Assan Ceesay scores a brace as the the Gambia stumbled to is to the final round of the 2023 AFCON qualifiers. The Gambia won 3-2 on aggregate over Chad after two legs. Chad nearly ended The Gambia's dream as they led the game to the dying minutes before Assan Ceesay equalising through a penalty. Despite a 2-2 draw at their temporary home in Agadir, Morocco, the Scorpions 1-0 win in the first leg in Cameroon decided the tie.
Continue Reading >>Continuing his tour in the Central River Region South, President Adama Barrow held meetings in Kerr Layen, Dalaba, and Sinchu Alaji all in the Niaminas. At the meetings, the President renewed his commitment to the socio-economic development of the CRR with emphasis on road infrastructure, education, healthcare, electricity and water for rural communities. The president also galvanised support for NPP candidates and called on people to vote for them. President Barrow finally thanked the people of Kerr Layen for the turnout and promised to provide them with electricity and water. The President and entourage proceeded to Dalaba in Niamina West where he also thanked the people for their continued support for the NPP. Other speakers during the rallies were Tourism Minister Hamat Bah, NPP candidates from the various constituencies, and a host of other politicians.
Continue Reading >>Three more candidates have withdrawn from the upcoming national assembly elections barely a fortnight before the polls. The Independent Electoral Commission on Monday announced that Mustapha S Cham, the PDOIS candidate for Lower Saloum, Selou Bah, the Independent candidate for Upper Saloum, and Malick Jassey, the Independent candidate for Lower Saloum have all withdrawn. The IEC has since accepted their withdrawals.The IEC also announced that by-elections will be held in four wards in the Kanifing and Brikama administrative areas. On Saturday 14th May by-elections will be held in Bundung Six Junction, London Corner, Sanyang, and Marakissa. Nomination of candidates for the by-elections will be conducted from 25th to 29 April between 8 am and 4 pm at the respective IEC Regional Offices in Brikama and Kanifing.
Continue Reading >>The government of the Gambia has refuted claims on social media that the new pay and grading has been rescheduled. The government was reacting to a purported memo trending on social media. A statement from the government spokesperson indicated that the Gambia government is committed to implementing the new pay and grading scale. “The government of the Gambia remains resolute in improving the welfare of all citizens and ever since coming into power that has been the priority of President Adama Barrow and government.” The statement urges the general public to ignore the memo.
Continue Reading >>The Gambia beach volleyball team of Sainey Jawo and Mbye Babou Jarra have defeated South Africa 2 - 0 in the finals of the 2022 Commonwealth beach volleyball games qualifiers in Ghana.The Africa Games champion first trashed South Africa 21-08 in the first set before recording a 21-18 win in the second set to scoop the honour and qualified for the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham. This triumph over South Africa means revenge for The Gambia as they lost to South Africa in the group stages. South Africa might miss the goal medal, but they will also be in Birmingham alongside the Gambia as representatives of the Commonwealth nations from the African continent.
Continue Reading >>Babucarr Steve Trawallly silenced his critics as he scored the much-needed goal that helped The Gambia to a 1 - 0 win over Chad in the first leg of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations preliminary qualifiers. The tricky winger fall out with the Gambia's coach Tom Saintfeit during the AFCON in Cameroon and abandoned the camp, but was given a chance and he proved why he should have been used by the coach with a late goal.The Gambia was the better side by far, but all they needed was a solitary lone goal at the Ahamadou Ahidjo stadium in Cameroon.The Gambia now hold a pole position ahead of the second game which will take place in Morocco on the 29th of March 2022. The overall winner of the double legged tie will be pitted in the group stage of the 2023 AFCON qualifiers.
Continue Reading >>The Vice President Dr. Isatou Touray addressed the 9th World Water Forum in Dakar, Senegal. The Forum which is the first of its first kind in the African continent will last from 21 to 26 March 2022. The theme of the forum “water security for peace and Development” brought together world leaders and experts to pave a way for a world free from water shortage and insecurity. VP Touray said President Adama Barrow’s government has plans in place to ensure access to quality water and sanitation for all and noted that water is a human rights issue and his excellency is committed to providing all communities with water which is essential for everyone.
Continue Reading >>The Drug Law Enforcement Agency (DLEAG) said 12 persons have been arraigned at the Basse Magistrates’ Court. They were charged with obstructing Narcotic officers in the execution of their duties.A statement from the DLEAG indicated that the men are standing trial for their conduct that led to the wilful damage of a vehicle and injured a suspect who was in custody. Eleven (11) of the accused persons were remanded in custody. One of the accused age could not be determined and as such, the court ordered for an age determination test to be conducted. This will determine whether he should be tried as an adult or an Alleged Child Offender.The suspects will also be charged with joint possession of prohibited drugs after weighing and analysis of the suspected cannabis found on them.
Continue Reading >>The Chief Executive Officer of The Gambia OIC Secretariat, Mr. Yankuba Dibba is taking part in the 48th Session of the Council of Foreign Ministers (CFM) of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation in Islamabad, Pakistan.CEO Dibba is part of a high-level Gambian government delegation led by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hon. Mamadou Tangara. Other members of the delegation include the Minister of Justice, Hon. Dawda Jallow, the Gambia Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the OIC Mission, H.E. Omar G. Sallah, and other senior officials from the foreign affairs ministry and The Gambia OIC Secretariat. The two-day summit officially commenced on Tuesday 22nd March 2022 with the inaugural session chaired by the Prime Minister of Pakistan, Mr. Imran Khan. The theme of the high-level discussion is ‘’Partnering for Unity, Justice, and Development’’ and addressed current global issues such as the plights of the Palestinian and Kashmiri people, the conflict in Ukraine, Islamophobia, COVID19, among other pressing peace and security issues affecting the Muslim Ummah. Following the opening session, The Gambia, represented by the Minister of Justice, Hon. Dawda A. Jallow chaired the Meeting of the Ad hoc Ministerial Committee on Accountability for the Human Rights Violations against the Rohingya.A state banquet was held in honour of the delegation by the President of Pakistan.
Continue Reading >>The Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs, Mumburay Njie pointed out the Government’s recognition of the private sector in socio-economic development as prioritised in its National Development Plan.Speaking at Kololi, Mambury Njie said the move which among a host of things is geared towards enhancing development through cooperation.The director of Public-Private Partnership, Lamin Fatty, delved on several matters surrounding such partnerships. These include value for money and development engagements that serve the public interest.Describing the private sector as the economy's engine for growth, Malick Mboob of Guaranty Trust Bank underlined their resolve to encourage private sector partnership. Going by all indications, officials maintained that public-private partnerships can verily put developing countries like The Gambia on their development track.
Continue Reading >>German Foundation for International Cooperation (DSIK) sings a memorandum of understanding with the National Association of Cooperative Credit Unions of The Gambia (NACCUG), Gambia Police Force Cooperative Credit Union, and Medical and Health Credit Union.As per the memorandum, the two credit unions will benefit from a project grant of 2.7 million Dalasi. Aside from providing NACCUG with technical assistance, its general manager, Foday Sanyang said the idea is to enhance small and medium enterprises of credit union members.DSIK country representative pictured the project as special. Gabriele Freigrau v. dem Bussce talked of the project's specialty in the sense that it does not focus on collateral as a benchmark for loans. The board vice-chairman of Medical and Health Credit Union Abdul Aziz Ceesay said it is important that they are a chosen pilot to propagate entrepreneurship amongst credit unionists. Pa Signhateh equally portrayed the grant as a financial facility that will benefit members since it will scale up their business. The financial enhancement is expected to last for a year with a possible extension in time and beneficiaries.
Continue Reading >>March 21st, is globally set aside by the United Nations General Assembly as International Day of Forests. Observed to raise awareness concerning the importance of forests, the 2022 commemoration goes with the theme: "Forests and sustainable production and consumption".According to United Nations Programme on Reducing Emissions From Deforestation and Forest Degradation, an estimated 1.6 billion people use forests for their livelihoods. They include thousands of Gambians like Pap Jangha who makes a living from weaving baskets. Jangha who also makes bamboo items including chairs said he now struggles to get weaving materials because people are abusing the forest. He called for sustainable usage of the Gambia's rapidly declining forestWhile trees are pivotal in enhancing rainfall, experts including Bubacarr Zaidy Jallow of the Ministry of Environment reiterate the crucial role of forests in fighting climate change. He said this happens as trees absorb and store massive amounts of emitted carbon dioxide.As The Gambia is oftentimes challenged with flooding, experts' revelation that trees reduce the risk of flooding speaks volumes about handling such environmental issues. In this regard, Jallow urged communities to desist from the indiscriminate cutting of trees as this contributes to adverse climate challenges in The Gambia and beyond. While trees also prevent soil erosion and ameliorate droughts, there are renewed calls for sustainable forest management.
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 >>The Vice President, His Excellency Mohammed B.S. Jallow, on Tuesday granted an audience to members of the Gambia Girl Guides Skills Centre at State House.The delegation met the country’s number-two office to discuss operational challenges facing the centre and to seek government support.The Gambia Girl Guides Skills Centre is one of the country’s first skills development facilities. It supports young girls in areas including tailoring, cuisine, hospitality, and tie and dye.However, over the years, the centre has deteriorated. The structures are old and dilapidated, activities have slowed, and authorities say they are losing both trainers and trainees.Faced with these challenges, the administration sought intervention from the Office of the Vice President.Following a closed-door meeting with the Vice President and senior officials, Chief Commissioner of the Gambia Girl Guides Association, Khadijatou A. Jobarteh, said the centre has done well but continues to face frustrations.(H.E Mohammed B.S Jallow - right - and Khadijatou A. Jobarteh, Chief Commissioner of the Gambia Girl Guides Association - left)Chief Commissioner Jobarteh added that the Association is also seeking an audience with First Lady Her Excellency Fatou Bah Barrow to discuss their concerns.Members of the Association said Vice President Jallow gave his full assurance that he will look into the challenges facing the centre. She said the Vice President has promised to engage the concerned Permanent Secretaries at the Ministries and the Office of the First Lady. In outlining the path to reviving the centre, Chief Commissioner Jobarteh highlighted key areas needing urgent assistance. She said they would need refurbishment of the centre and funding to be able to pay the trainers. Officials expressed optimism that the engagement with the Vice President will be a catalyst for change to restore The Gambia’s only Girl Guides skills training facility.
Continue Reading >>The President, His Excellency Adama Barrow, hosted a state banquet in honour of visiting Gabonese President, His Excellency General Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, at State House.The banquet, attended by Gambian and Gabonese officials and invited dignitaries, marked the climax of President Nguema’s four-day visit to The Gambia.President Nguema was accompanied by First Lady Her Excellency Zita Oligui Nguema. They were received by President Barrow and First Lady Her Excellency Fatou Bah Barrow.The evening featured a toast to the enduring relationship between Gabon and The Gambia, followed by a dinner of traditional Gambian cuisine. Guests were entertained by a kora troupe and cultural performances showcasing Mandinka, Serer, and Jola music and dance.
Continue Reading >>The Vice President, His Excellency Mohammed B.S. Jallow, on Wednesday granted an audience to the European Union Ambassador to The Gambia, Her Excellency Immaculada Roca i Cortés, and her delegation at State House.The meeting focused on EU interventions in The Gambia and ways to further strengthen bilateral cooperation.Speaking to reporters after the closed-door meeting, Ambassador Cortés said the visit aimed to review ongoing cooperation between the EU and The Gambia across key development sectors.With The Gambia’s presidential elections less than four months away, Ambassador Cortés described the period as critical and stressed the need for close collaboration with development partners."The EU remains committed to supporting a peaceful and inclusive electoral process in The Gambia," she said.The Ambassador described the engagement as fruitful, noting that the Vice President was highly receptive and shares the EU’s vision for The Gambia’s development drive.Officials said discussions also covered how to enhance existing EU-funded projects and ensure they deliver maximum impact for Gambian communities.While the meeting has concluded, both sides reaffirmed that engagement between the Government of The Gambia and the European Union will continue as they work to advance the country’s development agenda.
Continue Reading >>The President, His Excellency Adama Barrow, on Tuesday received in audience the Right Honourable Tiohang Sekhamane, Speaker of the Parliament of the Kingdom of Lesotho, at State House.Speaker Sekhamane was accompanied by a high-level delegation that included the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Serign Modou Njie, and the UN Resident Coordinator, Karl Frederick Paul.Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Speaker Sekhamane said the visit was jointly organised by the Government of The Gambia, the United Nations Development Programme, and the Government of Lesotho.He noted that The Gambia has made significant strides through its partnership with UNDP on government development financing."Therefore, I came here to learn from The Gambia and see how Lesotho can adopt a similar partnership for the development of our people and country," he said.Speaker Sekhamane concluded by thanking President Barrow for his leadership, vision, and commitment, which he said have contributed to the success of the program in The Gambia.The engagement forms part of efforts to strengthen South-South cooperation and share best practices in governance and development.
Continue Reading >>The Gambia and Gabon have signed five agreements to strengthen cooperation in trade, investment, diplomacy, and agriculture.The signing followed a three-day visit by Gabonese President His Excellency General Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema to The Gambia, aimed at deepening bilateral ties. Both leaders also reaffirmed their commitment to African unity, Pan-Africanism, and South-South cooperation.President Oligui Nguema was received with full honours on arrival at State House for talks with President Adama Barrow.The two leaders held private discussions for nearly an hour before presiding over an expanded meeting with senior officials from both sides. They reaffirmed their joint commitment to strengthen Banjul-Libreville relations.President Barrow welcomed the Gabonese delegation, describing the visit as “an important milestone” in the friendly relations between The Gambia and Gabon.He commended President Nguema’s leadership, saying it has made Gabon a bastion of democracy, peace, and development in Africa. “The Gambia shares these values and is committed to working with other African countries, including Gabon, to strengthen cooperation in all areas of development,” President Barrow said.In his remarks, President Oligui Nguema thanked President Barrow for the warm hospitality. “The Gambia and Gabon have dynamic and positive relations. I look forward to strengthening this partnership for the mutual benefit of our two countries,” he said.The Gabonese leader noted that both countries share common positions on many issues, and called for joint action to tackle piracy, illicit trafficking, and other illegal activities in West and Central Africa.The two leaders presided over the signing of five cooperation instruments. The agreements were signed by The Gambia’s Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Dawda Jallow, and Gabon’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Marie-Édith Tassyla-Ye-Doumbeneny.The agreements are:1. General Cooperation Agreement between The Gambia and Gabon2. Agreement Establishing the Gambia-Gabon Joint Commission 3. Agreement on Mutual Visa Exemptions for holders of diplomatic and service passports4. Memorandum of Understanding on Political and Diplomatic Consultations between the two Foreign Ministries5. Joint Communiqué reaffirming commitment to deepen cooperationA joint communique read by Ministers Jallow and Tassyla-Ye-Doumbeneny described the visit as successful, saying it has laid a “solid and concrete framework” for partnership.The communique reaffirmed both countries’ commitment to continue dialogue and consultations to deepen cooperation in education, health, agriculture, and infrastructure. It also pledged to increase exchanges to promote peace, African unity, Pan-African solidarity, and South-South cooperation.At the end of the meeting, President Barrow saw off his counterpart, who proceeded with other engagements, including a visit to the Katchikally Crocodile Pool in Bakau.
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