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Twelve suspects arraigned for obstructing Narcotic officers

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.   

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Gambia participates in OIC Foreign Ministers Summit in Pakistan

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.  

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MINISTRY OF FINANCE HOLDS PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIP VALIDATION EXERCISE

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.

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GERMAN FOUNDATION (DSIK) SIGNS MOU WITH NACCUG AND 2 OTHER UNIONS

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.

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A Clarion Call for Forest Management to Combat Climate Change

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.

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President Barrow promised to provide an electricity project that would serve 700 communities

President Adama Barrow has disclosed that a two-year electricity project from the office of the President would provide 700 communities with power.  The President made the remarks as he continues his nationwide tour of the country. He held with meetings at Ngain Sanjal, Kaur, and Kerr Auldi in the central river region north. The Gambian leader used the meetings to thank the electorate for giving him another mandate during the last Presidential election in December. He stated that the new mandate allows him to continue on his national development strategy that would provide infrastructure and social services to Gambians. President Barrow also urged the electorate to vote for candidates of the NPP and allied political parties saying he needs a strong legislature that would support rather frustrate his development agenda. The Minister of Tourism and Culture Hamat NK Bah thanked the people for their loyalty and confidence in President Barrow and his government, calling for unity amongst Gambians irrespective of their political affiliations. Several local dignitaries including district, ward, and village party leaders, spoke at the three meetings. The President is expected to hold meetings in Nianija, Sami, and Niani before crossing over to the Upper River Region for similar engagements

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OIC Secretariat trains Tourism and Hospitality Trainers

The Gambia OIC Secretariat last week concluded a three-day virtual training course for thirty-five (35) participants drawn from the tourism and hospitality industry in The Gambia.The three-day training is expected to enhance the technical skills and competencies of tourism and hospitality training providers. It followed a similar training on business development and entrepreneurship and protocol services.The tourism and hospitality service training course was implemented in partnership with the Statistical, Economic and Social Research and Training Centre for Islamic Countries (SESRIC) – the scientific research agency of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation.Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Chief Executive Officer of The Gambia OIC Secretariat, Mr Yankuba Dibba said the capacity building programme is an important cornerstone of the Secretariat’s capacity building programme as well as the National Development Plan.CEO Dibba touched on the importance of tourism to the GDP of the country, especially at a time when countries the world over are recovering from the effects of the COVID19 pandemic. He said the overall aim of the OIC Secretariat, is to leverage the Summit to build the necessary capacities to transform the Gambia to another level.The Director General of the Statistical, Economic and Social Research and Training Centre for Islamic Countries (SESRIC), Hon. Nebil Dabur said OIC countries should develop new strategies towards upgrading the quality of their services. This he added would help them to compete with their counterparts at the global level  

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Two "Junglers" released after five years under detention without trial

The Gambia Armed Forces (GAF has released from detention two members of the former patrol team (Junglers).  WO 1 Jammeh Ismaila and WO 1 Jeng Alieu were released on Friday after a prolonged detention without trial following their arrest in early 2017. The two appeared before the truth, reconciliation, and reparations commission and were sent back to detention. The army says their release was under stringent bail conditions until when the Government white paper on TRRC recommendations is released. 

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GAF HANDS OVER CONFISCATED DRUGS TO NDLEAG

The Military Police wing of Gambia Armed Forces handed over 3 bags each containing 25 big bundles of Cannabis Sativa to narcotic officers of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency of Gambia (NDLEAG) at the Defense Headquarters in Banjul. The army also delivered a confiscated canoe, an outboard engine, and fuel that were impounded three months ago during one of their routine satellite patrol along the Halahin Bolong.  

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Two Independent Candidates withdraw from parliamentary elections

The independent electoral commission (IEC) has announced that two candidates for the upcoming parliamentary elections have withdrawn their candidature. Pa Lamin Sawo from Jehwang constituency and Abdoulie Barry from Kiang East constituency have had their request to withdraw accepted by the IEC. Both are independent candidates.

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President Barrow sets off for a nationwide tour

President Adama Barrow begins a two-week tour of the country to thank Gambians for giving him another five-year mandate. The Gambian leader left on Saturday afternoon accompanied by cabinet ministers, NPP party executive members, and supporters.   President Barrow was received on arrival at the North Bank region by Governor Lamin Saidykhan, senior regional government officials, traditional and religious leaders, and a cross-section of the community. The President is hoping that his meetings with local communities will galvanise support for his party's candidates, facing off against several other independents and the mainstream opposition political parties.  

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NaNA and UNICEF train law enforcement officers on the nutritional development of children

Law enforcement officers in the North Bank Region have benefitted from a training program on Iodine Deficiency Disorder. The training is aimed at boosting the 35 officers’ knowledge on the nutritional development of children. The program was orgainsed by the National Nutrition Agency (NaNA) in partnership with UNICEF. The Program Manager at NaNA Alieu Kujabi said that the awareness campaign would increase the understanding of the officers on the significance of iodized salt. Senior Program Officer at NaNA Musa Dahaba said 80% of the salt consumed in the country comes from outside and urged health officials to properly screen imported salt for iodine. The Director, Essau Health Region Modou Lamin Fofana said building the capacity of security personnel on IDD would address iodine deficiencies. The security personnel assured their commitment to work with officials of the Food Safety and Quality Assurance Authority (FSQA), and Public Health Officers at the border points to ensure that imported salt is iodized.

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  • GRTS
  • March 20, 2022 07:55

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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