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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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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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President Barrow laid foundation stone of Solar plant

President Adama Barrow Saturday  laid the foundation for the construction of a 23 Mega Watts Solar Plant and an eight (8) Mega Watt-Battery Energy Storage System, with three (3) years of operations and maintenance.In his keynote address, the President said, “The proposed Jambur solar plant is a component of The Gambia Electricity Restoration and Modernisation Project, which is co-financed by the World Bank and the European Investment Bank at an estimated budget of US$27 million (twenty-seven million United States dollars).The ultimate goal of this project is to provide additional reliable, affordable, sustainable, and green energy generation capacity to meet the increasing energy needs of the Gambian people.  This Solar project is an integral part of our national Strategic Roadmap, 2021-2024, aimed at attaining universal energy access by 2025 and transforming The Gambia Electricity Sub-sector, as approved by Cabinet in November 2021.The roadmap outlines my government’s aspiration to achieve universal access to electricity by 2025 and, at the same time, transform the electricity sector so that Gambians can benefit from reliable and affordable electricity, leading to NAWEC becoming an efficient, financially sustainable power utility.The strategic roadmap serves as the development blueprint for the electricity sub-sector in the short and medium term. Renewable energy is highly placed on its order of priority.In the roadmap, Solar PV is considered as the cheapest form of renewable energy in The Gambia.This project will inject clean energy into the electricity grid, thus contributing to the achievement of The Gambia’s Climate Change Targets of Nationally Determined Contributions. It will also help us to diversify our electricity generation sources, reducing the country’s over-dependence on imported petroleum products.”

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President Calls for the Implementation of the Anti-Littering Law

In what many described as symbolic leadership, President Barrow earlier today led the re-introduction of the National Cleansing Exercise ‘Set Settal’, calling on the relevant authorities to implement the anti-littering law. President Barrow said that many people are in the habit of indiscriminate littering, which renders the environment dirty. ‘’We have the laws and should use them to stop littering. That is what democracy is about,’’ he stressed. The President, however, expressed delight at the turnout of the people to clean even though it was a voluntary exercise, saying, ‘’We cannot force people to come; we can only encourage them’’. He added that people must not wait for the exercise to clean their environment; they must do it daily to ensure clean and healthy surroundings. On him leading the exercise, President Barrow said leadership is a big responsibility and a position of trust, thus the participation to join the citizens. He thanked the lord Mayor of Kanifing Talib Ahmed Bensouda, the Cabinet members and all the people that came out to join him. President Barrow urged the journalists to lead the advocacy in the exercise.

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Latest Updates

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PRESIDENT BARROW INAUGURATES ROADS, HEALTH PROJECTS IN CENTRAL RIVER REGION NORTH

President Adama Barrow continues his week-long development tour with the inauguration of key infrastructure and health projects in CRR North.The President also presented an ambulance to the community of Ballanghar Jaloto.President Barrow was seen off at Farafenni by a ceremonial guard from the 2nd Infantry Battalion of The Gambia Armed Forces before proceeding to Yalal Tankonjala.In Yalal, he laid the foundation stone for a new road connecting Yalal to inland communities. The road is expected to improve access and connectivity for residents.From Yalal, the President inspected the ongoing construction of an agro-logistics centre at Maka Farafenni on the main highway. The centre is jointly funded by the Government of The Gambia and the World Bank.When completed, the facility will include training, logistics, and food processing units, in line with the Ministry of Agriculture’s long-term plan for sustainable agricultural development.The President then returned to Farafenni to lay the foundation stone for the Farafenni Roads Project. The initiative aims to transform Farafenni into a major sub-regional trade and transit hub due to its strategic location on the Senegambia trade and transport corridor.The event was met with celebrations by residents.The President continued north to Ballanghar, where he was welcomed by large crowds. At the local health post, he presented an ambulance to the community.Residents celebrated the handover, describing it as a major step forward in healthcare delivery for the area.In Upper Saloum, President Barrow inaugurated the Njau, Bati-Gui Jahanka loop road. The road completes the North Bank road project, which runs from Kerr Gibbi in Upper Saloum to Nyanga Bantang in Niani District via Nianija.In Nianija, the President also inaugurated a new health post in Buduk — the first of its kind in the community.Minister of Health Dr Ahmadou Lamin Samateh described the facility as “another significant milestone”, reflecting the government’s commitment to improving healthcare services.President Barrow said the opening aligns with his administration’s broader goal of ensuring access to quality healthcare for all Gambians.For residents of Buduk and surrounding villages, the new health post will provide primary care for women and children and reduce pressure on the nearest health centre in Chamen.

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NORTH BANK COMMUNITIES WELCOME NEW ROAD PROJECTS AS PRESIDENT BARROW LAUNCHES CONSTRUCTION

Communities in Lower Niumi, Upper Niumi, and Jokadu have welcomed new road projects launched by President Adama Barrow on Saturday as part of his nationwide development tour.In Fass Njaga Choi, the President laid the foundation stone for an 8.5km road linking Madina Manneh, Samba Johen, and Ndungu Chareh.Residents expressed joy and appreciation, saying the project fulfils a long-held community need.“This road has been our dream for years. We thank the President for remembering us,” one resident said.On the newly completed Hakalang Road, the President also launched the construction of a 15km feeder road in Bakalar. The road will connect Pakela Demba Solleh, Sare Mama, and Sare Bajonkoto.Alhaji Kala Darboe said the new road will create opportunities for women and farmers, while improving access to education, healthcare, and other essential services.The latest launches underscore the government’s renewed push to expand the country’s road network and bring development closer to rural communities.For residents of the North Bank Region, the projects represent tangible progress and renewed hope for improved livelihoods.President Barrow’s tour continues across the country this week.

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PRESIDENT BARROW INAUGURATES 17KM ROAD IN UPPER BADIBOU, LAUNCHES MORE PROJECTS IN NBR

President Adama Barrow on day three of his nationwide development tour inaugurated the 17km Salikenni–Banni–Njaba Kunda road amidst celebrations by local communities.The inauguration ceremony was held in Njaba Kunda. The President also laid foundation stones for new road projects in Barra and Daru Rilwan.Later, President Barrow addressed a large gathering in Njaba Kunda attended by residents of Upper Badibou.Speakers at the meeting thanked the President for investments in roads, health care, and agriculture in the region.North Bank Region Governor Lamin Saidykhan commended the government for what he described as unprecedented development that has transformed livelihoods in the area. He urged residents to reflect on the impact of these projects on ordinary people.The National Assembly Member for the area described the gathering as significant, noting ongoing support for the President in Badibou. He attributed this to the government’s track record of delivering roads and health centres, adding that previous administrations had failed to construct the road despite strong local support.Alhaji Jagne, Chief of Central Badibou, and Councillor Maimuna Bah expressed gratitude to the President. They recalled past difficulties accessing health facilities due to poor roads, and said patients can now reach care within minutes thanks to the new road, health centre, and provision of ambulances.Minister of Gender and Children’s Welfare, Fatou Kinteh, said President Barrow’s development agenda is visible across all sectors, particularly in women’s empowerment. She noted that women now hold influential positions in government and called on women to support the President, adding that Gambian women have pledged to contribute to his nomination fees in December.Managing Director of the National Roads Authority, Sulayman Sumareh, disclosed that the Salikenni–Njaba Kunda road is fully government-funded. He said the project will improve connectivity and enhance access to health, education, and other social services.In his address, President Barrow described the new road as part of his government’s plan to connect all communities across the country. “The North Bank Region has received unprecedented attention under this government with the construction of several roads,” the President said.He reassured citizens of his administration’s commitment to infrastructure and urged communities to take ownership and maintain the projects to serve their intended purpose.

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PRESIDENT BARROW BEGINS WEEK-LONG NATIONWIDE TOUR TO LAUNCH DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS

President Adama Barrow on Saturday departed Banjul for a week-long tour of the country to launch, inaugurate, and lay foundation stones for key projects in infrastructure, health, and agriculture.The President is accompanied by a high-powered delegation of Cabinet ministers, technocrats, and supporters. The tour will take him to all regions of the country as part of his administration’s commitment to bring development closer to citizens.President Barrow was seen off at the Banjul Ferry Terminal by Vice President Mohammed B.S. Jallow, Cabinet ministers, heads of security services, and supporters. A guard of honour mounted by the Naval Fleet and the Army Battalion welcomed the Commander-in-Chief before he boarded the ferry to cross to Barra.Speaking on board, President Barrow said the tour reflects his government’s strategy of delivering social projects directly to ordinary Gambians.“Infrastructure is the foundation upon which all other sectors rely,” the President said, describing it as a key pillar of his development agenda.Upon arrival in Barra, the President was received by North Bank Region Governor Lamin Saidykhan, security chiefs, NPP regional executives, and members of the Gambia Democratic Congress who recently joined the NPP-led National People's Alliance.Outside the terminal, hundreds of supporters lined the streets to welcome the President.President Barrow laid the foundation stone for the Essau-Barra Back Way Road. He then travelled to Fass Njaga Choi to launch construction of an 8.5km road linking Madina Manneh, Samba Johen, and Ndungu Chareh.Communities expressed joy over the projects, saying the new roads will open access to markets and improve delivery of social services such as schools and health facilities.Similar scenes were witnessed in Kerr Samba Kalla, Upper Niumi, where the President laid the foundation stone for another 8.5km road connecting Ndungu Charreh, Lang Sarr, Malick Sarr, and Samba Yassin.The delegation later made a stop in Bakalar via the newly inaugurated Hakalang Road, where President Barrow laid the foundation stone for a 15km road to Pakela Demba Solleh, Sare Mama, and Sare Bajonkoto.The President’s tour continues across the country this week.

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NORTH BANK COMMUNITIES WELCOME NEW ROAD PROJECTS AS PRESIDENT BARROW LAUNCHES CONSTRUCTION

Communities in Lower Niumi, Upper Niumi, and Jokadu have welcomed new road projects launched by President Adama Barrow on Saturday as part of his nationwide development tour.In Fass Njaga Choi, the President laid the foundation stone for an 8.5km road linking Madina Manneh, Samba Johen, and Ndungu Chareh.Residents expressed joy and appreciation, saying the project fulfils a long-held community need.“This road has been our dream for years. We thank the President for remembering us,” one resident said.On the newly completed Hakalang Road, the President also launched the construction of a 15km feeder road in Bakalar. The road will connect Pakela Demba Solleh, Sare Mama, and Sare Bajonkoto.Alhaji Kala Darboe said the new road will create opportunities for women and farmers, while improving access to education, healthcare, and other essential services.The latest launches underscore the government’s renewed push to expand the country’s road network and bring development closer to rural communities.For residents of the North Bank Region, the projects represent tangible progress and renewed hope for improved livelihoods.President Barrow’s tour continues across the country this week.

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PPP EXECUTIVES ENDORSE PRESIDENT BARROW AHEAD OF DECEMBER POLLS

Prominent executive members of the People’s Progressive Party, PPP, led by former party leader Kebba Jallow, on Wednesday formally endorsed President His Excellency Adama Barrow and the National People’s Party, NPP-led Alliance, at State House.The delegation pledged to support the President’s candidature and work to ensure victory in the December 5th presidential election.Speaking to GRTS after the endorsement, Mr Jallow reaffirmed his support for President Barrow, saying the President has done so much for the country and deserves another term in office.Deputy Public Relations Officer of the NPP, Honourable Seedy S.K. Njie, welcomed the PPP executives into the Alliance. He said President Barrow is pleased to accept the endorsement.The PPP becomes the latest political party to throw its weight behind President Barrow, barely four months to the presidential election.President Barrow Meets GK Partners CEOIn a separate engagement, President Barrow also received in audience Mr Gibril Faal, Chief Executive Officer of GK Partners.Mr Faal briefed the President on the activities of GK Partners, particularly its ongoing Diaspora Fellowship project being implemented jointly with the International Organisation for Migration, IOM.He also updated the President on strides made in diaspora direct investment, noting that The Gambia now leads in monitoring remittance data through the Central Bank of The Gambia.President Barrow underscored his commitment to supporting the project and urged GK Partners to do more public relations work to inform Gambians about their initiatives.

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