GENDER AFFAIRS Death Is A Thief A Tribute To Satang Jobarteh By Amie Sillah
What is that light shining so bright in the dark? It is the image of Satang shining like a star in the night. Her spirit moving but her body lay still. Sheroes do not die they live in our hearts. Death is the thief that no one can catch and be alive. Everything that be must also have an end. But to die serving your people is a worthy death. Sheroes do not die they live in our hearts. SIMMA is here to showcase your work on earth. I can vividly remember that fateful day of 24 February, 2003. I travelled to Sri-Lanka to attend to the Commonwealth Editors’ Forum. I visited my friend before I travelled. I presented her with flowers, which she dearly loved. She looked at me and shook her head. I gave her courage. Hardly did I know my friend was bading me good bye. I went to Sri-Lanka with a heavy heart. I prayed for my friend throughout the long journey. I was in Kandy where we held the Editors’ Forum. My Gambian colleague Momodou Musa Touray heard it first. He was afraid to tell me. He beat about the bush and I became suspicious. “Did something terrible happen?” I impatiently asked. He fidgeted. Then I shook him. “Tell me the truth. The suspense is killing me!” I said. “Lets go to your room.” He said. I was shaking. I knew something terrible had happened. Was it a close member of my family or what? My mind started wondering. I prepared myself for the worst. “The Gambia has lost a brilliant daughter. This is not only a loss to our country but to Africa and the world.” My mind went straight to Satang. I lost words. I stammered. “Is it Satang? No! Tell me its not true!” “It is true. Your twin partner is gone.” I went into trance. I would have fainted but thanks to Momodou Musa Touray. He gave me a broad shoulder to lean on. I retired early to bed. I hallucinated. Sleep left me. I never slept again. I only close my eyes and relax until I return to the Gambia. Our host gave us plenty of everything but I never enjoy it again. Satang took part of my soul. I can never forget her until we meet again. Our last picture we took together during her last public seminar is hung at my bedside. I set my eyes on it everyday and speak to my friend. I said to her everyday. “You are gone but never to be forgotten. 5 years have past. Adieu good sister! God be with you till we meet again!”
Good tribute from Amie Sillah who is not a lesser contributor towards the advancement of women. A further tribute to late Satang Jobarteh who tirelessly worked till her last breath for the good of Gambia. Where Satang left her marks, Amie Sillah and some others are keeping it going. More respects.
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Posted - 22 Feb 2008 : 15:29:32
