The government of the Gambia on Thursday hosted a
major press conference on the theme “Spotlighting the Banjul rehabilitation
project” Chaired by the government spokesperson and adviser to the president on
Diaspora affairs Ebrima G Sankareh the briefing was aimed at shedding light on
public doubts about the Banjul rehabilitation project. The project came under fire
following last month's powerful floods that hit the capital city and beyond.
The Minister of information Lamin Queen Jammeh
said the press conference was sanctioned by president Adama Barrow to
provide clarity on controversies that followed the unexpected floods.
The questions from the press touched on how the
contract was awarded to Gai construction company and whether the company had
fulfilled its tax obligation as required under such contracts.
The minister of Works, Construction and
Infrastructure Ebrima Sillah said there was another addendum on the contract that removed the tax
exemption. He
also explained that the
government does provide a certain tax exemption on projects funded by the state
or donor organisations. The Commissioner General of the Gambia Revenue Authority
Yankuba Darboe said the contractor met all tax obligations and submitted audited
accounts on time.
Officials say powerful pumping machines have
now been installed in the city. The machines they say would be able to
efficiently empty flood water from the city.
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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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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