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Agric. Minister Launches the African Emergency Food Production Facility

The Minister of Agriculture, Dr. Demba Sabally, on Friday 23rd September 2022 launched the African Emergency Food Production Facility (AEFPF). The facility is supported by the African Development Bank through the Rice Value Chain Transformation Project (RVCTP).The AEFPF is additional financing that follows the joint meeting of the Minister of Agriculture and the Minister of Finance of the African Union on the African Emergency Food Production plan in which The Gambia participated. Speaking at the launching ceremony, Dr. Sabally informed the gathering that the Government of The Gambia is taking major strides to transform the Agriculture sector in addressing food security and meeting the nutritional needs of its people.He noted The Gambia’s high dependence on imports for staple and key commodities and said it has deepened the country’s vulnerability to external shocks such as global pandemics and crises.  

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A GAMBIAN JOURNALIST NARRATES HER JOURNEY INTO CHINA’S TEA TRADITIONS

Beijing, China,  As I stood amidst the fragrant waft of jasmine, oolong, and pu-erh tea at the Beijing Chaoyang International Tea Culture Festival, the vibrant atmosphere transported me to familiar scenes back home. The clinking of green tea ‘attaya’ glasses, the slow simmer of green tea over charcoal, and the laughter of youth exchanging stories under mango trees in The Gambia.Representing The Gambia at this global celebration of tea culture not as a vendor or cultural exhibitor but as a journalist with the China International Press Communication Center (CIPCC),  I came to observe, absorb, and understand how the world relates to something so profoundly simple yet deeply symbolic, tea.The festival, themed “Tea Fragrance, Blooming Flowers”, gathered over 100 tea brands and thousands of visitors in the heart of Chaoyang. Tea ceremonies from China, Japan, and other countries unfolded like poetry. Dressed in traditional silk robes, performers demonstrated century-old rituals that link generations across Asia.And yet, what struck me most was how universal tea really is. In The Gambia, a long-standing tea-drinking culture has been especially instrumental in the mastery of the art through our cherished ‘attaya’ culture. Brewed in three rounds bitter, balanced, and sweet, ‘attaya’ isn’t just a drink, it’s a conversation, a bond, and a social glue. It’s how we celebrate, mourn, debate, or pass the time.Like the Chaoyang residents who gather at modern tea houses and traditional courtyards, Gambians also form lasting connections around tea. Our bush teas, made from local herbs like ‘kinkeliba’ or more, are rich in healing and heritage.China’s tea culture, preserved and innovated for over a thousand years, provides inspiration for how The Gambia might also formalise and promote our tea traditions not only as cultural heritage but perhaps even as soft power and tourism potential.As part of the CIPCC experience, I see how connected media environments can effectively bridge continents. Tea may be the metaphor, but the message is deeper: shared rituals connect us beyond borders.Would it be far-fetched to imagine The Gambia hosting its own international ‘attaya’ festival one day? Or exporting dried herbs as African wellness teas to curious global consumers? If anything, this festival taught me that culture is currency and The Gambia’s cup is more than half full.Kadijah Bokum 

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NATIONAL ASSEMBLY ESTABLISHES SPECIAL COMMITTEE TO INVESTIGATE SALE OF FORMER PRESIDENT JAMMEH'S ASSETS

The National Assembly of The Gambia has established a Special Select Committee to investigate the sale and disposal of assets previously owned by ex-President Yahya Jammeh. This decision follows findings from the Janneh Commission, which identified assets forfeited to the state but raised questions about their disposal process. The Committee was formed during the Assembly's First Extraordinary Session of 2025, led by Hon. Billay G. Tunkara, and comprises seven members. Its mandate includes investigating the legality and transparency of the asset sales, identifying purchasers, and managing the proceeds. The Committee operates under provisions of the 1997 Constitution and the National Assembly's Standing Orders, emphasizing accountability and good governance.

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  • GRTS
  • May 15, 2025 11:14
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PRESIDENT BARROW INAUGURATES NEW MACCNAR OFFICE COMPLEX

His Excellency Adama Barrow has presided over the official inauguration of the new office complex of the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Natural Resources (MACCNAR) at a ceremony in Abuko. The complex is funded by the government and aims to provide the necessary infrastructure to house all the departments and projects under the Environment Ministry.  Situated at Abuko just near the nature reserve, the three-storey building will provide the perfect home for the Ministry and its departments, which until now have been scattered in different locations within the Greater Banjul Area.The construction of the complex was overseen by the Gambia Agency for Public Works (GAMWORKS) and took 15 months to complete. Omar Gaye, GAMWORKS’ Director-General described the project as ‘groundbreaking,’ as it was ‘completed on time and met standards.’The new office complex of the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Natural Resources (MACCNAR) situated at Abuko.Rohey John Manjang the Minister of Environment, Climate Change and Natural Resources, says the completion of the complex marks a ‘historic milestone’ for her Ministry as it grappled with what she called ‘inadequate infrastructure,’ which forced it to ‘rent offices for its many departments.’The Environment Minister attributed this success to the ‘proactive leadership of President Barrow,’ who has placed ‘sustainable infrastructural development’ as a key priority of his government. She also tasked the staff of the Ministry to maintain the complex and ensure that the building is properly kept to provide a conducive working environment.Rohey John Manjang The Gambia's Minister of Environment, Climate Change and Natural ResourcesPresident Barrow, in his address, says the construction of this office complex forms part of his government's objective of providing ‘resilient, climate-smart infrastructure across the country,’ in response to the challenge posed by climate change. ‘I promise you that this will not be our last ground-breaking project. It is part of a country-wide drive for resilient, modernising our infrastructure, including health centres, modern markets and roads - that matches the aspirations of a twenty-first-century Gambia,’ the President says.The Gambian leader also commended the Environment Minister for the strong leadership and urged all staff to continue working diligently in the service of the nation. He promised that his government would be committed to building more office complexes to house Ministries as this is more sustainable and cost-effective.The President then left Abuko and made a brief stop to inspect the newly constructed Ebo Town road. There he met locals and was briefed on the status of the works. The President expressed satisfaction with the pace and quality of construction works and thanked local communities for their patience and support to the contractors.

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PRESIDENT BARROW PRESIDES OVER PASSING OUT OF GAF INTAKE 39

351 young soldiers graduated from the Gambia Armed Forces Training School after completing 6 months of extensive training in basic military combat, fitness training, military law and international humanitarian and human rights laws. The President and Commander in Chief of the Gambia Armed Forces, His Excellency Adama Barrow, who was dressed in full military uniform,  and carrying the highest rank of Field Marshall, presided over the passing ceremony of the soldiers, who are now expected to join the ranks of the army, navy and national guards. These 351 officer cadets and soldiers are now ready to join the military ranks after six months of intensive military training at the Gambia Armed Forces Training School in Fajara.These young men and women underwent a rigorous selection process, culminating in their selection for national service. Part of the training was foot and arms drills, which were on full display as they showcased their marching skills.The soldiers showcased their marching skills as part of the graduation ceremony.Major Abdoulie Secka, the Commandant of the Armed Forces Training School, said the young soldiers and officer cadets have met “all requirements” and are now “fully prepared for national service” in defence of the homeland.Lieutenant General Mamat Cham, the Chief of Defence Staff, described the passing out of intake 39 as a “landmark occasion for the Gambia Armed Forces” as it marks the beginning of a new journey of national service for these young men and women.The Armed Forces Chief called on the soldiers to always uphold the “core values of the Armed Forces” and contribute meaningfully to national development.His Excellency Adama Barrow congratulated the young soldiers on this milestone, commending them for their “resilience, discipline and mental fortitude,” which are required for the transition from civilian to military life. The Commander in Chief reminded the soldiers of their responsibilities to the nation, the constitution and the people, and urged them to wear the uniform with “honour and serve with humility.”The President and Commander in Chief of the Gambia Armed Forces, His Excellency Adama Barrow, in a rare moment, dressed in full military uniform.The President reassured the Armed Forces and the nation that his government is “fully committed to the transformation of GAF into a modern, professional and well-resourced institution” with the capability and capacity to respond to the numerous security challenges confronting the sub-region.President Barrow urged the GAF to always remain a symbol of national unity, a pillar of democratic governance, and serve the homeland with courage, discipline and patriotism.The new soldiers then showcased some of the skills acquired during the six-month training, starting with weapon assembling and servicing close hand-to-hand combat skills necessary for survival in extreme situatiohandedtar firing on designated enemy targets, and finally respoding to terrorist attacks, kidnappings and rebel attacks.President Barrow handing over a token to the overall best recruit, Habibou Colley .At the end of the displays, the most outstanding recruits were awarded certificates with Private Habibou Colley emerging as the overall best recruit.  He was awarded a certificate and cash prize by the President and Commander in Chief H.E. Adama Barrow.The new soldiers will now be deployed to all the military installations across the country in the Army, Navy and National Guard. 

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GAF INTERCEPTS IRREGULAR MIGRANT BOAT AT SEA

The Gambia Armed Forces Navy Patrol team says it intercepted a boat suspected of carrying irregular migrants while on routine sea patrol in the early hours of Thursday, May 15, 2025.According to GAF's report, the wooden vessel was carrying 114 irregular migrants, including two minors. The migrants were escorted to the Naval Base in Banjul, “where they were processed and handed over to the Gambia Immigration Department.”“The boat, as discovered during interrogations, departed from Bunyadu in The Gambia on Monday, 12 May 2025 and voyaged up to Nouadhibou in the Republic of Mauritania.” “They were, however, lost at sea and found themselves back in the Gambian waters,” GAF's report indicates. As stated in the report, on board the vessel includes 17 women. The irregular sea migrants questing to reach Europe looked “exhausted” at the time of their interception. The ones who were ill were “attended to by Gambia Armed Forces medics stationed at the Naval Base.”Lieutenant Commander Fara Jobe, the Commanding Officers Naval Base, led the handover procedures, delivering the intercepted irregular migrants to the Gambia Immigration Department representatives on the ground.

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GOVERNMENT TO FULLY IMPLEMENT RECOMMENDATIONS OF PARLIAMENT ON SALE OF FORMER PRESIDENT JAMMEH’S ASSETS

Addressing the nation through a televised statement on issues revolving around the forfeited assets of former President Yahya Jammeh, His Excellency Adama Barrow, President of the Republic of The Gambia, says any recommendation by Auditors and the Parliamentary Enquiry Committee into how the assets were disposed of by the Commission of Inquiry and a Ministerial Commission, will be fully implemented. The President said he has always “prioritised acting in collaboration with the National Assembly and the National Audit Office.” The National Audit Office is set to complete its findings into how the forfeited assets were sold. A Parliamentary Committee, which is to be formed by the National Assembly, will also conduct an independent inquiry into the matter. “Their findings will be made public and my government will enforce their recommendations to address the shortcomings discovered and hold accountable any individual or entity found culpable,” the President said.A motion for the creation of a Special Select Committee by Billay G. Tankara, the Majority Leader, has been considered and adopted by Parliament on Wednesday, 14 May 2025.President Barrow further reassured his government’s resolve in getting to the very bottom of how the assets which he said “belong to the people,” were sold. “My administration will not tolerate negligence or any wrongdoing linked to safeguarding our nation’s resources. We are committed to full transparency in whatever we undertake on behalf of the people.”The Gambian leader urged the citizens to exercise patience and wait for the outcome of the findings of the Auditors and the Special Parliamentary Committee. “Until we receive the reports on the ongoing investigations, I urge you all to remain calm and law-abiding and be assured that this matter will be handled within the ambit of the law.”The President’s address to the nation came on the heels of a recent investigation by The Republic, which exposed alleged wrongdoing by members of the Janneh Commission and the Ministerial Commission on the sales of recovered assets of former President Jammeh. The issue grabbed further attention after some youths who went on the streets “without permit” to demand full disclosure of the list were arrested by the police and detained for what the police described as “unlawful assembly.”A list of some assets like vehicles and cows and their buyers was eventually released by the Ministry of Justice, but that only appeared to have added salt to the injury. The measly amount some of the items were sold for prompted the President’s address to the nation on the issue with the Gambian leader giving his blessings for parliament to launch an independent investigation into the matter.

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