His Excellency President Adama Barrow has declared Monday, 11th July 2022, a Public Holiday throughout the country, in observance of the Muslim feast of Eid-ul Adha, commonly known as “Tobaski”.
Continue Reading >>The Ministry of youth and sports has announced that work on the renovation and remodeling of the Independent stadium will begin soon. The ministry said it had tendered the required paperwork to the Gambia public procurement authority GPPA which was approved. After the closing of the tender on the 24th of June, the ministry said its contract committee had assessed the bids and submitted its report, and recommended contractors to GPPA for approval. The ministry of youth and sports promises sports enthusiasts that it would fix the stadium and end its disqualification from hosting football matches. They clarified that the delay was due to the fact that the work which will cost the government over one hundred million dollars was not budgeted for. The government has now indicated the availability of the funds to carry out the work. CAF had banned the Independence stadium from hosting football matches for the senior national until it is renovated to the recommended CAF standard. The decision forces the Gambia to play its home matches on foreign soil. Therefore the Gambia played its home game against South Sudan at the Stade Latdior in Thiese Senegal.
Continue Reading >>The Ministry of health has slapped 371 public and environmental health officers with a two-month suspension from the beginning of July. In a letter dated 1st July, the ministry said the suspension without salary was a result of the staff's noncompliance to return to work after a long period of unauthorised absence. The health workers were on a sit-down strike in protest over unpaid allowances. Barely a week before sending the aggrieved staff on a two-month unpaid suspension, the ministry had issued a warning for the staff to return to work. A statement issued on June 25th stated that all efforts to resolve the dispute have failed. The ministry said steps being taken to ensure that extra allowances were paid were nearing completion.
Continue Reading >>Acting in accordance with the 1997 Constitution of The Gambia and upon consultation with the Public Service Commission (PSC), His Excellency President Adama Barrow, has appointed Ebrima G. Sankareh Government Spokesperson & Presidential Adviser on Diaspora Affairs effective 20 June 2022. Directly answerable to the President of The Republic, the Spokesperson manages the political information of the President and centrally coordinates the strategic internal and external communications of the government. He speaks on behalf of the President, Cabinet ministers, and all other senior officials both nationally and internationally. Mr. Sankareh who was initially appointed by Barrow in June 2018, will with his expanded portfolio advise the President on best practices for harnessing the potentials of the Diaspora and guiding statutory entities in charge of Diaspora matters. In 2017 President Barrow declared the Diaspora as the 8th Region of The Gambia and with the appointment of Sankareh as Presidential Adviser on Diaspora Affairs, the government is showing the political will of addressing barriers to effective engagements with the Diaspora. Sankareh, a seasoned journalist holds double BA degrees in Political Science and History from North Carolina State University in Raleigh, NC, USA, and a Master of Arts Degree in English Literature from Graduate Schools of The University of North Carolina at Charlotte and Gardner Webb University in Boiling Springs, North Carolina, U.S.A. He proceeded to the University of Birmingham at Edgbaston, UK for his Ph.D. studies in African Studies with a specialization in Literature. He had earlier graduated with a Teacher’s Diploma in English and History from The Gambia College and Bristol University, UK.
Continue Reading >>The vice-chair of the Gambia Football Federation electoral committeeSaikou B. Jarju has declared that the GFF presidential elections will take place on the 27th of August 2022 at a venue to be disclosed in due time.Mr. Jarju also stated that nominations will open on the 21st of July 2022 and close on July 28th and announcements of the candidates will be made on the 4th of August 2022. This will be followed by an announcement of the final list of eligible candidates on the 13th of August 2022.
Continue Reading >>The National Agency Against Trafficking in Persons [NAATIP] of the Republic of the Gambia and the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons [NAPTIP] of the Federal Republic of Nigeria are cooperating in the fight against people trafficking. The two agencies signed a memorandum of understanding to prevent, suppress, and punish trafficking in persons of especially women and children in both countries and beyond.The agreement is aimed at establishing direct channels of communication, building trust, exchanging information, and taking a new approach in judicial cooperation to fight trafficking in person. The director of NAATIP Tulai Jawara Ceesay and Dr. Fatima Waziri-Azi of NAPTIP both said the agreement would help address their challenges when implemented effectively. The International Organisation for Migration’s chief of mission in the Gambia Fumigo Nagano expressed hope that the MoU will help tackle the menace. The High commissioner of the federal republic of Nigeria to the Gambia Muhammed Manu said there is a missing link in the fight against trafficking. Trafficking in persons is a crime and a human rights abuse. The three most common forms are sex, Labour, and Child trafficking. Recent reports by the IOM have indicated that over 30 billion US dollars have been earned by the criminals involved in trafficking with over 2 million people falling into their traps across the continent. These two parties in their drive towards the implementation of the provisions of the MOU have set up a Joint Implementation Working Group with equal representation of members from both the Gambia and Nigeria.
Continue Reading >>His Excellency President Adama Barrow in exercise of the powers conferred on him under Sections 71(1) and 71(3) of the Constitution of the Republic of The Gambia, has appointed Mr Ousman A. Bah as Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, effective today, 24th June 2022.
Continue Reading >>Baba Hydara , son of the slain journalist Deyda Hydara has on Tuesday testified in the ongoing trial of a former member of Ex-President Jammeh’s hit squad Bai Lowe in Celle, Germany. Baba is one of the Plaintiffs in the trial of the former patrol team member. Bai Lowe is accused of being a member of the hit squad, known as the Junglers, between 2003 and 2006 and has allegedly participated in the assassination of opponents of former President Yahya Jammeh, including the murder of Deyda Hydara a journalist of the AFP news agency and Co-founder of Gambia daily The point Newspaper . Lowe is accused of crimes against humanity, murder and attempted murder including helping to stop Hydara’s car and driving one of the killers in his own vehicle.In a lengthy and cross-cutting testimony Baba discussed the history and content of the point newspaper where his father worked as well as his dedication to press freedom, Democracy and good governance. Baba explained that his late father had two columns in the newspaper called "Good morning Mr President and the Bite" where he wrote on issues of national concern and socioeconomic development. This according to Baba never went down well with the former president as he received several threats from the corridors of power. The witness also discussed the killing of his father, his family's reaction to the news of the murder and the subsequent difficulties endured by his family including financial and, educational challenges. He also detailed the psychological trauma as well as security threats his family encountered after the killing of his late father. He disclosed that no formal or impartial investigation was launched on the assassination of his father by government. However, the international Journalists network Reporters without Borders carried out some investigations and put pressure on government to investigate the matter. This he said led to government issuing a partial report tarnishing Deyda's reputation. The witness also discussed his understanding of the patrol team, the assassination of his dad, Dawda Nyassi and the attack on Ousman Sillah. He stressed that he never wanted to discuss the assassination of his father with anyone because it disturbs him. Baba also said that everything he knows about the work of the Junglers and murder of his dad came during his time with Gambia's victims center. The presiding judges also asked clarification on whether Ida Jagne and Isatou Jagne refer to the same person who was in the car during Deyda's assassination and the witness said he knows only Ida Jagne and not Isatou. The plaintiff's lawyer Dr Patrick Kroker asked about the Junglers who returned from Equatorial Guinea and the witness explained that they were arrested, charged and taken to court and later discharged. The witness said government intended to shut down the Point Newspaper and threatened Pap Saine, the co founder of the paper. Baba Hydara urged the government of the Gambia to ensure the implementation of the TRRC recommendations saying accepting them alone is insufficient. He expressed his commitment to fight for justice for his late father and other victims of ex-president Jammeh and his hit squad. He called for the swift prosecution of the perpetrators. The father-of-four, late Deyda Hydara worked as a Gambia correspondent for Reporters Without Borders (RSF) and was considered a doyen among journalists in the West African state. The court Presided by a panel of five judges is adjourned to Thursday 30th june 2022.
Continue Reading >>After 2 years, the Global media forum is back. The programme brings together hundreds of journalists in an interdisciplinary approach to tackle current issues shaping the way journalists do their work in a changing world. This years theme on “Shaping tomorrow now” comes at a time the world is going through a poly crisis, from the Covid-19 pandemic, wars and conflict to imminent issues overlooked in the coverage of Africa. Experts in media, science and related disciplines share perspectives on journalism in war times, the difference between activism and journalism, climate change to stories relevant to local realities. Participating journalists shared insights on the engagements and the importance of bringing journalists together in such a conference after 2 years of being apart. Most of the journalists come from countries affected by the many issues dominating news coverage, it still does not solve the inequalities they face. This breeds the question of how news is covered and who is covering. However there are key takeaways that resonate with those at the frontlines One thing that speakers addressed is for Editors to check on the well-being of their reporters. That despite the efforts of journalists to bring forth stories that matter even when that means risking their lives and comfort, they are first humans with emotions and families.
Continue Reading >>The trial of a former member of ex-President Jammeh’s hit squad continues in Celle, Germany. Bai Lowe is accused of being a member of the hit squad, known as the Junglers, between 2003 and 2006 and has participated in the assassination of opponents of former President Yahya Jammeh, including a journalist of the AFP news agency, Deyda Hydara. The suspect, identified as Bai Lowe, is accused of crimes against humanity, murder, and attempted murder, including the 2004 killing of longstanding AFP correspondent Deyda Hydara, who was also co-founder of Gambian independent daily The Point.Lowe, arrested in Hanover in March 2021, appeared in court on Monday in the nearby town of Celle as witnesses testified at the court. one of the witnesses who testified on Monday was Mr. D’Angelo. Mr. D’Angelo worked for the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees and conducted the second hearing in Bai Lowe’s asylum procedure. The goal of the second hearing was to establish whether there was a sufficient need of protection in order to grant asylum. Mr. D’Angelo used the protocol from the hearing to prepare his testimony. He recalls that Bai Lowe was in the military as a soldier and that Bai Lowe told him he signed up voluntarily in 2003. He showed Mr. D’Angelo some military certificates and He was a member of the Patrol Team. His function was to be the driver. He also recalls some of the issues he discussed with Mr Lowe during his Asylum interview including his time in the army, the patrol team, the people he work with in the team and his subsequent imprisonment among other things. the other witnesses who testified on Monday was Bakary Sanyang a Gambian based in Hannover Germany and a friend to Mr Lowe. He explained their time together in Germany and issues they had previously discussed in relation to the work of the Junglers and activities participated by Mr Lowe during his time with hit squad. He discussed how he helped him settle in Germany and his involvement in the killings of Deyda Hydara, Dawda Nyassi, Haruna Jammeh, Macy Jammeh, and Daba Marena as well as the attempted murder of Ousman Sillah among other torture crimes by the Junglers. Sanyang also explained his previous discussions with the accused on the members of the hit squad headed by Tumbul Tamba. This the witness said included Sanna Manjang, Malick Jatta, Modou Jarju alias Rambo, Fansu Nyabally, Alieu Jeng, Kawsu Camara, Bora Colley, Pa Sanneh, Nuha Badjie, solo Bojang, Michael Correa, Saikouba Jarjue and Saul Badjie Among others. The trial is “the first to prosecute human rights violations committed in The Gambia during the Jammeh era on the basis of universal jurisdiction” which allows a foreign country to prosecute crimes against humanity, war crimes and genocide, regardless of where they were committed.The Junglers unit was used by the then-president of Gambia to carry out illegal killing orders, among other things” with the aim of “intimidating the Gambian population and suppressing the opposition,” according to federal prosecutors.
Continue Reading >>The Khalif General of the Niassen brotherhood His Eminence Sheikh Muhammadul Mahy Niass has commended the President for his untiring efforts in enhancing peace and brotherhood between The Gambia and Senegal. The Spiritual head of the Niassen brotherhood was speaking at State House during an audience with The Gambian leader. This is his first visit since ascending the highest post in the Niassen brotherhood and seeks to follow the footsteps of his predecessors by meeting his Talibehs or followers and the country's leadership. The President H.E Adama Barrow thanked the Sheikh and his delegation for what he called a special occasion. He said religious leaders have a big role to play in fostering peace and unity on the continent, expressing believe that they will complement the efforts of governments in this direction. Commenting on the state of Senegal Gambia relations, President Barrow said he will continue to work with President Sall to take relations to the highest level possible, describing the two countries as one people with shared values and history.The President finally pledged to leave a legacy of peace and development that stand the test of time, adding such are the values that define good leaders. He however urged the Khalifa General to continue praying for the country, its people and leadership, describing prayer as a powerful tool. Speaking earlier, The Khalifa General His Eminence Sheikh Muhammadul Mahy Niass expressed gratitude to the President for granting him audience, commending him for his religious steadfastness. He urged African leaders to work together to resolve conflicts on the continent, citing his recent visit to Sudan in an effort to end the war in Darfur. The Sheikh also noyed with appreciation the marked improvement in relations between The Gambia and Senegal, attributing it to the efforts of the two leaders, whom he said have a shared vision of peace and good neighbourliness. The Senegalese High Commissioner to the Gambia H.E Basiru Saine heaped praises on the leadership of the two countries for building such unbreakable bonds of friendship and brotherhood, describing it as a classical example of African integration. Imam Muntaha Faye described the meeting as historic. We have good relations with The Gambia, and this is set to continue in to the future, the Imam added. The High Representative of the brotherhood in The Gambia applauded the efforts of the President in promoting the relationship between The Gambia and Senegal, drawing comparisons with the first president Jawara who warmly welcomed the founder of the Niassen brotherhood in The Gambia. He described the Khalifa General as very humble, who has dedicated his life to scholarship and service to humanity The Khalifa General and delegation is expected to grace a massive religious conference later in the evening where he will dialogue with his followers as is customary.
Continue Reading >>The President H.E Adama Barrow Friday received in audience the Secretary General of the Organisation of Islamic Conference Hissein Brahim Taha at the State House. The OIC boss is in The Gambia for discussions with Gambian officials on the preparations of the upcoming OIC summit to be held in The Gambia. Mr Taha arrived in The Gambia Thursday evening to assess the state of preparedness for the hosting of the OIC summit later this year.Speaking to reporters after his audience with President Barrow, Mr Taha reaffirmed the OIC member states' full support for The Gambia's hosting of the summit. During his stay in The Gambia, the OIC boss will visit project sites within the Greater Banjul Area to see first hand the level of preparedness. Currently the OIC in partnership with government is constructing the 50km dual carriage highway from the airport through the bertil harding to the Kairaba Avenue and a VVIP Presidential lounge at the airport.
Continue Reading >>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.
Continue Reading >>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.
Continue Reading >>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.
Continue Reading >>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.
Continue Reading >>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.
Continue Reading >>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.
Continue Reading >>
