are to be blame since was held in your region.

Governor I doubt if you were scrutinize as per your leadership skills and educational background before given this position. Please be informed that a leader who treat the youth of her nation badly is an agent of   conflict and a threat to peace at large. The youth are the future leaders therefore they need to be supported to realize and achieve their dream as it is the only way we can make our country great.


As a good leader since you knew that the event was a waste of resources. You could have took the floor to address the issue and gave recommendations for further events.  Leadership is the ability to provide direction, implementing plans, and motivating people.

Please be reminded that leaders help themselves and others to do the right things and at the right time in an effective and efficient manner. They set direction, build an inspiring vision, and create something new. Leadership is about mapping out where you need to go to "win" as a team or an organization; and it is dynamic, exciting, and inspiring.

Yet, while leaders set the direction, they must also use management skills such as good organization, time management, interpersonal and relationship-building skills, delegation, forward-planning and strategy, communication, problem-solving, administrative and financial skills to guide their people to the right destination where they want to be, in a smooth and efficient way.

I think you really need to be schooled as per the aims and objectives of such an event in order not to repeat your mistake again. In another note I will advise you not to respond to a question that you don’t understand as such will rick your leadership.

NaYCONF is special in its work as a champion for young people, empowering them to participate in decision-making processes. As young people will be the ones living with the decisions made today, they should help shape them but with leaders like you I doubt if such will be a reality?

Youth conference provides us with a platform in which we can discuss together, openly and frankly, the many realities, challenges and opportunities facing young people in today. Young people are the future of The Gambia let us take this opportunity to work together and build a future for a Gambia we want that embraces and empowers all young people.

The conference plays an important role in strengthening youth advocacy and engagement efforts. It is also a time for the young people of The Gambia to come together as a team, share knowledge, and benefit from the rich diversity that makes The Gambia the last place of hope on earth.

In conclusion madam Governor I hereby request for you to apologies to the Gambian youth so we can recognize you as part of our leaders. It is believed that young people are, not future leaders but present. And as leaders they are capable of not only taking smart decisions about their future but also being the driving force to deal with challenges currently faced by the world at large.


By: Saidina Alieu Jarjou

Political Activist  

Friday 22 December 2017

Are The Gambia MP’s Really Concern about the Health Care of the Voters? (Part.1)


Reference is invited from the budget allocated to the Ministry of Health & Social Welfare at the tone of D955, 171,920. It is in that regard I write to register my total dissatisfaction beyond all human survival to the whole Members of Parliament from the Speaker to the Gate Man.

I am the least happy when I saw the MP’s tends to priotise other service in budgeting through the Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs. The 2017 budget allocated only 1.41% of the total budget to the health sector. The amount allocated to the said Ministry is too small considering the confrontation increased demand beyond the treatment of AIDS, malaria, and other communicable diseases as access is still the greatest challenge to health care delivery in rural Gambia it's not enough besides the Abuja Declaration requires 15 percent of national budget of which 5 percent is for Maternal &Child health.  The major challenge is the unstable human resource base, arising from high staff attrition. There is also a shortage of essential medicines and equipment for high-quality care. As most of the available medicine in the hospitals is Paracetamol (C8H9NO2).

During your various campaigns you promised the voters that you will provide them with the state of the earth medical and health facilities when you are voted in to office. But to my surprise such proposal is never implemented but ignored.  


The Gambia, like many other countries in sub-Saharan Africa, has long been overburdened with maternal health problems. With a population of approximately 1.8 million, the densely populated West African nation has been ranked among the African countries with the highest levels of maternal mortality. The national maternal mortality ratio, which has fallen by 46% over the last 20 years, is estimated at 400 deaths per 100,000 live births

I submit to you that corruption diverts much-needed resources away from health care delivery and reduces patient access to quality services. Examples include medical staff in public sector health care institutions who sell drugs that should be free, and theft (for personal use) or diversion (for private sector resale) of drugs and supplies at government storage and distribution points.

People consume more fast food and packaged foods, which tend to have high levels of sodium; they engage in less physical activity, sitting in their cars and buses on their way to work; and they are more likely to consume alcohol in their leisure time. Another risk factor is an increase in smoking rates across populations.

Much of the current focus of health care delivery in The Gambia is on traditional and visible factors like HIV and malaria. However, changes in lifestyle and a growing middle class are making noncommunicable diseases like cardiovascular disease, cancer, and diabetes big issues among populations. Prompt access to primary healthcare before onset of severe illness is vital to improve morbidity and mortality rates. The Gambia has high rates of child mortality and research is needed to investigate contributing factors further.


 The provision of a safe water supply and good sanitation are major contributory factors to positive childcare. At present, Gambia’s is unable to provide clean water for all rural and urban areas. Of the total population, 80% still rely on the bush toilet for sanitation, and it is widely understood that diarrhoea diseases can be exacerbated in environments where sanitation is poor.

Is submit to you that the Gambia Health Sector is sinking like the mighty Titanic as a result of inadequate medical facilities and the human resources. We the poor voters take our families to the Government hospital without facilities while those of you at the peak whom we voted for, to protect and improve our health care conditions take your families to the private clinics. Health should be a priority of The Gambia Government as a healthy nation is a wealthy nation. Inaccessibility to health care is a violation of human right.

This saw a clear testimony that we leave in a country where our policy makers don’t have trust in our health care system they brought to us.

The Gambia’s public health sector is in crisis as the government fails to adequately fund it, leaving external donors and foreign countries to chip-in with chicken changes. We cannot achieve a free zone disease country until and unless we take in charge of our health care system and pump in the required resources to meet international standards.

The mere fact that the health care system is based on donor funds, people are dying of needless from preventable disease as donor funds may not be available when they are needed the most.

In conclusion I stand on top of Mountain Kilimanjaro and request for the MP’s to scrap and revise the budget and ensure that the MOH&SW is given the right amount that can cater for the citizens.

To be continued……

By: Saidina Alieu Jarjou
Blogger/ Activist





Sunday 17 December 2017

Open Letter to the Permanent Secretary Mr. Pateh Jah , PMO on the Ministry of Agriculture Saga (Part.1)


Please be reminded that the Personnel Management Office is an agency of The Government of The Gambia, which is  under the Office of the President which is responsible for; the administration of the General Orders, the recruitment of volunteers and technical assistance personnel, public service training and staff development policies and implementation, staff inspections and organization, formulation and review of the schemes of service policy for and administration of pensions and gratuities personnel statistics, and manpower budgeting and control.

It is that regard I write to you to remind you of the role played by the Minister of Agriculture as per the contribution to our GDP. The said ministry is the backbone of our nation, therefore it need to be led by technocrats who have the knowledge, skills and know how not only with words but with action.   As such will increase agricultural output, meet the food requirements of the population from the land of Gambia, provide gainful employment and income for the agricultural labour force, and generate foreign exchange through value-added agriculture related activities.

Of recent reports emanating from the Ministry of Agriculture have it that Minister O.J. Jallow has rejected the appointment of PS Ousman Jammeh on the grounds of continuity of programmes at the ministry. The question one might asked will be O.J who is a seasonal Agriculturalist why is he rejecting the appointment of Mr. Jammeh?

The most important thing is to note that the argument is a false premise and the real premise should that Mr Ousman Jammeh was a former Civil Servant who was parachuted from regional Director to PS under the former regime, even above people that were senior to him both in qualifications and experience but that he retired as a Civil Servant to become appointed a Minister under Jammeh before falling out with Jammeh and ending up being detained for 1 year. So the question is whether the Civil Service should continue to bring back people from outside and deny people in the hierarchy their natural progression?

During the last days of the PPP, retired heads of institutions retired and natural subordinates took over and some or a few were appointed advisers. Under Jammeh there was a marked lack of adherence to the Civil Service rules and the mixing up of political and public services.

Ousman Jammeh is a retired Civil Servant and former Minister of Agriculture trying to come back under contract and Hon. Minister Omar A. Jallow is right to be concerned at having a former Minister as his PS and is more comfortable with a Civil Servant than a former political appointee.

There is a need for one to understand the meaning and synopsis of political appointee and Civil Servant. Assan came to Ministry of Agriculture with a Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Engineering and a Master of Science in Agronomy from Kuban State Agricultural University, in the Russian Federation at a time when we had nothing more than 5 Master’s degree holders in most of the institutions.

I for a person meet Assan in different occasions when I used to work for the Government, I realized that he is a great man who understand the said Ministry as he spend all his carrier there. The issue here is, it is not that O.J is trying to Jallowfied the MoA but trying to give the job to the jobs friend as that is the only way we can make The Gambia self-food sufficiency. 

Mr. Jallow has 23 years professional and work experience in the field of Agriculture and agronomy, working and managing agricultural projects and rising from the position of Agric Officer to Deputy Director/ Head of Soil and Water Management Services and a Deputy Permanent Secretary & Coordinator for CILSS in The Gambia.

Since 1994 starting with the IFAD and African Development Bank funded Agricultural Services Project where he undertook the training and formation of 5000 farmers into Water User Groups and a Water User Association.

As Deputy Head of the National Agronomy Section of The Gambia, Mr Jallow played a key role in the design and implementation of the Lowlands Agricultural Development Project as well as the successor Participatory Integrated Watershed Management Project.

Mr Jallow worked as a Young Professional with the FAO, as National Counterpart for the Indonesian Farmer to Farmer Assistance Programme which included the design and training of farmers and the setup of a Farmer Training school in rural Gambia.

Variously, his tasks and duties as National Agronomist and Project Manager include and covered
Analyzing all aspects of the agricultural investment project cycle including feasibility assessment, design, appraisal, and project evaluation in developing country situations. Identifying agriculture sector development needs and recommending practical strategies to fulfill those needs. Analyzing agriculture-related aspects of projects such as infrastructure or financial sector development, and recommend strategies to ensure the agriculture sector of the country supports the activity in a sustainable manner. Drafting project or project activity descriptions for inclusion in the Investment Memorandum or Cabinet documents. Providing detailed written reports of findings and compilation of documents to donors and government. Making public presentations on agriculture-related issues and/or projects. Conducting 'Project Activity Oversight' operations in accordance with the Statement of Work for that activity. Coordinating with the relevant government agency, civil society, private sector, donor, and Project Management Unit staffs to facilitate Activity Oversight operations. Evaluating progress of Projects, Project Activities, and Sub-Activities. Providing detailed and comprehensive written reports on progress of a Project, Project Activities, and Sub-Activities to the Authorities.



I submit to you that Mr. Jallow played a key role in the design of the Gambia National Agricultural Investment Plan, which is a holistic look at Agricultural investment and development covering not only Agriculture but the requisite social and public infrastructure such as roads, markets, logistics and schools and clinics necessary to ensure that the lives and livelihoods of farmers and the whole cycle benefit and improve as intended the investments.

Mr Jallow is very familiar with the modus operandi of many international funding agencies such as the African Development Bank, IFAD, FAO and the World Bank and also the Financial Instructions (FI) governing the operations of Government. As CONACILS, he is the Coordinator of CILSS activities and projects in The Gambia and represented THE Gambia at CILSS meetings.

Until his appointment as Permanent Secretary Mr Jallow was one of the longest serving and most senior staff at the Ministry of Agriculture and recognized at Expert on Rice Agronomy and Policy and Programmes and a trusted adviser to the Minister and former Permanent Secretary and has a reputation for impartiality and professionalism.

In conclusion I will recommend for Mr. Jammeh’s appointment be rescind and redeployed to The Gambia College as a Lecturer since the College is facing a shortage of Lecturers in the said field.

To be continued……………

By: Saidina Alieu Jarjou
Blogger/Activist/Watchdog


Thursday 7 December 2017

The Untold Story About The Mugabification Of Africa. (Part.1)

Robert Gabriel Mugabe was born on the 21st February, 1924 in Kutama, Zimbabwe and married to Grace Mugabe the are blessed with four children’s.

Mugabe was a Pan African leader who liberate the Zimbabwean’s and he has been praised as a revolutionary hero of the African liberation struggle who helped to free Zimbabwe from British colonialism, imperialism, white minority rule and neo colonialism of all kind. The story of Robert Mugabe is a microcosm of what bedevils African democracy and economic recovery at the beginning of the 21st century. It is a classic case of a genuine hero the guerrilla idol who conquered the country's former leader and his white supremacist regime.

Mugabe chaired the Zimbabwe African National Union (ZANU) group from 1975 to 1980 and led its successor political party, the ZANU – Patriotic Front (ZANU–PF), from 1980 to 2017. Ideologically an African nationalist, during the 1970s and 1980s he identified as a Marxist–Leninist, although after the 1990s self-identified only as a socialist. His policies have been described as Mugabeism

Mugabe took his oath of office on 17 April 1980. He gave a speech at Salisbury's Rufaro Stadium announcing that Rhodesia would be renamed "Zimbabwe" and pledged racial reconciliation. Soames aided Mugabe in bringing about an orderly transition of power; for this Mugabe remained grateful, describing Soames as a good friend. Mugabe unsuccessfully urged Soames to remain in Zimbabwe for several more years, and also failed to convince the UK to assume a two-year "guiding role" for his government because most ZANU-PF members lacked experience in governing. Although ZANU-PF's absolute parliamentary majority allowed them to rule alone, Mugabe created a government of national unity by inviting members of rival parties to join his cabinet. Mugabe moved into the Premier's residence in Salisbury, which he left furnished in the same style as Smith had left it. (Mugabe's Zimbabwe 2010 documentary).

Though he is old and needs to retire but must be commended and honor for his tersely efforts for his people and Africa as a continent than be humiliated beyond all human survival. Adolph Hitler, Tony Blair, Barack Obama and George W. Bush aren't been humiliated by their people talk less the world when they have coasted a lot of lost in human lives beyond all imagination.

Robert Mugabe, who resigned as Zimbabwe's president on Tuesday, was the last living African head of state who fought for his country's independence before becoming its leader. Mugabe, 93, used his aura of liberator from a colonial power to stay in power, but increasingly became seen as an oppressor. His resignation came days after Zimbabwe's military took over and detained the veteran leader.

Mugabe was never seen as a Dictator until he start the  Land reform in Zimbabwe which  officially began in 1980 with the signing of the Lancaster House Agreement, as an effort to more equitably distribute land between Black subsistence farmers and White Zimbabweans of European ancestry, who had traditionally enjoyed superior political and economic status.

Mugabe earned international recognition for education and health initiatives, and the nation steadily grew its exports of manufactured and agricultural products. Zimbabwe was famous for its tobacco production, and its weather supported year-round farming.

Until we Africans differentiate between "help & destruction" by the West, our continent shall never know peace and until we know what to accept and what not to accept from the illusive thoughts made for us to believe by the same West, we shall never see the direction of progress. How old is Donald Trump, Vladimir Putin, Angela Merkel, Theresa Maya etc?

Seriously the problem in Africa not the length or duration our leaders rule, take for example modern day German, the strongest economy in Europe, how long has their current Councilor being ruling nearly 13yrs, China, England itself, Holland, etc. Why are the democrats not talking about that but instead they fool us, brain wash us and ask us to go against our leaders so that our leaders see us as enemies of state and then suppress us in all ways.

The fact is we will not develop as a continent until  we stop pointing fingers at our leaders and start pointing them on ourselves, then we shall develop because we will always put our country first before any other thing.

The concept of dictatorship, brutality, democracy is a tactics used by the west to fight against the Pan Africanist, and to remove our African heroes to be replace by puppets who they can control like a remote controller so as to destabilize the Africa for their own interest.

Therefore for Africa to be the last place of hope on earth we need to go back to our culture, norms, values and our policies need to be Mugabified based on the ideology of Mugabification.  
To be continued……

By: Saidina Alieu Jarjou

Political Activist

Monday 20 November 2017

Press Release from the Office of the National Youth Revolutionary Movement! (Part.2)


The executive of the movement wish to inform the general public as per the misconception against the revolution.

In Africa when you mention revolution, the first thing they think of is guns or war etc. No, No. A genuine revolutionary movement will stand for progress, positive change, advancement for the masses and development in addressing the needs and aspirations of the Gambian people.

The movement deem it necessary that The Gambia needs genuine revolutionary change and it is we the youth who should start from the bases a revolutionary youth movement to make the change happen.

Where are the Kwame Nkrumahs, Patrice Lumbuma’s, Amilcar Cabral’s, Steven Biko’s? They were all young Africans who fought for the injustice levied on them and their people. It is time we decolonise the African mind with a view of emancipating ourselves from mental slavery.

The aims and objective of the NYRM are:

To provide leadership education, training and experiences that help youth frame and develop their leadership philosophies and acquaint youth with issues, needs, resources and other factors that influence our countries’ future.

To inspire youth to become ambassadors of community leadership among their peers and strengthen the role of youth in identifying and speaking up against human rights violations, including discrimination, hate speech and those human rights violations affecting especially young people and children.

To create a strong and diverse base of future youth leaders for the country and to promote the presence and the role of youth as positive actors of change in peace-building processes.

To create better future and develop self-esteem in the youth and empower them with different knowledge and skills which will help them in all spheres of life and to promote unity and patriotism among the youth and instil the spirit of leadership.

To develop responsible youth who will be able to make right choices in their lives and to enhance the youth ambassador’s capacity to take action at a local level in environments affected by previous or ongoing conflict.

To develop awareness and competences (knowledge, skills and attitude) of participants in human rights education, conflict transformation, intercultural learning and dialogue, including a critical understanding of personal and collective identities and their role in conflicts.

“One of the great liabilities of history is that all too many people fail to remain awake through great periods of social change. Every society has its protectors of status quo and its fraternities of the indifferent who are notorious for sleeping through revolutions. Today, our very survival depends on our ability to stay awake, to adjust to new ideas, to remain vigilant and to face the challenge of change.” ( Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.)

Thank you.

Saidina Alieu Jarjou

Spokesperson

Thursday 9 November 2017

Gambia's Ambassador To Ethiopia Presents Credentials To AU Commission Chair



The Gambia's ambassador to Ethiopia and the African Union (AU), Wednesday, November 8th, presented his letter of credence to the chairperson of the African Union Commission HE Moussa Fakki Mahamat.


Ambassador Sulayman Alieu Jack was accompanied by the Gambian community in Ethiopia to the seat of the continental body.
 

During a closed door meeting with the AU chief, Ambassador Jack promised that he will do his best to raise the AU flag higher high particularly in the areas of peace and security, AU Agenda 2063, (The Africa We Want). He extended President Adama Barrow and his government's highest regards to the AU chairperson and renewed Gambia's commitment towards realising the objectives of the continental body.


After presenting his credentials, Ambassador Jack held a meeting with the Gambian community in Ethiopia during which he assured them that his doors are upon for dialogue in areas of national development. He implored on the and tasked the Gambian community to be good ambassadors as they are representing the Gambia in their various field of expertise.


Ambassador Jack used the opportunity to thank President Barrow for the trust bestowed on him to head the embassy in Addis.


Almamy Kassama, the deputy ambassador, thanked the AU Chairperson for accepting the credentials of the incoming ambassador. He assured that he will work hand in hand with the new ambassador. 


For his part, Halifa Manneh the head of Gambian community assured that the Gambian community will work with the embassy, saying though the community is small in size, but they have big dreams to make The Gambia great.


By: Saidina Alieu Jarjou

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Monday 6 November 2017

The Need for A National Youth Revolutionary Movement (Part.1)

There will be no democracy if a portion of the population is being denied their constitutional right to lead not only with words but with action. The removal of age limit show a clear testimony of constitutional coup and hijack that the youth are not important in national development.

Youth leadership opportunities are often overlooked by adults, either knowingly or unknowingly, but the results are the same; a lost opportunity for young people to take the lead. Even when adults consider themselves champions for youth in leadership roles, many times adults are asked to assume the leadership positions instead of letting youth take the lead to build their future.

The Gambia is the only country where Young people are often excluded or overlooked as political candidates, but see the youth as the people who supposed to be clapping and singing during the campaign. Not knowing that the youth often play central and catalyzing roles in movements for democracy around the globe in making the world a better place to live in.

Gambia politics is typically regarded as a space for politically experienced men above 60, and while women are also disadvantaged in accumulating experience to run for office, young people are systematically marginalized because of their young age, limited opportunities, and projected lack of experience by the pensioners who want to lead by all means.

Widespread global mobilization and action demonstrate that young people care deeply about social causes, while recent events in the Arab States and elsewhere have highlighted how youth can play a vital role in democratic change.

We the Gambia youth face many issues in our own country, but these issues go unheard. Since the youth would better understand other young people, the best way to improve this newer generation would be through politics, which is a tool used to take action for development.

The involvement of youth in politics leads to civic engagement which is broader than political engagement because it can include service to the community through involvement in health, education and charity work. Political engagement is a more targeted aspect of civic engagement and can be expressed through voting, participating in political demonstrations and signing petitions for specific issues.

The Barrow lead administration should consider steps to effectively integrate youth in political processes by taking advantage of new technologies. It is clear that we need to find another way forward. Politicians, decision-making institutions and influencers must engage in more open and transparent dialogue with young people that both elevates their voices and builds the trustworthiness of the institutions they engage with.

The Gambia Youth are well energetic in performing their tasks and would be key to the growth and development of the nation. They are also well aware of the technological advancement such as various app which makes work easier.


Youth should be given the opportunity to prove themselves by making politics accessible to them. The right balance of young talent and experienced politicians can lead to the cleaning of politics and can restore the public faith in the political system.

Our mission is supporting a new generation of progressive young leaders and empowering them to fight for progressive change, elevating the political consciousness. And to transform Gambia’s politics and economic systems in responsive to the needs of The Gambians.

The vision dedicated to liberate Gambians from the bondage of leading by the pensioners with the aim of re building a better Gambia that would one day be led by a youth not only with words but with action.

To be continued…

By: Saidina Alieu Jarjou

Spokesperson

Friday 3 November 2017

Press Release from the Office of the National Youth Revolutionary Movement!

The office of the National Youth Revolutionary Movement comprises of Activists ranging from various areas of expertise and interest such as Politics, Education, Human right, Gender, Entrepreneurship, Peace, Feminism, Pan-Africanism and History, etc.


Our mission is supporting a new generation of progressive young leaders and empowering them to fight for progressive change, elevating the political consciousness. And to transform Gambia’s politics and economic systems in responsive to the needs of The Gambians.


Vision dedicated to liberate Gambians from the bondage of leading by the pensioners with the aim of re building a better Gambia that would one day be led by a youth not only with words but with action. 


The members consist of the youth all those home and abroad. We felt the necessity to bring together a youth group of the revolutionaries to participate in the revolution inside The Gambia to represent the revolution and to convey the true picture of The Gambia to Africa as per Agenda 2063. 


The Revolutionary Movement Office will coordinate with various revolutionaries to unite the voice of the youth and to develop ways that will make the youth to be represented well at the highest offices in The Gambia.


The movement is not affiliated to any political party in The Gambia. The executive is also drafting a constitution which will be shared to the general public for review, comments before validation.

Sincerely,

Saidina Alieu Jarjou

Spokesperson

Wednesday 1 November 2017

Re: #OccupyWestfield!

I stand with the Gambia youth who are demanding for the State to provide them with uninterrupted electricity and water supply. The above movement is democratic and constitutional as per the “right of freedom of speech and expression” and “right of academic freedom”, which are expressly guaranteed by section 25 (1) (A) and section 25(1) (B) respectively, of The Gambia’s 1997 Constitution.

The Gambia youth have the right to organize peaceful demonstration or to take part in meetings in a peaceful way as per the laws of the land. It is also the duty of the states not only have an obligation to protect peaceful protesters, but should also take measures to facilitate them too.

I believe that peaceful protest is the most effective way to make a change. When it comes down to it all the people who were the most known for protesting like Edward Francis Small, Martin Luther King, Gandhi, Mother Teresa and Nelson Mandela. None of these leaders used violence. They used their words and knowledge and got their point across and changed the world.

Under international law, the right to freedom of peaceful assembly is not a crime as many narrow minded reason. The State should not limit this right for certain groups based on sex, tribe, religion, political affiliation, status or other opinion.

In a democratic State it is the duty of the State to provide basic needs such as water and electricity to her citizens. The President is not fair to us at all. His family is enjoying the 24hrs uninterrupted supply of electricity and water. Whiles us the voters our families are suffering beyond all human survival.

Peaceful protest is the most effective way to bring about change. Just look what Martin Luther King Jr did. He led protest in the south and he earned legislations respect. They were willing to hear what he had to say unlike Malcolm X, since the government considered him a criminal.

Such a thing is a sign of bad leadership at the peak, leadership is the ability to protect and provide your citizens with their basic needs. Availability of basic needs such as water and electricity are a violation of human right.

Electricity is very vital in our daily lives, the patients who are getting their treatment in different hospitals also face many difficulties as per NAWEC inability to supply electricity to the citizenry. The patients operations are not happening on time as the electricity is moving on and off like a rocket. This increases their diseases as the fans of the hospital are not moving which result to the patients feel great pain in their body.

The events of theft are increasing in the new Gambia. The thieves get chances of stealing in the darkness of night created because of the breakdown of electricity by NAWEC. So there is a kind of fear among people in The Gambia.

Many businesses are compelled stop their working for inadequate supply of electricity and water and, therefore suffer a great loss of business. Students suffer heavily and cannot study which might affect their performance as this irregularity in electric supply is causing obstacles in their daily preparation.

This year is extremely hot and the old people are facing difficulties to tackle the problem.  The problems of current electricity supply also lead to some other illegal activities to take place beyond all human imagination.

I challenge the Gambia youth to come out in their thousands with candles to light them up and occupy Westfield. The Gambia belongs to us The Gambians both those home and abroad. Our today’s action will have an impact in our future. Therefore let’s speak as in speaking we shall be heard.

By: Saidina Alieu Jarjou

Political Activist

Tuesday 31 October 2017

Open Letter to The Press Secretary, Amie Bojang-Sissoho. (Part.2)


Please be informed that a Press Secretary is a senior government official whose primary responsibility is to act as spokesperson for the executive branch of the government administration, especially with regard to the President, senior executives, and policies. It is in that regard I write to remind you about the untold stories in our country The Gambia.

The question one might asked shall be is that The Gambia Edwards Francis Small fought for? If Small were to arise from the grave yard on see the killings, robbery, theft and rape happening in The Gambia that he dreamt would one day be the heaven of peace. I am quite sure that he will regret the sacrifices he made to see The Gambia where one day her citizens will go to bed at any time and live without fear of being robbed neither rape.


How do you do the above requirement when lawlessness, murdering and especially armed robberies, are on top of mountain Kilimanjaro? You are very much aware of the fact that prevalence of peace and tranquility and safety of the citizenry goes a long way to tell or measure how successful one’s presidency or administration has been. This is in addition to creating jobs for the people to better their standard of living and curtailing or wiping off institutional corruption and other criminal practices from the society.

It is ten months since the new government’s inauguration and Adama Barrow is yet to demonstrate any leadership or clear direction.  This is believed to be an oversight by the presiding President and his advisors, due to a lack of familiarity and understanding of the existing constitution.  To my knowledge the ministerial position for defense also remains unfilled, and has therefore been attached to the office of the President.  Is it to be assumed therefore that Barrow occupies the roles of President; Commander in Chief and defense minister at the same time? To date there is lack of clarity over this situation. Is it that in the whole country there is no Gambian who meet the requirement for Defense Minister?

The last time I checked the government have lost touch with the people of The Gambia and have lost ability to maintain order and command respect for the laws of the land.  This is leading people to take the law into their own hands. With weakened governance, and lack of education and leadership some Gambian people have misinterpreted the notion of democracy as having the freedom and right to act as they please without due regard for others or their environment, as Barrow and his administration look on hopelessly.

If one is not safe inside and outside their home due to the fear of being rape and attacked by thieves and armed robbers, how will they have confidence in the President and his administration for doing a brilliant job? Is it not a popular saying among some Gambians that if you are hungry, starving but feel safe and are peaceful, you are much happier?

Of recent the most madness, psychosis, stupidity, foolhardiness occurred when angry folks register their total dissatisfaction through dumping the collected waste at the Mayor’s office. This attitude is on Gambian, undemocratic mathematically calculated and wrongly executed.

The Mayor’s office is not own by him neither me no you it is owned by all Gambians. Dialogue is very important since it create the room,   space and the opportunity to reach peace. This reminds me of the former American president John F. Kennedy when he said “Never fear to negotiate and never negotiate out of fear”.

I submit to you that the coalition is now divided into fragments and some of the political parties of which it comprises of are now no longer Seeing Eye to eye.  Some key figures who were regarded as the voice and face of the coalition no longer believe or trust in the Barrow’s lead administration. 

This situation must be tackled before it is too late. A multipronged strategy should be developed to check crime in society. The public at large and the students in particular should be educated and told to respect the sanctity of life and individual liberty. The police force need to be educated to handle the situation intelligently and sympathetically. The media should be forced to play a responsible positive role.

Please be reminded that the Gambia tourism has successfully improved and developed but it is still facing some challenges beyond imagination which have greatly affected the safaris tours with in the country. These challenges include; Limited marketing due to insufficient funding as a serious problem facing the tourism industry and it has retarded many people internationally to know Gambia as a tourist destination hence   affecting safari to the smiling coast.

Many Gambians depend on the tourism industry which is referred to as the backbone of the country. The industry contributes over 20% of our GDP, it offers lucrative employment both directly and indirectly, it provides much needed foreign exchange earnings and also contributes towards our yearly balance of payment. This sector has registered impressive growth of over 4.5 percent on average, thus encouraging the construction of more hotels and increase in the number of tourist arrivals.

In another note the patients who are getting their treatment in different hospitals also face many difficulties as far beyond any imagination. Their operations are not happening on time. This increases their diseases. The fans of the hospital are not moving. So patients feel great pain in their body due to the inadequate supply of electricity by the State institution (NAWEC).

The events of theft are also increasing in The Gambia. The thieves get chances of stealing in the darkness of night created because of the breakdown of electricity by NAWEC. So there is a kind of fear among people in The Gambia.

You don't lead by pointing and telling people some place to go. You lead by going to that place and making a case. —Ken Kesey

To be continued……

By: Saidina Alieu Jarjou

Blogger/ Activist