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| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| Momodou |
Posted - 17 Jun 2021 : 21:59:40
GAMBIA-L Digest 9
Topics covered in this issue include:
1) New Member, House keeping, and such ...
by Katim S. Touray <touray@hope.soils.wisc.edu>
2) Re: New Member, House keeping, and such ...
by ABDOU <at137@columbia.edu>
3) New Member, House keeping, and such ...
by sarian@osmosys.incog.com (Sarian Loum)
4) Re: New Member, House keeping, and such ...
by "Roddie L. Cole" <rcole@ced.berkeley.edu>
5) Re: New Member, House keeping, and such ...
by ABDOU <at137@columbia.edu>
6) Re: New Member, House keeping, and such ...
by "A. Loum" <tloum@u.washington.edu>
7) Re: New Member, House keeping, and such ...
by Amadou Scattred Janneh <AJANNEH@pstcc.cc.tn.us>
8) Re: New Member, House keeping, and such ...
by binta@iuj.ac.jp
9) Re: New Member, House keeping, and such ...
by Yaya Jallow <yj0001@jove.acs.unt.edu>
10) Re: New Member, House keeping, and such ...
by "Malanding S. Jaiteh" <msjaiteh@mtu.edu>
11) membership removal
by Gabriel Ndow <gndow@auc.edu>
12) visit of gambian immigration director
by Gabriel Ndow <gndow@auc.edu>
13) Re: New Member, House keeping, and such ...
by sarian@osmosys.incog.com (Sarian Loum)
14) Re: membership removal
by Amadou Scattred Janneh <AJANNEH@pstcc.cc.tn.us>
15) Re: membership removal
by ABDOU <at137@columbia.edu>
16) Re: membership removal
by binta@iuj.ac.jp
17) Re: Rules of the game ...
by ABDOU <at137@columbia.edu>
18) Re: membership removal
by "Roddie L. Cole" <rcole@ced.berkeley.edu>
19) Re: membership removal
by ABDOU <at137@columbia.edu>
20) Re: membership removal
by Yaya Jallow <yj0001@jove.acs.unt.edu>
21) Re: Rules of the game ...
by sarian@osmosys.incog.com (Sarian Loum)
22) Re: membership removal
by "A. Loum" <tloum@u.washington.edu>
23) Re: membership removal
by "Malanding S. Jaiteh" <msjaiteh@mtu.edu>
24) Re: Rules of the game ...
by Amadou Scattred Janneh <AJANNEH@pstcc.cc.tn.us>
25) Re-addition to the Gambia-l
by Katim S. Touray <touray@hope.soils.wisc.edu>
26)
by dott@usaid.gov
27) Re: Rules of the game ...
by binta@iuj.ac.jp
28) Rules of the game ...
by Katim S. Touray <touray@hope.soils.wisc.edu>
29) Re: membership removal
by Gabriel Ndow <gndow@auc.edu>
30) Introduction
by SANKUNG SAWO <101573.1703@compuserve.com>
31) Re: Rules of the game...
by L Konteh <L.Konteh-95@student.lut.ac.uk>
32) Re: Rules of the game ...
by "Malanding S. Jaiteh" <msjaiteh@mtu.edu>
33) Re: Rules of the game...
by Amadou Scattred Janneh <AJANNEH@pstcc.cc.tn.us>
34) 0F-1_23276_Gambia.
by Amadou Scattred Janneh <AJANNEH@pstcc.cc.tn.us>
35) STATE DEPT REPORT ON THE GAMBIA
by <JDG.L.LANGE.LWCLK@CO.HENNEPIN.MN.US>
36) Re: STATE DEPT REPORT ON THE GAMBIA
by ABDOU <at137@columbia.edu>
37) Domodah recipe (fwd)
by "A. Loum" <tloum@u.washington.edu>
38) Rules of the game ... (again!)
by Katim S. Touray <touray@hope.soils.wisc.edu>
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Date: Sun, 24 Mar 96 21:41:32 CST
From: Katim S. Touray <touray@hope.soils.wisc.edu>
To: gambia-l@u.washington.edu
Subject: New Member, House keeping, and such ...
Message-ID: <9603250341.AA13725@hope.soils.wisc.edu>
Hi folks,
i'm writing to say that i've added a new member, Maila Touray to our list.
i've already sent him mail to the effect that a self-introduction from him
would be welcome. for Sarians' information, i've also sent him the user
reference manual, but not the introductory files. so if you can send those
that would be great.
and Abdou and Amadou have been staying on subscriptions, and error messages.
i wonder whether Latjorr N'dows' servers' up?. somebody finger that machine!.
keep up the good work guys.
i would also like to say that Roddie Coles response to my thoughts on the
Senegambia situation were pretty strong (laugh). i felt like a kid being
admonished. seriously, the guy had some pretty good points, especially with
regard to the fact that international boundaries in Africa are the result of
colonialist machinations. however, i still maintain that if we are talking
about African unity to achieve prosperity what's the problem if that
prosperity can also be achieved alone. in other words, if The Gambia were
economically vibrant now, would we be so keen on closer relations with Senegal?
i'll leave it at that.
the other issues i'd like to touch on relate to the suggested rules i sent out
to the list. it was a week ago, today, that i sent it out and having received
a couple of responses, i think it's time to move on to replying to the
issues raised. i'll go through them one by one, but before that, a summary.
the most common concern expressed was the fear of censorship. in addition,
some people felt that it is going to be a combersome process to enforce
the rules. both of these are genuine concerns, and i'll try to explain
what were my motivations for suggesting the rules, and also how we can
make life easier, without compromising the need to have some guaranteed
minimum decorum on our list.
i guess it would be much easier to bring up the issues raised by
each person, and see what we can do.
first, Malanding Jaiteh:
>
>
>Katim, thanks for the good work. I just hope that we do not
>get bogged down on regulating one another. Certainly, the
>list needs to maintain credibility and non-partiship but i
>believe that individual members are the ones who should be
>reponsible for what they say. They should show restraint in
>their criticisms of others. My fear is that by assuming a
>regulatory role the list is indirectorily taking up
>responsibility for what people say.
my response to this is that the rules are not aimed at regulating
anyone, beyond prevent the use of foul (for lack of a better term)
language. what i have in mind is to prevent, and discourage the
vulgarity, and insults. like everyone else, i think, i'm committed
to maintaining an atmosphere for the exchange of ideas. we can
disagree on a lot of issues, but let's disagree without hurling
insults at one another. remember that this list is over one year
old now, coming to to one and a half years, and we've not had the
need to be upset about anyone calling anybody else names.
sure, members are, and will always be responsible for what they
say. but some of us know what poor choice of words has meant for
some mailing lists, and Usenet groups. once people brand a list
as being a rough and tumble free for all, it ceases to attract
people who are interested in the exchange of ideas, and healthy
dialogue. people are too busy these days, to be bothered with a
war of words.
>What if after a particular message passed (i would not say
>approved but could mean that) and a particular party or
>political movement finds it offensive, would the list
>"stand-by" the subscription or would the subscriber remain
>the responsible person?
i do not expect the list 'standing by' a person or a position.
if a vote is taken on a particular choice of words, that means that
the list permits the use of such language. let me say again that
what's at stake here is not ideas, or political positions but simply
what words we'd be prepared to accept. we all know all the bad words
we can use on people we don't think highly of. the problem is that
what's not offensive to you might be to me. and if you want to insult
some one, i'm saying that you can tell that person, and not bother us.
this does not mean that i, or the list, won't listen if you are
criticizing a person, policy, or government.
>In my view regulations would only institutionalize the
>list. I believe it should not be seen as a club. Its only a
>stage. We could remind speakers what may be offensive to us
>and others who may not be present but we should not assume
>regulatory role. That may give an impression of a club
>which we are not.
i agree that we are not a club. but at the same time, we've
all agreed that we want to make this list the best there is on
the network. i'll tell you right now that that dream won't become
reality if we do not force ourselves to be responsible in our choice
of words, and be prepared to deal with the consequences of our actions.
it's that simple. and if it means, a little more effort, a little more
time, and disagreements here and there, i'd say let's do it. the
alternative is another African list where people can feel free to hurl
insults at each other.
Abdourahman also had some comments:
>Before my objections, I think we should have an official
>tabulator. A person who would count votes, ask people to vote on an
>issue, and coordinate the "consensus". If we do not have such a person,
>we will be endlessly debating endless issues. I would suggest one of
>the new members . For example the person might ask us to vote on each
>rule and then compile the accepted rules into the "cyberconsititution".
>Try and imagine the alternative: each rule being objected to by a
>different person! Choas, indecision.
i would concur with Abdous' suggestion. i nominate Amadou Janneh to help
with coordinating and tabulating votes. since all votes will be sent to the
list, we can all be our own returning officers, and check our numbers against
Amadous. and if you don't want you opinion on an issue known, or you have
a conflict of interest, you can abstain.
Abdou also had some objections:
>Now for my objections:
>1. Rule #8 " Membership to the list is open to all who apply."
>This would compel us to give membership to people who would bombard us
>with commercial messages and chain letters targeting emigre mailing
>lists i.e. ("cheap calling plans, airtickets,etc). A lot of mailing
>lists have this problem. Prospective memebrs should send us a letter
>stating why they want to join and how we/they will benefit from their
>membership. Just like Oumar did.
i think the above are sound reasons to have a managed subscription policy.
the Rule #8 should thus be re-written as: "Membership to the list is
subject to the approval of the list owners. This approval can be
overridden by a simple majority of votes of existing members."
>2. " . A subscriber can censor another subscriber or other >
>subscribers by sending mail to the list stating the objection, > and
>referring to the offending posting (by date, and time, or > any other
>means to ascertain the identity of the offending > posting)." . This
>has a great potential as a tool against "unpopular" members. Why should
>**one** guy have the ability to censure another person ? I can just put
>censure on all the people with whom I do not agree ! At the very least
>a member should just be able to send to the tabulator a formal request
>stating that he/she wants a motion to be put to the membership for a
>vote. The passage of this motion would constitute a censure against a
>member. Of course the request would be accompanied with reasons as to
>why the motion for censure. If a majority votes for the motion, the
>member would then be formally censured.
again, as i pointed out earlier, the intention is not to provide
people with ammunition to wage war on people they don't like. thus,
i cannot censor Abdous ideas, or speech. i can't for example, censor
Abdou for criticizing the AFPRC government. the rules are aimed at
curbing language considered offensive by most people anyway. i must
say at this point that the choice of 'censor' was a bad one. i would
much rather use objection, which would imply that the person objecting
to someones' choice of words takes offense at the words. and if the
majority of the list members think so, and the person accused is pretty
consistent about it, a vote on his or her membership will be called.
>I am also worried about the danger of *appearing* to moderate
>speech. This would have an effect of stifling speech and creating a
>tense and apprenhensive environment: things that we deplore daily re
>the AFPRC . While it would be ideal for members to be conscious of the
>tone of their writings, we should not put any requirements on them.
while i agree that we should not be moderating anyone's speech, i would
hasten to add that we should be spared vulgarity. we have to require
members to use proper language on the list. remember, what we're
talking about here is *language* not ideas. i'm sure we all know a
lot of words we wouldn't use at a Bantaba. why here?
>I before we move on to any other business, we should resolve
>the rules and we should start by having a tabulator (Oumar is the only
>active member who does not have a formal function: if it is not a
>burden, Oumar, I respectfully suggest that you shoulder this duty).
>The tabulator would coordinate this debate/voting and all subsequent
>like events.
i'm afraid i disagree with the suggestion to have Oumar serve as Tabulator
or returning officer. for the simple reason that Oumar is not Gambian. i
think we should treat him, like any other non-Gambian on the list, as a
guest, and not have them do things, other than participating in our
debates. i strongly feel that all aspects of this list should be run
by Gambians. by the way, i thought of the implications of the rule that
votes will be decided on a simple majority basis, with all members voting.
what if there are more non-Gambians than Gambians?. well, my feeling is
that the day we have more non-Gambians than Gambians on the list, we
cease deserving calling the shots on how the list is run. it's that simple.
Oumar N'dongo remarks include:
>
Coming to Katim's rules,I agree with him, courtesy and moderate
language must be maintained as guiding principles.We are not discussing
to serve private interests. We speak because we think that what we say
can serve our countries.We are also intellectuals interpreting our
communities and actions of people who had contributed to their progress or
backwardness .We have to be critical if we want to be different and bring
in significant changes. Being critical does not mean doing without
decency and respect as Katim requires it.I may not understand Katim's
motivations,but i think if there were too many rules ,people would no
longer say what they want to say for fear of suspension.I Think we are all
adults and can filter information we receive.We come to a consensus on
certain problems but it must also be open to those who could feel dif
ferent.Those voices which at times will sound different will constitute the spice of our list.But
they don't have to compromise what the list is here for.If we succeed,by
persuasion,in making those who felt bitter differnt, we have achieved a
great deal.
Thanks
Oumar\Senegal.
>
i think i have addressed most of the issues raised by Oumar. An additional
point he mentioned is the importance of diversity of opinion in maintaining
the spice of the list. this i agree with, and i'm sure everybody does.
and i hope we all intend to keep it that way, without stepping on each others'
toes.
finally, Morro said, among other things:
>There is such a thing as tyranny of the majority and I am in
>the unenviable position of alerting this group that we teeter
>of its brink. No one has a monopoly on morality. I require
>no greater standard of decency and civility of anyone than is
>constitutionally permissible.
my only response to this is that i hope the rules help us define
exactly what's permissible, and spell out guidelines on how to
deal with infringements of those guidelines. if that's what's
called the tyranny of the majority, i have no problem with it.
in closing:
1. i'm sorry this thing's very long, but i tried to answer to
the best of my ability, the issues that were raised. by the way
Amadou Janneh also sent in some remarks, but i lost the file.
2. i suggest that Amadou gather all other comments, and revise the rules
to present them to the list for voting beginning next week. that is, a week
from today, Sunday, people can begin sending simple yes, no or abstain
votes to say which side they are on regarding the rules. a one week voting
period should be allowed (i.e. from one sunday, to the next). if you want the
draft resent, let me know.
3. after the votes are in, Amadou will tally them and let us know. as usual,
i suggest we allow one week (including 5 working days) after the votes are
reported to allow for objections, and such. after that week, or waiting
period, the rules become effective, or are discarded, depending on the outcome.
4. have a great week everyone.
Katim
------------------------------
Date: Mon, 25 Mar 1996 00:19:24 -0500 (EST)
From: ABDOU <at137@columbia.edu>
To: gambia-l@u.washington.edu
Subject: Re: New Member, House keeping, and such ...
Message-ID: <Pine.SUN.3.91.960325001658.29028B-100000@inibara.cc.columbia.edu>
Hi fellas,
I am in full agreement with Katim's views. SO the earlier we
start in implementing the points stated the better. Before that, we need
Amadou to start seeing if the memebrship agrees to the points stated.
After this is over, I suggest we look at the matter of trying to
maintain a Gambian character on the list.
Bye for now,
-abdou
*******************************************************************************
A. TOURAY.
(718)904-0215.
MY URL ON THE WWW= http://www.cc.columbia.edu/~at137
A FINITE IN A LAND OF INFINITY.
SEEKING BUT THE REACHABLE.
I WANDER AND I WONDER.
ALL RESPITE IS FINAL.
*******************************************************************************
------------------------------
Date: Sun, 24 Mar 1996 22:31:28 -0800
From: sarian@osmosys.incog.com (Sarian Loum)
To: gambia-l@u.washington.edu
Cc: sar1@osmosys.incog.com
Subject: New Member, House keeping, and such ...
Message-ID: <199603250631.WAA17047@thesky.incog.com>
Hi all,
Sorry for the long silence but I have been really swamped at work. I think its high time we drop this and move on. I've been trying to get a draft of the constitution but haven't been successful yet. Heard there were some amendments to it and a new draft is on its way. Has anybody been successful yet?
Welcome aboard Maila!! Hoping to hear from you soon. Will send you the introductory files.
Sarian
------------------------------
Date: Mon, 25 Mar 1996 10:10:48 -0800 (PST)
From: "Roddie L. Cole" <rcole@ced.berkeley.edu>
To: gambia-l@u.washington.edu
Cc: The Gambia and Related Issues Mailing List <gambia-l@u.washington.edu>
Subject: Re: New Member, House keeping, and such ...
Message-ID: <Pine.SUN.3.90.960325100301.27193A-100000@chabot.ced.berkeley.edu>
Your "nationalist" slip is showing again this time with regard to the
tallying of votes.
The group had agreed that Gambia-L was to bring together those persons
interested in discussing on-going events in The Gambia and perhaps
extrapolating from that to Africa-wide issues. If this is the defining
characterisic, I dont think we can have first tier (Gambians?),
second tier (non-Gambians?), and third tier (non-Africans?) members. We
anticipate that mostly Gambians will be interested, but also a limited
number of non-Gambians: people that have lived in or are otherwsie
affiliated to/interested in the country. Once a subscriber is
admitted, however, I dont think we can discriminate on the basis of
nationalism or other.
Having said that, I have no problems with Amadou doing the tallying.
------------------------------
Date: Mon, 25 Mar 1996 14:54:50 -0500 (EST)
From: ABDOU <at137@columbia.edu>
To: gambia-l@u.washington.edu
Subject: Re: New Member, House keeping, and such ...
Message-ID: <Pine.SUN.3.91.960325145150.17658C-100000@sawasdee.cc.columbia.edu>
Hi folks,
I introduce you to our newest addition namely, Omar Gaye from
Ngain Sanjal. He will introduce himself shortly.
Subscription managers, his address is: omar3@afrodite.kih.no
..This makes it an address in Europe (Norway).
Bye for now,
-Abdou.
*******************************************************************************
A. TOURAY.
(718)904-0215.
MY URL ON THE WWW= http://www.cc.columbia.edu/~at137
A FINITE IN A LAND OF INFINITY.
SEEKING BUT THE REACHABLE.
I WANDER AND I WONDER.
ALL RESPITE IS FINAL.
*******************************************************************************
------------------------------
Date: Mon, 25 Mar 1996 12:50:18 -0800 (PST)
From: "A. Loum" <tloum@u.washington.edu>
To: The Gambia and Related Issues Mailing List <gambia-l@u.washington.edu>
Subject: Re: New Member, House keeping, and such ...
Message-ID: <Pine.OSF.3.92a.960325115745.5335A-100000@saul6.u.washington.edu>
I am unequivocally against the adoption and implementation of any
regulatory policies defining behavior. My rationale stems from the fear
that it can stifle discussion and free speech thus leading to
the destruction of the essence for the existence of Gambia-l.
However, I empathize with Katim's concern over the usage of vulgar
and abusive language. One thing to guard against is our list developing a
notorious reputation of vulgarism which can be escalated to distateful
flaming of one another.
Amadou, if you are tallying the votes, you can put me down on
the " NO " side for any regulatory policy except for those that restrains
the usage of vulgar languages.
Thanks
Tony
========================================================================
Anthony W Loum tloum@u.washington.edu
Supervisor, Business Administration Library 206-543-4360 voice
100 Balmer Hall 206-685-9392 fax
University of Washington
Box 353200
Seattle, Wa.98195-3200
=========================================================================
------------------------------
Date: Mon, 25 Mar 1996 19:18:35 -0500 (EST)
From: Amadou Scattred Janneh <AJANNEH@pstcc.cc.tn.us>
To: gambia-l@u.washington.edu
Subject: Re: New Member, House keeping, and such ...
Message-ID: <01I2RM2WTQRO000W3I@PSTCC6.PSTCC.CC.TN.US>
Roddie:
In fact, I agree entirely with you. Let's put aside talk of "Gambian
character" and the like. We all have a hodge-podge of backgrounds.
My grandfather, Ernest Scattred, moved to the Gambia from Sierra Leone;
he got married to a Toucouleur woman. One of their sons (my father)
married a Mandinka woman from Gunjur. I was married to a Serahule
lady from Dippakunda. I am now engaged to a wollofised-Bambara
from Dakar.
The point is that we are all one! The preoccupation should be the
exchange of information and ideas regardless of ethnicity or national
origin. And I believe we can police ourselves without elaborate rules
of conduct. ....just my view!
Amadou
PEACE!
------------------------------
Date: Tue, 26 Mar 1996 23:43:54
From: binta@iuj.ac.jp
To: gambia-l@u.washington.edu
Subject: Re: New Member, House keeping, and such ...
Message-ID: <199603261441.XAA25479@mlsv.iuj.ac.jp>
Hi all,
Although I favour some degree of modicum and respect for one another,
I do not support the establishment of a set of rules as was proposed
earlier on. Since the vote is an `all or nothing' affair, I vote
against the rules as proposed.
Lamin Drammeh(Japan).
------------------------------
Date: Tue, 26 Mar 1996 13:52:12 -0600 (CST)
From: Yaya Jallow <yj0001@jove.acs.unt.edu>
To: gambia-l@u.washington.edu
Cc: The Gambia and Related Issues Mailing List <gambia-l@u.washington.edu>
Subject: Re: New Member, House keeping, and such ...
Message-ID: <Pine.SOL.3.91.960326133543.6993A-100000@jove.acs.unt.edu>
Hi fellas,
I also wish to share my views regarding the proposed rules on our
mailing list. I fundementally believe that any promulgated rules will
leads us to a dangerous slippery slope. This list should be used as the
new technological frontier that is beyond the claws of governments and
authorities to allow decent and intelligent peoples to engage in
constructive dialogue. Let history be our lesson.
Nevertheless, vulgar and foul language ought to be discouraged to
permit a healthy environment. For that matter, I am more inclined to
accept some ethical codes not AUTHORITATIVE RULES that is limited only to
vulgar language.
Yaya
------------------------------
Date: Tue, 26 Mar 1996 16:26:31 -0500 (EST)
From: "Malanding S. Jaiteh" <msjaiteh@mtu.edu>
To: gambia-l@u.washington.edu
Cc: msjaiteh@mtu.edu
Subject: Re: New Member, House keeping, and such ...
Message-ID: <199603262126.QAA24892@spruce.ffr.mtu.edu>
>From the responses to Katims proposal, it is clear that many people
are in favour resposible use of language to maintain good dialog.
However, the prospects of one set of rules leading to another (a
problem that could divert attention from real issues) has become the
concern for many. I would suggest that we postpone vote on the rules
for now.
Postponing the vote now would give list members enough reason to vote
for the proposal the next time the issue comes up again. This
should not be seen as lack of resolve on the side of the listbut it is
just another way of solving the problem.
In my view the the "cyberconstitution" has already achieved the purpose.
Malanding
------------------------------
Date: Tue, 26 Mar 1996 18:53:46 -0500
From: Gabriel Ndow <gndow@auc.edu>
To: gambia-l@u.washington.edu
Subject: membership removal
Message-ID: <199603262353.SAA12840@auc.edu>
Greetings:
i'd like to inform you that i have removed chris (the u.s. army guy) from the
list in view of the fact that he has not posted a single message to the group.
he has been on the list for almost a month, and despite the several messages i
sent to him to introduce himself to the group, i have had no response. since it
was my responsibility to sign him on, i felt that i was also obligated to make
enquiries as to why we had no heard from him yet.
you will recall that he had personally requested to join the group. thus as to
why he decided to be a 'sleeper' once he was in is a concern to me.
i would also propose that the other managers do the same. to regularly check
those they signed on and if there is no posting from anyone of them, to send
friendly messages inquiring what the problem was. in the extreme case of no
response for a lengthy duration, perhaps a month (as was the case here), to takethat person off the list lest we begin to carry too many snoozers.
we want the group to be lively and that requires partiipation of all of us
whenever time permits. what do ya'll think?
------------------------------
Date: Tue, 26 Mar 1996 19:06:37 -0500
From: Gabriel Ndow <gndow@auc.edu>
To: gambia-l@u.washington.edu
Subject: visit of gambian immigration director
Message-ID: <199603270006.TAA12889@auc.edu>
i'd like to inform the group that the gambian director of immigration services
mr. momodou 'nai' ceesay and his assistant are currently in atlanta to renew
or replace old gambian passports. in addition to them, mr. bojang, the financial
attache at the embassy in washington d.c. completes the delegation. they have
been to new york, washington d.c. already. they will be leaving on thursday.
it seems that quite a number of gambians needed a new passport.
i am their host here in atlanta. so i have to be back now to give people
directions to my place. if any one knows of gambians nearby that wish to renew
their passport please give them my number - 404-321-7920.
the fees are $12. they must bring 4 passport size photos too.
------------------------------
Date: Tue, 26 Mar 1996 16:47:26 -0800
From: sarian@osmosys.incog.com (Sarian Loum)
To: gambia-l@u.washington.edu
Cc: sarian@thesky.incog.com
Subject: Re: New Member, House keeping, and such ...
Message-ID: <199603270047.QAA18601@thesky.incog.com>
Hello,
I favor refraining from the use of abusive language and name calling.
Sarian
------------------------------
Date: Tue, 26 Mar 1996 22:51:15 -0500 (EST)
From: Amadou Scattred Janneh <AJANNEH@pstcc.cc.tn.us>
To: gambia-l@u.washington.edu
Subject: Re: membership removal
Message-ID: <01I2T7RXQ9Z6000STI@PSTCC6.PSTCC.CC.TN.US>
You have my vote of confidence, LatJor!
Amadou.
------------------------------
Date: Tue, 26 Mar 1996 23:31:08 -0500 (EST)
From: ABDOU <at137@columbia.edu>
To: gambia-l@u.washington.edu
Subject: Re: membership removal
Message-ID: <Pine.SUN.3.91.960326232056.25287A-100000@sawasdee.cc.columbia.edu>
Hi Folks,
I think Gabriel did the right thing. In connection to this is
the fact that Katim introduced other things apart from the "vulgar"
speech proposal. Among those was the matter of who is eligible to
join. I will put up these proposals and others for members to vote on by
sending their votes to Amadou. This way, we can continue debating
crisis in The Gambia while doing some house cleaning chores.
As for those who think that we should just "move on", I advise
you that we have to conclude some type of a charter before the list can
be effective at all. And also realise that there are other issues apart
from speech that we have to take care of. Examples include; the role of
non-Gambians; applying for memebership in the list; the purpose of the
list; and whether the list should be used to lobby against the AFPRC
and etc. People should also send their ideas for the list so that they
can be implemented or rejected.
If we continue debating house cleaning issues, it would be akin
to fiddling while our country is burning.
Hoping to hear from you,
-Abdou.
*******************************************************************************
A. TOURAY.
(718)904-0215.
MY URL ON THE WWW= http://www.cc.columbia.edu/~at137
A FINITE IN A LAND OF INFINITY.
SEEKING BUT THE REACHABLE.
I WANDER AND I WONDER.
ALL RESPITE IS FINAL.
*******************************************************************************
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 27 Mar 1996 22:50:01
From: binta@iuj.ac.jp
To: gambia-l@u.washington.edu
Subject: Re: membership removal
Message-ID: <199603271345.WAA02087@mlsv.iuj.ac.jp>
Hi,
I share Mr. Ndow's suggestion of removing inactive members from the
list after a prolonged period of silence. This was an issue I raised
before.
Lamin.
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 27 Mar 1996 12:26:29 -0500 (EST)
From: ABDOU <at137@columbia.edu>
To: gambia-l@u.washington.edu
Subject: Re: Rules of the game ...
Message-ID: <Pine.SUN.3.91.960327120820.21776A-100000@labdien.cc.columbia.edu>
Hi People,
Here are the "vulgar" speech rules. I have edited Katim's many
proposals to include only those dealing with speech.
-------------------- Start of GAMBIA-L RULES ---------------------------
PROPOSED RULES FOR DEALING WITH UNACCEPTABLE
BEHAVIOR/LANGUAGE ON GAMBIA-L
PREAMBLE:
The set of rules spelt out here are meant to promote a healthy
and responsible exchange of ideas on and about The Gambia, using
Gambia-l as a medium. The reputation of the mailing list, and it's
subscribers is a function of both individual and collective
behavior on the list, and proper use of language. In order to
ensure the continued existence of a healthy atmosphere for the
exchange of ideas, and dialogue, and in a manner that reflects
well on the subscribers of the list, a collective approach to
dealing with disciplinary issues will be adopted.
THE RULES:
6. Use of language considered extreme, insulting, or offensive
would not be tolerated on Gambia-l. The determination of what
language constitutes is unacceptable (extreme, insulting, or
offensive) shall be done, in a manner spelt out by the
procedures for censorship, and disciplinary action (listed
below).
7. Expulsions from the list are final, and revocable only with
the concurrence of the majority of subscribers.
10. All decisions will be based on a simple majority of votes
casted by subscribers.
11. All subscribers are eligible to vote, and each subscriber
has one vote.
13. All votes will be cast from e-mail addresses used to subscribe
to the list.
14. Expelled subscribers can apply to rejoin the list six months
after their expulsion.
15. A decision to re-admit expelled subscribers will be based on
votes cast by list subscribers, using the procedures and rules
stipulated for expelling subscribers.
PROCEDURES FOR INITIATING A MOTION TO EXPEL A SUBSCRIBER:
The following procedure shall be used to set in motion the
process to expel a subscriber or subscribers.
1. Any subscriber or subscribers can issue an objection to a
behavior or offensive use of language on the list. such an
objection will herein after be called a 'censor'.
2. A subscriber can censor another subscriber or other
subscribers by sending mail to the list stating the objection,
and referring to the offending posting (by date, and time, or
any other means to ascertain the identity of the offending
posting).
3. The censored subscriber must apologize within 5 working
days of being censored, or have the censor count toward the
total required to force a vote on his or her expulsion from
the list.
4. If a subscriber apologizes after a censor, the censor is
dropped from his or her record.
5. Each subscriber is allowed a maximum of three chances in
a calendar year to delete a censor from their record.
6. To guard agains against intolerance of mistakes and slips of tongue,
three censors are required to force a vote on expelling the offending
subscriber.
7. After three censors, the responsible subscription manager shall
notify the list, within five working days, of a call for votes on
the expulsion of the offending subscriber.
8. The rules for voting are spelled out in the list Rules, above.
9. The procedures for voting are as spelt out in the Voting
Procedures section, below.
I will bring up the others as we resolve each one. Two of you have
already voted on these rules namely, Tony and Lamin and both voted "no".
The others have reservations about one aspect or the other. So if you
think the rules would be better in one format or the other, just submit
an amendment for voting. Over the past year or so, nearly everyone has
made their opinion known about these rules. So let us just implement or
reject them.
This is somewhat unfair to Katim because he had indicated a
change of mind about some things he said. But as I said before, the
same rules can be amended and then resubmitted for voting.
About the voting process, just send your vote to Amadou and say
"yes" to agree with the rules and "no" to disagree. You can also
abstain from voting. For those of you who want to make their votes a
secret, just tell Amadou to list you as having voted and to leave the
"yes" and "no" fields empty.
I think we should close voting on April 3rd, 1996.
PS:
Amadou's address is : AJANNEH@pstcc.cc.tn.us
*******************************************************************************
A. TOURAY.
(718)904-0215.
MY URL ON THE WWW= http://www.cc.columbia.edu/~at137
A FINITE IN A LAND OF INFINITY.
SEEKING BUT THE REACHABLE.
I WANDER AND I WONDER.
ALL RESPITE IS FINAL.
*******************************************************************************
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 27 Mar 1996 09:39:22 -0800 (PST)
From: "Roddie L. Cole" <rcole@ced.berkeley.edu>
To: gambia-l@u.washington.edu
Cc: The Gambia and Related Issues Mailing List <gambia-l@u.washington.edu>
Subject: Re: membership removal
Message-ID: <Pine.SUN.3.90.960327093737.8485B-100000@chabot.ced.berkeley.edu>
There have been a couple people from banjul that have been signed on
and from whom nothing has been heard?
Should we mete out that same treatment as befalled "Chris" of US army fame?
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 27 Mar 1996 12:55:05 -0500 (EST)
From: ABDOU <at137@columbia.edu>
To: gambia-l@u.washington.edu
Subject: Re: membership removal
Message-ID: <Pine.SUN.3.91.960327125420.21776C-100000@labdien.cc.columbia.edu>
On Wed, 27 Mar 1996, Roddie L. Cole wrote:
> There have been a couple people from banjul that have been signed on
> and from whom nothing has been heard?
> Should we mete out that same treatment as befalled "Chris" of US army fame?
Hi,
Absolutely !
*******************************************************************************
A. TOURAY.
(718)904-0215.
MY URL ON THE WWW= http://www.cc.columbia.edu/~at137
A FINITE IN A LAND OF INFINITY.
SEEKING BUT THE REACHABLE.
I WANDER AND I WONDER.
ALL RESPITE IS FINAL.
*******************************************************************************
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 27 Mar 1996 13:06:29 -0600 (CST)
From: Yaya Jallow <yj0001@jove.acs.unt.edu>
To: gambia-l@u.washington.edu
Cc: The Gambia and Related Issues Mailing List <gambia-l@u.washington.edu>
Subject: Re: membership removal
Message-ID: <Pine.SOL.3.91.960327125849.1358A-100000@jove.acs.unt.edu>
Hi fells,
I wish to add a caution on the memebership removal issue. There
ought to be very good tangible reasons for doing so besides simply a
period of long silence. For example, a memeber may travel and not have
acces to email services and therefore, becomes incommunicado. In that
respect, each situation must be treated uniquely. Just a thought.
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 27 Mar 1996 11:37:51 -0800
From: sarian@osmosys.incog.com (Sarian Loum)
To: gambia-l@u.washington.edu
Subject: Re: Rules of the game ...
Message-ID: <199603271937.LAA19025@thesky.incog.com>
Hi Guys,
Don't you think we're going overboard with these rules? There are too
many rules to remember and I just don't feel comfortable with the
outline, kind of feel like the high school days where one worries about
detention, suspension and explusion. We are all adults so therefore we
should be able to communicate in a responsible and healthy environment
without the use of vulgar language. So lets drop these disciplinary
rules/issues/actions. But then again majority carries the vote and if
the majority feels strongly about the implementation of the rules by
all means go for it.
My vote is no on rules and regulations. Lets not go back to high
school guys we are all responsible adults.
And yes I agree with Latjorr, if we haven't heard from a subscriber
after a period of long silence then before expelling that person lets
give him/her a last friendly reminder. I'm also convinced that these
members from Gambia are really not on the net. On several occasions
I've written to Maja but still no response.
Ah! I watched the interview tape of Jammmeh by two Senegales
journalist who came to The Gambia to talk to him. BTW-Tony thanks for
the video tape. I'm more than ever convinced that this guy will never
returned to the barracks or farming for that matter. When asked if he
plans to run for elections come July, his response was, if the Gambians
want me to run then when the time comes will I know what to do. He was
very evasive as to where the money is coming from "GOD" and commented
on the skin bleaching that they (military guys) were doing the best
thing for the women because skin bleaching is bad and they can never
be white because when they bore children those kids would come out
black even though their mothers are high yellows so to speak. He would
also divorce his wife if she ever bleaches. Ok enough of that. Good
week to ya'll.
Sarian
> From GAMBIA-L-owner@u.washington.edu Wed Mar 27 09:44 PST 1996
> Date: Wed, 27 Mar 1996 12:26:29 -0500 (EST)
> From: ABDOU <at137@columbia.edu>
> To: "GAMBIA-L: The Gambia and Related Issues Mailing List" <gambia-l@u.washington.edu>
> Subject: Re: Rules of the game ...
> Mime-Version: 1.0
> X-Sender: at137@labdien.cc.columbia.edu
> X-Listprocessor-Version: 7.2 -- ListProcessor by CREN
>
> Hi People,
> Here are the "vulgar" speech rules. I have edited Katim's many
> proposals to include only those dealing with speech.
>
>
> -------------------- Start of GAMBIA-L RULES ---------------------------
>
>
> PROPOSED RULES FOR DEALING WITH UNACCEPTABLE
> BEHAVIOR/LANGUAGE ON GAMBIA-L
>
>
> PREAMBLE:
>
> The set of rules spelt out here are meant to promote a healthy
> and responsible exchange of ideas on and about The Gambia, using
> Gambia-l as a medium. The reputation of the mailing list, and it's
> subscribers is a function of both individual and collective
> behavior on the list, and proper use of language. In order to
> ensure the continued existence of a healthy atmosphere for the
> exchange of ideas, and dialogue, and in a manner that reflects
> well on the subscribers of the list, a collective approach to
> dealing with disciplinary issues will be adopted.
>
> THE RULES:
>
>
> 6. Use of language considered extreme, insulting, or offensive
> would not be tolerated on Gambia-l. The determination of what
> language constitutes is unacceptable (extreme, insulting, or
> offensive) shall be done, in a manner spelt out by the
> procedures for censorship, and disciplinary action (listed
> below).
>
> 7. Expulsions from the list are final, and revocable only with
> the concurrence of the majority of subscribers.
>
>
> 10. All decisions will be based on a simple majority of votes
> casted by subscribers.
>
> 11. All subscribers are eligible to vote, and each subscriber
> has one vote.
>
> 13. All votes will be cast from e-mail addresses used to subscribe
> to the list.
>
> 14. Expelled subscribers can apply to rejoin the list six months
> after their expulsion.
>
> 15. A decision to re-admit expelled subscribers will be based on
> votes cast by list subscribers, using the procedures and rules
> stipulated for expelling subscribers.
>
> PROCEDURES FOR INITIATING A MOTION TO EXPEL A SUBSCRIBER:
>
> The following procedure shall be used to set in motion the
> process to expel a subscriber or subscribers.
>
> 1. Any subscriber or subscribers can issue an objection to a
> behavior or offensive use of language on the list. such an
> objection will herein after be called a 'censor'.
>
> 2. A subscriber can censor another subscriber or other
> subscribers by sending mail to the list stating the objection,
> and referring to the offending posting (by date, and time, or
> any other means to ascertain the identity of the offending
> posting).
>
> 3. The censored subscriber must apologize within 5 working
> days of being censored, or have the censor count toward the
> total required to force a vote on his or her expulsion from
> the list.
>
> 4. If a subscriber apologizes after a censor, the censor is
> dropped from his or her record.
>
> 5. Each subscriber is allowed a maximum of three chances in
> a calendar year to delete a censor from their record.
>
> 6. To guard agains against intolerance of mistakes and slips of tongue,
> three censors are required to force a vote on expelling the offending
> subscriber.
>
> 7. After three censors, the responsible subscription manager shall
> notify the list, within five working days, of a call for votes on
> the expulsion of the offending subscriber.
>
> 8. The rules for voting are spelled out in the list Rules, above.
>
> 9. The procedures for voting are as spelt out in the Voting
> Procedures section, below.
>
>
>
> I will bring up the others as we resolve each one. Two of you have
> already voted on these rules namely, Tony and Lamin and both voted "no".
> The others have reservations about one aspect or the other. So if you
> think the rules would be better in one format or the other, just submit
> an amendment for voting. Over the past year or so, nearly everyone has
> made their opinion known about these rules. So let us just implement or
> reject them.
> This is somewhat unfair to Katim because he had indicated a
> change of mind about some things he said. But as I said before, the
> same rules can be amended and then resubmitted for voting.
> About the voting process, just send your vote to Amadou and say
> "yes" to agree with the rules and "no" to disagree. You can also
> abstain from voting. For those of you who want to make their votes a
> secret, just tell Amadou to list you as having voted and to leave the
> "yes" and "no" fields empty.
> I think we should close voting on April 3rd, 1996.
>
> PS:
> Amadou's address is : AJANNEH@pstcc.cc.tn.us
>
> *******************************************************************************
> A. TOURAY.
> (718)904-0215.
> MY URL ON THE WWW= http://www.cc.columbia.edu/~at137
>
> A FINITE IN A LAND OF INFINITY.
> SEEKING BUT THE REACHABLE.
> I WANDER AND I WONDER.
> ALL RESPITE IS FINAL.
> *******************************************************************************
>
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 27 Mar 1996 12:37:44 -0800 (PST)
From: "A. Loum" <tloum@u.washington.edu>
To: The Gambia and Related Issues Mailing List <gambia-l@u.washington.edu>
Subject: Re: membership removal
Message-ID: <Pine.OSF.3.92a.960327122459.31886B-100000@saul5.u.washington.edu>
Roddie, you raised a good and interesting point. There are others besides
just the Banjul based members who have been dormant ever since they were
added to this list. These are Gambians in The United States too. To
validate my point, just review the list membership and you will see names
who have never contributed anything. Send it to listproc@u.washington.edu
and on the body of the message - write _ Review Gambia-l and you will be
sent a list of the membership. Infact, there are some names that have
preceded me on this list even when we were using Katim's address before
the adoption of the name Gambia-l at the UW network, who have never posted
anything.
So, my question to everybody is this : Do we apply the same set of
rules to everybody or do we exercise more leniency to The Gambians
regarding this membership removal as a result of inactivity and lack of
participation ?
Thanks
Tony
========================================================================
Anthony W Loum tloum@u.washington.edu
Supervisor, Business Administration Library 206-543-4360 voice
100 Balmer Hall 206-685-9392 fax
University of Washington
Box 353200
Seattle, Wa.98195-3200
=========================================================================
On Wed, 27 Mar 1996, Roddie L. Cole wrote:
> There have been a couple people from banjul that have been signed on
> and from whom nothing has been heard?
> Should we mete out that same treatment as befalled "Chris" of US army fame?
>
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 27 Mar 1996 16:10:28 -0500 (EST)
From: "Malanding S. Jaiteh" <msjaiteh@mtu.edu>
To: gambia-l@u.washington.edu
Cc: msjaiteh@mtu.edu
Subject: Re: membership removal
Message-ID: <199603272110.QAA04762@aspen>
I think a number of interesting things came up over the past few days.
But as we seek solutions to htem I would suggest everyone of us to
reflect on a number of questions. What is the purpose of the list? It
is to dicuss issues related to the Gambia or is it a club? If its for
dicussion them we should understand that not everyone who participate
in a discussion can contribute something. There must be others who are
gaining by just listening (well in this case watching from the
screen side).
I think Yaya point out an important point. Not everybody have time or
the opportunity to access to email. In Africa you pay a fortune to get
a long distance phone call. We must realize that those over there are
probabley gaining more by just receiving.
Another thing to consider is what Roddie pointed out equal treatment
for all.
If we become to much concern about house cleaning we may lose focus of
the real issues.
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 27 Mar 1996 16:14:24 -0500 (EST)
From: Amadou Scattred Janneh <AJANNEH@pstcc.cc.tn.us>
To: gambia-l@u.washington.edu
Subject: Re: Rules of the game ...
Message-ID: <01I2U888JMAE000YYU@PSTCC6.PSTCC.CC.TN.US>
I see no need for a formal tally of votes. We 've all been receiving the
same e-mail messages; and the overwhelming majority reject rules of any
kind for the list.
If you don't agree with this assessment, I'd be glad to break down the
votes and sum up the comments for the list.
So, LET'S MOVE ON! This and the issue of "non-Gambians" should be dead
now.
Amadou.
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 27 Mar 96 22:25:33 CST
From: Katim S. Touray <touray@hope.soils.wisc.edu>
To: dott@usaid.gov
Cc: gambia-l@u.washington.edu
Subject: Re-addition to the Gambia-l
Message-ID: <9603280425.AA00359@hope.soils.wisc.edu>
Hi Dana,
this is to inform you that you've been re-enlisted (pardon the pun).
i would ordinarily have referred the request to one of the subscription
managers, but you are now stranger to the list, and further, i can't
recall off the top of my head which manager is responsible for your domain.
anyway, i'm forwarding this to the list, so the left hand would know what
the right hand is doing.
once again, welcome back, and we'd be delighted to hear from you.
thanks.
Katim
------------------------------
Date: Thu, 28 Mar 96 04:26:33 -0800
From: dott@usaid.gov
Message-ID: <9603281226.AA01488@mx4.u.washington.edu>
354 Enter mail, end with "." on a line by itself
Received: by BASA14037.usaid.gov with VINES-ISMTP; Thu, 28 Mar 96 7:26:38 -0500
Date: Thu, 28 Mar 96 7:25:54 -0500
Message-ID: <vines.WBy7+mJcKlb@BASA14037.usaid.gov>
X-Priority: 3 (Normal)
To: <gambia-l@u.washington.edu>
From: "Dana Ott" <dott@usaid.gov>
Subject: re: Re-addition to the Gambia-l
Thanks for your help! It's good to be back. Now if our computers will just
stop fritzing out...
Dana
=====================================================================
Dana Ott, Ph.D. Telephone (703) 312-7192
Research Analyst Fax (703) 312-7199
Africa Bureau Information Center Email dott@usaid.gov
=====================================================================
------------------------------
Date: Fri, 29 Mar 1996 00:42:55
From: binta@iuj.ac.jp
To: gambia-l@u.washington.edu
Subject: Re: Rules of the game ...
Message-ID: <199603281543.AAA08655@mlsv.iuj.ac.jp>
Hi fellows,
The promulgation of rules is not bad in itself, yet those
very rules may eventually turn out to be the dividing
force of an association. Granted that all societies
have deviants whose actions should be controlled.
However, I am of the opinion that the stipulation of
written rules for our list will not solve our problems.
The mere fact that this issue has been discussed at
length will serve as a reminder to all of us that
`extreme, vulgar and abusive language' is uncalled for
on the list.
This leads me to rule 6 as outlined in the revised
version sent out by Abdou. My contention here is that
what constitutes an extreme, abusive language is wide
open to diverse interpretations. Two questions: What
will we consider extreme? Who will determine what is
extreme? Another question: Is the mere objection by
a subscriber of another's language sufficient to be
counted as a censor? I think not. With these and many
other questions that may be raised in the future, I
think we will be better off without the rules at this
material moment. I stand to be corrected.
On March 10, I sent out a suggestion to the list under
the subject `multiple issues'. There I suggested that
before one is allowed to join the list she should first
send in an introduction. Although not any sufficient
guarantee that the person in question will be an active
member, it will be an indication of her interest in the
list. Additionally, it will really let us know if that
person has access to e-mail. You are invited to read
that contribution again.
On the removal of already subscribed members who have
remained inactive since they joined, I suggest we take
caution in the way it should be done or is being done.
Treating the cases individually and sending a friendly
note prior to removal is necessary.
All that said and done, I am glad Katim(?) brought these
issues to our attention.
Lamin Drammeh (Japan).
------------------------------
Date: Thu, 28 Mar 96 20:05:57 CST
From: Katim S. Touray <touray@hope.soils.wisc.edu>
To: gambia-l@u.washington.edu
Subject: Rules of the game ...
Message-ID: <9603290205.AA01503@hope.soils.wisc.edu>
Hi folks,
this is going to be a short one. a number of ideas on the issue of
rules for our list have been floated in the past few days, some in
addition to those already on the table. the following is a brief
re-visit on my latest thinking on these issues:
Q. should we have rules at all?.
A. positively yes. i was listening to a story on National Public Radio
this morning and the story was about a case before the Supreme Court of the
U.S. i don't even remember what it was about. the point here is that it
how seriously you take care of the 'trivial' that determines the functioning
and the rule of law in a society. rules, to govern whatever we deem
important, are necessary to serve a number of purposes: a) define what
is expected of list members; b) map out a course of action in the event
of an infrigment; c) define what consequences will befall anyone who
infringes those rules. properly implemented, we all would know what
exactly the procedures are, and there will not be a case or cases of
people feeling arbitrarily (mis)treated. this answer is a generalization of
my feelings on some specific issues, some of which follow:
Q. what about the rules on language?
A. thinking about the proposed rules, even as revised by Abdou, i think
there's some weight in a lot of people saying that implementing them willbe time consuming. in order to streamline the whole issue of the use of
language on our list, i would like to offer another suggestion. why not
we have a database of unacceptable words, or language?. the only problem
with this is that we'll have to circulate on the list of words, and vote on
them and this would mean we'd be trading some really nasty words for a while
yet. if this is what it would take to ensure a clean and civil atmosphere, i'd
say let's just grit our teeth, and go for it. an alternative is that we do
not have rules, and hence no set way to deal with cases of vulgar language and
such stuff.
Q. should we expell 'lurkers', meaning the voiceless of the list?.
A. first, we should encourage people to be actively involved in debates or
issues being discussed. we also should be understanding of the fact that
people have different work schedules, program loads, connections to the
network, etc. the other issue, that completes the triagle of factors that
should govern our attitude to membership participation, the other issue here is
that we would not want to tolerate dormancy that verges on death. we've got a
lot of people that have been virtual cyber deadwoods. either they wake up, or
its' 'bye bye'. again, i'd suggest we come up with, yes, rules to stipulate
how *exactly* we are going to deal with situations like this. this way, every
one will know what the rules are, before we start implementing them. and i
would suggest we give people a grace period of one or two months before we
start implementing the rules, whatever they are in the end.
with all that out of the way, i'd like us to congratulate our Sierra Leonian
and Beninois friends for doing all of Africa proud. although one can argue
about Mada Bio's decree giving departing heads of state what i consider
ridicoulous pensions, at least the guy is stepping down.
by the way, a funny story. i dreamt last night i was sitting at a table with
Capt. Jammeh (i've never met him before), and a couple of other cabinet
members. from what i recall, we were going to be discussing some important
national stuff, and i distinctly remember being really upset. for some
reason, i was in a rage. so when it was my time to speak, i started with
a long period of silence, to the point where people were getting strained.
anyway, i started speaking, slowly at first, and the speech escalated in
tempo to a point where i took off my hat (i sleep with a hat, Madison
being so cold), and shortly thenafter, my jacket (i presume i must have
thrown away my blanket in my sleep!). anyway, toward the end of the speech
there was a guy who kept talking in the background, and i found that very
distracting. and i kept talking, and in the end there was so much murmuring
that from what i remember, nobody could hear me anymore ... this is ofcourse
not my funniest dream. that title goes the one i had when i was teasing
Bill Gates (the Chairman of Microsoft, and one of the richest man, if not the
richest man in the World) that i would run him to the ground!. and i added
that he shouldn't worry, it wasn't like he wasn't going to be able to feed
his family ... this from a guy, myself, that has to be the absolute poorest
soul on earth!.
hey, have a great weekend everyone!.
Katim
------------------------------
Date: Thu, 28 Mar 1996 22:24:47 -0500
From: Gabriel Ndow <gndow@auc.edu>
To: gambia-l@u.washington.edu
Subject: Re: membership removal
Message-ID: <199603290324.WAA21448@auc.edu>
As i stated before, it should be the responsibility of the managers to
encourage those subscribers under their domain to participate in the group
discussions. At least introduce themselves! Abdou(?) is right that new
subscribers should first respond to the questionaire they are sent before they
are signed in.
We should not be very concerned with the removal of 'deadbeat' members from the
list since they can always be included back in the list. All they have to do is
send a request the appropriate request to listproc@u.washington.edu, when they
are ready to participate.
Of course all i had stated earlier concerning this issue still applies. Removal
is to be implemented only in extreme cases. Friendly prodding is the first
option. However, if we do not regularly clean house, we are only inviting
cobwebs inside.
I empathize with those in the gambia. Perhaps they should be the excepion to therule because of the difficult (but hopefully temporary) situation they are in.
We must remember that gambia (and other parts of Africa) is not like america,
europe or anywhere else. We all know the obstacles. however, sending those folks
a messsage requesting them to at least introduce themselves to the group for
starters is a requirement for becoming a part of the group. Surely they can
afford that!
Finally, Amadou I shall extend your message to Nai Ceesay. The delegation has
extended their stay for an extra day due to the high volume of passports to be
processed (the last time i counted - this morning, 106 gambians were issued new
passports!).
si jama,
LatJor.
------------------------------
Date: 28 Mar 96 22:27:23 EST
From: SANKUNG SAWO <101573.1703@compuserve.com>
To: "\"GAMBIA-L: The Gambia an" <GAMBIA-L@u.washington.edu>
Subject: Introduction
Message-ID: <960329032722_101573.1703_IHK36-1@CompuServe.COM>
FROM: SANKUNG SAWO, 101573,1703
TO: GAMBIA-L, INTERNET:LISTPROC@U.WASHINGTON.EDU
DATE: 3/27/96 2:42 AM
Re: Copy of: INTRODUCTION
Hello guys,
I wish to introduce myself now to the forum/listserver which of course is long
overdue. Yes, most people expected this earlier.
Anyway, I am currently employed by GAMTEL as a Computer Engineer.I joined the
company in 1991. I am one of the driving forces behind the information
revolution in the Gambia which realy started in ernest just about 5 months ago.
For your information, guys, we only have indirect access to the INTERNET, NOT
direct. The service is managed by Gamtel Datacom Services Unit and the
connection is provided by CompuServe Information Services. Thanks to Gamtel's
dynamism we now have nearly 50 users accessing the net from the Gambia daily!
I joined Gambia-L purely for professional reasons. I wish to be able to share
(professional) information with fellow engineers out there at the centre of
technology. I am less inclined to politics and participate NOT in political
discussions. So please excuse me if this represents a shortcoming for members of
the forum. But indeed I do like to hear political stuff.
Please find below some info. It is just an introduction .
If we have members interested in emerging Internet issues in the Gambia, and
Africa as a whole, : engineering, content, technology trend, etc, please
contact me so that we can share some info.
Thanks to you all.
Sankung
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
GAMTEL
------
DATACOMMUNICATIONS SERVICES UNIT
--------------------------------
In 1985 we witnessed the emergence of a modern digital
telecommunication network in the Gambia based on a fully digital
telephone switch: the Alcatel E10 switch. That was a leapfrog
from an old electromechanical exchange.
In 1995, exactly 10 years after, we have witnessed yet another
revolution in our telecommunication services, with the
convergence of our two year old X.25 data network with worldwide
datacommunications ONLINE services, namely, CompuServe and
Internet. This also marks the begining of another leapfrog into
the information revolution in this country in resonance with the
bigger global information revolution of the century.
At the forefront of our information revolution is Gamtel's
Datacommunications Services Unit which was set up in 1995
purposely to steer the bandwagon heading for an information
superhighway stretching from Banjul to Fatoto. Already Gamtel
management is considering a proposal to extend the data network
services up to Basse. This will enable users to access the
services from anywhere in the country at the same access cost (
ie the same rates will apply countrywide)!
The global economy and its highly dynamic markets of the
developed countries is becoming more and more knowledge based and
information driven. It is therefore essential for business
enterprises in the Gambia to be abrest with contemporary computer
based business tools, most notably WEB technology, and
information services worldwide. Already we have trade points on
the Internet. Many companies now distribute information on their
products and services on the Internet network. Now you have
access to all of these from Gambia via Gamtel's datacom services
public data network.
SERVICES AVAILABLE CURRENTLY:
-----------------------------
1) CompuServe Online Services:
CompuServe Databases:Companies,Foreign Exchange Rates,
etc.
- Discurssion Forums:
- Healthnet:
2) Internet Access.
3) Prestel Online Database Services:
Financial news and information;Forex rates,etc
Yes, we do have an Internet pilot project in the pipeline, although no definite
decision has been reached so far on the matter. I am optimistic that we will
have something by end of the year; or maybe even before the dawn of the second
republic. Some people might think that is a dream, but it is certainly not. We
are already (just) there.
------------------------------
Date: Fri, 29 Mar 96 13:08:38 GMT
From: L Konteh <L.Konteh-95@student.lut.ac.uk>
To: gambia-l@u.washington.edu
Subject: Re: Rules of the game...
Message-ID: <9603291308.AA22297@hpl.lut.ac.uk>
Hi Folks,
I would have to vote "NO" to the proposed rules simply because of the
impracticalities of it's implementation. All we all should safeguard is our
own sense of responsibility. This should be a friendly forum where views are
debated without too much restriction.
I was listening to a debate in the
British House of commons where the leader of the opposition described the
the Prime Minister's response to a suggestion as 'pathetic'. To me that is foul
and vulgar. The prime minister on many occassions describe them as 'dimwits' and
their proposals as nonsensense, rubbish and silly. In the same House of
commons, you cannot call someone a lair, but you can say he was economical
with the truth and or with the actualite. I can quote many of such examples. So my
view is, in these day and age of political correctness, if we are to set rules
as to what is or what is not a proper language, we may see ourselves down a
slippery slope and the forum may lack some exciting debates.
Let us cool down and give ourselves a moment's reflection on these rules
issue. Besides there are many pressing issues facing our country that we
should be concentrating our intellectual prowess.
On the issue of Gambian subscribers, remember the frequent electricity
blackouts, its still going on - maybe some of you have been away for too long.
Sometimes i experience some of my mails to the Gambia returned or my friend
saying he did not receive them. That i attribute to their computers switched
off at the time.
Tony and Katim can you include Lamin Jagne on the list.His address is:
100731.2004@compuserve.com He is currently in Uk but will be going back to
the Gambia in a few day's time.
Bye
Lang
------------------------------
Date: Fri, 29 Mar 1996 09:47:29 -0500 (EST)
From: "Malanding S. Jaiteh" <msjaiteh@mtu.edu>
To: gambia-l@u.washington.edu
Subject: Re: Rules of the game ...
Message-ID: <199603291447.JAA26706@spruce.ffr.mtu.edu>
katim, i hope the content of your speech was not ...'about time he
returns to barrcaks...." I am sure he or all those present at the
meeting would not be amused what you were saying!
------------------------------
Date: Fri, 29 Mar 1996 10:06:16 -0500 (EST)
From: Amadou Scattred Janneh <AJANNEH@pstcc.cc.tn.us>
To: gambia-l@u.washington.edu
Subject: Re: Rules of the game...
Message-ID: <01I2WNXJG7EA00204T@PSTCC6.PSTCC.CC.TN.US>
Katim:
Revising or justifying the rules will not change much in terms of the
consensus. You are now beating on a dead horse. Please, let's move on!
The overwhelming majority reject rules of any kind. I have been monitoring
the responses since this issue emerged. You have raised very important
matters; and I think individual subscribers will use restraint in their
communications on the list. Please don't be too persistent on this
subject.
MY VIEW!
AMADOU
------------------------------
Date: Fri, 29 Mar 1996 11:39:53 -0500 (EST)
From: Amadou Scattred Janneh <AJANNEH@pstcc.cc.tn.us>
To: gambia-l@u.washington.edu
Subject: 0F-1_23276_Gambia.
Message-ID: <01I2WR7LD98Y001L4Q@PSTCC6.PSTCC.CC.TN.US>
Title: The Gambia Human Rights Practices, 1995
Author: U.S. Department of State
Date: March 1996
THE GAMBIA
The Gambia is controlled by a military government, the Armed Forces
Provisional Ruling Council (AFPRC), which seized power in a coup d'etat
in 1994. The AFPRC deposed the democratically elected government of Sir
Dawda Jawara. Captain Yahya A.J.J. Jammeh, chairman of the AFPRC,
remained Head of State throughout 1995. Under Jammeh, the main
decisionmaking organization is the military-controlled AFPRC. It rules
by decree and declares its decrees exempt from legal challenge.
The Gambia National Army (GNA) reports to the Minister of Defense. The
police report to the Minister of Interior. The National Intelligence
Agency (NIA), established in June by government decree, reports directly
to the AFPRC but is otherwise autonomous. The AFPRC and others were
responsible for numerous serious human rights abuses.
The Gambia's population of just over 1 million consists largely of
subsistence farmers growing rice, millet, maize, and groundnuts
(peanuts), the country's primary export crop. The private sector, led
by reexporting, fisheries, horticulture, and tourism, contracted
continuously since the 1994 coup. Cuts in international economic
assistance have worsened the economic decline.
The Government's poor human rights record worsened during the year as
the coup leaders continued to commit widespread and repeated human
rights abuses. Citizens do not have the right to change their
government. The AFPRC also arrested and detained senior government
officials and members of the press. It held detainees incommunicado and
did not acknowledge their detentions, detained armed forces and police
personnel without charge, banned political parties, curbed political
activities, publications, and other communications, intimidated the
press, dissolved local governments, and revoked rights to travel and
transfer funds or assets for senior officials of the former Jawara
government. The courts have traditionally been subject to a certain
degree of executive influence. AFPRC decrees have abrogated due process
and allowed the Government to search, seize, and detain without warrant
or legal proceedings. The AFPRC ordered the arbitrary arrest, firing,
and retirement of government officials and civil service employees loyal
to the previous government. Security forces have tortured detainees.
Discrimination against women persists. While health professionals have
focused greater attention on the dangers of female genital mutilation
(FGM), this practice is widespread and entrenched.
The AFPRC shortened the transition schedule for return to a democratic,
civilian government from 4 years to 2 years because of pressure from the
international community, concerns over the collapse of tourism and other
business activity, and in response to expressions of Gambian political
views. It repeatedly denied its intention to stay in power and,
although delayed, has proceeded with the transition timetable. The
National Consultative Commission has completed its work. Despite harsh
press intimidation, a relatively free, outspoken press still exists.
RESPECT FOR HUMAN RIGHTS
Section 1 Respect for the Integrity of the Person, Including Freedom
from:
a. Political and Other Extrajudicial Killing
Former Minister of Interior Sadibou Haidara, arrested in an alleged
countercoup January 27, died June 3 in prison. Although the AFPRC
attributed his death to preexisting high blood pressure, Haidara's death
is widely believed to have resulted from intentional mistreatment by
prison authorities. While an autopsy was performed, the results were
not made public.
On June 23, Finance Minister Ousman Koro-Ceesay's charred remains were
found in his burned vehicle with part of his skull missing. He had
attended Chairman Jammeh's departure from Yundum International Airport
earlier that day. As with the Haidara case, no results of any
investigations were made public. It is widely believed that Ceesay's
death was a politically motivated killing by the AFPRC.
b. Disappearance
There were no reports of politically motivated disappearances. In May
two GNA soldiers, allegedly under the orders of the AFPRC, attempted to
abduct Lamin Waa Juwara, former independent Niamina Minister of
Parliament. They were unsuccessful.
c. Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman, or Degrading Treatment or
Punishment
While the AFPRC did not suspend provisions of the Constitution
prohibiting torture and other cruel, inhuman, or degrading punishment,
it ignored these provisions in its treatment of former ministers and
military and police detainees.
Former AFPRC Vice Chairman Sabally, arrested in the alleged January
countercoup, was detained without visitation rights at Mile 2 prison.
He was widely believed to have been tortured after his arrest, and
credible reports indicate he has lost some of the use of his hands
because of torture by electric shock.
Conditions at Mile 2 prison are reported to be austere, overcrowded, and
lacking in medical facilities. Prisoners are locked in their cells for
more than 20 hours each day. Other reports indicate that the AFPRC
assigned military guards to augment the corrections staff at the prison,
and there were credible reports of malnourishment, illness, and beatings
of military and security detainees. In March military police surrounded
the prison because of reports of demonstrations against poor food and
living conditions, and long detention without trial. Women are housed
separately.
There was one death while under detention (see Section 1.a.).
In June the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) visited the
Mile 2 facility and reported that 33 of the original 58 detainees known
to the ICRC were still imprisoned. According to the ICRC, at least 7 of
these detainees are political prisoners and the other 25 were released.
Since the ICRC's visit, only sporadic prison information became
available. August press reports list a total of 50 detained military
personnel. The ICRC visited again in October and reported that
conditions were adequate.
d. Arbitrary Arrest, Detention, or Exile
The AFPRC frequently and arbitrarily arrested military and police
personnel, civil servants, parastatal staff, and media representatives.
In June the AFPRC declared by decree that the NIA would have the power
to search, seize, detain, or arrest any individual or property without
due process. In October the AFPRC issued a decree allowing a 90-day
detention without charge and without writ of habeas corpus which has
retroactive force.
After promulgation of Decree 57, incidents of targeted searches and
investigations increased. The AFPRC primarily targeted nongovernmental
organizations and members of the press for investigation and detention.
In July six employees of the Daily Observer newspaper were interrogated
and released by NIA officers in reference to an advertisement in the
newspaper. The NIA suspected that the advertisement was a coded message
to trigger a mercenary takeover.
The regime subjected prominent civilians in and out of government to
lengthy surprise interrogations in uncomfortable circumstances, often
lasting overnight, and detained some officials for extended periods.
For example, vice president of the Gambian Bar Association Ousainou
Darbo was detained incommunicado from October 15 through November 6,
when he was released unconditionally. The authorities generally did not
permit families, reporters, or other private citizens to visit military
and police detainees. They did occasionally permit exceptional visits
by detainees' spouses after direct petitions to the Vice Chairman of the
AFPRC.
At least 14 of those detained during the July 1994 coup remained in
custody at year's end. The AFPRC has not provided an accounting of
current detainees. Some of those detained after the attempted
countercoup in November 1993 were granted amnesty; the authorities
brought charges against others. Along with the military and police
personnel in long-term detention, authorities detained an unknown number
of additional people for shorter periods, ranging from hours to 26 days.
In the alleged countercoup attempt in January, the AFPRC arrested and
detained an additional group of opposition figures, including Sabally
and Haidara. Sabally's trial ended in December; he was convicted on two
charges and sentenced to a total of 9 years' imprisonment, to be served
concurrently (see Section 1.c).
There was another wave of detentions in October. Many of those detained
had ties to the Peoples Progressive Party. The AFPRC has not formally
exiled its opponents. However, three senior officials of the former
government, President Jawara, Vice President Sabally, and secretary
general Janha, remain abroad under explicit threat of arrest and
detention if they return. Other officials who were outside the country
at the time of the coup are at similar risk.
e. Denial of Fair Public Trial
Although the Constitution provides for an independent judiciary, the
courts are traditionally responsive to executive branch pressure. The
judicial system comprises a Judicial Committee of the Privy Council
(based in London), the Supreme Court of The Gambia, The Gambia Court of
Appeal, and the magistrate courts (one in each of the five divisions
plus one in Banjul and one in Kanifing). Village chiefs preside over
local courts at the village level. The AFPRC claimed that judicial
provisions of the Constitution remained in effect, but it exempted its
own decrees from court challenge and ignored due process with respect to
arrest, detention, and trial.
In early 1995, detention review tribunals comprised of a lawyer, a
police officer, and a private citizen completed recommendations on the
cases of military detainees. In most cases, the tribunal did not find
enough to merit to continue the detentions. Tribunal action was
advisory only. The AFPRC could have ordered the indefinite detention of
military and police officers from the 1994 coup and countercoup.
Since coming to power, the AFPRC granted amnesty to 38 detained soldiers
from the 1994 coup. Seven others were sentenced to 9 years'
imprisonment in June for a November 1994 countercoup attempt.
The AFPRC appointed a number of commissions to investigate individuals
and organizations suspected of corruption. These commissions have
powers similar to that of a grand jury, including the authority to
imprison and fine for contempt, and to imprison or demand bond from
individuals considered likely to abscond.
The AFPRC seized over 6,000 tons of imported rice owned by a Gambian
business consortium. While the rice had all appropriate health
documents, it was declared "unfit for human consumption," and summarily
dumped into the ocean. The AFPRC neither waited for nor acknowledged
judicial decisionmaking authority in the issue.
Despite these incidents, the judicial system remains structurally intact
and recognizes customary, Shari'a, and general law. Customary law
covers marriage and divorce for non-Muslims, inheritance, land tenure,
tribal and clan leadership, and all other traditional and social
relations. Shari'a law is observed primarily in Muslim marriage and
divorce matters. Under Shari'a, women receive half of what men receive
in inheritance. General law, following the English model, applies to
felonies, misdemeanors in urban areas, and the formal business sector.
Trials are public, and defendants have the right to an attorney at their
own cost.
The trial of former AFPRC Vice Chairman Sabally was conducted in a
military court with a civilian judge at Fajara military barracks. He
was charged with three counts of treason. This trial was closed to the
public and all reports came from the army press office (see Section
1.d.)
Three journalists from The Point newspaper were arrested in March and
charged with inciting public alarm. After a trial lasting 6 months, all
three were acquitted.
Although total numbers are not available, most prisoners detained under
the AFPRC's anticorruption campaign, or for security reasons, are
political prisoners.
f. Arbitrary Interference with Privacy, Family, Home, or
Correspondence
Existing constitutional safeguards against arbitrary search and seizure
were abrogated as part of Decree 45. AFPRC priorities in security
matters and corruption investigations override all constitutional
safeguards. Police seized private documents and property without due
process and placed armed guards at homes and other properties suspected
of having been acquired with embezzled or misappropriated funds. The
AFPRC froze accounts of people under suspicion and prohibited by decree
the transfer of their property. It denied persons under house arrest
access to international telephone service. Security officials are
believed to monitor and record telephone communications.
Because of the ban on political parties and activity, membership in
political organizations is forbidden.
Section 2 Respect for Civil Liberties, Including:
a. Freedom of Speech and Press
The Constitution provides for freedom of speech and press but in
practice the AFPRC significantly restricted these freedoms. AFPRC
Decree 11 prohibits political activities of all kinds, including
possession and distribution of political literature or engaging in
political discourse by any other means.
The AFPRC attempts to require diplomats to secure government approval
for all public statements. The AFPRC used summary arrest,
interrogation, and detention, to intimidate and silence journalists who
published articles which it deemed inaccurate or sensitive. Six
employees of the Daily Observer were arrested and questioned in
reference to an advertisement in June. Fear and government activity
forced all the newspapers to exercise self-censorship. English, French,
and other foreign newspapers and magazines are available.
The NIA began harassing two journalists from The Point following their
acquittal in September (see Section 1.e.). It prevented journalist Pap
Saine from leaving the country and instructed immigration officials to
seize Saine's passport and investigate his nationality. It later
allowed Saine to leave. Non-Gambian journalists were also a target of
NIA intimidation. Journalist Brima Ernest, a native of Sierra Leone,
was forced into hiding for fear of deportation. He has since fled the
country. Sierra Leonean journalist Cherno Ceesay was arrested for
articles he wrote about alleged police beatings. He was deported.
Although the AFPRC called for analysis and criticism of its government,
it has on occasion carried out reprisals upon individuals who publicly
criticized the Government. Although there is no television station, the
country receives broadcasts from Senegal. Private consumers also use
satellite systems, but these systems are rare. Creation of the
country's first station, which will be a parastatal organization, is in
progress.
Broadcasts from the one government and two private radio stations
normally did not reach listeners in the eastern part of the country.
Private radio stations simulcast news provided by Radio Gambia, the
government station. Senegalese and international radio broadcasts
attract wide audiences.
There is no university but a university extension program was
established in November, and classes were scheduled to begin in 1996.
In October a teacher was questioned by the NIA regarding some remarks he
had made to a student about the AFPRC.
b. Freedom of Peaceful Assembly and Association
AFPRC Decree Four bans political organizations and political meetings of
any kind. Other kinds of assembly open to the public require police
permits, which are generally easy to obtain. The Government discouraged
people from gathering in large groups.
c. Freedom of Religion
The Constitution, which was partially suspended or modified after the
AFPRC took power, and traditional laws provide for freedom of religion.
Adherents of all faiths are free to worship without government
restriction.
d. Freedom of Movement Within the Country, Foreign Travel,
Emigration, and Repatriation
The Constitution provides for freedom of movement. Freedom of movement
for ordinary citizens remained unimpeded, but the authorities prohibited
those under investigation for corruption or security charges from
leaving the country. All civil servants and government officials must
obtain permission to leave the country. Journalists have, in addition,
been required to produce travel clearances. Former ministers were not
allowed to leave The Gambia.
In October there was a large influx of refugees from the Casamance
region of Senegal. The Gambia continues to host approximately 2,000
Senegalese refugees, and the AFPRC continued to work with the Office of
the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, the Gambian Red
Cross, and other organizations in dealing with refugees. The Government
does not force repatriation of those with a valid claim to refugee
status.
Section 3 Respect for Political Rights: The Right of Citizens to
Change Their Government
Citizens do not have the right to change their government. Political
parties are banned, and the AFPRC exercises total power. The first
decree issued by the AFPRC suspended legislative and executive sections
of the Constitution, including provisions for Parliament and elections.
The AFPRC has promised to hold elections by July 1996.
At one point this year, four of the 13 ministers in the AFPRC Executive
Council (cabinet) were women. The AFPRC has appointed more women to
government posts than the previous government.
Section 4 Governmental Attitude Regarding International and
Nongovernmental Investigation of Alleged Violations of Human Rights
The AFPRC indicated that international human rights concerns are not
appropriate for those suspected of corruption or involvement in
subversion, since they are considered criminals. There are two
organizations whose primary mandate is the promotion of human rights--
the International Society for Human Rights (ISHR) and the African Centre
for Democracy and Human Rights Studies. ISHR has conducted training in
democratic rights and civic education. In October it denounced the
AFPRC decrees and called for their abrogation.
Section 5 Discrimination Based on Race, Sex, Religion, Disability,
Language, or Social Status
The Constitution prohibits discrimination against persons based on race,
sex, religion, disability, language, or social status.
Women
Domestic violence, including spouse abuse, is occasionally reported but
its occurrence is reportedly not extensive. Police respond if cases are
reported, and prosecute offenders if citizens file complaints. The
media cover cases on trial.
Shari'a law usually applies in divorce and inheritance matters.
Marriages are usually arranged, and polygyny is practiced. Women
normally receive a lower proportion of assets distributed through
inheritance than do male relatives.
Although four women were appointed to the AFPRC executive council, women
face extensive discrimination in education and employment. Females
constitute about one-third of primary school students and roughly one-
fourth of high school students.
Employment in the formal sector is open to women at the same salary
rates as men. No statutory discrimination exists in other kinds of
employment, although women are generally employed in endeavors such as
food vending or subsistence farming.
Children
The Government does not mandate compulsory education and secondary
opportunities are limited. The care and welfare of children in distress
is considered primarily a family responsibility. Authorities intervene
if cases of abuse or maltreatment are brought to their attention.
The practice of female genital mutilation (FGM), which is widely
condemned by international health experts as damaging to both physical
and psychological health, is widespread and entrenched. Up to 60
percent of females may have undergone this procedure in early youth.
Rural women strongly support the practice of female circumcision. In
1993 village women drove a prominent female FGM opponent from an
upcountry village for speaking against the custom. The AFPRC has yet to
take a position on FGM.
Early in the year, the AFPRC deported to Senegal most of the Almudo
population, rumored to be as large as 350 students and teachers. The
situation of the Almudos, mostly Senegalese young male Koranic students
aged 8 to 12 placed in the care of Koranic teachers, has elicited
significant concern. These children are expected to beg for their food
and clothing as well as to support their teachers.
People with Disabilities
There are no statutes or regulations requiring accessibility for the
disabled. No legal discrimination against the physically disabled
exists in employment, education, or other state services. Severely
disabled individuals subsist primarily through private charity. Less
severely disabled persons are fully accepted in society and encounter no
discrimination in employment for which they are physically capable.
Section 6 Worker Rights
a. The Right of Association
Labor law remains unmodified by the AFPRC regime. The Labor Act of 1990
applies to all workers, except civil servants. The Act specifies that
workers are free to form associations, including trade unions, and
provides for their registration with the Government. It specifically
prohibits police officers and military personnel, as well as other civil
service employees, from forming unions or striking. About 20 percent of
the work force is employed in the modern wage sector, where unions are
most active. Roughly 30,000 workers are union members, about 10 percent
of the work force.
The Gambian Worker's Confederation and the Gambian Workers' Union are
the two main independent and competing umbrella organizations. Both are
recognized by the Government, but relations with the AFPRC were not
tested.
The Labor Act authorizes strikes but requires that unions give the
Commissioner of Labor 14 days' written notice before beginning an
industrial action (28 days for essential services). It prohibits
retribution against strikers who comply with the law regulating strikes.
Upon application by an employer to the Supreme Court, the court may
prohibit industrial action that is ruled to be in pursuit of a political
objective. The court may also forbid action judged to be in breach of a
collectively agreed procedure for settlement of industrial disputes, but
unions may appeal the decision. Because of these provisions and the
weakness of unions, few strikes occur.
Unions may affiliate internationally, and there are no restrictions on
union members' participation in international labor activities. The
country, applied in June to join the International Labor Organization
(ILO). It has been accepted in principle, but must make modifications
to its labor and employment laws. Furthermore, because The Gambia is
currently under military, not democratic, rule, it cannot be admitted to
ILO membership.
b. The Right to Organize and Bargain Collectively
The Labor Act allows workers to organize and bargain collectively.
Although trade unions are small and fragmented, collective bargaining
does take place. Each recognized union has guidelines for its
activities specified by the appropriate industrial council established
and empowered by the Labor Act. Union members' wages exceed legal
minimums and are determined by collective bargaining, arbitration, or
market forces. The Labor Department registers agreements reached
between unions and management after insuring that the agreements are in
compliance with labor law. No denial of registration has been reported.
The Act also sets minimum contract standards for hiring, training, terms
of employment, wages, and termination of employment. The Act provides
that contracts may not prohibit union membership. Employers may not
fire or discriminate against members of registered unions engaged in
legal union activities.
There are no export processing zones.
c. Prohibition of Forced or Compulsory Labor
The criminal code prohibits compulsory labor, and it is not practiced.
d. Minimum Age for Employment of Children
The statutory minimum age for employment is 18 years. There is no
compulsory education, and because of limited secondary school openings,
most children complete formal education by age 14 and then begin work.
Employee labor cards, which include a person's age, are registered with
the Labor Commissioner, but enforcement inspections rarely take place.
Child labor protection does not extend to youth performing customary
chores on family farms or engaged in petty trading.
e. Acceptable Conditions of Work
Minimum wages and working hours are established by law through six joint
Industrial Councils--Commerce, Artisans, Transport, Port Operations,
Agriculture, and Fisheries.
Labor, management, and Government are represented on these councils.
The lowest minimum wage is about $1.35 (14 Dalasi) per day for unskilled
labor. This minimum wage is not adequate to sustain a suitable standard
of living for a worker and family. Only 20 percent of the labor force,
those in the formal economic sector, are covered by the minimum wage
law. The majority of workers are privately or self-employed, often in
agriculture. Most citizens do not live on a single worker's earnings
but share resources within extended families.
The basic legal workweek is 48 hours within a period not to exceed 6
consecutive days. A half-hour lunch break is mandated. In the private
sector, the workweek includes four 8-hour work days and 2 half-days
(Friday and Saturday). Government employees are entitled to 1 month's
paid annual leave after 1 year of service.
Private sector employees receive between 14 and 30 days of paid annual
leave, depending on length of service.
The Labor Act specifies safety equipment that an employer must provide
to employees working in designated occupations. The Factory Act
authorizes the Ministry of Labor to regulate factory health and safety,
accident prevention, and dangerous trades and to appoint inspectors to
ensure compliance with safety standards. Enforcement is spotty owing to
insufficient and inadequately trained staff. Workers may refuse to work
in dangerous situations and may demand protective equipment and clothing
for hazardous workplaces.
(###)
..
------------------------------
Date: Fri, 29 Mar 96 13:25:29 CST
From: <JDG.L.LANGE.LWCLK@CO.HENNEPIN.MN.US>
To: GAMBIA-L@U.WASHINGTON.EDU
Subject: STATE DEPT REPORT ON THE GAMBIA
Message-ID: <9603291926.AA28706@mx3.u.washington.edu>
Gambia-l:
WORDS HEREIN CONTAINED MAY BE ABRASIVE AND/OR
OFFENSIVE. THE FAINT OF HEART MAY READ NO
FURTHER . . .
The State Department 1995 Report on The Gambiaš.
I remain firm in my conviction that we are dealing not with the
good but the vile, not the well-intentioned but the sinister, the
gravely wrong . . . Yet some have commanded civility in
discourse in respect to such. We all should have respect
where deserving. But respect and civility do no more than
appease the belligerent. Here, only my conscience
is my restraint. I hurt for my people; don't ask me to respect their
oppressors. ASK THE OPPRESSORS TO STOP!
I implore you rage, your venom, your wrath. In the here and now,
Africans, defiance becomes you. A man bereft of liberty is
mortally wounded. He may reclaim his property by means
available and swift to the purpose, including a fatal rejection
of the offending bastards!
(Thanks for the State Dept. Report Amadou. Like I said, we
struggle or shrivel and die.)
Morro
------------------------------
Date: Fri, 29 Mar 1996 15:28:29 -0500 (EST)
From: ABDOU <at137@columbia.edu>
To: gambia-l@u.washington.edu
Subject: Re: STATE DEPT REPORT ON THE GAMBIA
Message-ID: <Pine.SUN.3.91.960329150525.8136D-100000@merhaba.cc.columbia.edu>
Hi fellas,
Can you please remove mab105@ford.anglia.ac.uk from the list
until I can check what is happening with his machine. They have a vax
architecture and it is a very unfriendly type of machine.
And Sawo, welcome to the list. I would be delighted to work
with you about communications and etc. I am presently studing CS. I
am however more of a thoeretician than a systems guy (which you seem to
be). I will however be honored to take a swing at problems you might
be having.
Bye for now,
-Abdou.
*******************************************************************************
A. TOURAY.
(718)904-0215.
MY URL ON THE WWW= http://www.cc.columbia.edu/~at137
A FINITE IN A LAND OF INFINITY.
SEEKING BUT THE REACHABLE.
I WANDER AND I WONDER.
ALL RESPITE IS FINAL.
*******************************************************************************
------------------------------
Date: Fri, 29 Mar 1996 15:19:33 -0800 (PST)
From: "A. Loum" <tloum@u.washington.edu>
To: Gambia-l@u.washington.edu
Subject: Domodah recipe (fwd)
Message-ID: <Pine.OSF.3.92a.960329151912.9713A-100000@saul2.u.washington.edu>
---------- Forwarded message ----------
Date: Fri, 29 Mar 1996 12:55:30 -0800 (PST)
From: "'10 THINGS' D. Halligan" <ten@u.washington.edu>
To: "A. Loum" <tloum@u.washington.edu>
Subject: Domodah recipe
TONY, I was looking for recipes on the Net and found this:
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
I called my brother & got these two recipes from the Gambia. When we went
there there was a woman at the hotel called Ramouh Jaiteh who ran her own
restaurant after hours - the sort of place you'd run past at home, but
things are a bit different in Africa. It was good to mix with Gambians
rather than the hotel crowd, they are really friendly and warm even though
living standards are so low that it's impossible not to be upset by them.
Anyway, this woman specialised in Domodah and Benachin.
Domodah:
3 8oz cans chopped tomatoes
1 1lb jar peanut butter (low oil content)
1 lb diced/ cubed beef - my brother buys steak & cubes it himself to be sure of
good quality
12 dried little red chillies, or 7-8 fresh
Salt to taste
You cook all this lot for c.40 minutes, "keeping covered but stirring
frequently" (you figure that out!) - the oil will separate from the peanut
butter so you don't need any extra.
Disclaimer: This is meant to be very hot, though I haven't cooked it myself so
I don't know whether this version is normal very hot or my brother's very hot
(read 'sadistic').
Red Benachin:
3 8oz cans tomatoes
large mug of rice
1lb cubed beef, or cubed chicken, or prawns (Ramouh used clams that we dug from
a sand bank in the middle of a mangrove swamp!). I suspect ****ake or Oyster
mushrooms would make an excellent vegetarian version.
12 dried little red chillies or fresh as above
1 Diced potato or sweet potato
Cook in a single pot/pan for 30 minutes, adding water to keep it sloppy.
White Benachin is the same minus the tomatoes, but my brother doesn't recommend
it. Both these recipes are fro 4-6 people.
------------------------------
Date: Fri, 29 Mar 96 20:31:23 CST
From: Katim S. Touray <touray@hope.soils.wisc.edu>
To: gambia-l@u.washington.edu
Subject: Rules of the game ... (again!)
Message-ID: <9603300231.AA02214@hope.soils.wisc.edu>
Hi there,
it's obvious that quite a number of people have chipped in regarding the
suggested rules. some people even went as far as casting their votes.
since Amadou was nominated, and didn't decline, to tally the votes, i
am suggesting that he compile and send the votes he received. as
returning officer, he's also authorized to have a final ruling on
the outcome of the votes, one way or the other. i further suggest
that he make the results known by this Sunday, Mar. 31, and latest
this Tuesday, April. 2nd. then we can move on.
have a great weekend everyone.
Katim
------------------------------
End of GAMBIA-L Digest 9
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