By Rohey Jadama
Mr Abdoulie Ebrima Jammeh, the former Director of Gambia Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) has yesterday 3 
October, 2016 testified as the third prosecution witness (PW3) in the ongoing false information trial of Borry J. Saidy, the former Acting Manager of Air Traffic Services at the Brikama Magistrates’ Court.
The defendant was represented by Lawyer Borry S. Touray, while Inspector Gibba appeared for the Inspector General of Police (IGP).
Responding to questions from prosecutor Gibba, PW3 told the court that in appointing a staff at GCAA, there is a level that requires decision from the Director General and another level that requires the decision of the board of Directors. He further added that the appointment of the Airport Manager falls within that category.
When asked whether the accused persons applied for the post Mr. Jammeh responded in the positive adding that the accused applied with several other applicants. He said they advertised the position on the print media but they also encourage the staffs to apply.
PW3 further told the court that there was also an internal notice for staffs indicating the availability of the vacant post. He said the interview was conducted by the board sub-committee headed by Sahou A.R Njie.
The former GCAA Director said after the interview the report was submitted to the full board for their approval. When asked whether he know who the position was given to, Mr Jammeh said the position was given to Fabakary Kalleh as Airport Manager.
“Mr. Saidy said the position was created for him and as a matter of policy we create positions because there is need for it, select the person’s best fitted for it based on the person’s qualification. In our opinion as management, we felt that the sub-board committee did a great job in present a report for the consideration and approval”, said the witness.
The witness said the accused person claimed that the appointment was not proper and that it favours the junior officer who had no experience or qualification in aviation.
“Will you be surprise that he said in his petition that there is no fair treatment at GCAA?”, asked prosecutor Gibba. The witness responded that he will be surprise because as a manager their priority is to give the best to their employees. He added that the accused person was complaining of travelling and that he the accused travelled 3 times on an official duty.
PW3 said the accused made reference on lack of qualification for certain posts and that those holding the posts lacked the requisite management training and that they have in their files certificates confirming their qualification or such training in their various profession such as air traffic and airport rescuing and they acquired the highest possible training in those areas and this functions are very core in civil aviation.
At this juncture, lawyer Touray applied for an adjournment, which was granted by the court. The case was subsequently adjourned to 12 October, 2016 at 11am for mention and 24th October, 2016 at 2pm for hearing.
