By Our Western Region, Chief Correspondent Wise Man
Concerns are being raised over the presence of 12 young girls, at the residence of an Englishman in Brikama,Sanchaba, amidst allegations that the girls were being exposed to alleged sexual exploitation. 7o year old British National Chris Allwright, who is hosting the girls at his Brikama home, has been known as a philanthropist in The Gambia. The girls continued presence at his house is raising eyebrows in some quarters. Mr. Allwright never responded to sexual exploitation enquiries earlier sent to him through his official email by our correspondent Wise Man. Our reporter wanted him to clear his name on allegations of an alleged pedophile activities. But up to the time of filing this report, Allwright was unreachable for comments.
During a visit to Allwright’s Brikama, Sanchabe home, 12 young girls could be seen walking around the premises. The youngest among them was a seven year old girl. These girls, received material and educational help from Chris. They are among the poor students, being sponsored by Chris’s Non Governmental Organization called “ The Gambia Schooling Fund.”
Like, many investors, Chris too befriended law enforcement officers in Brikama and elsewhere across the country. He finances policing projects and other Community Development Programs. Allwright is well established in The Gambia. He is in the good books of the law enforcement authorities.
A disgruntled former staffer of Chris's educational fund had claimed that these young girls are being sexually exploited. He also claimed that since the Brikama police are receiving financial help from Chris Allwright, they the police will never take such complaints filed against Allwright seriously. That, the police’s hands are tight since they have accepted Allwright’s funds.
For instance, said the disgruntled former staffer, Allwright renovated the entire Brikama police station in the recent past. He says the police have been induced by the Briton to an extent that, they dare not stop his car on the road, not to mention verifying sexual exploitation allegations being raised at this hour against Allwright.
The former employee says the Brikama police had been pocketed by Allwright, since he finances most of their projects. He adds that many policemen received financial help from the Briton.
Among the goals of Chris’s Charitable Organization, is to reach out to Gambia’s growing orphanage population. These kids, received clothing, food and financial help from Chris. His intension is to keep them out of the streets and make them productive members of society. The majority of the kids have been enrolled in school, thanks to Allwright’s magnanimity.
Lamin Sillah a youth residing in Brikama, Sanchaba took Wiseman on a surprising visit to Allwright’s house. Since the story was a delicate one, I deem it necessary to embark on secret investigations, before personally contacting Allwright for his side of the story. I walked into his premises uninvited, through the help of Lamin Sillah. Mr. Sillah frequents Allwright’s home on a daily basis.
On arrival, I was introduced to the 12 young girls. The girls wanted to share their stories with me, but said they were scared. The girls declined to comment on the reasons for their presence at Allwright’s home.
My escort Lamin Sillah remarked “ if it is true that Allwright is innocent, why is he lodging all these girls at his house? Sillah then revealed that Allwright had so far divorced four Gambian wives before marrying his current wife, in the person of Amie Jah Bah, also a resident of Brikama, Sanchaba.
"Mr Alwright has rented a flat for his wife, in another part of Sanchaba so that his wife will not know what he does at his main residence." Said Lamin Sillah.
Allwright is in the good books of the police, said the disgruntled former employee. The Inspector General of Police Benedict Jammeh was among the dignitaries, who were present at Allwright’s home during the inauguration of Chris’s new Photo Lab and Flight outfit business. Also in attendance was the Western Region Commissioner.
Many believe that Chris is using his wealth to corrupt the police so that his alleged clandestine activities would not be put on check. “ He thinks that when he gets the police on his side, nobody can file a complaint against him. The police are corrupt. They careless about the plight of the girl child. As long as they received financial help from Allwright, they don’t care about the plight of others.” said one of the complaining parties.
An official of the Brikama police tells the Freedom Newspaper that Allwright indeed renovated their police station. “ He did extend financial help to our station. He single handedly renovated the station. Regarding the allegations of pedophile, we are yet to receive a formal complaint. We heard people making such allegations against Allwright in Brikama, but unless we received a formal complaint, we cannot do anything. Mind you, Allwright is very close to the Inspector General. If those on the top are benefiting from Allwright’s financial help, do you think it’s safe to invite Allwright for questioning? My brother, our seniors are corrupt and there is nothing we can do on this case.” said the police insider.
The insider said their Station Officer and Crime office Detectives were very close to Allwright. “ Those expected to investigate suspects are now dining with suspects. Do you foresee any justice in this locality? Why are they compromising their police duties, just for few hundreds?” lamented the police insider.
Mr. Allwright was indisposed for comments at press time. Charles was not available to respond to emails sent to him by Wiseman. He could also not be reached on his phone.
Editors note: Information contained in this piece, is currently treated as mere allegations. Unless, Allwright tells us his side of the story, we shall continue to give him the benefit of the doubt.
We have no intention of defaming or slandering the image of this hard-working philanthropist. Ours is to perform our journalistic duty. The onus lies on Allwright to clear the air. This piece is not malicious at all. Now, that the police have told us their side of the story, it's Allwright's turn. Allwright, please tell us your side of the story. We thank you for your attention.