Njawara Movers and Shakers

This work portrays a pulsating village government and local traditions. It depicts movers and sages of the times and how rural knowledge and tribal cohesiveness is maintained and passed on to the next generation. Today’s Bantaba is a microcosm of former African democratic systems. The Bantaba is the doctrine of village life and the village constitution. This village ritual has been going on for many millennia in hopes of faithfully maintaining ancestral values and virtues. In this setting, which is standard in most villages, everyone participates in debate about a topic or rendered decisions. Here, the village settles intricate disputes fairly without resorting to Western legal routes. In addition to its other functions, the Bantaba serves as a ceremonial wrestling ground amidst other festivities held in the area. We salute heroines and heroes like Hadi Panneh, Sefo Fafanding Kinteh, the late Baba Salla Ceesay and Sisawo Ceesay, the Lower Badibou District Authority, Kerewan Area Council, and all speakers and contributors to the functional life of Njawara village. Without giants like these, life at Njawara would have been more dismal than it already is.