Lawyer LJ Darboe Recalled 2 Prosecution Witnesses In PIU Shootings

By Kemeseng Sanneh (Kexx)

Senior Lawyer Lamin J. Darboe has called two prosecution witnesses in the police shooting to further cross-examine them. Darboe said the reason for recalling them was because he obtained new evidence and wanted to use it to question them. The two recalled witnesses were Police Commissioner Momodou Sowe of the Police Anti-Crime Unit and Bakary R. Jarjou,a member of the Gambia Armed Forces (GAF). Lawyer LJ Darboe is representing Ousainou Bojang, who is accused of shooting and killing two (2) policemen at the Sukuta-Jabang traffic lights. He allegedly injured another policewoman during the shooting incident. He denied the charges against him. The application to recall the witnesses was not opposed by the Director of Public Prosecution Abdul Maita Yusuf. “We don’t intend to oppose the application and we are ready to make available the recalled witnesses for further cross-examination. They are all available right now for further cross-examination,” DPP Yusuf told the court. Justice Ebrima Jaiteh granted the application and ordered one of the witnesses to enter the witness box. Bakary R. Jarjou was the first to be recalled.

“You said you visited Palma Rima Beach on the 12th of September 2023 with Ismaila Bojang and Omar S Jallow. Is that correct and do you recall the time?” Counsel Lamin J Darboe asked. “Yes, it was in the evening. I cannot recall the time as it was a long time,” the witness answered. He testified that after work they decided to go to the beach and from there they proceeded to the Sukuta-Jabang Traffics Lights. “Do you recall when you went to New Yundum,” Counsel Lamin J Darboe asked. “I cannot remember the time,” the witness answered. Counsel Lamin J. Darboe asked him to look at a document containing his number and confirm if that was his number. It was a printout of the caller information from Africell, a GSM operator in The Gambia. The witness confirmed that the number therein was his. The document from Africell was tendered and admitted in evidence. The document covers from 1 September 2023 to 31 October 2023. It was marked as exhibit D13. The witness was asked to look at page 5 of the document, specifically the last 2 entries. The witness was asked whether he was the one who made those calls. He said he does not know. Senior Counsel Darboe told the witness that the call log indicated two calls coming from him to Ismaila Bojang and Omar S. Jallow. The Director of Public Prosecution A.M Yusuf (DPP) objected stating that the documents are before the court and speak for themselves. DPP Yusuf said even if the Counsel questions the witness and he responds to the questions, that does not change the content of the document. He submitted that the question was irrelevant. Counsel Darboe disagreed. He submitted that he was questioning the witness on the content of the document to help clarify issues before the court. Justice Jaiteh allowed the question as he overruled the DPP. The Judge said the answers the witness gives would not change the content of the document. He highlighted that the question is allowed as the document indicates that the calls were made to Ismaila and Omar. He held that the issue of who made the calls is relevant. The witness replied that he did not know who made the call. Counsel Lamin J. Darboe further told the witness that he did not come to the traffic lights that night from Palma Rima, but the witness insisted he came from Palma Rima “I am putting it to you that you came to the traffic lights from your home village (New Yundum)?” Counsel Lamin J. Darboe said. “I came from Palma Rima to the traffic lights,” the witness stated. “I am putting it to you that it would not be necessary for you to call Omar S. Jallow and Ismaila Bojang if you were together with them,” Counsel Lamin J. Darboe emphasised. “When Omar went to buy Afra, that was when the person called, but I forgot who called to tell him the location where we were,” the witness replied. “Can you tell the court why you called Ismaila Bojang if you were together with him,”? Counsel Lamin J Darboe sought. “I cannot remember calling Ismaila Bojang,” the witness answered. “Mr Jarju, I am putting it to you that you were coordinating a transaction between Omar S. Jallow, Ismaila Bojang and yourself,” Counsel Lamin J. Darboe said. “I cannot remember at all,” the witness replied. With no further question, the witness was discharged by the Judge. Police Commissioner Momodou Sowe entered the witness box and Lawyer Darboe began questioning him. Commissioner Sowe said he was at the Sukuta-Jabang Traffic Lights arounf 10 pm. “Have you met any military officer at the scene on that night,”? Counsel Lamin J.Darboe asked. “Yes,” Commissioner Sowe answered. “Have you spoken to Bakary Jarju (PW2) that night,”? Counsel Lamin J. Darboe asked. “I cannot remember talking to him, but I can remember seeing him at the traffic lights,” Commissioner Sowe answered. Counsel Lamin J. Darboe then informed Commissioner Sowe that there was a telephone number on his witness statement, and sought for Commissioner Sowe to look at it and tell the court if that was his telephone number. Commissioner Sowe confirmed the Africell number was his contact. Counsel Darboe applied to tender the call logs of Commissioner Sowe (PW5) from 1 September 2023 to 30th September 2023 as an exhibit. With no objections from the DPP, the Africell call log of Commissioner Sowe (PW5) was admitted into evidence and marked as Exhibit D14. “Is it correct that you went to RVTH through Denton Bridge when you left the traffic lights that night,”? Counsel Lamin J. Darboe asked. “Yes, that is correct,” Commissioner Sowe answered. With no further question, the presiding Judge Justice Jaiteh discharged Police Commissioner Sowe (the witness). The case was adjourned to Monday 22nd July 2024.

QCell Signed Mariama Gina Bass As Brand Ambassador

source;Thepoint.gm QCell, the only Gambian privately owned telecommunications company in The Gambia, has signed Africa’s fastest woman in 100m race, Gina Mariam Bass Bittaye, commonly Gina Bass, as its Brand Ambassador. The signing, done also in celebration of Gina Bass’s achievement as the most decorated Gambian athlete, took place on Friday at the head office of QCell, which has succeeded to be the first GSM Operator to launch 5G in West Africa, graduating from the first to launch 3G and 4G in The Gambia. Success comes with a lot of hard work, QGroup Chairman Muhammed Jah remarked, saying commendably Gina did not achieve her success overnight. “She worked hard for many years to reach this level,” he appreciated the Gambian athletics ambassador. Chairman Jah stated that they believe that Gina would serve as true ambassador of QCell, adding that “she has the values” that QCell believes in.

Gina is Africa’s Usain Bolt, Mr Jah describes Africa’s fastest woman in 100m race, saying QCell wants to promote Gina to a level where everyone in the world would know she is a champion - a pride of The Gambia and Africa! A human development-centred business chief, Mr Jah also thanked the Gambia Government for giving his company the opportunity to be able to impact lives in the country. Chairman Muhammed Jah and team received a shower of thanks and praise from the Youth and Sports Minister Bakary Y. Badjie for the initiative, in appreciation for “everything they are doing in the sports sector”.

Minister Badjie pointed out that for many decades the upkeep of sports in the country has been between government and the national sports associations. “The private sector to a large extent stayed behind and watch government and the associations to finance sports activities,” he voiced out. However, he said, in recent years they have seen some of the private sector coming on board and supporting their efforts. “QCell has taken the lead in the real investment,” the Sports minister said. “They are not only supporting us during competitions but also with infrastructure.” He contends that there is nowhere in the world where the government makes an athlete rich. “What makes athletes rich is the endorsements they get from the private sector and signings for promotional activities,” he highlighted.'

They hope other companies in the country would learn from QCell and sign athletes in all sports disciplines in the country, the minister said, boosting the morale of Gina Bass: “We hope you will win an Olympic medal you so deserve this year.” As a ministry, he added, they would continue to do their best for sports development in the country, saying there is no sector that is exporting more talents out of the country than sport. Gina has done and continue to do well for The Gambia as a result of her dedication, commitment and love for what she does, applauded the Gambia National Olympic Committee President Beatrice Allen. The GNOC president added that they are confident Gina would make The Gambia proud in Paris during the Olympic Games later this month, although they would not weigh her down with undue expectations. Madam Allen thanked QCell for recognizing Gina, saying she hopes other private enterprises, businesses and donors would emulate QCell. Amie Sise, QCell Senior Marketing Manager, said Gina’s achievements resonates deeply with QCell’s values and aspirations.

“Gina is not just an athlete. She is a symbol of perseverance, dedication and triumph in the world of sport,” she extols Africa’s athletic queen, saying: “Her accomplishment on the track has been nothing short of extraordinary, aligning perfectly with QCell’s commitment to excellence and pushing boundaries. We are inspired by Gina’s journey and the impact she has made in the sporting world.” Further, she said: “Gina Mariam Bass Bittaye is very humble but her achievements are no small feat. Her values of hard work, determination and resilience mirror with our own corporate business, making her an idol representative of QCell,” she added. Commissioner Lamin Bojang, who deputised the Inspector General Police at the function, thanked QCell for recognizing Gina’s efforts. A small country though, The Gambia is full of talents, the Commissioner commends, saying “Gina is a manifestation of that talent we have as a country.” He echoed IGP’s commitment to advancing and supporting young Gambians in sport to unearth their hidden talents. He also encouraged Gina to continue her hard work and dedication to service.

Mustapha Bittaye, Gina’s Manager, said he was grateful for the partnership he believes will yield fruitful results and development. Gina, he observed, is determined to achieve anything in her strides and efforts. He also thanked Gambians for their support towards Gina. Amira Jagne, first vice president of the Gambia Athletics Association, said Gina’s dedication and exceptional athletic commitment has not only brought honour to The Gambia but have also inspired countless individuals across the nation. “QCell’s decision to sign Gina does not only indicate their commitment to supporting local talents but signifies their dedication to promoting sports and athleticism with the community,” she said, adding that the partnership would not only elevate Gina’s profile at the international stage but would also provide her the necessary support and resources to excel in her athletics pursuits. For her part, Gina Bass gleefully thanked QCell, her family, manager and everyone for their support. source: Thepoint.gm

Two Cabinet ministers Removed, Justice Zainab resigns

His Excellency Adama Barrow, President of the Republic of The Gambia, acting under Section 71(4) (c), today, 12 July 2024, accepted the resignation of Honourable Haddy Jatou Sey, Minister of Basic and Secondary Education, who resigned for personal reasons. His Excellency the President thanked her for her service and wished her all the best in her future endeavours.

In a related development, the President, acting under Section 71(4)(b) of the Constitution, relieved the Minister of Communication and Digital Economy, Ousman Bah, of his duties. In the meantime, Professor Pierre Gomez, the Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Technology, will oversee the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education. Dr Ismaila Ceesay, the Minister of Information, will oversee the Ministry of Communication and Digital Economy until further notice. In separate development, High Court Judge Zainab Jawara Alami has resigned. She was reported to have got an international appointment. Source: State House

GRA Generates D10.4 Billion In Six Months

By Abdoulie Nyockeh

Gambia Revenue Authority’s Commissioner General Yankuba Darboe has disclosed that overall revenue generation from January to end June “stands at over D10.4 billion” within six months. He revealed this quantum leap in revenue generation in a recent interview with Peter Gomez’s Coffee Time program at West Coast Radio.

Asked by Peter the amounts GRA collected for the month of May and June, CG Darboe said that over D1.7 billion was generated in May and over D1.5 billion in June. He reiterated the annual revenue target of D19.2 billion in 2024 GRA has been tasked to generate by Government through the Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs. As at end June, which is halfway this year, GRA is left with D8.8 billion to be collected in order to achieve its annual revenue target of 2024, he said. Asked about the secret behind their resounding success, CG Darboe was quick to underscore the efficacy of the digitalization system GRA has introduced. The new digitalization system has contributed immensely to helping GRA leap and improve in revenue collection over recent years. The smart technology introduced had greatly eased and closed some of the major leakages hindering GRA’s revenue collection over the years, the provident Commissioner General confirmed. CG Darboe also recalled the challenges over having the new tech system in place before people or taxpayers in the country could cherish and appreciate some of the reforms GRA has introduced. “At the level of GRA, we are however used to certain emerging challenges from the public,” the astute GRA boss said. “But at the end of the day, people do appreciate more, and some would even say this new technology could have come earlier on.”

He cited the ASCUDA++ to the ASCUDA World, saying when this technology was introduced, there was a lot of hue and cry but at the end of the day people have come to appreciate the system. He further gave an apt reference, saying: “Also, when GRA introduced the digital tax stamp, there was a lot of noise. But today, visit supermarkets, manufacturing companies and factories; they are all using the digital tax stamp. This will help GRA to generate what is meant for Government in fair and transparent manner.”

89 Senegambian Migrants Died In A Boat Crash

According to reports monitored on CNN migrant boat from Gambia Senegal boarder capsized leaving dozens dead At least 89 migrants died when their boat capsized off the coast of Mauritania on Monday, the Mauritanian state-run news agency reported on Thursday. The Mauritanian Coast Guard’s officers recovered the migrants’ bodies who were aboard a large traditional fishing boat when it capsized, the agency said. Nine people were rescued, including a 5-year-old girl, the agency reported. The boat capsized off the coast, in the Atlantic Ocean, about 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) from the country’s southwest city of Ndiago, the state-run news organization said. The boat, which left the Gambia–Senegal border six days ago, was bound for Europe and had at least 170 migrants on board, the agency said, citing survivors.

Thousands of West African migrants take on perilous crossings on the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea to reach Europe in search of jobs and opportunities every year. According to a 2024 report by the International Organization for Migration (IOM), the crossing on the Atlantic Ocean is considered incredibly dangerous due to the length of the journey to Europe, “with migrants often stuck at sea for long periods on inadequate boats in areas of the Atlantic Ocean lacking dedicated rescue operations.” This is a developing story and will be updated source cnn

Green Power Investors To Be Refunded Their Monies

Recently Jarranews have reported the police opperation which resulted a closed down of the Green Power Company and the subsequent detention of staff. Following the pooice investigations Investors are asked to report to Kairaba Police Station to collect their monies. According Grren Power Company staff in the company's whatsapp group "The update we sent for everyone (on the day of our detention) is no longer going to be used ... It has been said that each individual should report for him or herself... You should report for you alone... Your investors should report for themselves one by one...failure to report don't expect anything from them. Nobody is detained now.Said a senior staff of the company. "Tell all your investors... And the money you should claim as an investor is only your deposit. The money from wave to the company. No profit or extra investment in City partner should be shown," said a Green Power Staff states in the Company's Staff WhatsApp Group messages today By Jarra News Stringer