By Yero Jallow (Dalton)

SUN SHINED IN GAMBIA'S CHICAGO CONFERENCE;

As African intellectuals preached African Values.

Midwest Gambian Association's 7^th annual Conference kicked off September 2nd 2006 at the Majestic Star hotel, Gary, Indiana. The conference that attracted a lot of Gambians in the area was also a forum for African intellectuals to argue their opinions on what is the reality for our current Africa. The theme of this year's conference "Vote 2006-Beginning of our Third Republic or Continuation of our Second Republic" brought to the conference table Mr. Baba Galleh Jallow, Dr. Michael Gomez, Dr. Nnam Nkuzi, Honorable Halifa Sallah via telephone conference, and lot of other Gambians living in the American states of Chicago, Indiana, Illinois and Minnesota.

Dr. Gomez in his speech called for a real change of attitude from Gambians. "It's about changing the hearts and minds of the Gambian people. You don't lead by dictating, you lead by examples.", said Dr. Gomez while emphasizing the need for Gambians to criticize, offer solutions to problems, and not condemn others. Dr. Gomez, who spoke openly against corruption, also signaled Gambians to have a term limit to the presidency, and exercise intellectual honesty at home and abroad to avoid overthrowing of Governments because of African leaders overstaying in power.

Dr. Nkuzi, a Nigerian professor living in Chicago, called on Africans not to abandon their culture. "What is African doesn't appeal to us than what is foreign, even though ours is better.", he said in a speech that he titled "Colonial Mentality In Africa", which is also a summary of a book he authored deals with societal morality of the abandoned cultures which he blamed on colonialism.

Mr. Baba Galleh Jallow who spoke on "Beyond Neocolonialism: Approaches of Understanding Africa's Underdevelopment.", hit hard on many African rulers describing them as mere rulers out to terrorize the citizens of their countries. Galleh cannot comprehend the so called excuse of terror meted out to Gambians in the name of national security. "It needs to be National Security with a human face.", Galleh emphasized while frowning at Gambian tyrant, Yaya Jammeh, who he accused along other rulers of being monsters, sycophants, criminal rulers, and thugs.

"You have to build a nation's state from below, and never above-that will never work. Develop the minds of the people, and the people will develop the country", Galleh pointed while explaining the proper order of how the system needs to look like. Galleh also called on Gambians and Africans to have a common National Identity, rather than seeing themselves as belonging to tribes: "Gambians and Africans need to see themselves under a common identity." Meanwhile he asked his wide readership to check for his funny stories at the Gambia post, and watch out for the book in the pipeline titled "Diary of an African journalist", which he said will unveil of all the atrocities taking place in our the Gambia since 1994.

Joe Sambou who chaired the conference mourned two of their late members namely Amie Njie and ML Prom, and the whole crowd observed a moment of silence for them, in respect for their past dedication to the Midwest Gambian Association of Chicago.

In a similar development, Hon. Sallah of NADD honored the invitation, and briefed Gambians about NADD's development so far. Hon. Sallah, who sounded very optimistic of victory for NADD, openly described NADD as the real progressive party with galvanized supporters who are in charge of their destiny. The chairman of the occasion, Mr. Sambou revealed to the gathering that the same opportunity was accorded to the UDP/NRP, and they failed to honor it saying they are too busy with campaign, and no reason was advanced why Jammeh of the APRC didn't honor his'. Meanwhile a document submitted by Karamba Touray, external youth activist for the UDP couldn't be shared with attendees because of an alleged forgery and plagiarism on the said document, and he was notified of the association's move not to share the document with attendees. It is not clear to the author of this piece if the document was written by Karamba or not, and we do hope he deems it necessary to give an explanation to Gambians.

One Kemo Jarjou, Executive member of the SeneGambian Association in Madison, Wisconsin, sounded very critical to the Midwest Chicago host when approached for comments. Mr. Jarjou's argument that the name " Midwest" is supposed to represent all the surrounding states, and therefore the yearly gathering should be rotational in all these states. Mr. Jarjou said they are patient, and he will continue to call on the Executives in Chicago to reverse their decision of hosting it continually in Chicago to foster unity among all the states of the Midwest, and he cited some states that used to attend this gathering, but now backed off after they suspected that Chicago is making this gathering a personal event. Others who wish to remain anonymous made similar comments, and in fact one commentator said he already signaled the association about that for a long time. At this time, we hope Mr. Ousman Conteh, Isatou, Demba Sowe, Joe Sambou and their entire team will communicate to Gambians about this situation, which is likely to jeopardize their cordial relations with their neighboring states if no remedies are implemented.

In attendance Samba Baldeh, President of the SeneGambian Association of Wisconsin, described the conference as "well spirited". Mr. Conteh, Chairman of the Midwest Gambian Association gave the vote of thanks. The night dance on Sept 2nd was also well attended with Mbalax and Ndagga echoing in one of the famous "Sunugal" restaurant, where the night program was held.

Comments: We report the news as we see it, and not as you see it. We look forward to hearing from our brothers Karamba Touray, and Ousman Conteh in earnest.

DETROIT TAKES AMIE NJIE'S TROPHY HOME WHILE PROM'S TROPHY STAYED IN CHICAGO.

Sad and honorable was the second day events in Chicago. Two trophies were contested among the Midwest states.  Detroit won Chicago in the finals of the soccer competition, taking home the first trophy provided in honor of the Late Amie Njie, and Chicago being second won the ML Prom's trophy-it is noted that the late Njie and Prom were very active members and participants in the Midwest Association. As attendees at the soccer field observed a moment of silence for the two, family members were honored to present the trophies to the winners. We summarize the soccer matches below.

FIRS GAME: Detroit (1), Chicago (1)

SECOND GAME: Madison (1), Chicago (1)

THIRD GAME: Madison (o), Detroit (1)

FINAL GAME: Chicago (0), Detroit (1)