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Dalton1
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 Posted - 16 Sep 2006 : 08:26:26
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COMMENTARY
LAUNCHING NADD IN NEW YORK: A HISTORICAL STEP FORWARD
By Binneh S Minteh
New York University
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July 19, 2005
The 17th day of July 2005, marked a historical step forward in the political history of our country, when NADD (NATIONAL ALLIANCE FOR DEMOCRACY AND DEVELOPMENT was successfully and formally introduced to Gambians and friends of The Gambia within and around the world capitol New York City. This launching was well attended, as Gambians from all walks of life poured to the Gambia hall of Bronx in large numbers. It was a stunned disbelief to see the large number of Gambians; a simple manifestation of love for dearest motherland and concern for the appalling political and economical condition. In attendance at the meeting was Hon Halifa Sallah ( NADD), Hon Lamin Waa Juwara( NADD), Hon Kemeseng Jammeh( NADD), Hon Omar Jallow ( NADD), DR LAMIN SAINE (STGDP), MR JAMES BAHOUM ( MRDGUX), MR ESSA BOCARR SEY (FORMER GAMBIAN AMBASSADOR TO THE USA), MR SAIKOU MBALLOW( MRDGUSA). The meeting commenced with a brief introduction of the panel of speakers by the chairman of the Movement for the restoration of democracy in The Gambia Mr Saikou Mballow. An applaud of support followed upon the introduction of each and every one of them.
Hon Halifa Sallah ( NADD Coordinator) the first speaker of the occasion urge Gambians to demystify the power in The Gambia, by giving it back to the people. A well spoken Halifa sallah in his own words said "Citizenship is an assertion of a sense of belonging to a nation" and as Gambians, "the year 2006 will be the most important decisive period in the political history of the country". He further emphasizes the need for maturity and good organization as citizens to bring about meaningful changes. Commenting about the economical situation of the Country, Hon Sallah reiterated that 69 % of Gambians lives under abject poverty living under $1.00 per day. Unemployment and the skyrocketing of prices of basic food commodities is an alarming situation and a major concern about the current state of affairs said Mr sallah. "With a kilo of meat costing D85.00 and a bag of rice D670, a monthly salary of D1500.00 will not make ends meet for the average civil servant" said Mr Sallah. He said the President's power has transformed him to a lord who can use his whims and caprices to victimize anyone. Mr Sallah further reiterated that NADD's internal and external organization is not only on the bases of unity but also on the bases of relationship. He told Gambians that NADD's change will not only be a change for good governance, but a model of democracy around the globe and an end to self perpetuating rule in the political history of The Gambia. A brilliant and moderate Halifa Sallah made it very clear that NADD will be bring about constitutional reforms to empower people, eradicate draconian laws of all nature and enhance freedom of press and opinion. Hon Halifa Sallah in all honesty is an inspiration and a hope throughout his speech inspired the majority of Gambians who listen to him and consumed his words with keen interest. A man of the people, a man of integrity and wisdom blessing his beloved brothers and sisters, sons and daughters, nieces and nephews, mothers and fathers, aunts and uncles and grandfathers and grandmothers with hope and victory. He assured all that "NADD IS GREATER NATIONAL UNITY TO BRING ABOUT CHANGE WITHOUT FEAR."
The second speaker of the occasion was Hon Kemeseng Jammeh , who expresses gratitude for giving the privilege to discuss the affairs of the country. He describe the regime as one that has come to rob the nation and their initial calls for accountability, transparency and probity during the military take over as a false call. He urges Gambians to relentlessly understand that President Jammeh's anti-corruption campaign is a false front that is startled with shamelessness . He said in 10yrs the countries debt has run to billions of dalasis, and the lack of good governance and transparent financial institutions, the appalling human rights situation and economic decadence cost the Gambia not to enjoy the debt relief. Hon Jammeh further accused the regime as a liability and it's in the best interest of Gambians to effect a change. Amendments in the constitution he emphasize, are only geared towards the entrenchment of the regime in power. Such amendments he said gives the President the power of electing chiefs which should be the mandate of the people and secretary of states the power of electing Village ALKALO'S which is also respectively the mandate of the people. He urges diasporans for an intensification of participation and continual support for NADD as they contribute a lot to the socio- economic development of the nation .
The third speaker of this historic occasion was the vocal and steadfast Omar Jallow commonly known as (OJ), who embraced the magnificent play manifested by Gambians. He thanked Dr Abdoulie Saine whose innovative ethics as an intellect resulted to the birth of STGDP ( Save The Gambia Democracy Project ) that has call all opposition parties to come together in a daunting effort to fight the despotic and tyrannical regime that has perpetuated itself to the realms of power in The Gambia. He said "NADD is an independent national entity that believes in the cause of the people, a change for a better education and a change for the future." He further urged all Gambians to condemn any form of cults, tribes and sectionalism. " We are NADD because the majority of Gambians need change and need a wagon to effect that change." he said. The incumbent and the admired Omar Jallow accused the Jammeh regime of economic crimes with a specific example on Captain Ebou Jallow who absconded to the United States with millions of Dollars. He reminded Gambians to be duty bound, to safe the suffering Gambian people and provide them with a safe environment, better schools , and better hospitals and accord our farmers the respect that they deserve. According to Mr Jallow, NADD , will give respect and dignity to the people, will stop the arbitrary arresting and detention and empower the people to decide their own faith. Mr Jallow further condemn the coming July 22nd celebration as a celebration of illegality as the coup that brought the APRC to power is an insult to our constitution and an affront to us as Gambians. He urged all Gambians and friends of The Gambia to take ownership of NADD and come 2006, The Gambia will be safe from the whims and caprices of a vampire.
The fourth speaker of the occasion was Hon Waa Juwara whose heroic, positive and constructive political rhetoric against President Jammeh and his Party is unquestionable and admired by all. As he started speaking applauses and the Fulani word "MBARODI" meaning lion could be heard across the hall. Mr Juwara a Political scientist and a prominent and vocal Gambian political confidant of Gambians condemn and accused the Jammeh regime of economic crimes and other ills of governance. He asserted the unquestionable nature of NADDS credentials and condemned Jammeh and his thugs as virtual criminals that took over the realms of governance. He call for unity among all Gambians and urged to desist from divisions, opportunism, intellectual dishonesty and avoid a manipulated political system, as such are factors that has aided the Jammeh regime since coming to the saddles of power. Mr Juwara courageous assured Gambians that NADD will challenge the regime and takes all their seats, and will continue to challenge all that is unlawful in all fronts. The radio and the television will be used fairly by all as it is "Radio Gambia but not Radio Jammeh" and will not be utilized by "a few political toll posts". This was followed by an applause and "MBARODI" again could be heard from across the hall. He further reiterated the fact that it is the demand of Gambians to come together, to flush Jammeh out. President Jammeh is sinking on a daily bases said Mr Juwara and the most recent hiring and firing of a Secretary General within only five working days is a clear manifestation, and within less than 10yrs became the richest man in The Gambia who on national Television declared that "Even his great grand sons will never be poor." He further described Jammeh's anti-corruption commission as a "toothless bulldozer", because all that appeared before such a bogus commission refuse to pay a butut. Mr Juwara assured Gambians and all friends of The Gambia, that under NADD there will be no oppression or suppression of the press and the rule of law will be fully respected.
The next speaker on the great historic occasion was DR ABDOULIE SAINE the level headed and dynamic Gambian intellect whose wisdom, knowledge, love and care for motherland and heroic effort in redeeming motherland form sinking and falling into an isolated backwater, resulted in the birth of NADD. His intellectual dynamism resulted to the formation of STGDP ( Save The Gambia Democracy Project) that has successfully put to task Gambian opposition parties to come under one political entity geared towards uprooting evil and decadence. The formidable, incumbent and admiring Dr saine thanked Gambians and asked all to join him in commending NADD. He urged Gambians to continue their commitment ,love and provide them with all the support to remove Jammeh from the realms of power.
Mr James Bohoum a representative of the movement for the restoration of democracy from England was the next speaker. He thanked and commended all Gambians and in the collective effort of emancipating our country. Another young dynamic and talented Gambian intellectual urge all Gambians to collectively join the push to chase a dictator out of our homes, schools, hospitals, farms and offices. In his own words, he said "The Gambia Government is one that has fail to see the light and the truth." Mr Bahoum relentlessly urged Gambians in the Diaspora to use the power of Information technology to spread the gospel of the coalition. He further reiterated that NADD is the vehicle for Gambians to restore normalcy. Mr Bahoums strong words of courage and determinism were welcome with applauses as he confidently tasked all Gambians with the powerful slogan of restoring power back to the people. He assured all Gambians, that he is filled with optimism and come the year 2006, collectively we shall live the dreams of our motherland. He confidently concluded by saying that "the struggle may be long, but one thing is certain, change must come" My uttermost respect and salute goes to Mr Bahoum for such a slogan.
The final speaker of the historic occasion in the world capitol New York City during the launching ceremony was former Gambian Ambassador to the United States Mr Essa Bocar Sey. I am privileged to know MR Essa Bocar Sey, as my brother, a senior at Armitage High School, a colleague in the army and finally a comrade in the struggle. He is an asset to The Gambia and a resource to our development as a nation in the changing world. Collectively, we should all commend Mr Sey for his heroic and patriotic efforts in redeeming motherland to fall on the path of sanity. His moral courage and outstanding charisma in joining and declaring NADD as the camp of decency should be followed suit by all Gambians. Mr Sey commenced his marathon speech by telling Gambians why he was at the meeting? He confidently disclosed that it was due to the "difference in political opinion with Jammeh" ??period. He said he rose to join NADD because he believes in principle centered organization and not leader centered. Mr Sey told the audience that his relationship with Halifa sallah stemmed from growing to understand the outcome of PDOIS from high school. He reminded Hon Halifa Sallah about bringing French investors to his office for an investment project during his tenure as Ambassador to France. The former Ambassador further disclosed that he knows Doctor Seine through Private American citizens and his work as a consultant exposed him to documents and connections showing the importance and records of Doctor lamin saine, Doctor Sulayman Jallow and many others. He reminded Mr Lamin Juwara about going to his Garden, whilst attending college and in the army. He told the audience that he reminded Mr Juwara about the health of a cousin in France. Mr Sey told the audience, that he still regards and respects Omar Jallow's call of not using force in resolving our political crisis. During this marathon speech he made it clear to all, the elderly role of OJ in providing funeral services to his Grand father MAMA GIDDA HAMUNA BAH who passed away as an Imam. He reminded Gambians and friends of The Gambia that some one (President Jammeh) will say the he made Essa to be what he is today. Knowing fully well that Gambians are God Fearing people, he said that he constantly reminded Jammeh to be careful of building an image of being near ALLAH'S throne. This was followed by laughter and an applause across the hall. Mr Sey made it very clear that he is and will never be ashamed to tell any one that he served under the Jammeh regime. The former Ambassador made reference to an Indian philosopher who was once told that "POLITICS IS DIRTY LUNDRY", and the philosopher responded that "IF POLITCS IS DIRTY LUNDRY, THEN HIS KNOWLEDGE IS TO WASH IT." Upon that quotation, Mr Sey turn around point at NADD leadership. He said to the audience that it is therefore the responsibility of NADD leadership to use their knowledge in containing the political situation back home. The likes of Halifa Sallah, Omar Jallow and Lamin waa Juwara are renown intellectuals whose credibility and respect earned across the civilize world, is totally unquestionable. Mr sey urged all Gambians to support a very strong organizational culture, as it was through such an organizational culture that the Senegalese President ABDOULIE WADE ousted a democratic government, and today enjoys one of the sub-regions most enduring democracies.
Fellow Gambians and all friends of The Gambia, it is history that is obviously in the making and it is the front and sword of truth that has emerged to redeem mother land from sinking. This front and sword is unstoppable, unquestionable and commands respect across all circles, cubicles and avenues of the civilize world. The launching ceremony of NADD was another success story in the political history of our country and collectively, come 2006, victory for the decent camp of Gambians is inevitable. I THEREFORE URGE ALL GAMBIANS REGARDLESS OF PREVIOUS POLITCAL AFFILIATION TO JOIN THE COLLECTIVE, HEROIC AND NATIONAL EFFORTS OF NADD in building a better Gambia for all.
LONG LIVE THE GAMBIA, LONG LIVE NADD, LONG LIVE FREEDOM
"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed it's the only thing that ever has." (Margaret Mead).
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