Unidentifeid corpse found on TUI flight from banjul to London
A press release from the office of the government spokesperson
Continue Reading >>A press release from the office of the government spokesperson
Continue Reading >>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.
Continue Reading >>The new Minister for Information Dr Ismaila Ceesay told journalists during the briefing that his ministry aims to renew commitment to the development of the media landscape to bolster relations between the press and the government.In a period of increasing misinformation and disinformation, the Ministry has also launched its website and social media handles. An initiative meant to boost the much-long-awaited access to information.Serving as the main mediator between the government and the public, the Information Minister said his ministry is committed to building the website of all other ministries – a strategic move to enhance relations with the media and chart a way forward for the government to communicate to the public. Access to information is a crucial component of a strong democracy building a strong, vibrant society that enables the media to deliver accurate and reliable information to the general public.Despite the lack of support from the government through subventions like other countries, the Gambian media plays a critical role in its drive to deliver accurate information to the public. Yankuba Saidy, the Deputy Permanent Secretary at the Information Ministry, said the government is working to ensure the media outlets are subvented to be able to sustain their operations. Since the country transitioned to democracy and good governance in 2017, the Barrow administration has registered significant progress in terms of strengthening press freedom. This press briefing is meant to reset relations between the government and the media.
Continue Reading >>Gambia's track Queen Gina Mariam Bass Bittaye who won gold medals in both the women's 100 and 200m events of the 13th African Games in Ghana, has been handed one million dalasi by the government of the Gambia. The cheque was presented to her by the Vice President of the Republic of The Gambia Muhammed BS Jallow, who commended Gina for representing the country well and assured her and the rest of President Barrow's continuous support.Gina was accompanied to the State House by the Youth and Sports Minister, Bakary Badjie, and other senior officials of the Ministry.
Continue Reading >>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.
Continue Reading >>The Minister for Transport, Works and Infrastructure, Ebrima Sillah is on tour to assess the level of progress of road construction projects across the country.In what was day one of his tour, the minister inspected works on the ‘Hakalang Road’ in Nuimi and other access roads in ‘Baddibu’ in the North Bank Region to access first-hand. The famous ‘Hakalang Road’ linking communities in Upper and Lower Niumi, is an 84 km stretch that has already been completed according to contractors. The Minister said he was satisfied with the level of progress, and hoped that it would be completed within time. Several residents in the area who are the direct beneficiaries of the road expressed delight in the historic roads, describing them as a life-changing project for the people of Niumi. From ‘Niumi’ to ‘Badibou’ where the minister and delegation inspected the ‘Kerewan Njawara Access Road’ which connects 17 communities in the catchment area to the main highway. Day one of the tour climaxed with a visit to the Banni-Salikenni road. This particular project was awarded to a Gambian contractor. The Minister said he is equally impressed with the level of work done at 70 percent. The tour continues to the Central and Upper River Regions
Continue Reading >>The Ambassador of the People's Republic of China to The Gambia, H.E Liu Jin, presented a cheque for over two million dalasi to the Gambia Radio and Television Services, for the purchase of cameras for the State Broadcaster.The gesture is in response to a request for support by the Director General of GRTS Abdoulie Sey ahead of the OIC Summit in Banjul.The Chinese ambassador H.E Liu Jin said the role of the media is crucial, especially GRTS being the State Broadcaster.The Chinese diplomat also described the OIC summit as an important platform to discuss international affairs and for Muslim leaders to share their perspectives on peace, unity, and fairness across the world.The newly appointed Minister for Information Dr Ismaila Ceesay, who was in attendance, emphasised the need for a complete transformation of GRTS from equipment to staff welfare, amongst others.Minister Ceesay used the opportunity to thank China for being supportive of The Gambia and Africa at large, citing infrastructural projects like the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Centre built to the tune of 50 million dollars thanks to China.Director General Sey commended China for their timely intervention and continuous support towards GRTS' transformation. He further stated that the government of The Gambia under the leadership of H.E Adama Barrow, has strongly promised to support GRTS towards the coverage of the OIC Banjul summit, thanks to the intervention of the new Information Minister Dr Ismaila Ceesay. The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) is the second largest inter-governmental organization with a membership of 57 states spread over four continents. The 15th Heads of State and Government Summit will be held in The Gambia from 4th to 5th May 2024. GRTS as the National Broadcaster has been handed the lead role of covering the events live and providing feeds for international channels.
Continue Reading >>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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