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COMMENTARY: THE SCORPIONS' STING OR SONG OF THE SWAN?

The drums of despair beat a heavy rhythm in Gambian hearts. The Scorpions, our beloved national team, lie coiled at the bottom of Group C, their venom spent, their hopes dwindling faster than the sands of time. No goals, no points, just a shadow of the team that danced with optimism before the tournament began.Tonight, the air crackles with desperation. Fans cling to the fragile threads of hope, whispering prayers to a God who seems to have turned a deaf ear. Bright Stars, our lead cheerleaders desperately wanting to hang on to the good food and beautiful atmosphere of the land of the elephants, GFF Officials, their faces etched with worry, huddle around every score sheet, frantically calculating the odds of becoming one of the "best losers" - a consolation prize no one truly desires.Tom Saintfiet, the man entrusted with weaving magic from this band of scorpions, stands at the precipice. His magic tricks at the last AFCON already busted. Was the scorpion's first stint on the big stage a flash in the pan? The sting of Guinea's victory still fresh, he must now face the roaring lion of Cameroon, a beast wounded but far from tamed. His previous pronouncements, the sarcastic barbs aimed at critics, and the dismissive caricature of Gambian football, echo hollowly in the face of this do-or-die battle.This is no time for swagger, no room for self-congratulation. The Gambian league, once deemed unworthy by Saintfiet, now holds the echoes of dreams shattered, of potential unfulfilled. The record, once a blank slate, now bears the stark inscription of failure. It is a record that stares back at him, a mirror reflecting not the image of a saviour, but of a man adrift, clutching at straws.But tonight, the Scorpions cannot afford introspection. They must fight, not for glory, but for pride. They must sting back, not with venom, but with the spirit of a nation that refuses to surrender. For the fans who fill the stadium, their roar will be a weapon, their chants a shield against the tide of despair.The whistle blows. The Scorpions take the field, their eyes locked on the prize, or perhaps on the precipice. Can they weave their magic, can they defy the odds? Only time will tell. But one thing is certain, tonight, the Scorpions will dance, not to the tune of triumph, but to the rhythm of their own resilience.This is not just a game. It is a battle cry, a desperate plea for redemption. It is the Scorpions' song of the swan, a defiant melody that will echo long after the final whistle. Whether it be a sting of victory or a mournful dirge, the Gambia will listen, and remember.For tonight, we are all Scorpions, and our hearts beat as one. Let the drums of despair be drowned out by the roar of our hope. Let the dance begin.

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FROM DATA TO IMPACT: THE DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION OF THE GAMBIA’S SOCIAL REGISTRY

In a concerted effort to address social issues and provide targeted assistance to vulnerable families, the National Social Protection Secretariat in The Gambia has implemented a comprehensive social registry system. This innovative approach harnesses the power of data to identify and support those in need, ensuring that assistance is directed where it is needed most.The National Social Protection Secretariate is the custodian of the Registry under the authority of the National Coordinator, it serves as a dynamic database containing valuable information about households across the country. Its primary goal is to identify vulnerable families and individuals, allowing for more precise and effective social interventions.The Gambia Bureau of Statistics handles the data collection, it is responsible for garnering data and supervising the process, this meticulous approach aims to create a reliable and up-to-date Social Registry, serving as a valuable resource for social service providers and policymakers.‘The data collection for The Gambia Social Registry follows a census approach – covers all households in the areas we have covered. The exercise is led by The Gambia Bureau of Statistics. The First phase covered 30 districts initially and then 6 additional districts (36 in total). The second phase covered 4 districts All Regions (URR, CRR, NBR, LRR, and WCR) are covered now; only KM and Banjul are left.’ Momodou Dibba, National Coordinator, National Social Protection SecretariatThe Gambia Bureau of Statistics (GBoS) employs advanced technology in data collection through Computer-Assisted Personal Interviews (CAPI) for the GamSR project. This data is then seamlessly migrated into the Social Registry Information System (SRIS), a purpose-built platform designed for secure storage, updates, and efficient querying.Ensuring a robust shield of data protection, SRIS incorporates sophisticated user privilege management and comprehensive access control mechanisms. Committed to upholding the highest standards, these security features safeguard the confidentiality and integrity of the data, aligning with leading practices in data management and security.Collaboration is also a cornerstone of the initiative, with the National Protection Secretariat working closely with other government agencies, non-profit organizations, and community leaders. This collaborative effort enhances the overall effectiveness of social interventions, creating a holistic approach to addressing the diverse challenges faced by vulnerable populations.The social registry under the social safety net project, funded by the World Bank, is a vital component of the government’s commitment to providing effective social protection for the most vulnerable populations in The Gambia. By collecting precise data on extremely poor households, stakeholders can design targeted interventions such as the Nafa cash transfer to alleviate poverty and improve living conditions. One of the key strengths of the social registry lies in its ability to collect and analyse data on various socio-economic indicators. By understanding the specific needs and challenges faced by different households, the National Protection Secretariat can tailor its support programs to address those issues directly.“The Nafa Cash transfer has really helped ease my financial challenges, my family benefited significantly from the program. -Ebrima Gibba, Nafa Program beneficiary. The utilization of data in the social registry has already yielded positive outcomes according to officials. Targeted interventions, such as financial aid, healthcare support, and disaster support, have been deployed to families identified as particularly vulnerable. This approach ensures that resources are allocated efficiently, maximizing the impact on the lives of those facing socio-economic hardships.According to the National Social Protection Secretariat, it is committed to upholding the privacy and security of the data collected. Stringent measures are in place to safeguard the information, ensuring that individuals' personal details are treated with the utmost confidentiality.‘The data that we collect is based on the informed consent of the people. Following the field data collection and cleaning by the Gambia Bureau of Statistics, the data is submitted in an encrypted format to the National Coordinator of NSPS. At the Secretariat, it is only the Social Registry Manager and Data Analyst who has access to the dataset because they work on it to make it available to programs.’ ‘These officials operate based on prescribed rules and guidelines stipulated in a Data Sharing Protocol we developed with technical support from WFP which is based on the Data Protection and Privacy Policy of 2019. Anytime, we share data with programs, we sign an MoU that places certain obligations on the receiving agencies/programs in terms of protecting the data from misuse, unauthorized third-party access, or anything incompatible with the purposes for which the data was given. Momodou Dibba, National Coordinator, National Social Protection Secretariat.’ By seamlessly integrating digital solutions, such as cloud-based storage and secure data transmission protocols, the social registry system can unlock new levels of efficiency, accessibility, and security. This strategic leap will not only safeguard the privacy of collected data but also streamline the process of sharing valuable insights with stakeholders. As The Gambia continues its commitment to social protection, the incorporation of Digital Public Infrastructure is poised to catalyse a more impactful and technologically advanced era in targeted social interventions, underscoring the government's dedication to the well-being of its citizens.

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PARA-SPORT ON THE RISE AMID HUGE CHALLENGES

 Dressed in a blue tracksuit on a chilly Saturday morning, Ebrima Jallow alighted from a commercial vehicle at Bakau's Independence Stadium main gate.  Holding his phone in one hand listening to music via white ear pods and his training kit in the other hand as he slowly walked with the aid of his prosthetic leg to the football field on the other side of the stadium's main bowl to join his teammates in training.Ebrima 22, is a member of the National Amputee football team and one of the star players of the team.The national team nicknamed the "Amputee Scorpions" trains twice a week to stay in shape and fit for future competitions. Amputee football is one of the emerging disability sports in the Gambia, joining the likes of wheelchair basketball, sitting volley, wheelchair racing; para-lifting, and Deaf football, amongst others.Ebrima, like the rest of his teammates, derives immense joy from playing football. "I play football because I love the game, and since I was young, I dreamt of representing my country, Ebrima explains after another intense training session. However, his dreams suffered a major setback after being involved in a fatal car crash, resulting in the amputation of his right leg. A victim of the mounting reckless driving on Gambian roads just like many of his teammates are now united on the pitch by their painful past and with a common goal to represent their country on the global stage.The Gambia Amputee Association was established in 2020 to administer and promote amputee football and inclusion. The same year, The Gambia participated in the Africa Amputee Cup of Nations in Tanzania, where they finished in 9th position despite inadequate preparation preceding the tournament due to funding and logistical challenges confronting the team.The Secretary General of the Amputee football governing body in the country Omar Danso cited finance and logistics as major challenges facing the association."Financial support and the movement of players from their homes to the training ground and back is very difficult. Danso told GRTS SportsA two-year partnership with Legs4Africa, which has been the Amputee Association's main source of funding, has ended, leaving Danso and his co-executive members with a search for new partners to be able to carry out their programmes.Amputee football, like deaf football, is facing similar changes. The Deaf Scorpions are the reigning champions of the West Africa Deaf football championship after hosting and winning the 10th edition in 2021 in Banjul. A great achievement for the deaf football association whose president Lamin Ceesay argued that winning the sub-regional title was unprecedented but Ceesay still feels sad because the team was unable to meet the president of the Republic H.E Adama Barrow to present the trophy to him despite repeated requests which might be easily granted to the able body sports team. Ceesay complained with the help of a sign language interpreter."We are yet to meet with H E President Adama Barrow to show him what we achieved under his support and leadership, but to no avail. Sports Council seems not willing to encourage our purpose of meeting  President Adama Barrow.  The players are still not happy. The trophy is still in my office. We still don't celebrate the victory. "The deaf football association boss explained, apparently suggesting the unequal treatment they face.The Minister of Youth and Sports Bakary Badjie was in partial agreement with the claims made by the differently able athletes about the funding gap when quizzed by GRTS Sports. Minister Badjie, however, was quick to explain why some disability sports find it hard to receive support from the Sports ministry."Yes, they are right in saying that, it's a difficult situation, but one thing is clear some of these para sports need to be well structured. As a ministry, we are not mandated to finance associations that don't have a national character. We support national associations in international competitions." Badjie explained. We have in the past financed paralympic athletes in international competitions and  atimesprovided them with equipment like wheelchair racing bikes, but what should be clear is that the paralympic sports should organize national championships to choose their national teams for international events but some of these associations want us to support their national competitions which contravenes the Ministry's mandate."The Sports Minister, however, subscribed to the fact that the differently able sports are faced with challenges, mainly in infrastructure.Weighing in on the delicate subject, sports analyst, and one of the leading voices in advocating for inclusion in sports, Bisenty Gomez thinks differently from the Sport Minister. Mr Gomez, a former executive director of the National Sports Council, believes more should be done to promote disability sports in the country."If they are not doing it right, first intervene and see how best you can support them to do it better. It is only when you support or assess them in ensuring they do it right and if they fail to do so then that is when you decide not to support them knowing they must meet certain criteria but because they don't have the resources or personnel but still interested in doing the sport, what do we do? we must support them to do it. Usually, when the differently able look for sponsorship with the able-body sports athletes often it's given to the latter. Even with media coverage, they are always at a disadvantage because they are covered less." Bisenty observed.Bisenty's argument is supported by Sulayman Colley, the President of the Gambia Paralympic Committee, who said disability sports need well-informed and trained personnel on disability sports to effectively oversee the development of para-sports.Back at the National  Amputee football team's training ground Ebrima Jallow and his teammates have wrapped up another training session in preparation for the Africa Amputee Cup of Nations and World Cup qualifiers to be held in Egypt in 2024. It would be a dream for the amputee footballers to participate in the continental tournament."My dreams as an amputee footballer are to represent my country in many international championships and win many trophies for the country,  to show people that we are capable, not vulnerable." Ebrima, who was supported by his prosthetic leg, said after the training session.But no sooner had they finished training came another challenge, the trouble of joining several commercial vehicles by the players to reach home as they dispersed at the end of another training session despite all these challenges the amputee footballers are determined to achieve their goals of winning titles for their country but equally amplifying the call for funding, equal treatment in the sports arena.

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THE TANGLED NET: TOM SAINTFIET, GAMBIAN JOURNALISTS, AND A FOOTBALLING FEUD

The air around Tom Saintfiet and Gambian journalists crackles with an undeniable tension. It's a relationship steeped in accusations, misunderstandings, and a hefty dose of bruised egos. Unravelling the truth becomes tricky, for the narrative, like a footballer's footwork, often shifts with dizzying agility.On one hand, Saintfiet, the Gambian national team coach, paints himself as a misunderstood knight in shining armor, unfairly criticized by a hostile press. He points to his achievements – a respectable Africa Cup of Nations qualification campaign – as proof of his worth, highlighting what he perceives as a lack of appreciation from Gambian journalists.However, a closer look reveals a different perspective. Saintfiet's maiden encounter with the Gambian press wasn't exactly a love-fest. He launched into verbal attacks, setting the tone for a turbulent relationship. Subsequent interactions were often laced with ridicule and dismissive shrugs, hardly fostering warmth or mutual respect.This frosty demeanor fuelled speculation that Saintfiet was merely a puppet in the grand play orchestrated by the Gambia Football Federation (GFF). Whispers allege that the GFF, eager to control the narrative surrounding the national team, deliberately pitted Saintfiet against the press, using him as a shield against critical scrutiny.Whether this is true or not is a matter of conjecture. But the consequences are undeniable. Gambian journalists, used to a certain level of engagement with foreign coaches, found themselves shut out, relegated to the sidelines while Saintfiet cozied up to the GFF's handpicked media (GFF media).Saintfiet's savior complex further complicates the equation. He seems to believe his presence alone elevates Gambian football, his achievements a gift bestowed upon an undeserving nation. This, naturally, rubs Gambian journalists the wrong way. Their job, after all, is to hold power to account, not sing paeans of praise.Finding a path out of this quagmire requires a change in mindset. Saintfiet must shed his victimhood cloak and accept that criticism is an integral part of the game. He needs to engage with Gambian journalists openly and honestly, fostering a relationship built on respect and mutual understanding.For their part, Gambian journalists must move beyond perceived slights and approach Saintfiet with professionalism, focusing on factual reporting and fair analysis. Knee-jerk reactions and personal attacks only serve to widen the gulf.Ultimately, both sides must recognize that they are, quite literally, on the same team. Their shared goal is the success of Gambian football, and this can only be achieved through collaboration, not antagonism. Only then can the air clear, the tension dissipate, and the beautiful game truly flourish in the Land of Smiling Coasts.

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GAMBIA SCORPIONS ARRIVE IN KSA AHEAD OF A WEEK-LONG TRAINING CAMP

The Scorpions of the Gambia have begun their pre-AFCON training camp in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The week-long camp, which is underway in the Saudi city of Al-Ahsa, is jointly facilitated by The Ministry of Youth and Sports and The Gambia Football Federation with support from the Saudi Football Federation. The team, under the guidance of coach Tom Saintfiet, had their first training session on Tuesday evening at the Prince Abdullah bin Jalawi sports complex. At the end of what was a mild session, the Scorpions boss said he was excited to regroup his players and prepare for the task ahead.Saintfiet, who has delayed announcing his final 27-man squad, said his decision to do so was informed purely by footballing reasons. A few players are yet to arrive, but the Belgian is hopeful of having all his players in camp by Thursday.

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RISE IN IRREGULAR MIGRATION FORCES STAKEHOLDERS TO DIALOGUE FOR WAY FORWARD

Irregular migration is an alarming reality that calls for a united response. This, as many of our youths continue to dare the vastness of the dangerous seas and the harsh Sahara Deserts at huge human, financial, and material costs to the country.The recent surge in the number of youths undertaking such perilous adventures and the alarming loss of lives have generated massive responses from the government and ordinary people alike.Thus the need for this first-ever ‘National Dialogue on Migration’ which brought together key stakeholders, including Mamadou Tangara Gambia’s minister for foreign affairs, Sering Modou Njie, defence Minister, Siaka Sonko, Interior Minister and Abubakarr Suleiman Jeng, National Security Adviser, for a two-day convergence.Governors, ambassadors, senior government officials, community representatives, and international partners were also in attendance.The dialogue which is ‘themed on building national consensus on migration interventions’, was organized by the Gambia YMCA and TANGO, in partnership with the International Organisation for Migration and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad.The forum provided participants representing various regions and communities mainly along the coastal regions to participate in shaping interventions geared towards addressing the root causes of irregular migration.Mamadou Tangara, Gambia’s Foreign Affairs Minister, said the dialogue is timely. ‘The urgency of this gathering cannot be overstated. Irregular migration has claimed the lives of many of our young ones, leaving families shattered and communities in mourning.’The objective of the convergence is to enable all the players to frankly discuss best practices, and challenges and forge a national framework for comprehensive migration intervention which will address the immediate crisis, and cater to the growing demand for youth empowerment.Migration has been a complex phenomenon influenced by social and economic factors in Gambia. With the advent of smugglers using boats that ventured through the high seas, curbing the menace has been a major challenge for stakeholders.‘The surge of young people taking the perilous journey has had serious implications on their communities and the country at large.’ Abubakarr Suleiman Jeng, National Security Adviser, said.‘We remain committed to undertaking all necessary action to provide job opportunities for our young people, intending to address the root causes of irregular migration in the Gambia.’ Jeng addedMusa Camara, Director of Migration and Diaspora Affairs, said the government is working on a series of bilateral agreements geared towards creating more regular pathways to curb this menace. ‘The government through the Foreign Affairs Ministry is on the verge of signing labour agreements with Spain and Italy. We have plans to engage Germany also, which has a labour shortage of over one million’, He said.Alagie Jarju, the Executive Director of the National Youth Council said as stakeholders, they have implemented so many activities together with their partners, including providing information to ‘thousands of young Gambians on the risk of irregular migration and the opportunities that exist in the Gambia.’He further called on youths to renew their hopes of making it in the Gambia rather than embarking on the risky journey.‘To the young person that thinks it is only possible outside of this country, please look within your society, how many Gambians can you see as examples that have not moved beyond the West African Sub Regions and are today successful.’During the two-day dialogue, participants were divided into seven thematic groups to look into several areas like employment, security, and border management, among others, and also answer questions on the current state of migration, gaps and challenges, and management mechanisms.During their presentations, the majority holds the belief that irregular migration has been on the rise, and low wages, limited job opportunities, lack of awareness, and peer pressure are among the root causes.In their resolution, they recommend that the government create more employment opportunities for the youths, with a key focus on investment in technical and vocational education and training. Also, to engage in bilateral labour agreements with European countries to create more regular pathways.The convergence also recommends more sensitization about the dangers of irregular migration and calls on families and communities to desist from supporting trips, financially or failing to report departures.Increasing the budget for Youth and Sports was another major cry as the youths constitute over 60% of the Gambia’s population. The 2024 estimated budget for youth and sports is one hundred and twenty-two million, three hundred and ninety-five thousand dalasi.They also put forward that communities should closely collaborate to campaign against smuggling. Also, they called for a proactive approach to curbing the menace, tasking the government to take the lead role in organising national migration dialogue annually.These among criminalising smuggling and a host of other resolutions were agreed upon by the gathering and are set for submission to the executive for consideration.  2023 has seen an unprecedented rise in irregular migration, especially through the sea. Foday Gassama, Commissioner for Migration Management at the Gambia Immigration Department, said, within 2023, they have responded to ‘29 cases’ of planned departures across the coastal beltsThat number is different from the successful departures that have taken place. Two boats that departed from Kartong in Kombo South, West Coast Region, on the 14 and 19 October 2023, went missing, until recently when reports came out that the boat that left on the 14th capsized in Mauritania sea without a single survival. On board that boat, included 41 youths from Jamburr and 27 from Kartong, among others.There is still no trace of the boat that departed on 19 October. According to relatives of the would-be migrants on board, the vessel, it carries 147 people, including three pregnant women. 47 of the people on board all hailed from Gunjur in Kombo South, where the trip was organised.Historically, migration has underpinned economic development and nation-building. Enrich cultures and help civilization to strive. Recently, it has been turning those dreams of some people taking irregular means into tragedies.Unless a holistic approach is taken and actions spring out from dialogues like this, curbing the menace of trafficking will continue to be a nightmare.

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