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toubab1020
12306 Posts |
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kobo
United Kingdom
7765 Posts |
 Posted - 10 Mar 2013 : 09:51:10
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IS THE GAMBIA A SECULAR REPUBLIC OR AN ISLAMIC REPUBLIC? THE GAMBIAN PEOPLE SHOULD KNOW THE FACT
Foroyaa Editorial: Published on Tuesday, 14 February 2013
Written by: Ousman Njie
"It is important for the Gambian people to understand that there is a difference between the majority in a country belonging to a religion and that religion being recognised as a state religion. If the Gambia was an Islamic state, a state based on the Islamic Religion, then a person like Minister Susan Waffa Ogou would not be a Minister of Foreign Affairs. Minister Solomon Owens would not be Minister of Agriculture; Minister Francis Mboge would not be Minister of Works.
In an Islamic state only the Shariah would apply and those who administer the state would have to be Muslims with grounding in the Shariah or Islamic jurisprudence.
The Gambia does not have such a state foundation. The Gambia has been a secular state under the colonial monarchy of yesterday and is now supposed to be a Secular Republic. Unlike the state based on religion where only the believer in the state religion could govern, in a secular state any citizen irrespective of religion could govern. This is why Leopold Senghore could be the President of Senegal, even though there are more influential Muslim Communities or Brotherhoods in Senegal than in the Gambia. Unlike the Atheist state which suppresses religious believe, the secular state protects freedom of belief and worship.
The Gambia is a Sovereign Secular Republic. This is entrenched under section 100 of the Constitution which is categorical in stating that The National Assembly shall not pass a bill to establish any religion as a state religion.
It goes without saying that each religion is protected under the Constitution. Section 25 subsection 1 (c) states that every person shall have the right to freedom to practice any religion and to manifest such practice.
That is the advantage of the secular state. It makes each to have a sense of belonging irrespective of ethno linguistic origin, gender, religion or philosophical orientation.
Foroyaa would like to advise the Government to maintain this spirit of secularism as the corner stone for peace and security in modern day Africa. The politicisation of religion only breeds religious extremism that even threatens the very existence of even those who consider themselves to be perfectly religious. This is the predicament of many Muslim leaders in Mali who held big demonstrations against legal reforms which promoted gender equality. There is no doubt that the secular Republic creates the equal vote for all. Hence there is sovereign equality in determining representation. This enable each to advocate for ones wellbeing which when recognised and respected would give the person or group a sense of belonging to and ownership of the state. If powerful forces monopolise power and use it to alienate the rest disunity would weaken the very fabric of the state and any single force that is organised enough would be able to take over and impose its will because of the disunity of the rest. This is how the extremist took over Northern Mali.
Ghadaffi also collapsed because of the politcisation of religion and an attempt to use it to consolidate a quasi Monarchical rule rather than a secular Republic with periodic elections and succession of political office. He built mosques everywhere and even gave his son the following name Saif al Islam Ghadaffi. The extremists however gauged his practice and accused him of being an imposter. The monarchists in the Middle East also considered his populist theories as a threat to their monarchies. It is no surprise that the extremists were at the forefront of his elimination and are still unable to establish the type of state religion they consider to be the pure one.
In a secular Republic each will be free to pursue one's own brand of pure faith without being intolerant to anyone. Since there a should be no compulsion in religion the secular state is the best environment for promoting divergent beliefs, views and visions of life." |
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kobo
United Kingdom
7765 Posts |
Posted - 10 Mar 2013 : 09:59:33
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IS GAMBIA RICH IN OIL, DIAMOND, URANIUM AND OTHER MINERALS? CLARIFICATION IS STILL DIFFICULT TO GET FROM OFFICIAL SOURCES
Foroyaa Editorial: Published on Friday, 22 February 2013
Written by: Ousman Njie
"Foroyaa has been trying to validate information that is still spreading that Gambia is oil and mineral rich. At least every Gambian knows about the minerals being mined in Sanyang and environs.
Some claim that there is offshore oil. Others claim that there is diamond in URR. We have tried to get details from the Geological unit regarding the minerals being mined in Sanyang but to no avail. Despite Foroyaa's efforts to send the questions to the unit as requested the details are not forthcoming.
48 years ago and it is more urgent today than ever for the Government to do a geological survey of the country and identify all the areas where prospecting could be done to ascertain the mineral and oil deposits of the country.
Gambia has a population of 1.7 Million. Mineral deposits of the country if harnessed could ensure that poverty is eradicated. The Natural and mineral resources of the country belong to the people. They are entitled to be informed of any findings and have their share of any benefits. Foroyaa will continue its search for the truth." |
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kobo
United Kingdom
7765 Posts |
Posted - 14 Mar 2013 : 23:00:43
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1. Related topic: Current wages in Gambia Highlighted.
2. THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD TAKE STOCK OF THE ECONOMIC ACTIVITIES
Foroyaa News Editorial: Published on Thursday, March 14, 2013
Written by: Ousman Njie
"The CFA has gone up to D350 dalasi for the 5000 CFA note.The dollar is above 35 dalasi, the euro above 45 dalasis and the pound above 52 dalasi. Despite the depreciation of the value of the dalasi, foreign direct investment is not increasing at an appreciable ratio.
In the past, Gambians and other nationals who earn foreign currency abroad would purchase land and encourage many middle persons to become middle level dealers in real estate by scouting for land sellers and buyers and drawing them into contact with each other to receive their commissions. Some would purchase trucks and use them to transport sand and stone for construction purposes. They would hire middle persons and employ labour to render such services.
The fact that officially recorded remittances are estimated to be over 1.7 Billion dalasi annually while the unofficial transactions are unknown, had enabled thousands to assume the role of dealers in foreign currency.
The commodity market also had its wholesale and retail traders. These formal and informal services provided the bulk of the growth in GDP.
Many people in the real estate business are complaining of a slowdown in demand for land. Hence many sit down for over six months without getting a single buyer.
The mining of sand is also said to be restricted because of the type of technology being used by companies that are given control of mining areas. The use of mechanized shovels to load trucks is on the increase thus getting rid of the labourers who used to use non mechanized shovels to load the trucks.
It goes without saying that the growing rise in the prices of commodities is also being visited by scarcity of certain quality goods like the Saddam brand of rice. The trend is continuing and deserves monitoring.
The picture Foroyaa is getting is that there is an economic slowdown and businesses are collapsing or relocating. Many people who used to buy four bags of rice a month to feed extended families are now buying rice per cup daily.
Hardship is indeed growing and needs to be arrested with speed." |
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kobo
United Kingdom
7765 Posts |
Posted - 18 Mar 2013 : 14:13:58
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Promoting social justice
The Point News The Bite: Published on Monday March 18, 2013
"Social justice is an important principle for the maintenance of peace and stability in any nation.
It is, therefore, healthy for the progress of our small nation.
The idea of creating a society that is based on the principles of equality and justice, with respect to human rights is indeed essential, and that is what we often advocate.
The need for us to also recognise the dignity of every human being is equally paramount.
We could advance social justice when we remove barriers that people face as a result of gender, age, race, tribe, culture, religion or disability.
Providing the essentials of development to all Gambians and those living in the country, irrespective of political affiliations or ethnicity is a key way of advancing social justice and harmony.
We must continue to speak for those who cannot speak for themselves, and promote protection of the rights of those who are helpless.
Social justice also calls for those entrusted with responsibility to ensure that they deliver effectively in the best interest of the society.
Our society could be better for all inhabitants when we care for the homeless, the poor, disaster victims, the sick, as well as campaign for basic human rights for migrants and refugees, and people with disabilities of all forms.
We need to make the world more just for all; a world where people organise to emancipate themselves from all forms of oppressions.
Indeed, we want to see a world where people recognise their social responsibilities, respect their individual differences, and have the opportunity to realise their full potential.
That is possible in any society where social justice prevails.
That is what we want to see in The Gambia!" |
Edited by - kobo on 18 Mar 2013 14:16:55 |
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kobo
United Kingdom
7765 Posts |
Posted - 27 Mar 2013 : 23:34:36
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Rule of Law must prevail!
SOURCE: The Point News: The Bite Published on Wednesday, 27 March 2013 |
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kobo
United Kingdom
7765 Posts |
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kobo
United Kingdom
7765 Posts |
Posted - 15 Apr 2013 : 22:45:36
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1. DAILY OBSERVER NEWS: OPINION:-
2. THE POINT NEWS;
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Edited by - kobo on 15 Apr 2013 23:01:46 |
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