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IEC chairman suggests Paper ballot for Elections in the Gambia

The Chairperson of the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) Alieu Momarr Njai said the Gambia should abandon the marbles and drums system and migrate to paper ballots. Mr Njai revealed that the IEC spent over two million dalasis on each candidate’s ballot drums in the 2021 Presidential elections. He also hinted that the upcoming National Assembly Elections would incur a similar cost. The IEC chairman said ballot papers are more accurate, cheaper and easy to use. He made the remarks on Wednesday at the start of a training session organised by the commission for civil society actors and the media.

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President Barrow returns from a two day working visit to DRC

The President His Excellency Adam Barrow return's from Kinshasa the Democratic Republic of Congo, after a two working visit. President Barrow was received on arrival by the Ministers of Defense, the Interior and Service chief's. The Gambian Leader told GRTS at the Banjul International airport  that his visit the Democratic Republic of Congo was aimed at enhancing diplomatic and trade connection between the two countries. President Barrow underscored the need to strengthen and enhance diplomatic and trade ties with the Democratic Republic of Congo, noting the presence of a large number of Gambians in that country. Commenting on the steep rise in prices of basic commodities President Barrow said his government will continue to work closely with stakeholders in the sector to stabilize the situation. He used the opportunity to appeal to Gambian's to invest in Agriculture. He said his government has requisite policies and programs to transform the Agricultural sector thereby making it responsive to the food needs of the country. President Barrow also renewed commitments to expand and consolidate bilateral ties between Africa countries to advance trade, peace and development in the continent.Given the Gambia's geographic location, the President indicated that the countries could explore collaboration in aviation transport to make the country a hub in the aviation industry.  

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Thirty two Gambians successfully evacuated from conflict-stricken Ukraine.

Thirty two Gambians have been successfully evacuated from conflict-stricken Ukraine. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad announced that the group were sent to four different countries. Out of the 32, twenty-two (22) are in Poland, Eight (8) in Slovakia, 1 in Romania with his Ukrainian wife and child and 1 in Budapest, Hungary. In a statement, MOFA also said the government of the Gambia through its mission in Brussels arranged lodging and means of subsistence for the evacuated Gambians in the four countries. Most of them accepted the offer while a few chose to make private arrangements. The Ministry said the offer remains and can be requested for at anytime. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs further stated that Government will facilitate the return of the evacuated Gambians if and when they choose to come home.  

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The Gambia and DRC seek new Frontiers in Bilateral Cooperation

President Adama Barrow says The Gambia wants to enhance diplomatic and trade connections with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). President Barrow was responding to questions at a joint press briefing during his two day working visit to DRC. With the presence of  a large number of Gambians in the DRC, The Gambian leader noted that the two countriesneed new Frontiers in Bilateral Cooperation. President Barrow also indicated that the two countries could explore collaboration in aviation transport to make the Gambia an air hub for both West and Central Africa. President Félix-Antoine TSHISEKEDI TSHILOMBO congratulated President Barrow on his election victory and expressed hope that the visit will pave new ground for bilateral collaboration.Earlier, the two leaders held a closed door discussion at  the Palais de la Nation. President  TSHISEKEDI revealed that they talked about tourism, trade, energy, and transport as areas of possible cooperation. Both leaders emphasized commitment to developing and consolidating bilateral ties.

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Speaker bids farewell to Deputies as they prepare for campaign for re election

The Speaker of the National Assembly , Mariam Jack Denton revealed that the national assembly enacted fifty-three Bills from 2017 to February 2022, including the annual Appropriation Acts. Among them were the National Human Rights Commission Act, 2017, Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission Act, 2017, and Constitutional Review Commission Act, 2017. The Speaker was delivering her farewell address at the last plenary Ordinary Session of the National Assembly as deputies embark on campaign for re elections to the Sixth Legislature. Mrs Denton said the fifth legislature made progress on critical issues but was also faced with several challenges. Among the achievements she highlighted was the overhaul of the standing orders bringing them in line with international parliamentary standards and practice. She described the fifth legislature as a pluralised Assembly that transitioned from virtually the dominance of one-political party. The Speaker applauded the performance of the legislative's oversight and accountability functions of the assembly, describing it as exceptional and encouraging in a fledgling democracy. Parliamentary Questions to Hon. Ministers for Oral Answers increased fifteen times compared to the entire period of the fourth Legislature.While the tabling of the Constitution (Promulgation) Bill, 2020 that stalled in parliament was seen as a setback, the speaker was optimistic that government may take the document back to parliament to continue the process of promulgating a new Constitution for our Republic. She also spoke on the unprecedented tabling of three member’s bill two of which were enacted. Only one Member’s Bill was ever introduced and passed in the National Assembly.  

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President Barrow meets Gambians in D.R Congo

The President H.E Adama Barrow has urged The Gambian community in the Democratic Republic of Congo to be united and be worthy ambassadors of their country. President Barrow met with the Gambian community in Kinshasha during his two day working visit. President Barrow thanked the community for the warm welcome accorded to him and urged them to be united and not forget their country of origin. Responding concerns over the difficulty in renewing Gambian documents, The Gambian leader disclosed that government will dispatch immigration officials to various embassies across the world to enable Gambians access Biometric passports.President Barrow informed them that The Gambia has made tremendous progress in the last five years particularly in the areas of infrastructure and energy. He said The Gambia is on course to meeting universal electricity access by 2025, five years ahead of the global target of 2030. He finally informed them that his visit to Congo will impact positively on relations between the two countries, and would benefit Gambians there. He also commended his host President Felix-Antoine Tshsikedi TSHILOMBO for warm hospitality, urging Gambians to be law-abiding and peaceful.The President of the Association of Gambians in the DRC Bouna Batchilly told  President Barrow that the Gambian community is engaged in diverse activities across the two Congos expressing delight in receiving him in Kinshasa. He thanked the President for opening his doors to the community. The Vice President of the association Lamin Barrow said the Gambian community has seen a marked improvement in their fortunes due to what he called the improved security situation in the Congo. The Secretary General of the Association Mustafa Jallow, appeal to government to simplify the process of renewing their passports. The President of the Women's Wing Siandi Bassi also appealed to the President to support the honorary Consul who she said was very helpful to the Gambian community despite the challenges. The Minister of Foreign Affairs and Gambians abroad praised the Gambians in Congo for turning up under short notice to welcome the Gambian delegation. He assured government support to the honorary Consul who has been tireless in his responsibilities solely on voluntary basis.  

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President Adama Barrow on a two day working visit to The Democratic Republic of Congo for

President Adama Barrow arrived in Kinshasa at the start of a two-day working visit to the Democratic Republic of Congo. The visit is intended to strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries. The Gambian community in Kinshasa gathered early afternoon at the residence of the Honorary Counsel to prepare for the arrival of the President Barrow for his first working visit to the Democratic Republic of Congo. President Adama Barrow, proceeded to Ndjili International airport where he was received by the Congolese Minister of Regional Integration Didier Manzengu, the Gambia's High Commissioner to the Federal Republic of Nigeria also accredited to the Congo Mustapha Njie, and the Consul General in Kinsha Ansumana Tunkara. This is the first visit by a Gambian President to the Democratic Republic of Congo and it is expected to significantly strengthen bilateral relations between Kinshasa and Banjul. President Barrow will meet President Etienne Tshsikedi at the Presidential Palace in Kinshasa where the two sides are expected to sign a number of bilateral agreements. The President will also meet the Gambian community in the evening as part of his engagements in the DRC.

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2022 GABECE and WASSCE for the grades 9 and 12 students to go ahead

The Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education (MoBSE) says the 2022 GABECE and WASSCE for the grades 9 and 12 students will be conducted as planned. The Ministry said in a statement that the decision follows a virtual meeting with stakeholders which includes the Ministry of Finance and The West African Examination council. The meeting was said to have amicably resolved the issue of arrears. 

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Ministry of Agriculture launches of the comprehensive food security and vulnerability analysis 2021

The Vice President Dr. Isatou Touray on Monday presided over the official launch of the comprehensive food security and vulnerability analysis 2021. This is a nationwide and in-depth study of food security and vulnerability in the Gambia.The main objective of the 2021 Comprehensive Food Security and Vulnerability Analysis (CFSVA) is to update the food security and vulnerability situation in The Gambia. The study provides comparative data to enable trend analysis over the past five years. The CFSVA aims to provide information on the areas and population groups, which are most food insecure and malnourished. It gives reasons for food insecurity, and how food or other assistance can make a difference in reducing hunger.The Vice President Dr. Isatou Touray, who is also the Chairperson of the National Food Security Council, said the report will help track progress made towards achieving the sustainable development goal of zero hunger. She also said that the report will serve as a baseline in the country’s articulation of the National Pathways for Food Systems Transformation in support of the 2030 agenda.Seraphine Wakana, the United Nations Resident Coordinator in the Gambia, said food and nutrition insecurity leads to reduced health and wellbeing, and subsequent drop in household income.The World food program Representative, and country Director in the Gambia, Yasuhiro Tsumura, reveals that staple food prices in the Gambia have increased by 21% since 2016. She attributed food insecurity in the country to global and regional factors including the Covid-19 pandemic. She said the pandemic severely hit the tourism industry that accounts for 20% of the country’s GDP.Hassan Jallow, the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Agriculture, said the CFSVA 2021 report discovered that 13.4% of the population are food insecure of which under 2% are severely food insecure. Food insecurity in the country he said has increased by 2% in 2016 and 13.4% in 2021. The 2021 analysis was conducted at the height of the Covid-19, resulting in households’ vulnerability. The decline in household incomes, and loss their livelihoods was caused by government’s measures to combat the pandemic.  

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Media Advisory

President Barrow to Embark on Working Visit to DR CongoState House, Banjul, 27th February 2022The Office of the President informs the public that His Excellency, Adama Barrow, President of the Republic of The Gambia, will embark on a two-day working visit to the Democratic Republic of Congo.The visit will accord the President the opportunity to strengthen diplomatic and bilateral ties between The Gambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo.President Barrow and the delegation will leave Banjul International Airport on Monday 28th February at 10:00 am.

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PRESIDENT ADAMA BARROW OFFICIALLY INAUGURATES BASSE MARKET

A hundred and twelve million Dalasi market fully funded by the government of the Gambia was officially handed over by President Adama Barrow. The towering edifice in the centre of Basse was over a sixteen month period. The market complex houses two hundred and forty-six (246) vendor shops, two (2) mini-markets, and four (4) sheds with capacity for seventy (70) women vegetable sellers.In his inaugural speech President Barrow said every Gambian should be proud of the facility especially residents of Basse. The governor of URR Samba Bah and the Alkalo of Basse Sellu Bah both expressed delight and thanked the government for building the new market.   

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Gunjur wins Kombo South District Title

Gunjur ended a thirty five year title drought after thwarting the threat of Banyaka with an emphatic 3 – 1 win in the final of the Kombo South District football Championship. Gunjur came from behind with a brace from Sheriffo Bojang and Ousman Janneh put the game beyond reach with a close range shot. Banyaka’s opener came from a beautifully curled free kick by Malick Bojang. The feat was achieved with a remarkable unbeaten run and a squad with an average of 16, all of who were playing the District Championship for the first time. Gunjur also produced the best goalkeeper of the championship and the golden boot winner. Added to the trophy is a 45,000 Dalasi prize money, and winners medals and Banyaka got a 35,000 Dalasi consolation cash prize and medals.   Until this triumph, Gunjur's title drought at the District level stretches back to 1987 when they last won the title with a 2 - 1 win over Jambanjelly in the final at the Gunjur Primary School ground.

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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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