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MEMBERS OF UK-BASED GLOBAL CHARITY DISCUSS MORTUARY SERVICES WITH VP JALLOW

Members of the Ummah Welfare Trust, a UK-based Global Charity Foundation, called on the Vice President, His Excellency Mohammed B.S Jallow, at State House in Banjul. The group briefed the Vice President on their activities and plans. In a heartwarming display of solidarity and compassion, the Ummah Welfare Trust said they have mobilised funds for the much-needed upgrade of the Gambia's central mortuary at Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital (EFSTH) in Banjul.The global charity also seeks support from the Vice President in acquiring land for the construction of what they called “the country’s first national mortuary.”Recognising the importance of providing dignified and respectful services to the departed souls, the foundation has rallied behind the noble initiative, showcasing their commitment to supporting one another during times of grief.EFSTH has long relied on a modest mortuary facility that “lacked essential equipment and resources” speakers noted. This move by the Ummah Welfare Trust aims to equip the mortuary with the necessary tools to enhance its services. Speaking after the closed-door talks with VP Jallow, Mustapha Jawara, a member of the Ummah Welfare Trust, expressed gratitude for their audience with the Vice President while emphasising the importance of a well-equipped mortuary in “preserving the dignity” of the departed and providing support to “grieving families during their most challenging times.”The state-of-the-art national mortuary, if built, will be equipped with refrigeration units and necessary supplies for the respectful handling and preparation of the deceased. The plans for the new facility will include a “comfortable and accommodating environment for grieving families,” with improved seating arrangements and private rooms for mourners. This initiative serves as a reminder that even in the face of adversity, people can come together to create positive change and uplift one another.

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SCORPIONS DISPLAY SPIRITED SECOND-HALF PERFORMANCE BUT STILL LOSE TO IVORY COAST IN WC QUALIFIERS

In a match that showcased their undeniable spirit and tenacity, The Gambia's Scorpions faced off against the formidable AFCON champions, Ivory Coast.Despite their spirited performance, they fell short, succumbing to a solitary goal from Sébastien Haller, which ultimately secured a narrow 1-0 victory for the hosts - Ivory Coast in round six of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers. Playing in front of the home crowd at the 33,000 seater Felix Houphouet Boigny Stadium, the host who are clearly the favourites in the group, took command in the early stages and made their dominance counted after just 15 minutes when they capitalised on a lacklustre defending by the Gambia as Haller nodded home the breakthrough. From the break, the Scorpions nearly turned the game on its head, as they took the game to the Ivorians and forced the home side's goalkeeper, Yahia Fofana, into making some remarkable saves.Yankuba Minteh, the Gambian international who plays for Brighton and Hove Albion in the English Premier League. He is one of the Gambia's most formidable attackers at the moment. (Picture - GFF)The Scorpions were close enough to snatch a point or even grab all three points as Alieu Fadera, Mahmudu Bajo, and Alasana Jatta were all culprits as they squandered gilt-edge chances.  This loss dealt a significant blow to The Gambia's chances of a first world cup appearance, leaving their hopes of qualification hanging by a thread. Group winners in each of the nine groups will qualify for the World Cup automatically, while the four best second-place teams will battle for a slot in the play-off to determine who advance to the inter confederation play-offs. The Scorpions, who are on four points after six matches, still have four more games to play - against Kenya and Burundi in the September windows and Gabon and Seychelles in the October international break. To stand even the slightest of chances, the Scorpions must win all the remaining four games. Should the Scorpions qualify, that will be the equivalent of winning the World Cup. The talismanic Musa Barrow, who plays for Al-Taawoun in the Saudi Pro League, he was on the back of a brace heading into this game, as he scored twice against Kenya in round five. (Picture - GFF)But the focus is not largely on qualifying as the Northern Irish - Jonathan McKinstry continues his team-building process ahead of the next AFCON and World Cup Qualifiers. Nobody will hold anyone at gunpoint for this defeat, but the team must improve on a few things, especially scoring goals when it matters the most and improving on their defending.While the result may appear disheartening at first glance, the Scorpions' display in the second half was infused with determination and promise. Their improved performance serves as a glimmer of hope, indicating that brighter days could lie ahead, especially with a burgeoning wave of Gambian talent, making strides in professional football.

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CITIZENS ENGAGE WITH PARLIAMENTARIANS ON OPERATIONS OF NATIONAL ASSEMBLY AT PARLIAMENTARY OPEN DAY FORUM

The National Assembly of The Gambia, in collaboration with the Westminster Foundation for Democracy, hosted the fourth edition of Parliamentary Open Day forum at the assembly grounds in Banjul.Launched in 2022, the legislative Open Day Forum serves as a vital platform for legislators to engage with the public and share their ongoing efforts to enhance the lives of the citizenry. It also gives them an insight into parliamentary processes and understand the roles parliament plays in shaping the governance of the country.Themed “Bringing the parliament closer to the people.” The day availed the public an invaluable opportunity to ask questions and concerns regarding significant matters that directly impact their lives.Khalifa M.M. Mbye, clerk of the National Assembly, said dialogue between people will help entrench democratic culture and strengthen dialogue between lawmakers and the citizenry. “Parliament is the heart of democracy. Its effectiveness depends on how well it remains connected with the people.” He noted.The program was made possible through the collaboration between the National Assembly of The Gambia and the Westminster Foundation for Democracy, a body dedicated to strengthening democratic culture around the world.Its country director, Tabu Njie Sarr, noted that the initiative will not only promote transparency and accountability but will alsol pave the way for constructive collaboration between legislators and the constituents they serve, anchored on a common desire to bring about positive change and progress.The event was attended by high-profile dignitaries. Among them the Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, Honourable Seedy S.K. Njie and the Deputy British High Commissioner to The Gambia, Martin Norman. The duo emphasized the event's significance, describing it as a Commendable step to strengthening democracy. “It's through engagements like this that democracy strives, justice is built, and governance is strengthened,” Norman said.The important event was characterized by a question and answer session, with citizens posing questions revolving around parliamentary business. The most prominent among them focused on Laws and Amendment procedures in the legislative process.“This day shows that members of the National Assembly are continuously putting the people first in the performance of their duties and responsibilities. In addition to this Open Day, we shall be launching the annual speaker's seminar lecture series. This will be a platform for rigorous and thought-provoking debate on matters of the legislature,” the Deputy Speaker stated.The Legislative Forum helps ensure that the voices and perspectives of the public are heard and considered in the legislative process.

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MANSAKONKO AREA COUNCIL COMMISSION MOTORBIKES FOR REVENUE COLLECTORS

The Mansakonko Area Council recently presented six motorbikes to revenue collectors within the Lower River region at a presentation ceremony held at the council's office in Soma.Moving to increase revenue, the council has purchased six motorbikes for over six hundred thousand dalasi, for tax collectors, allaying a major need slowing revenue uptake.After a series of meetings organised by the council, authorities say they realised that one of the key issues is the lack of mobility, among other challenges affecting revenue collectors.Council members say the lack of mobility for revenue collectors has had a telling effect on productivity, leading to low revenue performance in the Lower River Region for the past years.In 2024 the council collected less than sixty-five percent of the revenue, members revealed. Mustapha Jagne, Finance Manager of Mansakonko Area Council, believes the council will register tremendous achievements in revenue collection in the coming years.Mansakonko Area Council chairperson said, with these motorbikes, he believes their collectors will be able to collect enough tax for the implementation of their development projects. (Picture MAC)Speakers at the event include the Deputy Governor of Lower River Region, Momodou Lamin Camara, who described the initiative as a vital move for the council while urging the people of LRR to pay their taxes “on time.”Buwa Kinteh, head of Admin at Mansakonko Area Council, described the motorbikes as critical working tools for the collectors within the six districts of the region and further challenged them to use the Motorbikes for their “intended purpose” to improve their work.Reminding revenue collectors of their role as key stakeholders, Landing B. Sanneh, the Chairperson of Mansakonko Area Council, said more than six hundred thousand dalasi was spent in purchasing the six motorbikes to create more revenue for the council.Sanneh further highlighted the impacts of poor revenue collection his council has been facing for the past years, saying it will immensely help the council to effectively collect taxes and plough it back to the “welfare of the taxpayers, among other needs.”The formal handover was presided over by the deputy governor and the chair of the council in the presence of Members of the Technical Advisory Committee and regional councillors who described the initiative as a critical development for the council.

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POLICE IN URR STRENGTHEN EFFORTS AGAINST CHILD TRAFFICKING

In a concerted effort aimed at combating child trafficking, more than a dozen police border officials and community members have undergone training focused on child smuggling and trafficking. This initiative, supported by the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, was conducted at the Regional Education Directorate in Basse, Upper River Region (URR). Similar training engagements are anticipated to be implemented in the Lower River and North Bank regions.The three-day training underscores renewed efforts to enhance border security and law enforcement measures aimed at tackling child trafficking.During the assembly, Police Prosecutor Alpha Badjie emphasized that the training is designed for police officers stationed at border entry points to improve their understanding of the complexities surrounding child smuggling and trafficking.Ismaila Badjie, representing the Police Commissioner, highlighted the significance of capacity building. He stated that equipping police officers with essential knowledge regarding child trafficking and smuggling will facilitate their efforts in addressing this serious issue.Mrs. Marie Adams, the National Project Coordinator of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, noted that a crucial aspect of the training involves community engagement, which she described as both timely and necessary.Mrs. Adams further explained that the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights aims to strengthen child protection systems in The Gambia, recognizing the substantial progress achieved in supporting these systems.Musa Conteh, representing the URR governor, reaffirmed the region's commitment to combating all forms of trafficking of children and women, calling attention to their status as the most vulnerable groups in society.Since its inception in 2019, this project has implemented numerous impactful interventions for children and victims of human rights violations. The Child Welfare Unit of the Gambia Police Force continues to renew its commitment to addressing child smuggling, trafficking, and gender-based violence within the country.

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PRESIDENT BARROW PRESIDES OVER THE DECORATION OF TWO NEWLY PROMOTED GENERAL OFFICERS

His Excellency, Adama Barrow the President and Commander in Chief on Thursday oversaw the swearing in of new members of the Gambia Armed Forces Council and also decorated two newly promoted General Officers at a ceremony held at the State House. The newly promoted Commanders of the Gambia Navy and the Republican National Guard were decorated with their new ranks following their promotion by the President and Commander-in- Chief of The Gambia Armed Forces H.E Adama Barrow.Commodore Sambu Barrow, now heads the Gambia Navy whilst Brigadier General Yahya Drammeh is the new Commander of the Republican National Guard, which comprises the Gambia National Guards at Fajara and the State Guard Battalion at the State House.Commodore Sambu Barrow enlisted into the GAF 30 years ago and rose through the ranks to become the Naval Chief. Trained in Nigeria, the United Kingdom, Pakistan and Ghana, the navy Commandant boasts of an enviable track record in the Armed Forces holding several key positions and also serving in various peacekeeping operations in Sudan, Sierra Leone and Liberia.Brigadier General Yahya Drammeh is also a highly experienced officer who joined the army in 1996. Following extensive training in Nigeria, Ukraine, and the US, Brig. Gen. Drammeh is one of a few number of Gambian military officers who is a certified flight instructor and a pilot. Prior to his promotion, General Drammeh had served as the Commander of the 3rd Infantry Battalion at Farafenni and later as the Commander of the Gambia National Guards at Fajara. He had also served as the Aide De Camp (ADC) to the President of the Republic.After taking the prescribed oaths, confirming their appointments as chiefs of the two military branches, the two officers formally assumed their roles as members of the Armed Forces Council which is chaired by the Vice President H.E Muhamed BS Jallow. Other notable members of the Council are the Deputy Chief of Defence Staff, the Commander of the Gambia National Army, Brigadier General Sait Njai, Rtd. Admiral Sarjo Fofana and Professor Cernu Omar Barry. One after the other, the council members took the three oaths of office, allegiance and secrecy, they signed the oath registry before they were warmly congratulated by the President.Commodore Sambu Barrow, now head of the Gambia Navy and Brigadier General Yahya Drammeh the new Commander of the Republican National Guard taking their oaths of office, allegiance and secrecy.Lieutenant General, Mamat O. Cham, the Chief of Defence attributed the enormous transformation of the Armed Forces to the visionary leadership of President Barrow. Over the last 8 years, the army chief noted with appreciation what he called ‘President Barrow's unwavering commitment to the development of GAF and the welfare of the men and women in uniform.’ The appointment of these new council members, Lt. General Cham added, will positively impact the Armed Forces as it continues to evolve into a dynamic, professional, and dedicated service.These views were shared by Serign Modou Njai, the Minister of Defence, who advised the newly promoted officers to be loyal, disciplined, and committed. As service chiefs, Defence Minister Njai urged the two Generals to ‘provide the strategic leadership’ required to navigate the security challenges they will face.The Vice President Muhammed B.S. Jallow, who is the chairperson of the Armed Forces Council pledged to perform their functions as required by the constitution to strengthen the governance structures of the Gambia Armed Forces.H.E Adama Barrow, the president, congratulated the officers on their promotions, urging them to work as a team to meet expectations and measure up to the trust and confidence reposed in them. The Commander in Chief reminded the officers that promotion comes with added responsibility, and as such, they should provide the strategic leadership for the development of the Armed Forces.To the Armed Forces Council, President Barrow called for synergy with the relevant government ministries and agencies to ensure effective and efficient implementation of their mandate, as stipulated by the constitution.The President finally commended the Chief of Defence Staff and the GAF high command for their loyalty, professionalism, and dedication, and reassured them of his government's ‘unwavering commitment to the development and welfare of the Armed Forces.’The Armed Forces Council which is chaired by the Vice President, comprises service chiefs, a retired military officer and a civilian to advise the president on military related issues, shape strategic direction of the Armed Forces and provide other oversight functions.

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