tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-69140079361903755242024-03-07T23:43:43.321-08:00EncounterWelcome to the Encounter, a blog where different people are accorded the platform to share experiences and achievements. Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02042157461070299952noreply@blogger.comBlogger7125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6914007936190375524.post-11642143432782160902015-01-20T04:44:00.002-08:002015-01-20T04:44:33.657-08:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Alh Masour Njie, The Gambia’s doyen of
broadcasting, history shares memories on pre, post independence </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "TimesNewRomanPSMT","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT;">By
Fatou Samba </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "TimesNewRomanPSMT","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT;">Alh
Mansour Njie shares memories on pre, post independence</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "TimesNewRomanPSMT","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT;"> </span><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KzmhFGJ3BYw/VL5HyFpXSiI/AAAAAAAAAKM/dJ5zECMg6NQ/s1600/Alhagie%2BMansure%2BNjie.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KzmhFGJ3BYw/VL5HyFpXSiI/AAAAAAAAAKM/dJ5zECMg6NQ/s1600/Alhagie%2BMansure%2BNjie.jpg" height="320" width="216" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "TimesNewRomanPSMT","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT;">The
Gambia became an independent nation on Tuesday, 18<sup>th</sup> February 1965
after being under British colonial rule for almost 400 years. At mid-night on
that day, the Union Jack (the British flag) was lowered for the last time and
the Gambian flag hoisted. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "TimesNewRomanPSMT","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT;">The
Gambia attained independence during the reign of the present queen, Her Majesty
Queen Elizabeth who succeeded her father, King George VI. She was represented
by the Duke of Kent as her special envoy to attend the independence
celebrations in Banjul and deliver a speech on her behalf. Sir John Paul was
the last British Governor in The Gambia. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "TimesNewRomanPSMT","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT;">Relating
this event, renowned historian and veteran broadcaster, Alhaji Mansour Njie
recalled that on that historic Tuesday, all lights were switched off midnight
and people from all walks of life - from Kartong to Koina assembled at the then
McCarthy Square (now July 22<sup>nd</sup> Square) to witness the hoisting of
the national flag. Some people even slept around the square just to make sure
they witnessed the occasion whilst others, who represented their respective
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<span style="font-family: "TimesNewRomanPSMT","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT;">Alhaji
Mansour narrated that whilst the British flag, with the colours blue, white and
red with a cross was lowered, the British national anthem (God Save the Queen)
was also played for the last time as The Gambia’s national anthem.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "TimesNewRomanPSMT","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT;">He
said Gambians jubilated as the national flag in red, blue and green with white
separating the colours was hoisted and the national anthem of The Gambia was
played for the first time by the police band. This was followed by a military
honor and parade. He said it was a joyous moment with different displays by
cultural groups.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "TimesNewRomanPSMT","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT;">Alhaji
Mansour explained that before independence, a competition to compose the
national anthem and to design the national flag were organized. Mr. J F Howe,
by then Commissioner at Brikama won the prize and composed the present National
Anthem whilst Mr.Louis Thomasi (father of Marcel Thomasi) won the prize for the
designing of the flag.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -17.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "TimesNewRomanPSMT","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT;">He
went further to explain that before the Gambia attained independence, the
British wanted to assign the country to Senegal because of its small size. He
said the colonialists thought Gambians would not be able to sustain but those
fighting for independence insisted that they cannot be ruled by Senegal because
Senegal is French speaking whilst The Gambia is English speaking.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: -17.0pt; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "TimesNewRomanPSMT","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT;">“Even
before independence was discussed at the London Conference, the British said
The Gambia will not be able to stand on its own and therefore should be merged
with Senegal. This was highly rejected by the politicians at the time,” Alhaji
Mansour Njie explained, adding that the talks then had to be abandoned.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -17.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "TimesNewRomanPSMT","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT;">He
further explained that all those fighting for independence stood up and
demanded independence stressing that The Gambia can survive as an independent
nation. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -17.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "TimesNewRomanPSMT","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT;">He
said the British were, however, not convinced and some United Nations experts
were sent to the country to assess and report on the possibility of
independence. The findings from the experts were however in favour of an
independent Gambia.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -17.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "TimesNewRomanPSMT","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT;">“We
were then given internal self-governance status before independence and after
sometime, a date was set for The Gambia to become a fully-fledged independent
nation. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: -17.0pt; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "TimesNewRomanPSMT","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT;">Asked
to dilate on the political process, Alhaji Mansour said illustrious sons and
daughters continued fighting for the country’s independence. “Sir Dawda Kairaba
Jawara, a founding member of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) became the
country’s first ever president after the status of Republic was attained on
April 24th, 1970. Rev. John Colley (J.C) Faye established the first political
party in The Gambia called the Democratic Party (DP) in 1951 whist Ibrahima M
Garba-Jahumpa was founded and led the Gambia Muslim Congress in 1952. Pierre
Sarr Njie was leader of the United Party whilst Saint Claire Joof led the
Gambia People's Party (GPP). Sheriff Ceesay and Mrs Rachael Palmer were also in
involved in politics,” he narrated.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -17.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "TimesNewRomanPSMT","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT;">Alhaji
Mansour stated that Sir Dawda K Jawara, I M Garba-Jahumpa, J C Faye, M B Jones
(a journalist) and Mrs Rachael Palmer were among The Gambia’s team that
attended the Lancaster Conference in London to discuss the issue of
independence in 1963.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -17.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "TimesNewRomanPSMT","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT;">He
pointed out that on the day The Gambia became an independent country, people’s mood
were positive. He said most people were very happy although some people in the
opposition said that the country has not attained anything. He said some groups
were opposed to the country becoming independent but those in favour felt the
country should be independent just as other countries in similar economic
conditions.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -17.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "TimesNewRomanPSMT","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT;">Commenting
on what happened after the country was granted independence, Alhaji Mansour
said Gambians started forming political parties. He recalled that after Rev J C
Faye formed the Gambia Democratic Party, I M Garba-Jahumpa followed and formed
the Young Muslim Society which was later changed to Gambia Muslim Congress. He
said this was followed by the formation of the United Party led by Lawyer
Pierre Sarr Njie, the Protectorate People’s Party led by Saint Claire Joof. The
latter was changed to People’s Progress Party and Sir Dawda Jawara was
approached and he agreed to lead the party. He led the party until
independence.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -17.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "TimesNewRomanPSMT","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT;">When
asked how the message that a date has been set for independence was
communicated to the people, Alhaji Mansour stated that at that time, there was
only one radio station which was Radio Gambia which did not cover the whole
country – he said some people jokingly called it ‘Radio Kombo’ because it
covered only Banjul and its surroundings. There was a government newspaper
called The Gambia News Bulletin (Gambia Now) which was published by Information
Office. There wasn’t much news from it and the BBC broadcasted the information
to the world.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -17.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "TimesNewRomanPSMT","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT;">He
described the moment of independence in 1965 as remarkable and he can still
remember the cultural and traditional displays, school children singing and the
sounds of the firing of the canons was frightening.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -17.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "TimesNewRomanPSMT","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT;">“It
was a solemn and special day. At night, the church bells rang and there were
lights all over Banjul,” Alhaji Mansour stated.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -17.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "TimesNewRomanPSMT","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT;">He
however pointed out that when President Yahya Jammeh assumed the reins of power
in this country, Gambians witness numerous development projects. “We have seen
a lot of development from 1994 to date,” he noted.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -17.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "TimesNewRomanPSMT","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT;">In
the education sector, Alhaji Mansour cited numerous high schools comparing them
to only three high schools previously. “Armitage High School in Georgetown was
the only one in the provinces. Methodist Boys and the Saint Augustine’s High
School were in Banjul. During colonial days and early years of independence,
school children prepared tables and chairs for themselves,” he said.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -17.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "TimesNewRomanPSMT","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT;">In
the health sector, Alhaji Mansour said there were only two hospitals which were
Bansang Hospital and the main referral hospital, Edward Francis Small Teaching
Hospital (then Royal Victoria Hospital) in Banjul.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -17.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "TimesNewRomanPSMT","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT;">“Now,
we have so many health facilities making health services easily accessible by
all Gambians,” he said.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -17.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "TimesNewRomanPSMT","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT;">Alhaji
Mansour Njie said the hospital was renamed after Edward Francis Small who was
the doyen of Gambian politics. “Although Mr E F Small did not form a political
party, he was a trade unionist and a journalist. He was very instrumental in
Gambian politics,” Alhaji mansour stated.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KzmhFGJ3BYw/VL5HyFpXSiI/AAAAAAAAAKM/dJ5zECMg6NQ/s1600/Alhagie%2BMansure%2BNjie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-i8M7sl4J1yk/VL5JJX_HZ7I/AAAAAAAAAKY/5g3_zbRGan4/s1600/Gambian-Independent-fighters.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-i8M7sl4J1yk/VL5JJX_HZ7I/AAAAAAAAAKY/5g3_zbRGan4/s1600/Gambian-Independent-fighters.jpg" height="225" width="320" /></a></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02042157461070299952noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6914007936190375524.post-24154864412349168822013-04-18T05:52:00.000-07:002013-04-18T05:52:39.502-07:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Welcome back
to yet another edition of the Encounter, a column that profiles people’s
achievement and experiences. In today’s editions of the Encounter we bring you
a chat with an experience journalist who have spend 18years as a broadcaster at
the National Radio (GRTS). <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So read to
find out who she might be…</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Can you
please introduce yourself to our dear readers?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 115%;">H.B- my name
is Haddy Badjie know as Chepeh Badjie born in Banjul. I am working at the
Gambia Radio and Television Services and now I am the Managing editor. I stay
at Pipeline.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Tell us about
your educational background?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 115%;">H.B- well, I
start my primary education at Albion Primary School then proceeded to Muslim
High School in 1987 to 1992 where I got my O’ levels later went to Gambia High
School in 1992 to 1994 where I did my A’ levels from there that was in 1994
immediately after my A’ levels I join the Gambia Radio and Television Services
as an announcer and I rose through the ranks. In 1995 join the St Mary’s
University through the extension programme and had my Bachelors (BA) degree in English
language. I also did a lot of trainings and short courses at Cairo institute of
Mass Com in 2000, also in Malaysia later did my advance professional
certificate in 2004. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Tell us about
your relationship status.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 115%;">H.B- yes I am
happily married and blessed with two beautiful children. Ida and Omar </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Tell us when
you were young who was your mentor?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 115%;">H.B- I will
say it is my father because I think many people in Gambia here when you talk
about the late Kama Badjie what goes to once mind is education, he had
contributed a lot today in the education of the country. For me I have no other
mentor than my father, he was such a wonderful man with a good characteristic,
qualities which I wishes to have, he was a patriotic citizen that love his
country.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 115%;">When was your
biggest achievement?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 115%;">H.B- that is
very hard to say but only thing I will single out is that though am striving
still to get my masters degree I will say it is when I got my bachelor degree
because all a long it was my dream to stay law at “Fobay college I had
acceptance but then things where wrong somewhere, so I decided to enroll at the
University extension program through St Mary’s University like I do tell people
am very proud to be among the pioneers of the University of the Gambia. My
biggest achievement I will say will be when I got my bachelor degree.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 115%;">What
motivated you to become a journalist?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 115%;">H.B well, for
me it was purely by accident as I explain early. It has never been my intension
to do journalism or been on the four corners of a studio reading news or
writing news items. It came by accident because from the six forms straight to
the news room which was an opportunity which I myself to be honestly don’t know
where it came from definitely I have never wanted to stay in the profession but
I have been there for 18years now so am in love with the profession now and
there is no way of going back.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Can you
please tell us about your job experiences?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 115%;">H.B- well, I
started broadcasting in 1995, as an announcer later promoted to Assistant
producers then senior producer, principal producers and now managing editor. So
my work basically apart from news presentation it takes a lot of editing because
I did edit the news at the radio from Mondays to Fridays even on public
holidays I do go to work. Yes I only spend my work at radio Gambia but do have
contracts when others want documentary they call me into to do the voicing. I
have never worked at any other radio apart from Radio Gambia. Yes, its true
that other radio like Sud F.M when they started operating<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>their<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>managing director at that time Sulayman Mboom call my attention to join
his radio but because of my father been very strick I just could not make a
decision but to ask him go see with my dad and talk to him wheather he will
approve my going to Sud F.M because at that time I value my father’s advice
very much whatever he does was for my own very interest so when Mr Mboom ad the
decease Mr Jack Njie came to my father and he said no I should stay with the
national broadcaster until something came up and than I agree whole heartedly
knowing very well that any decision that my father would make is for my own
good and I have not regret it.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 115%;">What are some
of the challenges you have succeed in life?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 115%;">H.B – it is a
difficult question but then I want to say a major challenge that which I
encounter is out of my family. When I say my family that means my children
because they mean the world to me, so when I had my last born that is Omar in
2010 but you know he was injured during birth he had what is call breaking palsy
he couldn’t move his hand and couldn’t do anything with his right hand . I
consider that as a challenge but as a mother you know there is no way of going
back he has no other person more than me we have gone to other countries for
treatment but still it has not help but hopefully can over come it. I am very
careful when ever I come across challenges.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Does your
child welfare affect your work?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 115%;">H.B yes it
does, I do have problems of course with my work. I remember a day whne I want
to work and left him there he got bond that too brought problems for me at
work, I do face a lot of challenges when it comes to my family and work but I
will always say these I feel I don’t own obligation to anybody more than my
family for me, my family always come first they second to none they just number
for a reason.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 115%;">You were born
on same day with people but today you more successful what is the secret?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 115%;">H.B it hard
work, determination but I believe it all came from God for me I fell like I
have not achieve anything yet because it is also among my dreams to try and
have my master even if possible PHD.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 115%;">It is
difficult for people to answer this question on my encounters, if I may ask
madam how old are you?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 115%;">H.B hahahatai
I am forty years old.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Your proudest
moment?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 115%;">H.B- I feel
proud when I get feed back from people after reading the news at the Gambia
Radio and Television Service (GRTS) I feel very proud because I know people
appreciates my services and for me even if I have to fail a single news item
which is less than a minute I do receive a lot of feedback from the public so
it is like my services are been appreciate for me despite the challenge I faced
at work the public been out there appreciating my service gives me more vigor <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>to concentrate on my career as a journalist
and also a news presenter.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 115%;">How do you
feel when young people look upon you as a mentor?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 115%;">H.B- I will
always feel proud but what I always tell children especially young stars I will
tell them to be educated because it is very important and it give empowerment
with education and Allah’s guides one will achieve his or her dreams. Well I
feel very proud honor and happy.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Tell us your
happiest moment?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 115%;">H.B- my
happiest moment was when my son was born Omar because I was in need of a boy
child and I am very proud of him.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Can you
explain how did you join GRTS?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 115%;">H.B – it was
my friends who saw the advert on the newspapers and they contacted me. It was
three of my friends, we all applied but I succeeded so for me been in the media
has opened a lot of doors for me because it has enabled me to travel far and
near in such places like United Stats, Egypt, Ghana and a lot it is a big
surprise for me been in the media always wanted to be a lawyer but here I am
18years on am still a broadcaster.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 115%;">18years is
not 18days how will your describe the journey</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 115%;">H.B- well, I
has not been a very easy will say because you do faces a lot of ups and down at
times things are very bright and sometimes very dark. I had it roof but at
times very smooth.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 115%;">You did
mention joining the radio just after high school how was it like between you
and your parents?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 115%;">H.B- my
parents were very supportive because my dad when it comes to national duties
its always a priority my parents never complain with the lateness</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Tell us your
hobbies?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 115%;">H.B-
basically I like watching news channels, love to cook and spend time with my
family.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Final words</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 115%;">H.B- just having
to thank you for the interview and encourage you to keep up the momentum.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 115%;">For Comments
Or Suggestions </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Contact</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="mailto:Fatousamba38@gmail.com">Fatousamba38@gmail.com</a></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Gambiaencounter.blogspot.com</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 115%;">9223126,
3184566</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1oETI_bOPkQ/UW_o8tTqB0I/AAAAAAAAACg/d_dNPffiz0Y/s1600/haddy+badjie%27.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1oETI_bOPkQ/UW_o8tTqB0I/AAAAAAAAACg/d_dNPffiz0Y/s1600/haddy+badjie'.jpg" /></a></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02042157461070299952noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6914007936190375524.post-63242489129421392782013-04-10T06:54:00.001-07:002013-04-10T06:54:42.864-07:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
ENCOUNTER <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
By Fatou Samba </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Welcome back to
another edition of the Encounter, a column where different people are accorded
the platform to share experiences and achievements. In today’s edition we bring
a chat with a renounce Gambian Business man who has got the experience in the
field for quite so long. As the proverb goes experience is the best teacher, so
read to find out more.<span style="background: black; border: none black 1.0pt; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 0pt; layout-grid-mode: line; line-height: 115%; mso-border-alt: none black 0in; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-width: 0%; padding: 0in;"> </span><span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Info, Sir please introduces your self to our dear readers.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Mr Drammeh-my name is Bai Mattar Drammeh , I am a private
sector operator and also the former president of the Gambia Chambers of
Commerce and Industry and the current president of the Federation of West
African Chambers of Commerce and industries and I am currently doing insurance
am also the current the major shareholder of GNIC, I am the proprietor of
OMAKAN Hotel in Sukuta. I just clock 67 on the 19 of December believe it or
not,,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Info, Tell us about your educational background. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in;">
Mr Drammeh-well beside going
to St Augustine here in the Gambia and St Thereses<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Methodist in Kanifing, I proceeded to the USA
after completing University education from St Joseph,s University in
Philadelphia<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Pennsylvania where I did my
degree in veteran <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and after degree I
realize that I was not meant to be a doctor but a business person. I later move
to George Mason University in Fairfax Virginia.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in;">
Info-What is the secret
behind your success in Business because a lot of people know you in the field.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in;">
Mr Drammeh - I believed that
there are certain characters that which one has to have such as quit for word,
committed, royal, truthful and must have a target or a goal which you can
visualize and go into after it without detraction and once you do that you gain
trust which will take a long time but you will gain a name if you truthful to
everyone and you have to respect people for who they are and what they are but
must importantly you have to be at all times which I believe people must be convince
so that they can trust you which I think right now it hidden away because now
we have people who want to make quick money and forget the most important thing
which is trustworthy. So this is part of some of the characters which one
should have and be constant with them not today you like this, tomorrow you
change which is not good. If people trust you business then business will come
to you and people make you who you are and don’t try to make fast move, quick
move, don’t try to get over on people and say what you can and do what you can,
which are very important things which people tend forget and in the end people
start moving away from you because you are not who you said you are and you are
not doing what you say you will do and people are not getting what they
accepted to get from you<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>then that’s a
sign of failure because you will optimally go down. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in;">
Info- Can we know some of
your biggest achievements.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in;">
Mr. Drammeh- I think my
biggest achievement actually is the value I give to charity because all the
time I be a member of Rotary Club of Banjul which is all about charity and I
was once the president of the club and member of the Jammeh Foundation For
Peace which involved in charity. So to me charity work is something which is
very dear to me and I take it seriously because it allowed me to participate in
giving out money without been know, helping student go to school without been
know, it allow you to do what you want to do in secret being anomalous about it
is you don’t want the thank you but you do it because you just wanted to do it.
Secondly family matters which I really value and always with them all the times
share everything with them. I am also the founder and owner of the Omakan Hotel
In Sukuta which was opened in February 18<sup>th</sup> 2007 and I am the first
executive chairman of the Gambia National Insurance Company which I help bring
out of insolvency to a profit making institution and a viable enterprise in the
year 1996, in 1992 founded 3D consulting services representing international corporations
and personalities seeking investments ideas and opportunities and in 1989 April
4<sup>th</sup> founded the Great Alliance Insurance Company Limited both as a
shareholder and the first managing director. I am also a member of board of
Directors in many companies such as Life Trustee, Business Training Center,
Jammeh Foundation for Peace, The Observer Company , Gambia Investment and
Export Promotion Agency, The West African International School, National
Council of Arts and Culture, Chairman of Access Bank, Ambassador of
International Insurance Society and regional director, member of the council
University of The Gambia and former president of the Gambia Chambers of
Commerce and industry and the current president of the federation of West
Africa Chambers of Commerce and Industry. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My talents lies in creating business by
putting the structures together and has someone else run it then I will walk
away because that is were am full fit the most.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in;">
Info-when was your happiest
moment in life. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in;">
Mr. Drammeh- yes yes yes….you
know when don’t have much and you accepted it in good faith then you spend a
lot of time praying to god to help you. The biggest thing that happens to me
which I did pray to god was that he gives me the ability and the capital to
spent my mum and dad together to the holy city Mecca and that time I have a
uncle who was spending people to Mecca but I used to pray to god that my uncle
don’t see my parent and god did give me the opportunity to spend my parent to Mecca
myself. My dad said to me son everything I ever prayed from god he have giving
me accept one thing, is what you now giving me and I have the feeling that the
one thing my dad wanted and I was able to do it for him which I cannot compare
with anything.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The second one was that I
was just traveling to Dakar on the ferry and my phone rings which was the call
of the protocol offices at state house and he informed me that he get a good
news for me the president want to do his pilgrimage and he wanted to go with
you which makes me so surprise because I was in the water traveling just around
Barra and I get a better news that I should turn around and come back to give
them my passport so that I will<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>be able
to accompany the president which was in 2006, it was also a very happy day in
my life because if someone take you to Mecca whether you can afforded<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>or not that person was willing for you to
accompany him that is special, being with the president you treated like a very
important person all because of the president so you get accorded all good things
treated like a VIP<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>all over its not like
the regular and normal hajji where you will be on your own which is totally
different which I compare to the 2003 which I when to is different with that
one with the president this one am treated lie a king. So it was a fantast
experience.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in;">
Info- of course their lot of
people the president could have moved with but you were part of those he choose
to move with to Mecca. How did you felt?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in;">
Mr. Drammeh- well I wonder
why me because obviously their many Gambian and the president could have called
anybody else but they call me. I wondered why but only the president knew why
and I felt so good and special because when we have 1.5 to 2 million people choose
from and I think it was four of us. It was a state of mind that gives you scene
of been special and rewarding which makes me committee myself with actions and
attitude to the welfare of the nation. This was a very important event in my
life and in my office, at work you will see the picture am with the president,
myself, Ardy <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sarge.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in;">
Info- how did you start
business.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Mr. Drammeh- <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I work
for some companies in US before i left simply because wanted to work for myself
and I need some experiences. I once said to myself if I am employ by a man born
of a woman, I am a man born of a woman too, so I need to be creative and I need
to start my own business employing people rather than been someone who is been
employed. It was clear that my goal was to worked for myself. I worked for people
because I was there to learn the ropes and the tricks of the trade and the pitfalls
of the trade.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of cause you go to
university learn all about this but its different from the practical Alana
totally different from the book, you need to know when to be careful, when to
take a risk and when to be neutral and do noting, so those were very important issues
in my life and when those happens I pray to god again to please give me the
opportunity to start something and the first opportunity was to start Great
Alliance which we started four of us and I was the managing director <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I put the structure in place. Secondly when we
brought GNIC I move from Great Alliance to GNIC to oversee our investments there
and I need to find out there was one big reliability which GNIC had they need
to be pay, so that took the company down and my first task was to bring the
company back up were it will make profit and god helped us to do that which was
a challenge I enjoy encountering and it gives me a better person. Later I
realized that the water in Banjul and also the coastal region was been eroded so
I approached some consultant in Nederland to be among those that help in taking
care of the coast and fortunately I was representing a company that were
awarded the contract to do the studies and ultimately we recommended the
company that did the sand replenishment so I was involve in the saving of the
city by stopping the rapid erosion by bring the beach back and upon it
encouraging tourism visitor in the beach, it gives me great satisfaction that
now I can go behind the Atlantic Hotel because their a great beach on the road
by the cemetery in Banjul now that is fantastic which I think is a way to
contribute to the development of once nation for the benefit of the citizen. I
work in so many places like Gambian Customs, in US I worked in a wholesale book
company, after university I work in a shop were I supply men, children, ladies
wear I had a lot of moments because I did well and it earned me with a lot of
awards.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Info- Sir a lot of people knew you through GCCI tell us
about it.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Mr. Drammeh-GCCI started maybe seven ago longer but seven
year is the high light point when I just when to an AGM not know that by the
time I left the AGM I will be come the first vice president and when I was
nominated I was like no because I was not running for any post but the people
who were there insisted that I should vice president and after six year I was
elected in 2006 as president of the Gambia Chambers of Commerce and Industry.
After been elected I had two goals to full fit such that the GCCI has an head
office because we were renting for 45 year <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and am sure that all president wanted that but
gives me the opportunity to me in finding contract, partners all of us put
resources together and built the new office in “Begilow”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>we apply to government and they give us land
so we were able to put the structures in place, I Had an office there which I
deliberately did not use because I knew I was finishing up and that was on of
my goals that we have an office on our own with better and more quality
membership this where the two things I wanted to do and now all body is
interested with GCCI it turns out at the last AGM which we never had before
everybody came to the AGM. It was a good thing that awareness was created and I
wanted people to be aware of GCCI which is an important organization and I was
appointed president of West Africa chambers of commerce and industry which is a
position that which you run for two years while am running that now my goal is
to have a sea link to link all the seas in country to sea so that we can trade
to each other. So that our African women like to accompany goods will be going
to join the vest to their own destination and buy flesh good bring home still
accompany their goods. I will Insallah like to have this done before I finish
there too, I am praying to have a sea link set up that will link all the
countries to Cameroon and backup to Senegal also fighting to have the head
quarters in the Gambia<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Info- Sir you grow up with some on same month, year but
today you have been know more than them why. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Mr. Drammeh- well I feel great that I was able do that and I
feel grateful to god also for enabling to do that and I must say I followed
advices. Yes god we have not seeing but seeing our parents and I follow their
advice god has not show us his self physical but he has show us through our
parents side. I think what helped me was that I was so close to my parents and
so concern about their welfare always make them happy to me that is the key.
One must not forget were you come from if you treat you parents nice it means
you treating go nice and if you ignore them you ignoring god. I think it all
started with my attitude towards my parent.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Info- When you were young who your mentor was. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Mr. Drammeh- my mentor was mother Madeline and mother Anna
who was the head of the school in St Therese’s a catholic none.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Both of these two took real interest in me
and were pleased with me, after school I used to go to them and do my studies
every Sunday will go with mother Madeline to Royal Victoria Hopital and buy
goods for the sick people myself and Ida Jallow will go to the hospital and
giving out. She teaches me how to care, share with people which has telling me
that we live in a society were we must be aware of each other. I heard that she
is now retrial and I always wish to go see her for the last time or if dead go
to her grave just pay my rest to mother Madeline because she was such an
important person in my early days. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Info- Sir you did mention early that you wanted do be a
doctor but now doing business why </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Mr. Drammeh- <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>you see
when I was going to the US to study, I said to my mother am going to be a
doctor but my mum said to me son you meant to be a doctor but I insisted. So I
when started fight very hard to be admitted for the four years in the premet
school before going to the medicine school for another four year then you will
be done to be a doctor. In my first four year I encounter things I did not like
such as piglet, fork, cat take it home at night dead cat put it on the table to
study follow up at the veins and all the structure of physical being, you will
smile it through out my apartment as a student and you will kill forks then do
a lot of things in the process which I didn’t like dealing with dead
animals.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On top of all we want the
hospital once to look at the dead people then I started vomiting I just could
not continue with this one is not working out. After getting my premetry degree
then I was suppose to apply to a medical school but instead I apply to a
business school which I realize is my field. We all have god giving talents but
you have to discover your talent early not your intelligence, if you if you
follow your intelligence you will be going the wrong thing because I followed
my intelligence I knew I was very good in Biology and other science subject but
not my god giving talents. If one follows his god giving talent you will be
happy and successful, my mother used to tell me when your dad was out if we
were to cook and ask me to kill a chicken I will not kill but rather go out
side call my friends do it for me so how can I say I can be a doctor, so that
was how I change from being a doctor to a businessman and my father was also a
businessman I should have followed his footsteps. Am always glad if someone can
fine who they are before they embark, do what makes you happy and when you it
that makes you who you are.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Info- sir your unique personality makes young people to
regard you as a mentor, how did you feel.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Mr. Drammeh-<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>well I
feel rewarded by that because I think everyone you like to be in such a
situation were you appreciated and young people looking up to me It means the
world to me. I will say I have full fit my task, you see when you live in a
society were nobody know about you, who you are that is a very sad but if you
find out people recognize you have to thank god. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Info- what is the
meaning of Omakan giving to your Hotel as a name? </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Mr. Drammeh-<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I named
my hotel in Sukuta as Omakan because I love my parents and I named it after
them my father’s full name is Omar so I remove the R and my mother’s name is
Kani,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I also remove the I. so if you put
them in words you have my parents names .it was also opened in February 18<sup>th</sup>
2007</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Info- what advice do you have for young people.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Mr. Drammeh- <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>my
advice first I think is discipline which is number one because my dad say and
touch my ear not only hold but touch and say son your ear is more important
than your mouth. He always insisted that I listening to him and he told me in
listening you learning, its important for young people to acquire and let them
have goal setting let them stop the ghetto as I always say to my boss in the US
because the ghetto is not good it brings you down make you poorer and the head
of the ghetto will be rich ghetto is not the place for future leaders.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Young people must learn to be discipline and
learn to save for every dalasi that comes through your hand 20% must be save
not for wedding, funeral, naming ceremonies etc but for you sweat because
tomorrow your children will ask you dad and mum when you were young what were
you do during your youthful days, when you are pay you pay your self first and
what you save will be your capital and you will be able to invest so that tomorrow
you can show. You will be surprise when you save and people will respect you. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Info- sir its pleasant been with you on the encounter your
final words. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Mr. Drammeh- thanks for the interest that you have express
to have an interview with me because its an honor and wish you and your paper a
great success information is power and your column is empowering people and its
very important it is making us all grow. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02042157461070299952noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6914007936190375524.post-16125379690100968372013-04-09T05:18:00.000-07:002013-04-09T05:20:06.900-07:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-36ZS-2Vz5zA/UWQG-_mjiLI/AAAAAAAAABw/n6fOXcSzSzU/s1600/BABOUCARR+NJAI+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-36ZS-2Vz5zA/UWQG-_mjiLI/AAAAAAAAABw/n6fOXcSzSzU/s1600/BABOUCARR+NJAI+.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="BodyTest1">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 10.5pt;">In today’s edition
of Encounter, a weekly column that is dedicated to people who are considered
important personalities in the society and who in one way or the other are
contributing something positive towards the advancement of society, we bring
you a chat with a Gambian dentist running a private clinic at Cape Point in
Bakau to share his experiences and achievement. Dentist Baboucarr Njai holds a
BSc degree from Gothenburg University in Sweden</span></div>
<div class="Bodytext">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 10.5pt;">So read on to find
out who Dentist Njie is: </span></div>
<div class="Bodytext">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoCaption">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 10.5pt;">G-Now- Can you
introduce yourself to our wonderful readers?</span></div>
<div class="Bodytext">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 10.5pt;">BN- My name is
Baboucarr Njai. I was born in Banjul but now live in Bakau. I am a Dental
Surgeon and studied in Sweden. Currently, I am in The Gambia operating a
private clinic called Njie and Njai medical and dental services - I have
another colleague who runs the medical clinic. </span></div>
<div class="MsoCaption">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 10.5pt;">GN- Can you tell
us about your educational background.</span></div>
<div class="Bodytext">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 10.5pt; mso-font-width: 98%;">BN-
I started schooling at the age of five at Muhammadan Primary School, and then
progressed to Crab Island School.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Going to high school was very though at the time because there weren’t
many high schools like now. After leaving secondary school, I started working
at the accounts unit of the Public Works Department for between seven to eight
years and then left for Europe (Sweden). By then, it was not easy to leave the
country - I personally sponsored my trip not by air because it was too
expensive to travel by air, I travelled over land through Dakar to Paris and
then to Stockholm. </span></div>
<div class="Bodytext">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 10.5pt; mso-font-width: 98%;">I
have always been interested in dentistry so before leaving for Sweden, I had an
opportunity to go to the United States but then a very close friend of mine,
Mr. Batch Faye convinced me to go to Sweden and he arranged a school for me
where I was offered scholarship.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
remember one night, conservation I had with Mr. Faye and Doctor Adama Sallah
and they asked me what course I wanted to pursue and I said dentistry, they
both looked at me and said do you know what you are saying? I replied yes, that
is what I want to do and they said to me, you came from Crab Island School and
you don’t know anything about physics, chemistry, biology and many other
science subjects and I told them that these are subjects which I can learn like
any other person can, so since I am not going to pay any tuition, I will learn
because that is the biggest opportunity I have ever had. </span></div>
<div class="Bodytext">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 10.5pt; mso-font-width: 98%;">Actually
I was thinking by myself that this will never be possible but at the same time
with devotion, determination I think I can make it. I started schooling from
scratch because you have to learn the language first. After completing my
secondary education, I went to Gothenburg University in Sweden where I obtained
my BSc and DDS (Doctor of Dental Surgery).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoCaption">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 10.5pt; mso-font-width: 98%;">GN- When did you start this private business?</span></div>
<div class="Bodytext">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 10.5pt; mso-font-width: 98%;">BN-
I started in 2000.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Although I am
not working for government, I, from time to time offer community services -
helping at the hospital whenever they need my services. </span></div>
<div class="MsoCaption">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 10.5pt; mso-font-width: 98%;">GN- Why the name Njie and Njai? </span></div>
<div class="Bodytext">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 10.5pt; mso-font-width: 98%;">BN-
well my colleague is called Malick Njie and I am Baboucarr Njai but the way we
spell our surnames are different so we decided to use it as the name of the
clinic. The Njie and Njai clinic is a joint business between the two of us -
Malick is a medical doctor. </span></div>
<div class="MsoCaption">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 10.5pt; mso-font-width: 98%;">GN- What is the secret behind your success?</span></div>
<div class="Bodytext">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 10.5pt; mso-font-width: 98%;">BN-
Well determination and the will power to do something - one has to </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 10.5pt;">plan his or her life and if you are aiming
for something positive, you must be determined. I will not say I am successful
but the secret is just determination that has made me to be what I am today. </span></div>
<div class="MsoCaption">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 10.5pt;">GN- What are some
of the challenges you faced in your personal life and how did you overcome
them?</span></div>
<div class="Bodytext">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 10.5pt;">BN- First of all
was the educational part - I knew I was able to do certain things if given the
opportunity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Another challenge was
having limited resources because I came from a large family and resources are
always a problem. I had the passion at a very young age to become a future
dentist and I knew very well from the beginning that I have to do my best to
fulfill that dream. I believed that being a dentist is not something that
happens by probability; I really worked hard for it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoCaption">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 10.5pt;">GN- What was your
biggest achievement?</span></div>
<div class="Bodytext">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 10.5pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>BN- Wow, when I became dentist in 1992;
it took me a very long journey to reach that point because of my educational
standard - I had to struggle hard with the science subjects which I had never
studied before. However, I thank God that when I was in Sweden, I was able to
take up a part time job as a teacher which was though for me.</span></div>
<div class="MsoCaption">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 10.5pt;">GN- when was your
happiest moment?</span></div>
<div class="Bodytext">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 10.5pt;">BN- My happiest
moment? (Laughs) That was when I got married in 2005 - I was very happy because
it has ever been my dream to get marry to a Gambian wife whenever I return. It
is always a problem when you get married out of your country you want to come
back home to settle and the wife doesn’t like it. I am blessed with one boy and
two girls who are twins.</span></div>
<div class="MsoCaption">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 10.5pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>GN- When you were young, who was your
mentor? </span></div>
<div class="Bodytext">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 10.5pt;">BN- I looked at my
childhood friends who succeeded in achieving their goals and are all well
established – I will not mention names but if any of them reads this
article, they know exactly what I’m talking about. Even though a few of us did
not have the opportunity to be like them, nonetheless, we were always together
- helping each other and even some of us were helped to travel to Europe through
the assistance of friends. </span></div>
<div class="MsoCaption">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 10.5pt;">GN- How do you
feel when young people regard you as their mentor?</span></div>
<div class="Bodytext">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 10.5pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>BN- I feel well honored, happy and
grateful. I know one Dr. Peter who used to come to the clinic and we had a chat
about my career - what I have gone through – and he told me that people
like you should write books because most people think that if you go to schools
like Crab Island, it is practically impossible for you to be successful
especially academically. You can be successful doing your own business and most
probably you don’t need to obtain degree. However, there are certain
professions like dentistry, whereby without obtaining good education, you
cannot be a dentist.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoCaption">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 10.5pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>GN- what advice do you have for young
people who want to excel in life like you. </span></div>
<div class="Bodytext">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 10.5pt;">BN- I will tell
them to keep on reading, study hard - to become a dentist one has to work for
it now. It takes time to be a dentist, seven good years is not seven days.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let them be determined and learn more. </span></div>
<div class="MsoCaption">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 10.5pt;">GN- Sir you did
mention working in Sweden as a dentist but why are you back to The Gambia when
you are paid more money in Sweden?</span></div>
<div class="Bodytext">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 10.5pt;">BN- Yes very
interesting question - after my graduation in Sweden, one evening I received a
call from Norway telling me that they want to offer me a job and they are
interested in me. I replied to them that I never applied for a job but he said
yes, we know but we got your contract number from another person who has
recommending you. I told them that far north in Norway is cold and far but I’ll
think whether I can only give you six months service. The caller replied okay
and I went to work in Norway for six months and at the end of the six months,
they asked me to extend for another six month which I did. </span></div>
<div class="Bodytext">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 10.5pt;">After that, I
planned to return to Sweden but they said no and offered me the position of a
clinic chief and that I can also use the clinic for my private practice even
though it was government-owned although I had to promise not to compete with
them, which I did. After some time, I decided to leave but another big offer
came - they said I should head and take care of all the district state clinics
which I accepted. In 1999, I came home for holidays to see my parents who were
getting old. I decided that I don’t want to stay there any longer after
spending nearly thirty years away, I would not want to be called and informed
that something happened to either of my parents. So I said I have to return
home and settle finally and setup my own private clinic. When I was leaving, I
was given a document which stated that whenever I want to go back, I am free to
do so and upon presenting the<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>document I will be given the same grade were I was when I left or
something higher. </span></div>
<div class="MsoCaption">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 10.5pt;">GN- How do you
feel working for your own country?</span></div>
<div class="Bodytext">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 10.5pt;">BN- I think one
owes an obligation to his or her country; it those not matter what happens but
every citizen has to contribute to his countries development. </span></div>
<div class="MsoCaption">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 10.5pt;">GN- As a dentist,
what advices do you have for the general public?</span></div>
<div class="Bodytext">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 10.5pt; mso-font-width: 99%;">BN-
It’s about time parents consider what their children eat and avoid sugar,
especially sweets. We the dentists are having big problems and when parents
come with their children they, will complain that their children like eating
sweets but my question is, where is that child getting the money from to buy
sweets - is it not from the parents? So it is left to the parents to train
their children and not buy them sweets. Secondly oral hygiene, meaning clearing
the teeth daily is very important.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 10.5pt;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoCaption">
<span lang="EN-US">GN- It was very interesting having
interviewed you and thank you so much for your time, final words.</span></div>
<div class="Bodytext">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 10.5pt;">BN- It was my
pleasure and my final words are let’s support each other and work hard because
the country belong to all of us. </span></div>
<div class="Bodytext">
<br /></div>
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02042157461070299952noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6914007936190375524.post-91491854371876042352013-04-03T01:40:00.001-07:002013-04-03T01:40:49.328-07:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 120%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 158.0pt; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<b><span style="font-family: "TimesNewRomanPSMT","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; letter-spacing: -.05pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT; mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">Welcome back to
yet another edition of the Encounter, a column that profiles people’s
experiences and achievements. In this edition of the Encounter we bring you a
chat with the Director of Corporate Services at the Gambia Competition
Commission.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So read to find out who this
gentle man is. </span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 120%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 158.0pt; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<b><i><span style="font-family: "TimesNewRomanPSMT","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; letter-spacing: -.05pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT; mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">GN - Sir can you
please introduce yourself to our dear readers?</span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 120%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 158.0pt; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: 12.65pt;">
<span style="font-family: "TimesNewRomanPSMT","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; letter-spacing: -.05pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT; mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">ABJ - My name is Alhagie Babucarr Jabang.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I am currently working at the Gambia Competition Commission as the
Director of Corporate Services.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was born
in Brikama in the West Coast Region and was brought up at Serrekunda. I was
later taken to Sierra Leone to join my father where he was engaged in business.
Seven years later, we returned to Gambia and I started my schooling. My mother
was a house wife and my father a tailor, so I grew up under moderate conditions
where everyone was expected to contribute towards the family’s upkeep.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am married and blessed with children. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 120%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 158.0pt; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<b><i><span style="font-family: "TimesNewRomanPSMT","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; letter-spacing: -.05pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT; mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">GN- Can you
please elaborate on your educational background?</span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 120%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 158.0pt; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: 12.65pt;">
<span style="font-family: "TimesNewRomanPSMT","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; letter-spacing: -.05pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT; mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">ABJ - Upon my return from Sierra Leon in 1974, I was sent to Sukuta
Primary School.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After completing my
primary education in 1980, I got entry to Armitage High School in Georgetown,
present day Janjang Bureh in the Central River Region where I sat to the GCE
‘O’ Level Certificate Examination in 1985.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I sat to a teacher’s examination at Action-Aid The Gambia and<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>obtained very good results and was later
employed by the organization as a teacher at Gifarong village in Kiang West
District.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I taught for two years as a
class teacher and was later promoted to head the school.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>During that period, I was able to transform
the school and I am proud to say that today, I have a lot of my students who
are holding very good positions in Government and NGOs and some of them are
even married. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 120%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 158.0pt; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: 12.65pt;">
<span style="font-family: "TimesNewRomanPSMT","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; letter-spacing: -.05pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT; mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">When I left the teaching field in 1989, I joined the Customs and Excise
as a young officer. I spent 18 years working at the Customs and Excise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I came to realize that having only “O” Levels
will not offer me a good career, I decided to build my capacity and proceeded
to further my education. Today, I am a Chartered Accountant and since 2008, I
have been a member of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants. I
have more than ten years’ experience in accounting administration, Human Resources
Management and Information Technology. I have also served more than five years
at senior level within the central government and public institutions as well
as more than 25 years as a social worker - travelling and implementing
development projects in urban as well as rural areas.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have also successfully participated in
community driven projects implemented through a World Bank funding as Financial
Controller and was at one time the Technical Adviser to the West Coast Region
Local Government Authority where I coordinated audits at corporate and
institutional levels as well as<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>prepare
audit packs submitted to external auditors prior to commencement of audit
exercises. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 120%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 158.0pt; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: 12.65pt;">
<span style="font-family: "TimesNewRomanPSMT","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; letter-spacing: -.05pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT; mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">I also have a very strong background and competency-based human resource
management from the ITCILO in Turin, Italy where I served in different senior
management positions as financial management specialist, head of accounts and
other corporate services units. I also pursued courses in the United Kingdom in
a college called London College of Accountancy and am still pursuing a
Professional Career Development and Research in Current Accounting issues</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 120%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 158.0pt; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<b><i><span style="font-family: "TimesNewRomanPSMT","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; letter-spacing: -.05pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT; mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">GN- Who was your
mentor when you were young?</span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 120%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 158.0pt; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: 12.65pt;">
<span style="font-family: "TimesNewRomanPSMT","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; letter-spacing: -.05pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT; mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">ABJ - My mentor was a childhood friend and a class mate. We went to
school together from primary one to form five and his name is Abdoulie Barry.
Mr Barry was so intelligent and anytime we sat to class exams, either I or he
will come out first. I knew that if I used Abdoulie as my mentor, I will surely
succeed. Mr Barry was very lucky to have had continuous education because when
we graduated from Armitage, I went into the teaching field but he proceeded to
Gambia High School to attend sixth form.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I was late to enroll for sixth form because I started teaching even
before the “O” Level results were out. After completing his sixth form, Barry
went to the UK and he was among the first Gambians to obtain ACCA. He was one
time head of Finance & Procurement at MRC Gambia and now he has an
international appointment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Also, I
decided to choose Barry as my mentor because he was my competitor in school and
he advised me to stop everything I was doing and concentrate on how to further
my education which I actually did and he contributed a lot towards financing my
education.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can safely say today that
whatever I have achieved, he has contributed to it.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 120%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 158.0pt; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<b><i><span style="font-family: "TimesNewRomanPSMT","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; letter-spacing: -.05pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT; mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">GN - Tell us
about your achievements</span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 120%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 158.0pt; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: 12.65pt;">
<span style="font-family: "TimesNewRomanPSMT","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; letter-spacing: -.05pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT; mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">ABJ - One of my biggest achievement was being employed as a teacher
because I always imagined if I could be a good teacher; and it turned out that
I was a good teacher. I also made other achievements in terms of my education
which I never thought of before. I’ve got a lots of certificates - in 1990, I
attended Crown Agents Induction Certificate on Customs & Excise/Security,
from 2000 to 2001, I Completed ACCA Accounting Technician, and in 2002 ADF
Capacity Building Project - Certificates in Project Management &
Accounting, Aid & Debt Management, in 2007 I had EPICOR Based Training
(version 7.3.5) in Integrated Financial Management Information System (End User
and Financial Applications Administrator) on the following Modules: Concept of
Information Technology using a computer and managing file Spreadsheet Financial
Accounting, using EPICOR computerized accounting System Active Planner-
Budgeting and Planning Tools (Computerized).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I also sat to WAIFEM online exams on Domestic Debt Management and did an
End user Training on TOMPRO Computerized Accounting Software, (World Bank
Customized Reports). I also have a certificate in Specialized Report Writing
Skills and Presentation Techniques, Certificate in Public Financial Management,
Budgeting, Planning<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and Performance,
certificate in Implementing Competency Based Human Resource Management: Job
description, Recruitment & Selection,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Performance Appraisal and Certification. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 120%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 158.0pt; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<b><i><span style="font-family: "TimesNewRomanPSMT","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; letter-spacing: -.05pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT; mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">GN - Can you
please share with us some of your job experiences.</span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 120%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 158.0pt; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: 12.65pt;">
<span style="font-family: "TimesNewRomanPSMT","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; letter-spacing: -.05pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT; mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">ABJ - In 1985 to 2006 I worked as Customs Office and later in 2006, I
moved to Gambia Revenue Authority as a Financial Application & Systems
Administrator up to 2007.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I later worked
for an ADB/World Bank-funded project as a Financial Comptroller for the
Community Driven Development Project in 2008. I also employed as the
Manager/Acting Director Finance and Administration-Gambia Investment Promotion
and Free Zones Agency, a World Bank Funded Gateway Project from 2009 to July
2010 and from 2010 to date, I’ve been working for The Gambia Competition
Commission as Director of Corporate Services. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 120%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 158.0pt; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<b><i><span style="font-family: "TimesNewRomanPSMT","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; letter-spacing: -.05pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT; mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">GN - Could you
share with us your happiest moment in life</span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 120%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 158.0pt; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: 12.65pt;">
<span style="font-family: "TimesNewRomanPSMT","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; letter-spacing: -.05pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT; mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">ABJ - One of my happiest moment was when I got another level of education
higher from my ‘O’ levels certificate. Another happy moment was in December
2008 when I received a professional certificate of the Association of Chartered
Certified Accountants, UK which meant I could apply for ACCA and eventually
became a member on June 30, 2009 after completing the Professional Exams Levels
I, II & III from 2001- Dec. 2008.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 120%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 158.0pt; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<b><i><span style="font-family: "TimesNewRomanPSMT","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; letter-spacing: -.05pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT; mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">GN- What are
some of the challenges you have faced in life?</span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 120%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 158.0pt; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: 12.65pt;">
<span style="font-family: "TimesNewRomanPSMT","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; letter-spacing: -.05pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT; mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">ABJ - I had problems in financing my education but I was fortunate to
have good friends and good relatives and with a lot of sacrifice, I was able to
support my education. I have to thank my family, especially my wife and
children for their understanding. I usually spent a lot time reading attending
classes but nonetheless, they all understood that I was doing was for my
success.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 120%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 158.0pt; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<b><i><span style="font-family: "TimesNewRomanPSMT","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; letter-spacing: -.05pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT; mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">GN - Any secret
to your success? </span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 120%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 158.0pt; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: 12.65pt;">
<span style="font-family: "TimesNewRomanPSMT","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; letter-spacing: -.05pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT; mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">ABJ - I just have to thank God giving me the strength to overcome
challenges and live up to expectation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The secret is that I always that maintain high level of honesty,
seriousness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had no time for parties
and I always take things seriously which has made me who I am today. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 120%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 158.0pt; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<b><i><span style="font-family: "TimesNewRomanPSMT","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; letter-spacing: -.05pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT; mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">GN - You don’t
mind telling us your age sir?</span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 120%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 158.0pt; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 120%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 158.0pt; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "TimesNewRomanPSMT","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; letter-spacing: -.05pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT; mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">ABJ - I will
surprise you because when I meet with a lot of people and tell them I am 45
years old, they look at me and say that is not possible. Some say I look
younger than my age and ask me to tell them the secret behind it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I always tell them that it’s a gift from God
although I exercise a lot, watch my diet as well as eat healthy food. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 120%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 158.0pt; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<b><i><span style="font-family: "TimesNewRomanPSMT","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; letter-spacing: -.05pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT; mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">GN - When was
your proudest moment in life?</span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 120%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 158.0pt; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: 12.65pt;">
<span style="font-family: "TimesNewRomanPSMT","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; letter-spacing: -.05pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT; mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">Mr. Jabang - That’s a very important question; my proudest moment was the
day I started to work and supporting my family. I am proud of that because at a
very young age, I had a lot of responsibility.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>After working for two years, I asked my father to stop work and I became
fully responsible for the upkeep of the family – From that time to date, God
has supported me to take care of my entire family. The other proud moment was
the day I got married and got my first daughter who is presently in the UK. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 120%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 158.0pt; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<b><i><span style="font-family: "TimesNewRomanPSMT","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; letter-spacing: -.05pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT; mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">GN - How did you
feel when you were appointed as Director of Corporate Services? </span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 120%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 158.0pt; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: 12.65pt;">
<span style="font-family: "TimesNewRomanPSMT","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; letter-spacing: -.05pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT; mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">ABJ - It is a challenge. I have always wanted to rise to a very high
level. I have been eyeing such position although you cannot get them without
the necessary qualification. I have tried hard to build my capacity and that
has given me the opportunity to achieve such a position.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I feel happy because I think that I deserve
it. This position is not something that came my way but is something I did
worked for; I sacrificed a lot for my education. I took my job seriously
because I believe that are many other people who want it, and I was lucky to
have it so I must live up to expectation.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 120%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 158.0pt; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<b><i><span style="font-family: "TimesNewRomanPSMT","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; letter-spacing: -.05pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT; mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">GN - What are
your hobbies?</span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 120%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 158.0pt; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: 12.65pt;">
<span style="font-family: "TimesNewRomanPSMT","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; letter-spacing: -.05pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT; mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">ABJ - My hobbies include reading. I will encourage the young ones to
spend a lot of time reading. If you read you learn a lot and that’s why I
cherish reading. I also like to exercise and chat with my family. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 120%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 158.0pt; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<b><i><span style="font-family: "TimesNewRomanPSMT","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; letter-spacing: -.05pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT; mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">GN - What advice
do you have for young people who want to excel in life like you?</span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 120%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 158.0pt; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: 12.65pt;">
<span style="font-family: "TimesNewRomanPSMT","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; letter-spacing: -.05pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT; mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">ABJ – Actually, we live in this generation that is full of
distractions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ll advise young people
to make sacrifices and put their education above everything else. Let them
avoid going to nightclubs and social activities.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They should be friends with their books and
pens because this can contribute in transforming them to be successful
tomorrow. With the advent of the University of the Gambia, there will be more
people graduating and in the near future, getting employment will be very
difficult. There will come a time when people will go in for the best and if
anybody wants to be part of the best of the best, they should start building
the foundation now in terms of education. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 120%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 158.0pt; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<b><i><span style="font-family: "TimesNewRomanPSMT","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; letter-spacing: -.05pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT; mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">GN – Your final
words </span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 120%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 158.0pt; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: 12.65pt;">
<span style="font-family: "TimesNewRomanPSMT","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; letter-spacing: -.2pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT; mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">ABJ - I will conclude by appealing to young people to listen to the
advice of their parents.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Their
generation is full of challenges so let them take their education
seriously.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Fatou, to be honest this
column is very interesting and I believe young people will learn from inspiring
people, role models so I will like to say thanks to all staff of The Gambia
Now.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "TimesNewRomanPSMT","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; letter-spacing: -.05pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT; mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">For comments, suggestions contact:</span></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "TimesNewRomanPSMT","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; letter-spacing: -.05pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT; mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">fatousamba38@gmail.com/
gambiaencounter.blogspot.com or 7028558/ 9223126</span></i></b></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02042157461070299952noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6914007936190375524.post-23035877112149388672013-04-03T01:32:00.000-07:002013-04-03T01:32:11.266-07:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02042157461070299952noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6914007936190375524.post-43636948462873815182013-03-26T03:14:00.001-07:002013-03-26T03:25:59.628-07:00Encounter with the first ever Gambian female Sea Pilot...Mrs Rohey Samba-Jallow<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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THE GAMBIA NOW<br />
NO.2 MONDAY 25TH MARCH 2013<br />
6<br />
Welcome back to another edition of the Encounter, a column where different people are accorded the platform to share their experiences and achievements. In today’s edition of the encounter, we bring you a face-to-face discussion with the first ever Gambian female sea pilot. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Science (BSc) in Nautical Science from the Regional Maritime University in Ghana and a Master of Science Degree (MSc) in Maritime Administration from the World Maritime University in Sweden. Read on to find out more about this person<br />
G-Now- Madam, can you please introduce yourself to our dear readers?<br />
Rohey Samba- My name is Rohey Samba. I work at the Gambia Maritime Administration. I also write during my leisure time and I have recently published two poetry books.<br />
What is your marital status?<br />
I am married to a very wonderful man, Ismaila Jallow, who is calm, collected and very down-to-earth. We have been married for eleven years this year.<br />
Can you give an account of your educational background and some of your achievements in your respective schools?<br />
I did my primary and secondary schooling at Ndow’s Schools and graduated in 2001. When I sat to the Common Entrance Examinations in 1995, I was among the three young students accorded full scholarship by the then AFPRC Transitional Government.<br />
I joined the Gambia Ports Authority as a Trainee Pilot in December 2001. I was inducted and underwent on the job training for two years. In 2003, I was offered a scholarship to further train in Ghana at the Regional Maritime University, where I obtained a BSc in Nautical Science in 2007. I came out as Overall Best Student and received the Admiralty of Ghana Navy Award for Best Student in Nautical Science.<br />
Upon my return, I was promoted to Junior Pilot in 2009. In January 2010, I was seconded to the newly established Gambia Maritime Administration as Assistant Marine Surveyor. I received a scholarship from IMO to pursue a course in Maritime Affairs, specializing in Maritime Safety and Environment Administration at the World Maritime University in Sweden in September 2010. I obtained a Masters with Honours and was promoted to Principal Officer Maritime Safety and Environment upon my return, a post I hold to date.<br />
What motivated you to become a writer?<br />
Writing has always been my passion. I love to watch people, conjure their emotions, their thoughts and their feelings without judgment or prejudice. I love to ponder about nature, creation and the Creator. Wound together, the fabric is created for exploration of the mind in its deepest recesses, which I can only access through my writing. Effectively, by writing, I echo the lives of other people through the tenets of my own beliefs and experiences. Again focusing on things over which I have influence and/or control, I jab gently yet unequivocally what I hold to be true. Writing for me is therefore a dream come true. A means to bring about the change I want to see in society and within ourselves.<br />
We learned that you are the first ever sea female pilot in The Gambia. How did that come about?<br />
In 2001 when I had recently completed high school, my uncle Adama Samba (Hala) showed me a newspaper advertisement for the post of Trainee Pilot at the Gambia Ports Authority and suggested I apply. Before that, I’d never heard about sea pilotage or even been to the GPA for that matter. As fate would have it, I was called for an interview which I prepared myself for and amongst many other applicants I got the job along with three other young men. I was highly motivated on the job by my bosses especially Pilots Dad Mboob and Kulay Manneh. I spent the best years of my career thus far at the Harbours Department at GPA.<br />
What is your greatest achievement?<br />
My greatest achievement right now is the confidence I am gaining with age transpierced by the knowledge of profound possibilities for Gambian women in general. At the moment, I love myself, loving what I’m doing and for me this is the greatest gift of all.<br />
Who is your role model?<br />
I have many role models through the years. Some have nurtured and fostered me, some have changed my career facility, some have broadened my mental and intellectual capacity and some have inspired me in ways that are very difficult to express at the spur of the moment. To be specific my role models have been my parents, my guardians, my teachers, and some of my bosses. I am worthy today because of the culmination of life experiences I have garnered over the years through these people.<br />
Can you tell us some of your challenges?<br />
My biggest challenge is what to write without offending a soul yet, remain true to myself. You see, most people do not like to be despised so they develop different personas for different people and/or situations. A day in time, these facades will crash, so one better be true to oneself.<br />
Another one is my very high expectation of people. It’s a challenge every time my peace of mind is shattered due to disappointment by people I hold in high esteem. Expectations in general are future disappointments planned out in advance, so I’m learning to expect less from people.<br />
You authored two books: “Behind My Back” and “Heart Songs” which are currently hitting the market. How did it come about?<br />
Behind My Back and Heart Songs are complementary books that were bundled in one book called “Tomorrow Waits.” When I finally had money to publish on my own, I decided to separate the two parts of the book into two different books because in spite of the central theme being the same, the style and rhythm of the two parts were intrinsically opposed.<br />
Actually, 99% of the poems were written whilst I was away studying for my BSc in Ghana. It’s funny that a majority of the themes centered on life’s three days espoused by H.E. President Jammeh, i.e. yesterday, today and tomorrow.<br />
With regards the themes, the notion is that yesterday is gone, today is now and tomorrow waits. Sadly people are either too busy dwelling on issues yesterday or dreaming about tomorrow to enjoy today, which is a gift and that’s why, it is called present.<br />
Today, we all have to agree that we are doing better, with the coming of age of the internet era, proliferation of high institutions of learning and increased engagement in youth activism by an enlightened youth population. Yet our problems are inspirational since somebody is always doing better. Sadly everybody is yearning for more than he/she is entitled so we live in a society of morose individuals who should have been happier than ever if only they had appreciated the gift of the present. Contentment is what we need and faith to guide us to a tomorrow of possibilities as it waits to happen.<br />
When was your happiest moment?<br />
My happiest moment in life was when I had first child. As a writer, in preparation for his birth I wrote the poem - My Unborn Child; I was carrying him during my final year in Ghana. When he was born, he put everything in perspective. I never knew such love existed before. It made me look at children with a different eye.<br />
When was your proudest moment?<br />
My proudest moment was when I had my Masters Degree. It was like, I have done it! The reason being, I got married very early, much to the trepidation of my father, whose biggest fear was that I would not pursue my academic inclinations. When I had my first degree, it was a sigh of relief and when I finally obtained my Masters degree, I exhaled! Yet the sky is the limit, if I have the opportunity to pursue my PhD, why not? I’ll love to learn till I’m at my deathbed as it is what will make me complete.<br />
What advice do you have for young people who want to be writers like you?<br />
My advice would be to be disciplined and persistent. When I say disciplined, it means to keep on writing whenever you have the muse, fastidiously and unwaveringly, because talent is not genius, you need to hone your skills through practice.<br />
Again be persistent because if you are not, you will be easily consumed by the clout or discouraged by petit squabbles. A passion is worth living for as much as it is worth dying for. So write.<br />
How do you feel when young people regard you as their mentor especially after reading your books?<br />
I feel honor, privilege and humility because I am myself inspired by people such as Mariama Khan, whose first launching of Futa Toro made me dare to realize my dream of authorship. I am not satisfied being a spectator in life; I believe that by writing, I can positively influence people so that if that call is recognized, it’s a bonus.<br />
What is the secret behind your success?<br />
There is no secret at all - its hard work and dedication to duty and God and moreover veracity to self. I touched a little on that in the poems Behind My Back and Speech of My Silence.<br />
As a writer, what plans do you have for people who love reading your books?<br />
I am a writer and one of the things I will like to do is not just to write for writing sake. I’m starting with poetry because it is easier but I’m better at prose and storytelling. I’ll like to touch on issues dear to me such as women empowerment in the real sense and not by lip service as is common in today’s society. I will love one day to collaborate with Social and Child Welfare to tackle issues affecting our youth, expound on teenage pregnancy, rapes and child delinquency amongst others. These institutions have the raw data but we the writers can make light of the situation in forms of parody and educative texts to inform the populace. I believe when we read these books written by Gambians for Gambians, it will have greater impact.<br />
In short, I will like to effect positive change in the attitudes of teenagers and youth in general but especially young women because we are in greater need of mentorship if the truth is to be told.<br />
Have you launched your books yet?<br />
No, not yet.<br />
Why?<br />
Having published with my own meager resources, I could not launch the books on my own because I don’t have the funds to do so. Thus after publishing the books I wrote to all the major companies in the country for sponsorship to advertise and/or launch the books, enclosing a copy each of my books, but I did not receive any positive feedback. My sister, from the same mother, Ndey Kumba Demba, helped me get an interview at the GRTS, which was phenomenal in that right after the interview, I received many phone calls from well wishers who used to read my articles on the Daily Observer newspaper and within a short period of time, I was able to sell a reasonable number of books at the local stores. Good things take time so it’s okay not to launch because what is not meant to be cannot be. I guess I have to work harder the next time around. Once there is life, there is hope. I’m still young.<br />
Your final words<br />
I am very proud of what you are doing Fatou – interviewing young people, profiling them - this is very educative and motivating. Thanks so much for the good work.</div>
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