Information has reached Gainako that the Tambajang family wishes to DISASSOCIATE themselves with the article entitled “Gambians Mourn The Passing of A Citizen Icon and National Hero” Mr. I.J Tambajang which was published on all Gambian online newspapers on August 3rd and 4th, 2007.
The family strongly believes this is a private family matter and everyone should give them the privacy and respect during this tragic loss. The family further wishes to clarify that the content of the article was the sole opinion of the editorial.
Gainako editorial respects individual privacy including the Tambajangs. We therefore wish to apologize for any inconvenience caused by the publication of the said article. May the decease’s soul rest in perfect peace!
Meanwhile, the son of the late Tambajang in a mail to the Freedom Newspaper expresses strong reservations about Baldeh's tribute letter. Below is Alieu Tambajang's letter.
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Dear Editor(s),
My name is Alieu Tambajang, son of the late Mr. I.J.K. Tambajang. I am appealing to you as a fellow Gambian to help preserve my dads honor by taking down the Article written by Demba Baldeh of Seattle. This article has interrupted family's right to grieve.
The Tambajang family neither sanctioned the writing of this article nor contributed to it's contents. Per Demba Dalde's article, "he was 68 and refused a position in The Gambia Government". The fact is he was 72 and did not decline a position The Gambia Government because there was no such an offer.
Demba Blades agenda is not shared by my dad or the Tambajang family. My dad was not into politics but his name is now being politicized. In our Gambian culture, Demba Baldeh's actions are a big no-no - families are allowed to grief in peace.
I'll tell you about my dad, he was loyal, a man of honor and integrity. He was always about business, did everything things by the book, he never took credit for what others did or made it know the many good things he did or the many individuals he helped. He took pride in everything he did and dealt with all individuals fairly regards of their background and above all, he never considered himself a hero or an icon.
If you published Demba Baldeh's article as a way to pay your respects, then please take it down, it is dishonoring a fellow fallen Gambian. Feel free to publish my letter instead.
Thank you in advance.
Alieu Tambajang