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President Barrow inaugurates New Building at Brikama Market

President Adama Barrow Monday inaugurated the newly constructed Brikama market amidst fanfare and jubilation, replacing the old one engulfed by an inferno in late 2022. In his inaugural statement, President Barrow said the damage was heart-breaking, especially for the new business that had just been established. ‘’Upon receiving the news, my government promised to rebuild the whole market. It is most gratifying that, despite all the global economic crises, the Government was able to fully fund the first phase of the Market Project at an estimated cost of thirty-eight and a half million Dalasi (GMD38.5 million),’’ he noted. Citing the recently inaugurated North Bank Roads Project, the President said the opening of the new market is a testament to his government’s conviction to provide for Gambians basic services that will enable them to live dignified lives. President Barrow further stated his government’s commitment to revitalising the economy by improving businesses and business centres, adding,  ‘’already, we have built markets in Farafenni, Soma, Basse, and Latri-kunda. These centres facilitate trade and commerce, enhancing income creation for businesses within business-friendly environments.’’The President thanked the stakeholders for the speedy and efficient completion of the first phase, which comprised 88 stores and other facilities.

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President Barrow opens WAEC’s AGM

President Barrow Tuesday evening presided over the official opening ceremony of the 71st Annual Council Meeting of the Governing Board of the West African Examination Council at the SDKJ Conference in Bijilo.In his keynote address, the President commended WAEC for its exemplary service to member countries over the years, a feat no other colonial era institution achieved. The achievement he said was a manifestation of the the quality of structures, administrative arrangements and procedures that the Council evolved and maintained over the years.Apart from its consistent quality service delivery, President Barrow said Council has to keep abreast with a fast-changing scientific world and its ever-evolving and productive technological innovations and development.President said that his government would continue to explore international education standard and goals to improve education with a view to promoting excellence. He disclosed that his government is revising the school curriculum and one outcome is the introduction of Civic Education at the senior secondary school level.  

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Fifty-four (54) kilometre North Bank Rural Roads Project LOT1 inaugurated

President Adama Barrow says the North Bank Rural Roads Project is a lasting testimony of his government’s commitment to the goal of upgrading the North Bank Trunk Road to a multi-purpose standard carriageway. President Barrow made those remarks at Sara Kunda, North Bank Region as he inaugurated the newly constructed high way. He said the new nine-metre-wide double-sealed carriageway, connecting the trunk road to the riverside settlements of the region, will significantly promote trade activities and additionally foster regional connectivity. The benefits that come along with the road project would bring to the communities along the motor way were considered at the initial stage hence the allocation of the required funds. He therefore acknowledges, with profound appreciation, the fruitful collaboration among the co-sponsors of the project and their firm support for the Government. President Barrow expressed gratitude to all those who efforts to achieve the infrastructural development, a component of the National Development Plan (NDP).  

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President Barrow Receives the U.S. Under Secretary Ms Uzra Zeya

President Adama Barrow has recognised and applauded the United States's support to the Gambia. President was speaking in an audience with the U.S. Secretary of State for Civilian Security, Democracy and Human Rights, Ms Uzra Zeya, at State House on Monday, 13th March 2023.Ms Uzra is the most Senior Biden government official to visit The Gambia. The President said the U.S. support will help consolidate the gains The Gambia  realised in the areas of democracy and good governance, including the implementation of the recommendations of the TRRC White Paper 2021. President Barrow said his government wants to adequately compensate the victims of injustices of the past regime. He also told the US envoy that his government is working on establishing a hybrid court to prosecute perpetrators of heinous crimes, as indicated in the White Paper on the TRRC Report.President Barrow noted that while his government is limited with resources, they manage the citizens' expectations by investing in social projects that meet the people's demands, create job opportunities for the youth and generally improve the welfare of Gambians. The President promised re-introduce a new futuristic Constitution for all citizens. While expressing his support for a term limit, he added that the lack of it is one of the problems in Africa's governance and security environment. He also expressed a strong political will to fight corruption and the challenging forces against it, and said he was happy with the progress in that direction.On regional and multilateral issues, President Barrow took pride in The Gambia's leadership at the ECOWAS Commission and the Authority’s peace efforts in the sub-region. He assured Under Secretary Zeya of The Gambia's friendship and support at all levels for the mutual benefit of both countries and their people. He expressed delight in President Biden's pledge at the US-Africa Summit to support The Gambia amongst other African countries for their development and prosperity. Ms Uzra Zeya, said that The Gambia’s TRRC is a model worth saluting, as it incorporates reparation and Prosecution. She disclosed that America's development agency, USAID, will re-establish itself in The Gambia and support the access to justice programme of the government in partnership with CSO stakeholders.H.E Excellency Ambassador Sharon Cromer informed the President that the USAID support would include support to the office of the Special Prosecution in drafting legislation and a joint commission in establishing a hybrid court, working with CSOs.Ambassador Cromer also disclosed that the United States would support agriculture in ensuring food security by providing food aid which would be monetised to support the Agriculture programme. The support also include assisting the Gambia to transit from Malaria control to malaria elimination.The support will also extend to the security sector on humanitarian and disaster management, as in sixteen other countries. She referenced the outcome of a recent visit by a U.S. technical team with delight for The Gambia's progress. Thus, the U.S. will support the Ministry of Finance with technical assistant support with a Budget Adviser embedded in Ministry’s team.The U.S. support for the country is noticeable as the U.S. Under Secretary described it as "The Gambia's dramatic progress" that led to the MCC's recognition, the U.S. upgrading the country to Tier 2 on Trafficking in Person status and investing in host communities to support migration challenges and partnering in other shared concerns in diplomacy.  

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IWD: WOMEN IN JOURNALISM

The role of women in journalism in The Gambia is crucial. Women bring a unique perspective to the profession and have been instrumental in exposing injustices and giving voice to the marginalized. As we celebrate International Women's Day, let us acknowledge the achievements of these brave women and continue to support their work. We must strive to create a safe and enabling environment for women journalists in The Gambia and ensure that their voices are heard.

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V.P Jallow takes oath

Today, His Excellency President Adama Barrow presided over the swearing of the new Vice President, H.E Muhammed B.S Jallow, describing him as loyal and trustworthy.‘’During his tenure as Secretary General, Mr Jallow earned my trust and respect based on his performance and comportment. He demonstrated high professionalism and loyalty to the nation, hence his subsequent appointment to represent The Gambia at the Senegalo-Gambia Secretariat. While in active service, he also showed exemplary character and left his mark in the institutions he served.’’ The President noted.Stating that VP Jallow came at a time the pace had been set for the revised national agenda 2023-2027, President Barrow said his knowledge and experience in public administration would be an asset to the country, particularly his supervisory role in overseeing government institutions under his purview as well as participation in cabinet deliberations. Citing the recent signing of performance contracts with SOEs as an indication of his government’s readiness to set public service delivery targets, the President stressed that he is committed to leaving an enviable legacy with the support and cooperation of all arms of government. President Barrow concluded by urging the VP to maintain and promote the cordial team spirit and high professionalism that bind Cabinet members in their collective task of developing The Gambia with unquestionable sincerity.For his part, H.E VP Jallow thanked the President for the trust bestowed on him and assured him that he would work within the remits of the rule of law and due process in developing the country. He paid tribute to his late predecessor, H.E VP Joof, whom he referred to as a teacher and mentor, pledging to continue from the strong foundation he had built.

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MAJaC Trains school children on Broadcast Journalism for ICDB

Media Academy for Journalism and Communication - MAJaC gives 21 Children a chance to research, produce and present content for the International Children's Day of Broadcasting-ICDB. ICDB is a special day for which kids take over television and radio broadcast. This special day was launched by UNICEF in 1991 to raise awareness on children's issues.Every year, on the first Sunday of March, special programs are held to provide a platform for children to communicate with a worldwide audience. The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child is a driving force for this initiative, which aims to promote freedom of expression and their right to participation.In The Gambia, children are usually given similar opportunities on the day. As a hands-on journalism training institute, MAJaC gives back to children in a special way. The institution dedicated its staff to spend six days with 21 talented kids from Banjul, KMC and part of West Coast Region to encourage, prepare, and guide the kids to produce broadcast (TV and radio) content for day. The content produced by these kids include; a news bulletin, a panel discussion on the role of children in nation building, two special interviews- one with Hon Tumma Njie, chair select committee for women and children at the National Assembly, the Minister of Information Lamin Queen Jammeh and the UNICEF country rep Mr Gordon Jonathan Lewis. 

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  • MAJaC
  • March 5, 2023 08:03
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President Barrow swears in Five commissioners

The Government has a Huge Responsibility to Restore and Maintain Normality at All Levels- President BarrowPresident Adama Barrow, on Friday, the 24th of February, presided over the swearing-in ceremony of five Commissioners to inquire about the conduct of Local Councils following complaints and non-adherence to legal rulings on administrative matters.  The Commission members, Jainaba Bah Sambou, Samba Faal, Oreme E. Joiner, Sukai Secka Sanyang and Alhaji Sillah, took oaths of Office and Secrecy.Commending the members of the Commission for accepting to perform the task, the President reiterated his Government's commitment to addressing corrupt practices at all levels of public service delivery while urging the Commission to indulge judiciously and professionally in gathering facts on the conduct of the councils.  Recognising his Government's responsibility in establishing the rule of law, the President asserted his position stating, "Guided by Section 200 of the 1997 Constitution of the Republic of The Gambia, I deem it necessary to establish a Commission of Inquiry to investigate the alleged irregularities."The Commission has three months to investigate and present its report to guide Government in adopting relevant policy and administrative options.The Chairperson, Jainaba Bah- Sambou, promised to carry out the exercise with the rest of the members and thanked the President for his trust.

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President Barrow Appoints Vice President

In accordance with the provisions of Sections 70(1) and 70(3) of the Constitution of the Republic of The Gambia, His Excellency President Adama Barrow has appointed Mr Muhammad B. S. Jallow as Vice President of the Republic of The Gambia with effect from 24th February 2023.Vice President Muhammad Jallow, an experienced Civil Servant, served in different capacities, from an unqualified teacher to Permanent Secretary in various Ministries. He rose to the position of Secretary General and Head of the Civil Service, a position he held until his statutory retirement in 2020. Mr Jallow also worked at the Senegalo -Gambia Secretariat as Deputy Executive Secretary representing The Gambia.

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President Barrow visits scene of fire incident

President Adama Barrow Wednesday evening went to the scene of the fire that engulfed the Nasser Foam Factory near the Denton Bridge. While expressing empathy to the owner, the President praised the Gambia Fire and Rescue Services for controlling the incident. He urged business owners to consider safety precautions in their operations and promised an investigation into the incident.

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Monday 20th February is a public holiday

President Barrow has declared Monday 20th February 2023 a public in observance of the 58th Independence anniversary.

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Gambia Government entre into performance contracts with SOEs

President Adama Barrow has on Tuesday presided over the signing of performance contracts between the Executive and three State-Owned Enterprises—GPA, GNPC and SSHFC.Following the signing, President Barrow said the three SOEs are ‘extremely important’, and their operations significantly impact the lives of Gambians and the government's economic performance. “It is no secret that State-Owned Enterprises play a vital role in our national development endeavours. It is expected that, in providing essential social services for the public, they do so in a financially and operationally robust manner to ease the pressure on Central Government resources and contribute positively to economic growth.Our experience is that, despite the enormous investments made by Government in SOEs, many of these entities continue to post losses.This has made it necessary to devise a renewed strategy to change the narrative and strengthen their operations and performance.” He noted. The President said that the SOEs delivering on their mandate in an effective, efficient and transparent manner is critical in the country’s current development trajectory. “Moving forward, the Government will continue to work with all Public Enterprises and ensure that they not only deliver public services reliably and efficiently but also contribute to Government fiscal operations by disbursing dividends payable to their shareholders.”

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Latest Updates

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PRESIDENT BARROW PERFORMS UMRAH IN HOLY CITY OF MAKKAH

His Excellency President Adama Barrow and his delegation have arrived in the Holy City of Makkah from Medina to perform Umrah, the lesser pilgrimage.Dressed in Ihram, a symbol of purity and humility, the President and his delegation travelled to Makkah aboard a two-hour train journey to Islam’s holiest city.Consular Ebou Ndure said the trip to Makkah marks the climax of the President’s spiritual journey, which has so far included visits to the Prophet’s Mosque in Medina, Masjid al-Quba, and the Mountains of Uhud.Inside the VIP coach, the atmosphere was calm and reflective, filled with religious chants as the President reaffirmed his intention to perform Umrah in accordance with Islamic teachings and traditions.On arrival in Makkah, President Barrow was received by officials from the Royal Palace and escorted to the Royal Guest House overlooking the Holy Kaaba.Shortly after, he was led to Masjid Al-Haram to begin the Umrah rites. The President first performed Maghrib prayers at the Holy Kaaba alongside members of his delegation.He then proceeded to perform Tawaf, circling the Holy Kaaba seven times, aboard specially designated vehicles reserved for heads of state and dignitaries.Following Tawaf, President Barrow performed Sa’i, walking between Safa and Marwa. The nearly 2km journey, completed seven times, relives the footsteps of Hajara, wife of Prophet Ibrahim, who made the same trek in search of water for her son, Prophet Ismail.After completing all prescribed rituals, the President returned to the Kaaba to perform Ishaa congregational prayers, marking the conclusion of the Umrah rites.President Barrow was later escorted back to the Royal Guest House. He is expected to travel to Jeddah for a series of engagements, including a meeting with members of the Gambian community in Saudi Arabia.

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PRESIDENT BARROW MEETS AFDB PRESIDENT TAH TO DEEPEN INFRASTRUCTURE AND ENERGY PARTNERSHIP

President Adama Barrow on Friday received a high-level delegation from the African Development Bank Group, led by its President Dr Sidi Ould Tah, at State House. The two sides reviewed the existing partnership between The Gambia and the AfDB and discussed ways to deepen cooperation in infrastructure, electricity, and other priority development areas.Dr Ould Tah was accompanied to the State House by the Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs, Sidi Keita. Speaking to reporters after the talks, the AfDB President expressed appreciation to President Barrow for The Gambia’s strong support to the Bank and for the “fruitful partnership over the years.”Dr Ould Tah reaffirmed the Bank’s commitment to continue supporting The Gambia to deliver on key sectors and projects aimed at improving the quality of life and livelihoods of citizens. He commended The Gambia under President Barrow’s leadership for its “impressive performance” in economic management, domestic resource mobilisation, and reforms of key state institutions.“We also congratulated the Gambian leader on the country’s microfinance performance, growth, domestic resource mobilisation, and reforms related to state enterprises and procurement,” Dr Ould Tah said. “The Gambian Leader gave us clear direction on the priorities of his government and his development vision for the country. The African Development Bank Group is keen to provide funding and support across all sectors to match that orientation.”Minister of Finance Sidi Keita said The Gambia remains committed to working with development partners like the AfDB to strengthen growth and development. He described the visit as “a strong vote of confidence and trust in The Gambia.”Dr Ould Tah and his delegation will remain in The Gambia for several days. They are scheduled to hold engagements with officials from various government sectors to review existing cooperation and explore new areas of partnership with government and other stakeholders.

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VP JALLOW MEETS GUINEA-BISSAU COMMUNICATION MINISTER 

The Guinea-Bissau Minister of Social Communication and Government Spokesperson, Hon. Dr Abduramane Turé, has paid a courtesy call on The Gambia’s Vice President, His Excellency Mohammed B.S. Jallow, at State House. The visit is aimed at strengthening ties between Bissau and Banjul. Minister Turé was accompanied to the Vice President’s office by Guinea-Bissau’s Ambassador to The Gambia, Luís Camara de Barros, alongside The Gambia’s Minister of Information, Dr Ismaila Ceesay, Permanent Secretary Codu L. Jabang, and Director of Information Services, Aisha Davis.The delegation held a closed-door meeting with the Vice President. Afterwards, Minister Turé addressed the press on key issues discussed.“I did not come to discuss a specific agenda with His Excellency the Vice President. I'm here to brief him on the core objectives of my mission to The Gambia, and further update him on the current status of bilateral cooperation in the field of media and social communication,” he said.Minister Turé commended the cordial relations between Guinea-Bissau and The Gambia, describing them as strong and mutually beneficial.The Guinea-Bissau official also praised the Vice President for the warm reception, saying VP Jallow reaffirmed his commitment to advancing the development agendas of both countries. He expressed optimism that the visit will further deepen bilateral ties.

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PRESIDENT BARROW ARRIVES IN SAUDI ARABIA FOR SIX-DAY VISIT

His Excellency President Adama Barrow has arrived in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for a six-day official visit.The President is accompanied by a high-powered delegation comprising First Lady Sarjo Mballow Barrow, the Chief of Staff and Minister of the Presidency Aliu Loum, and the Commissioner General of The Gambia Revenue Authority Yankuba Darboe.President Barrow was received on arrival by His Royal Highness Prince Saud bin Nahar Al Saud, Governor of Madina, His Excellency Mambury Njai, The Gambia’s Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Deputy Ambassador Omar Baldeh, and Consul General at The Gambia’s Consulate in Madina, Ebou Ndure.Following his arrival, President Barrow held a brief tete-a-tete with Prince Saud at the Airport VVIP lounge. The President thanked the Saudi government for the warm hospitality accorded to him and his delegation.For his part, Prince Saud welcomed the President and his delegation to the Kingdom and reassured them of the Saudi government’s support to ensure a successful visit.President Barrow is expected to begin official activities in Madina on Friday with prayers at the Prophet’s Mosque and a visit to the Rawdah, where the Prophet PBUH and his two companions, Abubacarr and Omar, are buried.

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PRESIDENT BARROW: ‘NO COUNTRY CAN REACH ITS POTENTIAL WITHOUT EMPOWERING WOMEN AND GIRLS’

Over 730 young women graduate from SWEDD+ entrepreneurship training and receive D50,000 – D75,000 business grantsPresident Adama Barrow has said no country can realise its full potential without investing in women and girls, as The Gambia certified 730 beneficiaries under the Sahel Women’s Empowerment and Demographic Dividend Plus Project, SWEDD+. Speaking at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Centre, the President said families thrive and communities grow stronger when women are supported. The ceremony recognised women and girls aged 15-24 who completed a three-month entrepreneurship training program under SWEDD+, implemented by the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Welfare.The five-year project targets out-of-school women and girls to improve livelihoods, skills, and economic independence.A total of D117 million has been earmarked for more than 2,000 young women under the project. For this first cohort of over 700 graduands, each will receive between D50,000 and D75,000 in business grants.The Ministry has set aside D32 million to be disbursed directly to the new graduates to start or expand their businesses. Cheques and certificates were presented to regional representatives at the event.Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Welfare described the event as a “milestone” toward economic independence for beneficiaries. He commended President Barrow for advancing gender equality, noting that the skills gained will “open doors” for the graduates.Alpha Humma, Project Manager for the Women Enterprise Fund, said the training will enable graduands to contribute meaningfully to society. He confirmed the D32 million grant facility to support business start-ups.World Bank Representative Franklin Mutahakana said entrepreneurship training helps break barriers that limit women and girls. “This program gives young women more economic uplift,” he said, and reaffirmed the Bank’s support for The Gambia’s women’s empowerment agenda.Speaking on behalf of the graduates, Kaddy Balajo thanked the President, the Ministry of Gender, and the World Bank. “Women and girls are not mere beneficiaries of development, but partners,” she said. “The skills, knowledge, and grants we have received will transform our lives.”In his keynote, President Barrow congratulated the graduands and said investing in human capital through SWEDD+ is critical for sustainable growth.He urged beneficiaries to use the grants wisely and serve as inspiration to others. The President reiterated government’s commitment to inclusive development and equal opportunities for all Gambians.

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FIVE STATE-OWNED ENTERPRISES HAND OVER D137 MILLION IN DIVIDENDS TO PRESIDENT BARROW

Five state-owned enterprises, SOEs, handed over cheques totalling D137 million in dividend payments to President H.E. Adama Barrow at a ceremony held at State House on Tuesday. The unprecedented development marks a milestone in government-SOE relations, following reforms aimed at making the enterprises more profitable, better managed, and financially viable.For the first time in The Gambia’s history, SOEs lined up at State House not to request bailouts, but to return dividends worth over D130 million to the President.Board chairpersons, managing directors, and officials of the State-Owned Enterprises Commission gathered in the Cabinet Room to witness the ceremony. The five SOEs and their contributions were:1. Gambia Ports Authority: D70 million.2. Gambia National Petroleum Corporation: D50 million.3. Gambia Civil Aviation Authority: D5 million.4. Gambia Publishing and Printing Corporation: D5 million.5. The Gambia Radio and Television Services: D2 million.Chief of Staff to the President, Alieu Loum, who chaired the event, described it as unique. “The SOEs have fulfilled their obligations to government and to Gambians,” he said.The Chairman of the SOE Commission, Ousainou Ngum, said since the commission’s establishment three years ago, there has been remarkable improvement in the operations, management, and performance of state enterprises. He expressed hope that this transformation will continue, starting with this first dividend payment. Ngum also commended President Barrow for his leadership, oversight, and support to the commission and SOEs.In his keynote address, President Barrow described the ceremony as historic, noting it marks a turnaround for SOEs that, until 2024, were running a combined net loss of D2.4 billion. He attributed the performance to his government’s deliberate, sustained, and evidence-driven reform agenda focused on governance, accountability, and performance management.The President praised the SOE Commission for transforming public perception of state institutions and promoting efficiency. However, he urged all stakeholders to build on these achievements to address challenges affecting growth, liquidity, and profitability.President Barrow also reassured Gambians that the government will continue robust measures to end recurrent power cuts. He noted that NAWEC has improved its financial performance, enabling investment in the energy sector.He concluded by urging all SOEs to maintain the momentum, as the government remains committed to building efficient, functional, and robust state enterprises that deliver for the Gambian people.

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