Bamenda/Buea citydwellers suffer persistent effects of the strike

Tuesday January 10th 2017

The population of the towns of Bamenda, Buea, Limbe and Kumba wake up Tuesday January 10, 2017 surrounded by a relative calm and silent atmosphere with a few operational businesses, 24 hours after official resumption date. The over 2 month old Lawyer/Teacher strike apparently is consuming the minds of the Anglophone citizens who more than ever want the absolute respect of their demands. Due to the unresolved grievances tabled to the administrative quarters, deserting of school premises has become a new strategy to push the government to adopt the option of dialogue.

 Before now, victimised 'les bamendas' as English speaking Cameroonians are fondly called by their compatriots of French speaking expression, will accept everything and anything from the government.Today, the story is different as they are prepared to die for freedom/independence/separation, if that end is inevitable.

The situation is even more serious with Mr BIYA's silence as a patriotic citizen from the main opposition stronghold Sirri Mangie puts it 'Every war is a test of resolve. Mr Biya and his Merry Men have tested our resolve and our determination. They have seen it. In fact, they have seen only a very tiny bit of it. They may not yet know the full expanse of the frightening resolve in the children of Ambas. However one thing is clear. We prove to ourselves this day that we are indeed a people, a people proud of its history and culture and tradition and might and power and resolve. In 2009, the African Commission on Human and People's Rights told French Cameroun that the people of Ambazonia S Cameroons are a separate and distinct people with inalienable rights especially the right to existence and the right to free themselves from colonisation. We are doing just that. The issue is not nonsense talks about a federation that has no basis. French Cameroon voted against any joining with Ambazonia Southern Cameroons on April 21, 1961. The issue therefore is the restoration of the independence and sovereignty of our country. Freedom Land, the anthem says and to Buea we come.'

CHE FON on his part published on his facebook wall that  'A referendum was conducted today in the English Cameroons on the popularity of the regime in Yaounde and based on who has the mandate of the people. The consortium swept over the national territory by a landslide victory depicting the will of the English Cameroons. We do not bow to the authority in Yaounde anymore because they have not given us reason to. Our struggle has just begun.'

The Chairperson of an Ad Hoc Interministerial committee made an official announcement

 informing the following of their new tasks to the republic:

Mr. NJIE Samuel KALE, PCC Education Secretary;

Mr. NTOKO NTUBA Wilfred, Cameroon Education Forum;
Mr. George NGWANE, Parent;
Ms. Lois EBENYE IKOME, Principal G.B.H.S Tiko;
Mr. MBETE William, Principal G.T.H.S Muyuka;
Mr. S.T MBU, Education Secretary Lay Private;
Fr. EBIAGA Peter Paul, Mamfe Diocese;
Mr. MOTANGA Hilary Hamza, Islamic Education Secretary Buea.

(s) Prof GHOGOMU Paul MINGO) 

The public announcement informing the Adhoc committee members of their new assignments of examining and proposing solutions to the concerns raised by Anglophone Teachers' Trade Unions was issued by the Director of the Prime Minister's Cabinet, Paul MINGO GHOGOMU.

Hoping this will efficiently and effectively speed up the dialogue option, the citizens of main opposition stronghold who have recently resisted bribes aimed at corrupting their virtuous intentions, hold that things have gone back to normal but no schools until the demands of the Lawyers and the teachers are met.

Amy BANDA

A befitting poem for the freedom fighters of the victims of the Anglophone Problem by Amy BANDA

They beat them, Maltreated them, maimed them, raped them, tortured them thinking they were breaking the spirit of the freedom fighters

Listen… let me narrate a short story to you
They say news is nicer from the horse’s mouth
I am talking about the painful story of the Anglophones in Cameroon
Oh No! Are you still wondering?
I’m talking about the marginalization and the struggle of the Anglophones in Cameroon
The Minority always given the second place in the society
I can hear the echoes of their angry voices
I can hear their grievances
I can feel their pain
I can also smell the gain out of the struggle
Freedom is an idea Anglophones want to live for
But if need be, Freedom is an ideal they will die for.

Dialogue, Dialogue, Dialogue
Where did you hide your face?

Sentenced to the verdict of marginalization,
Injustice and Inequality became the daily bread of Anglophones
Despised and given secondary roles always, termed ‘les bamendas’ as if to denigrate their personalities, given little or no importance in the educational, legal and communication sectors, always assisting Francophones who many a times are not as competent as them…..
Thinking they were breaking the spirit of the Anglophones

HA HA

Little did they know they were preparing the Anglophones to break the chains of inequality, oppression and discrimination.
And out of this mental prison, Anglophones opened their hearts and forgave the perpetrators of violence, injustice and asked for dialogue
Fighting their way out of the cage, the cave to centre stage, dialogue was the only option
An option too difficult for the other party to accept, yet very vital to save a people from tearing apart because of foreign languages and culture

Had it not been for the sacrifices of the bold, brilliant and determined lawyers and teachers who later got support from students who got killed in the peaceful protest, the Anglophone problem will be ignored and deepened sores will not be treated.

Thank you Anglophone Lawyers,

Thank you Anglophone teachers,

Thank you University Students for being courageous enough to expose the rotting sore.

You are heroic figures!

You made Anglophones proud of being full-fleshed patriotic and dutiful citizens of Cameroon.

Proudly Cameroonian

Target Peace

D.O meetings have no impact on the people's decisions in NDU

What looked like a fairy tale to some has become a reality. The people of NDU wake up Monday January 9 morning to embrace a ghost town activity. The quietness of the markets, non movements of the commercial bikes and the graveyard like look of the administrative and education quarters leave every citizen of NDU dumbfounded.

The ineffective resumption of schools in this south town on the official term two take off date pushes denizens to ponder on whether or not to fight. Of what use is the fight if the future leaders will remain uneducated? Of what use is education if the system does not serve justice and equality as its texts prescribes, are amongst others, questions that animate every lip in the town of Ndu. 

Despite the impromptu door to door meetings held by the D.O Sunday; calling on all education stakeholders to effectively resume classes on Monday January 9, the people are more than ever bent to continue with the strike. This means the usual noisy streets littered with chanting people have been deserted. They cry for justice, equality in opportunities or the birth of a Federated nation whereby decentralisation will be absolutely respected for the common good of the people.

The republic of Cameroon was born after white domination and another page in history is being written by Cameroonians who are fed up with french domination over English speaking citizens who share the same rights and responsibilities. 55 Years ago, a young girl without much understanding of deep political intrincacies and exigencies now stands on her feet invoking the union or separation of both entities under colonial manipulations. 

Once both parties yearned for a major composition 'We go leave Nigeria, One Kamerun' and today the injustice has killed the enthusisasm of belonging. Those flames of unity now ring bells of federation or secession. 

However this is achieved, whether this has an effect on the school calendar, or not, the people don't care.

Amy BANDA

Ineffective Term two take off in NDU

January 9, 2017

Twin Towns of Bamenda and Buea witness ineffective resumption of schools

Calm, Peace and this graveyard-like atmosphere welcomes any visitor into the chieftowns of the North West and South West Regions, Monday January 9, 2017.

"This is a once-in-a-generation ineffective school resumption," Ntangunu Michael said, "because I think it will reverberate for quite a long time."

The ghosttown indicates there has been no effective resumption of classes in nursery, primary, secondary and high schools in Bamenda and Buea.

Credible information from sure Sources however reveal that teachers in a few schools were ready for lessons, but the empty classrooms rendered their efforts to complete the sylabus sterile. It's hard to think of a craft, profession or skill whose standards have endured for so long.

It would appear the information broadcast on social media warning parents not to send their children to school scared a good number of families who still want to spend cherished moments with their kids.  

''Before the official take off of term two, Ntangunu said, information was broadcast on social media preventing teachers from accomplishing their tasks and scaring kids from the four walls of their classrooms.'' 

The ineffective resumption of classes for the 2nd term of the school year in the North West and South West Regions of Cameroon do not only paralyse the education and economic sectors of the nation, but leave the government to ponder on the option of dialogue over the pressing Anglophone problem.

''The fact and truth counted for something. Politicians are to be held accountable. This country has never had such a compelling peaceful protest that went as low as this one did, Ntangunu said, or one where both parties both have such negative education oriented goals.''

The transport network was paralyzed with the absence of yellow cars, 'okadas' and school buses which usually facilitate movement for the teachers, parents, pupils or students on such occasions.

A liitle tension however aroused around Mutengene; Mile 16 and 17 which was later tamed by some peaceful patriots. 

Nasty enough to gag a buzzard, the very quiet scenes send signals to the administrative quarters on the seriousness of Anglophones on pressing issues.

"There's a deadline every nanosecond," Ntangunu said.

And that leaves less time for actual reporting. But are the politicians and administrative authories aware of how precious time is for the education family?
Amy BANDA
January 9, 2017.

An Interesting and Insightful Journey full of Hope

MY PROFESSION, MY PASSION & MY PERSONALITY
https://www.facebook.com/amy.banda1/posts/1160858730616467?comment_id=1162032660499074&notif_t=like&notif_id=1478237356817582

The first time I anchorred the News on LTM, I learnt how to add value to my TV personality, adlib, connect with my audience via my charisma and my presence. To some it was like saying A, B C or 1, 2, 3 and to others, It was the beginning of an insightful, moving, sensitive and patient TV revolution.
To me, every detail mattered from the headlines, to the vocal display of facts, the charismatic gesticulations, the way I dress, to the way I voice out signals via the eye contact.

Creating meaningful impact on the  viewers (who made me their TV queen in no distant time) and inspiring young girls with the way I did my presentations, became breakfast, lunch and supper for me. 

Then, came the creation and writing process. I had to learn how to write blueprint copies of every initiative that vibrated energy and meaning to my brain. It wasn't an easy task for me to start up an English program since the Anglophone problem was rife on the media landscape (out of the existing media outlets, not even 1 could boast of having the broadcast of at least 3 English programs per day), so I started doing bilingual shows. See an excerpt of 'Samedi Soir' with Prince Ndedi Eyango https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a9_7EP2BVE0

Then taking a look at the impact this had on the English audience, I devised new strategies with the creation and hosting of flagship programs like:
 'Voice of the Voiceless' https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bLy3r1GU-Fc
'Views, Voices and Visions' https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rZJ9cm-9aRw&t=2233s
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9pzAnSEtW9g
'Monuments' https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PGXhKogGzGw&feature=youtu.be
'Good Morning Cameroon' https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G5S-f8XPJlw
'Cameroon's Crow' https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TZIUFvaauYI&t=140s to name these.

The Anglophones developed interest in my talk shows which did not only inform, inspire and empower the viewers, but as well educated a cross section of people on ethics. The story of the audacious, daring and ground breaking anchor took another dimension and arrows came from diverse horizons to hit me. I am a gifted TV asset many said, but this shining light attributed to my personality, attracted some jealousy, envy and wickedness from colleagues. I experienced the good, the bad and the ugly which pushed me to extremes and before I knew it, I fell into a depression. I didn't understand why thorns decorated my seats, path and every move I made to make things right. The most annoying aspect was these arrows came from those I helped, uplifted and confided in, most of the times. I lost total confidence in me, doubted every move I made, hated the new version of me who trusted no one and made fear a best friend. That notwithstanding, I knew this fire in me could not be extinguished by jealousy of a few, so I pushed on.

At home, My darling husband supported me at his best, and understood when I dropped a resignation letter to give myself a break and enable my colleagues who were insecure to gain the grounds my presence was preventing them from having. 

Then.....  Starting all over was primordial for me and I was made to believe I had a personality and an attitude problem. This made me take a distance from many whom I feared had a negative influence on my becomming better. Its a difficult but necessary step to make in the redefining process of a human being, especially when arrows have hit you badly, you don't believe in ideas, everyone else sees as brilliant.

Doing my job and keeping my passion alive became a renewed and refreshed focal point, but since I didn't take counselling out of the depression I had, I faced the same circumstances which made me quit again. Dream Killers and Vision Thieves willing to replace me cooked up all sorts of stories of me being chased away, with an intention to ridicule me.

Then I said to myself, enough is enough and in an attempt to bow out of the scene, I received a life turn around mail from Olivia MUKAM informing me to pick up my visa for the Embassy of the US in Yaounde. This good news blew some fresh breeze to my body, mind and soul as I was told, I am Cameroon's nominee for the 2016 Edward Murrow IVLP funded by the U.S Department of State.

My story of Independence, Integrity and Impact took turns with my flight to the United States of America where I dined and wined the best breed of Journalism icons. Upon my arrival at the Washington DC, I met a guide whose hospitality is still to be qualified by a word from the dictionary. Frank picked me and other members of my group for the Washington Hilton where we spent days before embarking for the Election Night trip to Minneapolis. At the Washington DC, a visit to the White House, US Congress, the Vietnam War Survivors, Abraham Lincoln's and Martin Luther King Jr's monuments brought me close to America's history and cultural heritage. Talking with Federalism expert on American politics ahead of election night, having an intellectual exchange with Secretary Kerry, sharing experiences with Journalism moguls like Dr. Shaka Ssali of the VOA, Paul FARHI of the Washington Post, Margaret Sullivan of the WP, Bob Woodward of the Washington Post to name these,  taught me to love what I do more irrespective of circumstances, render only accurate, credible and truthful facts in a balanced story for information, trust the power of my ideas,  leave the past where it belongs, pick out what's better of it  and move on with the present.

My knowledge of America's foreign policy broadened and experts shared interesting details with the murrow fellows on efforts made by the world's leading power to secure peace, ensure leaders are democratically elected to power, educate,connect and empower visionary leaders willing to impact their communities with the difference in their services.

Moving on, Minneapolis' weather, warm welcome and waterfalls (Minihaha) did not only make me breathe an air of being in a wonderland, but also celebrated me and nurtured in me the ability to thrive in a fast changing World. The meeting with the magnificient staff of the University of Minnesota enlightened in me the need to stay humble. I may go right or wrong anyway but I must not forget to maintain the passionate flame and energy in solidarity and humility.

Feeling at home, I met my sister Judith SHU (whom I had not seen for more than a decade) and family who served me a sumptuous meal 'Achu and Yellow soup' commonly called one finger around the world at the forest lakes. Enjoying quality family moments with her intelligent kids who are so confident and intelligent, I lost touch of time and forgot I had an appointment with an incredibly caring couple willing to know more about my Country. Better late than never, I had to make haste and catch up with the home hospitality activity that hooked me up to a wonderful family, whose understanding and hospitality crown Minneapolis America's Tourism Destination. The twin cities resemble Heaven in the world, because you can find everything like beautiful places, beaches, delicious foods, friendly and creative people who make your short stay worthwhile and unforgettable.

Then another inspiring, unique, passionate and motivating experience at the Poynter in Tampa-Florida connected me to great journalists like Dan Rather, Dion LIM to name but these, whose generosity, knowledge, leadership skills, solidarity and humility in constructive conversations did not only model the best of me, but they were flexible enough to open my mind to new learning styles.

Facing the challenges with greater risks and more undefined rewards, soaring highs and abysmal lows, having dialogue upon dialogue on the emotional highs in the US following the election of the republican candidate as the 45th president of the globe's leading power, finding solutions to problems in reporting to inplant seeds of hope and possibilities, New York's sessions presented endeavors serving as outstanding outlets for my creativity, a means of helping the mass and a seemingly never ending series of issue attempting chances from which to grow personally.

I hope to share these insights with you on a regular basis to help you find out what makes you tick, your personal hang-ups, so you can work on the choices you make, your relationships with other business settings and learn more about yourself along the way to make every journey of yours interesting.

To the U.S Department of State, Embassy of the United States in Yaounde, Meridian International, Sponsors and partners of the 2016 Edward Murrow Program, I am thankful you hooked me on an entrepreneurial high. This reward and the satisfaction of feeling as though I helped my community has given me all the confidence I needed to work my way down the street. I didn't realize it at the time, but I was beginning to learn three of the most important lessons - selling myself, building relationships and not allowing rejections to get the better of my drive to move forward.

I am so grateful you valued and improved my status that I celebrate you today and pray the roadmap for next year's murrow's agenda be as electrifying, educative, efficient, empowering and exciting as this year's.  May the Murrow Fellows leave motivated,supported and well resourced, to continue the potent and challenging journey of moulding patriotic citizens, building corrupt free nations and democratically elected governed systems with accurate and credible reporting.

GOOD MORNING CAMEROON SHOW 14 MARCH 2014

COUL MAT DU 10 FEV 2015