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Fisheries Officers Trained on Digital Data Collection

The Department of Fisheries embarked on data collection training for the fisheries information system. Director of Fisheries Anna Mbenga Cham, reaffirmed the Fisheries Department’s commitment to the development of the Fisheries sector. Dr. Patrice Brehmer, from the French National Research Institute for Sustainable Development (IRD) said the training was a continuation of the first phase, which was the harmonization of data collection at sub-regional level, and deploying a digital data collection system in order to facilitate the work on the landing site. He said the second phase, would extend the use of the android tablets in other to collect some important data. He revealed that some sea water temperature sensor which can communicate with the tablet would be deployed and the information can be sent directly to the Fisheries department. An observatory for mammals on the beach and all the sea weed events would be set as well report other observations like marine pollution, accidents or unusual interference at sea. The objective is to show the ability of the Fisheries Department and its data collectors to act as the eyes and the ears of The Gambia along the coast.

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PRESIDENT BARROW RECEIVES €5M FIRE EQUIPMENT DONATION FOR GAMBIA FIRE AND RESCUE SERVICES

The President, His Excellency Adama Barrow, on Thursday received firefighting equipment and other assorted materials worth five million euros for immediate distribution to the Gambia Fire and Rescue Services at a ceremony held at the State House.The equipment was donated by a Spanish NGO, "Start Up," which has longstanding ties with Gambia's security services, to strengthen the fire and rescue services and enable them to respond more effectively to emergencies.The equipment includes trucks, fire-fighting machinery, tanks, utility vehicles, hoses, welding machines, and bushfire-fighting tools.This firefighting equipment forms part of a long-standing partnership between the NGO 'Start Up," led by Sonia, and Gambia's security services, initiated in 2023.Sonia Sona Mariama, the president of the Star Up NGO, is explaining the functions of the donated equipment to the President H.E Adama Barrow. (PC: State House)However, this donation is the largest since the partnership began and is poised to significantly enhance operations at the Gambia Fire and Rescue Services, which handles emergency rescue situations involving fires and bushfires, among others.The President expressed his high appreciation for this recent donation, believing it highlights the importance of the partnership with the Spanish NGO.He described the Fire and Rescue Services as a vital part of the National Security apparatus and stated that this intervention will greatly bolster their capacity to respond to emergencies, especially in densely populated areas.This consignment also includes a 12,000-litre capacity tank, the largest in the GFRS inventory. Sonia agrees that this will greatly expand the fire service’s ability to tackle fires.The 12,000-litre capacity tank which is the largest in the Gambia Fire and Rescue Services inventory. (PC: State House)Chief Fire Officer Massaneh Bah described it as an “important partnership” that will transform his “security outfit' and improve the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery.This donation also celebrates the fruitful partnership between 'Start Up' and the security services, offering a moment to reflect on future possibilities and opportunities.As an Honorary Deputy Chief Fire Officer, Sonia expressed optimism that this collaboration will continue, as both parties prepare for the next phase of the partnership—designing the civil protection system with the Ministry of Interior.The event was presided over by President Adama Barrow. The ceremony was also attended by the Interior Minister, Abdoulie Sanyang, senior officials of the Gambia Fire and Rescue Service, and donors from Spain. 

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LADY SARJO MOBILIZES HUNDREDS AT STATE HOUSE, VOWS TO LEAD PRESIDENT BARROW’S RE-ELECTION CAMPAIGN

Hundreds of members of the Lady Sarjo Mballow Barrow fans club visited her on Wednesday to show their support for her and President Adama Barrow at State House.The members represent numerous clubs across the country, which have adopted Lady Sarjo as their Honorary Mother in recognition of her contributions to national development and for serving as a positive example for women and girls.The purpose of the meeting was to introduce her to the members and their activities, and also to establish common ground as the political climate heats up ahead of the upcoming election later this year.The main organiser of this gathering is Sidi Dem, a prominent figure within political circles, known for his unwavering support and loyalty to President Barrow.Dem expressed gratitude to the members for responding to calls on short notice, describing it as “evidence of the love and affection” Gambians have for Lady Sarjo.He challenged all fan club members to rally behind President Barrow so that he can secure re-election with a comfortable majority. Dem also urged the women to engage with their constituents to increase political support for the President.This sentiment was echoed by regional representatives of the Lady Sarjo Fans club from the Upper River, West Coast, and North Bank regions. They all called for vigorous mobilisation of votes to deliver a landslide victory for the President in December.The speakers also praised Lady Sarjo, expressing admiration for her humility and peaceful nature as qualities that endear her to people both in The Gambia and beyond.Aja Haddijatou Jallow Jobe of Sinchu Alaji challenged the fans to use their influence to persuade more people to join the ranks of the NPP, which she describes as a development-focused and peaceful party.Nene Trawally of Brikama North tasked the fans with turning their words into action by voting for President Barrow to secure another five-year term. She emphasised that this victory would ensure the continuation of development across the country.She called on Lady Sarjo to be more “proactive in politics,” urging the fans to unite for the benefit of their Honorary Mother and to empower the President.The Chief of Brikama North, Mondo Jatta, reaffirmed his commitment to supporting the President's agenda, confidently predicting that the upcoming election is already decided and that the President will win by an “overwhelming majority.”He also warned against any attempts by the opposition to disrupt the registration process in Jalambang, affirming his intention to use the law to prevent interference.For the National Youth President of the NPP, Momodou Sabally, this was an unprecedented gathering, as it was the first event hosted by Lady Sarjo. He attributed this milestone to President Barrow's track record of development, which has made a significant impact nationwide.“He has built schools, brought electricity, and provided roads in remote communities, which encourages people to support President Barrow,” Sabally said.He confidently proclaimed that President Barrow would win the December presidential election, urging various groups within the fan club to work together to secure victory.Honourable Sidi S.K Njie thanked the members for their commendable initiative that could reshape politics in The Gambia.He spoke extensively about the President’s achievements in improving road infrastructure and electricity supply, describing these as “game changers” that have positively affected ordinary Gambians’ lives.He added that the President's vision is to “transform The Gambia into a city state,” and urged Gambians to “vote for continuity” under President Barrow's leadership.The gathering concluded with Lady Sarjo's speech, in which she described the turnout as a “great honour.” She expressed her gratitude to the organisers for a successful event, which she says has filled her with “happiness and humility.”She attributed her success to President Barrow, whom she praises as “development-oriented, peaceful and tolerant.”“After 9 years in power, you have all seen the development he has brought to this country,” Lady Sarjo stated, before urging her supporters to translate this love into votes for President Barrow.She called on women to lead the political campaign for his re-election, arguing that they stand to “benefit from the numerous development projects” in store.Finally, she pledged to play a more active role in politics, promising to lead her husband's re-election campaign this year.

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PRESIDENT BARROW PRESIDES OVER UTG’S 18TH CONVOCATION AS 1,633 STUDENTS GRADUATE

President H.E. Adama Barrow presided over the 18th convocation ceremony of the University of The Gambia at the Faraba Banta campus. The event celebrated the graduation of 1,633 students, making it the largest graduation in the university's history. The ceremony was attended by special guests, government officials, and students. This year's convocation was historic, featuring high-profile attendees such as Dr Akinwumi Adesina, former President of the African Development Bank, and Prof. Dauda Ngom, Senegal's Minister of Higher Education, Research, and Innovation. The Vice Chancellors of three universities from Senegal, Ghana, and Nigeria were also present at the ceremony.Professor Momodou Mustafa Fanneh, Chairman of the Governing Council of the University, described the convocation as a defining moment in the university's life, emphasising the preparation of these young men and women for a future beyond the classroom. He challenged the graduates to utilise their knowledge and experience to contribute positively to the development of society and the nation.Vice Chancellor Prof. Herbert Robinson stated that this convocation is a testament to the growth and resilience of the University of The Gambia, which now features a modern campus equipped with state-of-the-art facilities conducive to teaching and learning. He attributed the record graduation rate to the expansion of university infrastructure and programs.Prof. Robinson congratulated the graduates for their hard work, resilience, and dedication, assuring them that the university would continue its path of reform, expansion, and innovation to meaningfully contribute to the development of the country.Prof. Dauda Ngom, Senegal's Minister of Higher Education, spoke about the longstanding partnership between their institutions, urging Gambians to take advantage of scholarship opportunities to study in Senegal.Dr Akinwumi Adesina, one of the two special guests, expressed his pleasure in being associated with the university, praising the developments that have transformed the country in recent years. As a lifetime partner of The Gambia, he felt honoured to have a school named after him, the School of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, recognising his contributions to Africa's development.He pledged to establish an initial endowment of $250,000 to support education, scholarships, and faculty and staff, while also promising to make the university a global centre of excellence. His message to the graduates emphasised the importance of being prepared to face the challenges of the future.In his convocation speech, President and Chancellor H.E. Adama Barrow congratulated the graduates, their families, and the university on this milestone. He noted that hosting such an event in Faraba Banta has become a national symbol of aspiration, strategic investment, and educational transformation.The President added that the convocation's theme, "Higher Education as a Strategic Bridge for Policy, Innovation, and Job Creation," aligns with The Gambia's development priorities. He challenged the graduates to use their knowledge to positively impact the country's development, emphasising that the nation looks to them for solutions to its challenges.President Barrow reassured attendees that his government will continue to invest in education, particularly in the higher education sector, to equip young people with the necessary knowledge and skills to realise their potential.At the conclusion of the ceremony, distinguished students were recognised for their performance, with Ebrima Sumareh emerging as the overall best graduating student for the cohort. Sumareh expressed his deep humility and gratitude for the award, urging his peers to serve the nation with purpose and determination.

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VP JALLOW OPENS SCHOOL FEEDING FORUM, HIGHLIGHTS MASSIVE BUDGET INCREASE

The Vice President, His Excellency Mohammed B.S Jallow, has deputised the President, H.E. Adama Barrow, at the stakeholder engagement on the National School Feeding Forum at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Centre. The forum that aims to allow stakeholders to discuss the gains and challenges made so far in the school feeding initiative was attended by cabinet ministers, development partners, and key stakeholders in the education sector. Themed on Food for Education: Improving child health and educational outcomes, the initiative by the Gambia government through the Basic and Secondary Education ministry and their partners (CRS, USDA & Caritas) seeks to improve literacy rates, health and nutrition outcomes, all geared toward ensuring that children are supported and empowered to thrive in school. Delivering a statement on behalf of President Adama Barrow, Vice President Mohammed B.S Jallow said the government has demonstrated a strong commitment towards the school feeding programme with increased investment. “Public investment in school feeding has increased from GMD 30 million in 2019 to GMD 250 million in 2025/2026—an eightfold increase. This reflects our determination to build a sustainable, nationally owned programme.”“However, to achieve universal coverage by 2030, we must scale up investments and innovate new financing models,” he said.Investing in children who remain the most valuable asset of the nation is considered a move toward setting national development foundations right. Vice President Jallow further highlighted the impacts of the school feeding programme.“The impact of school feeding on education outcomes is both clear and compelling, and between 2021-2025, enrolment has increased by 17.2% and 10.4% for ECD and LBS respectively and total nationwide increase by 14.8%.”“More importantly, retention and completion rates are improving, particularly among vulnerable populations,” VP Jallow said.Dr Habibatou Drammeh, Minister for Basic and Secondary Education, commended the government for supporting the programme she described as a vital link in the education sector. “School feeding can catalyse broader socio-economic development, linking classrooms to farms and education outcomes to livelihoods.”“Equally significant is the strong and growing commitment of the government to financing the school feeding program over the years,” she said. Partners like the US government are key allies of the Gambia government in this initiative, for they provide vital support. Eugene Young,  US Charge d'Affaires in the Gambia, said the US and the Gambia share a mutual interest in the welfare of children. “This kind of partnership, which is practical and results-driven and focused on outcomes is exactly how the United States approaches development cooperation today.” “The United States and The Gambia shared mutual interest in seeing Gambian children well nourished, well educated, and prepared to build the future of this country,” he stated.This transformative programme targeting over 63,000 children across 186 schools will provide daily nutritious school meals, educational materials, and capacity building for teachers and communities. What started around 1970 as a donor support programme is now a fully government-controlled programme.

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PRESIDENT BARROW INAUGURATES LANDS, LOCAL GOVERNMENT COMMISSIONS TO TACKLE DISPUTES, BOOST DECENTRALISATION

The President, His Excellency Adama Barrow, on Monday presided over the inauguration and swearing-in of members of the newly established Lands Commission and the Local Government Service Commission at a ceremony at State House.  The two Commissions, comprising veteran civil servants,  have the onerous task of strengthening land governance and management in the country as well as resolving disputes related to land. The Lands Commission is headed by Raymond Sock as Chairperson,  Kebba Njie, Babucarr Mbye, Abdoulie Manneh and  Juldeh Ceesay all as members. One after the other, they all took the two oaths of office and secrecy, conducted by the Deputy Secretary to the Cabinet, Momodou Dibba.They later signed the oath registry officially confirming their appointments. Four other officials were also sworn in to the newly established Local Government Service Commission. Former Police chief and Interior Minister Yankuba Sonko heads this Commission which also has Abdoulie Sallah, Saffie Lowe and Bahyda Hydara as members.They also took the prescribed oaths of office and secrecy,  before signing the oath book.Speaking on behalf of the two Commissions,  Raymond Sock expressed gratitude to the President for the trust and confidence reposed in them, and pledged to live up to expectations. The President described these vital institutions as “integral components of the governance process”  that will “reinforce and add value to the nation's land and local government structures.”He disclosed that the commission has a wide mandate which includes “modernising land records, resolving disputes,  promoting equitable access to land and aligning land management practices” with broader national development goals.On the creation of the local government service commission,  President Barrow said this Commission will “strengthen democracy and decentralisation” as it will operate at the level closest to the ordinary people.The President congratulated the Commissioners and thanked them for accepting this responsibility. As veteran civil servants who have served the government at the highest levels, President Barrow said the Commissioners have the “experience,  integrity and professionalism to deliver up to expectations.”He reassured that his government will give them all the support and encouragement to succeed,  and urged all stakeholders to work with the two Commissions to ensure “fair, impartial and equitable management of land.”

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VP JALLOW LAUNCHES FSQA'S STRATEGIC PLAN 2026-2030

His Excellency Mohammed B.S. Jallow, the Vice President, presided over the launch of the Food Safety and Quality Authority's (FSQA) Strategic Plan for 2026-2030 at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Centre in Bijilo. This strategic plan outlines the Authority's vision, strategic priorities, and key interventions aimed at strengthening food safety and quality systems, enhancing regulatory effectiveness, and safeguarding public health in The Gambia over the medium term.The landmark event gathered key stakeholders from the government, development partners, and the private sector, highlighting the government's commitment to ensuring that citizens have broad access to quality and safe food.Momodou Bah, the Director General of FSQA, explained that this initiative aims to meet the required standards while the FSQA continues to develop national regulations. “We have an Act from 2011, regulations started in 2021, a policy was established in 2024, and now we have developed a strategic plan in 2025. This progression sharpens our focus to ensure we are fulfilling the mandates of the government,” Bah stated.This marks the beginning of a transformative journey, as food safety regulations become increasingly important in ensuring the well-being of every individual.Dr Amadou Sowe, the FSQA Board Chair, emphasised that the successful implementation of the plan will require strong government support. “This ambition will demand sustained investment, strong political will, and unwavering commitment from all stakeholders. Strategic plans don’t implement themselves; they require leadership, discipline, resources, and collective ownership,” Dr Sowe remarked.Immaculada Roca i Cortés, the European Union Ambassador to The Gambia, reiterated the EU's commitment to supporting FSQA. She expressed satisfaction in contributing to a stronger regulatory framework, a more effective inspection and control system, and enhancing technical capabilities.Reports indicate that foodborne illnesses cause an estimated 137,000 deaths annually in Africa, with productivity losses exceeding $20 billion.Public Service Minister Baboucarr Bouy assured FSQA of their support as policymakers while urging all stakeholders to back this initiative. “I urge all stakeholders to rally behind FSQA and support the effective implementation of this Strategic Plan. By doing so, we will not only protect the health of our people but also unlock opportunities for Gambian products to thrive in competitive markets,” Minister Bouy said.In his launch statement, Vice President Mohammed B.S. Jallow described the FSQA Strategic Plan as the result of rigorous analysis, broad consultation, and honest self-reflection. “It is a plan that is both nationally rooted and internationally aligned,” he remarked.Vice President Jallow characterised the moment as one of “genuine national significance,” stating, “The food we eat is not merely a matter of personal choice; it is a matter of public health, economic security, and national dignity.”An estimated GMD 188.1 million is required for the implementation of the strategic plan over the next five years. H.E. Mohammed B.S. Jallow called on the Ministry of Finance, development partners, and the private sector to recognise food safety as “not a cost, but an investment in public health, economic competitiveness, and The Gambia's reputation as a reliable source of safe, high-quality products in regional and international markets.”The new strategic plan commits to strengthening FSQA's institutional and operational systems, prioritising financial sustainability and resource mobilisation, risk assessment, inspection, surveillance, and enforcement.Additionally, it aims to modernise laboratory services and digital infrastructure, while deepening stakeholder engagement and public awareness.Strategic plans are not just documents; they serve as critical guides for institutions. Their clarity and effectiveness dictate how well these institutions strive to fulfil their purpose.Now that the plan has been launched, the focus will shift to its implementation, which is anticipated to enhance The Gambia’s international recognition in global food markets.

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