Next on TV

Tonight GRTS 8pm NEWS

More
News Sport Lifestyle Travel & Tourism Culture Politics
Next on TV

Tonight 7:00pm

Gambia

News First slide

KUNTA KINTEH FERRY ON BREAKDOWN MAINTENANCE

PRESS RELEASE The Ferry Service Management wishes to inform the general public that the Kunta Kinteh Ferry will be witndrawn for breakdown maintenance for at least 48 hours with effect from Tuesday, 8th August 2023.Meanwhile, Kanilai Ferry will be deployed to provide minimal service. Efforts will be made to restore Kunta Kinteh Ferry, and Management wishes to apologize to the travelling public for any inconvenience that this disruption in service may cause. GFSC MANAGEMENT

Continue Reading >>
Sports First slide

GAMBIA U-15 PRESENTS CHAMPIONSHIP TROPHY TO SPORTS MINISTER

After returning to the country following their under-15 youth championship triumph in Oslo, Norway, the Gambian team led by Goodwill ambassador Tijan Jaiteh, presented the trophy to Bakary Y. Badjie the Minister for Youth and Sports.The 2023 edition of the Norway Cup is the second time a Gambian team is taking part in the championship. The Gambian U-15 completed the tournament unbeaten and defeated Ullern 3-2 in the final to clinch the 2023 championship trophy in Oslo.Championing the investment of resources in sports towards the well-being of Gambian youth, Minister Badjie recognized the team's outstanding efforts in bringing glory to the country and putting the country's name on the world stage.‘You have the joy of having won the trophy but then the country benefits. People who didn’t know about the Gambia would know. The media will talk about it and someone who doesn’t know will hear it. And those that are interested will go searching where Gambia is, you know what that does, it increases our tourism’. Ndey Marie Njie, the Permanent Secretary at the Youth and Sports Ministry congratulated the team and urged them to keep working hard. She assured them of the government’s continuous investment towards the improvement of the welfare of youths.Tijan Jaiteh, the Goodwill Ambassador for Sports, thanked the Ministry for its contribution to the team’s participation in the tournament. He said the youngsters fought hard to bring home the trophy despite playing six games in nine days.National Youth Adviser, Lamin K. Saidy, expressed delight and satisfaction at the team's performance, which he said brought joy to the people of the Gambia. He commended the Ministry for investing in Youth development.Speaking on behalf of the team, Ebrima Saidy and Sainey Njie, expressed the team’s sincere appreciation to the ministry and the country for their encouragement as they continue to seek their support to bring more glory to the Gambia.

Continue Reading >>
Sports First slide

SCORPIONS ON THE BRINK OF 2023 AFCON PLACE AS WIND OF OPTIMISM BLOWS ACROSS

From the Head of State to the Sports Minister, the GFF President, the coach of the Gambia National Team, the players, and the last supporter of the team. One thing they all eye, is the Gambia’s return to the AFCON for the second time in succession.The team is truly on the brink, and the performance they showed to this stage, will leave any supporter with great hope. Scorpions of The Gambia are currently second in Group G, a position that is still in contention. But they stand the biggest chance to make it their own when they take on Congo who are third, three points adrift, and stand a chance to topple the Gambia – alas! – ‘God forbid.’ Gambia will take on Congo on Sunday 10th September in Morocco at 7 p.m. Gambian time for a place in the 2023 AFCON in Ivory Coast.The worst the Gambia can avoid to return to the AFCON for the second time, is a defeat, which will see Congo through on a head-to-head basis, even though, they will tie on 9 points with the Scorpions. Their double victory over the Gambia will give them an advantage as per the CAF rules – that is if they (Congo) win.THE SQUADThe Gambia’s Belgian tactician, Tom Saintfiet, has named his squad that he believes can help him achieve another milestone – qualifying for the Africa Cup of Nations for the second time under his spell.On his previous unveiling, the Belgian has come under immense criticism. But it appears he got it almost all right this time as many of his critics did not lash at his mode of team selection. He named a 23-man squad that on paper looks solid, and it will not be any surprising if they look solid on the pitch too.The team comprised notable names like Omar Colley, Modou Jobe, Able Jallow, Babucarr Gaye, Musa Barrow, and Assan Ceesay among others who all experienced the continental showpiece – AFCON, in the last edition in Cameroon which was the first time the Gambia make AFCON appearance.Remarkably, they finished 6th overall – losing 2 – 0 to the host nation Cameroon in the quarterfinals.This crop of players can be trusted. Judging by the clubs they are playing for, the playing times, and their form individually. Players like team captain Omar Colley, Ablie Jallow, Assan Ceesay, Muhammed Badamosi, and Yankuba Minteh were all on the scoresheet for their respective sides heading into the international break. With such form, and Tom Saintfiet’s pragmatic approach, one could only stay upbeat that the Scorpions are on course to write another history.OPTIMISM AND REACTIONS.I was opportune to be closer to the players during their training camp in Turkey in late 2022. I had interviews with a lot of them. As sensitive as they might appear, I still had casual discussions with a lot of them during their leisure time at the hotel, about their readiness for a return to the AFCON.The message has been the same. ‘We want to go back to the AFCON. And, we will do whatever it takes to qualify. All we need is the support and prayers of the Gambian people, so we can make them proud again.’ This was what many of them echoed.Quite reassuring, isn’t it? Those are committed statements that represent the mindset around the team. Under a coach [Tom] who likes bragging about his records and achievements. One could only sense complete readiness around the Scorpions team.“We will do everything possible to write more history. It is not easy, though Congo-Brazzaville is a good team. They have good players and a good coach, so we will face a very tough challenge,”“We want to qualify. We have tasted two years ago how beautiful AFCON is, and we want to go back there, and we will be ready to compete.” Tom said in an interview with Ebrima KB. Sonko.Hopes are high that, the Scorpions will write another history as they did in March 2021 when Assan Ceesay scored a lone goal against Angola in Banjul to send millions around the country into ecstatic celebrations as the Scorpions qualify for the AFCON, - Remarkably, the first time in history.  CAUTION!As the game approaches, it's difficult for anyone to think about anything, other than a return to the AFCON for the Scorpions. But some of us who have been following football closely, know we can all come crashing, back down to earth if there is one bit of complacency. Not what anyone will pray for, but ruling it all together out, will go against football in all aspects.With the physical strength Congo has in their squad, coupled with their experience in the AFCON [Winners in 1972, 4th Place 1974, Quarterfinalist 1992 & 2015].   You would expect their 1 – 0 win over the Scorpions in the first leg, to click them into gear. And they are under the guidance of a coach [Paul Put] who knows Gambian football, as little as it may, not new to him.Congo will certainly look to mount some pressure as they look to make a return to the AFCON for the first time since 2015 in Equatorial Guinea.This job for the Scorpions is close to being done but also far from done.However, the Belgian tactician and this group of players know how to write history. They have set new standards. And, they are spoiling Scorpions’ fans who have suffered for too long with joy.It will be mind-boggling to bet against them, turning more dreams into reality.

Continue Reading >>
Sports First slide

A JUBILANT NATION CELEBRATES ANOTHER AFCON QUALIFICATION, AFTER A STUNNING FIGHTBACK AGAINST CONGO

An entertaining and dramatic match at the Marrakech Stadium will be remembered for a stunning comeback, orchestrated by two substitutes as the Gambia secure a place in the Africa Cup of Nations for the second time running. At first, it appeared the Scorpions were going to miss out on a spot in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast. They were woeful in the first 45. Outplayed and outwitted by Congo Brazzaville, who threatened to upstage the Scorpions in a first-half display of poise and panache. Congo scored twice in the first half. First, Gaius Makouta capitalized on a lapse in concentration to poke home from close range after the half-hour mark. That was followed by a Silvere Ganvoula penalty after the referee adjudged Gambia’s captain Omar Colley for a handball in the 45th minute. A decision bitterly contested by the Gambia’s camp. At that moment, it appears a seemingly desperate situation for the Gambia. With the clock ticking towards the 80th minute, hopes were slowly fading for the Scorpions, as Congo put themselves within touching distance of qualification. A desperately looking Tom Saintfiet looked to his bench for salvation. And his substitutes did the magic for him and the over two million soccer-loving people of the Gambia. First, teenage Feyenoord forward Yankuba Minteh struck within minutes of his introduction. Substitute Muhammed Badamosi flicked on Ibou Touray’s cross into the path of the unmarked Yankuba Minteh who rolled home from close range in what was his competitive debut for the National Team. Minteh first appeared for the Gambia against Guinea Bissau in an international friendly in Turkey on November 20, 2022. That goal sparked new life into the Scorpions and they piled up the pressure on the retreating Red Devils of Congo.  With the clock ticking towards full-time, deep into added time, Saudi Pro League star Muhammed Badamosi turned the tie on its head to help the Scorpions complete an incredible comeback. Hopes were rekindled, and everyone started to believe that a comeback was on the cards as the Scorpions of the Gambia only needed a point to maintain second spot in the group behind group leaders, Mali. Congo at first looked defiant, but they were not able to muster the energy to resist the pressure from Tom and his players who duly got rewarded in the 90th minute when Badamosi leaped high to glance home a looping cross from Musa Barrow. The goal sparked huge celebrations on the pitch and in the stands where a handful of Gambia Football Federation officials as well as few Gambians who managed to filed into the grounds were camped. But, the epicenter of the celebrations was back home in the Gambia as Gambians rejoice another qualification to the Afcon championship by the National Team, the Scorpions. This was truly a historic moment for the Gambia side who played all their qualifiers away from home due to the ban on the country’s only stadium by CAF. Yet, they showed composure and determination to reach another milestone achievement in the country’s sporting history. 

Continue Reading >>
Sports First slide

AFCON 2023 Draw: Five key points for the Scorpions Ahead of the Afcon 2023 tournament

January 29th, 2022, the scoreboard at Japoma Stadium read: Gambia 0 Cameroon 2. Two second-half goals from Karl Toko Ekambi ended a fairytale journey for the Scorpions. A debut Nations Cup appearance that brought so much joy to the more than two-million Gambians at home and in the diaspora ended in defeat to host Nation, Cameroon.The Scorpions left Cameroon brimming with confidence going into the next round of qualifiers, knowing fully-well that an expectant nation wouldn’t settle for anything other than another crack at a second Afcon tournament. This set of players though tend to do things on their own terms. Remember the dramatic win over fellow West African side Guinea. The odd-uninspiring yet result-driven games masterminded by the Coach, Tom Saintfiet. The Belgian and his team continue to defy logic in providing the right formula in building a winning team.Next up for the Gambia Scorpions is to find out who they will face in the draw for the 2023 Afcon in Ivory Coast. But, should the Scorpions fear any country? GRTS looks at five (5) key issues for facing the Scorpions ahead of the draw and the tournament.1.       Media Campaign: With Gambia among the twenty-four countries vying for the AFCON 2023 trophy in Ivory Coast, the main focus off-field is how to raise significant funds for the National Team. If we learnt anything from the Cameroon expedition, it has to be the strategic media engagement by the members of the Fund-raising committee. They employed aggressive methods in reaching out to the public and the awareness-raising campaign was successful. The public media played an important role in this endeavor. More of the same for the coming campaign!!!2.       Fundraising: How do we raise funds for the national team? Is there an allocated budget for the Gambia’s participation in the AFCON 2023 tournament? How about a rerun of the Road to Afcon Fundraising Dinner, which was a huge success? In the coming weeks and months, a lot will be riding on the next move by the Ministry of Youth and Sports and the Gambia Football Federation. The Gambia do not have a bottomless pit full of money yet, smart decisions and proper coordination helped deliver some needed cash for the National Team in the last Nations Cup participation. No last-minute scrambles to set-up a Fundraising team!!!3.       The Squad: Coach Tom Saintfiet is spoilt for choices when it comes to the number of players carrying Gambian passports or those of Gambian roots. The Gambia is blessed with talented players. We have always had talented players, but, the Gambia of 2023 has so many players playing in top leagues across Europe and now in the cash-rich Saudi Pro League. Coach Saintfiet, despite this luxury, remains consistent in moulding a core group of talented players who are providing him the right results from day one. More players will be invited to the squad, but Coach Saintfiet’s battle-hardened core group will be crucial to our chances of progressing from our group. The Players will deliver!!!!4.       Key Players: Assessing who a key player is in Tom Saintfeit’s team could pose a challenge to even the most accomplished football expert. But there is a Messi in Argentina. A Ronaldo in a Portugal side. And how about Tom Saintfiet’s side? This Gambia side is built on the power of the collective. The Belgian’s tactics make it easy for the team to thrive. Not a bad idea, considering, the team continues to defy logic in navigating numerous hazardous situations in qualifiers and during tournaments. The Squad though has some match winners and they are coming good at the right time ahead of the tournament. Right across the spine of the team, we have some of our most important players: Safe hands: Baboucarr Gaye, remains number one. In defence, young James Gomez is a towering presence alongside Captain Omar Colley. In midfield, Hamza Barry provides the creative spark for the team, and in attack, Coach Sainfiet has an array of talent to choose from: Ablie Jallow, Assan Ceesay, Musa Barrow, and Muhammed Badamosi all providing the coach with different options. But, the future of Gambian football rests on the young shoulders of the mercurial talents of Yankuba Minteh. He is the rising star of Gambian football!!!5.       The Draw: Who do we fancy in the draw? The Gambia will enter this draw on the back of a truly dramatic end to the qualifying campaign in Group G with two late goals to secure a place in the Afcon 2023 tournament. It confirms Gambia's second straight appearance at a Nations Cup tournament following the Scorpions' impressive showing in Cameroon in 2022. The Scorpions will be joining some stellar names for the draw including defending Champions and neighbours, Senegal. The Teranga Lions will be gunning for a second straight championship victory but they will be facing a stiff challenge from the likes of Nigeria, host nation, Ivory Coast, alongside the North African contingent of Algeria, Tunisia, and Egypt. The Gambia Scorpions though are going into the tournament in buoyant mood!!!

Continue Reading >>
Sports First slide

2023 AFCON: SCORPIONS TO FACE NEIGHBORS IN GROUP C

Scorpions of The Gambia are handed a Senegambia derby in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations as they are drawn in Group C alongside close neighbors Senegal. The group also consists of Cameroon and Guinea Conakry. 

Continue Reading >>
GRTS TV First slide

GRTS MOVES TO NEW SATELLITE FREQUENCY

Viewers are advised to retuned/scan their satellite receivers to be able to access GRTS signals. 

Continue Reading >>
  • GRTS
  • October 12, 2023 09:23
News First slide

DIGITALIZING HEALTHCARE: The Gambia Advances Implementation of Health Insurance Scheme

Inadequate medical infrastructure, a shortage of health care resources and limited access to essential health services have left many Gambians without the quality healthcare they deserve.Numerous African nations facing health sector challenges, have adopted digital public infrastructure as a means to alleviate inadequacies impeding healthcare through digital solutions. In a landmark move, the Government of the Gambia embraced digital transformations to enhance healthcare services, with the intention to make healthcare more accessible and efficient for all Gambians. This initiation of The Gambia's National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) which carves an ambitious promise to cover the entire population, is a significant step in the country's pursuit of Universal Health Coverage (UHC).“The systems all along had been manual process and then we have challenges along the line, this includes data coalition, archiving the data, retrieving the data from the database is also a problem, so if the people misplaced their certificates, we find it difficult to retrieve the certificates.”-Lamin Fatty, Registrar, Birth & Death, Ministry of Health The journey towards realizing the vision of the NHIS reached a critical milestone in 2021 when the National Assembly passed the National Health Insurance Bill into law. This significant achievement was followed by the crucial approval of the  President H.E Adama Barrow, solidifying the NHIS as a vital element in The Gambia's healthcare landscape. The health insurance scheme which will record citizen data, enables policyholders to access healthcare services, make appointments, and access medical records remotely. After the mass campaign, thousands of citizens particularly families stormed registration centers to get registered for the insurance scheme.“I don’t know much about the scheme, but I am optimistic it will ease most of the challenges we go through just to have access to health care. I have registered and am now looking forward to enjoying the benefits.” ~Bintou Sillah, citizen. According to officials, digital birth registration and health insurance membership will reduce healthcare costs for citizens. Over a million have registered, but thousands still have doubts about the scheme's viability, the health sector still has work to do to get more citizens to register amid widespread skepticism. The NHIS aims to significantly reduce waiting times and bureaucratic hurdles that have historically impeded timely access to healthcare services.“We are working with the World Bank to ensure that everything goes well, all the plans are being laid. We are yet to launch, for now all the institutions have been set up, all the mechanisms have been put in place so that it will be effective “~Dr.Mustapha Bittaye, Ministry of Health With funding from the world bank, the ministry is also tapping various means to fund the long term project. Few months ago, stakeholders from various institutions led by the Vice President and health minister assembled to discuss strategic ways to mobilise funding opportunities for the scheme. The NHIS has fortified its digital infrastructure with robust cybersecurity measures to ensure the confidentiality. Data security and privacy are paramount in this transformation, a sophisticated software is built to confirm and regulate wrong data. Scores of people registered for the digital birth and insurance scheme, but the benefit is yet to come there way and for many who are keenly anticipating its arrival, the development signals a new dawn easing access to viable and affordable healthcare services if fully implemented.

Continue Reading >>
News First slide

GAMBIA MULLS OVER THE ADOPTION OF SMART TRANSPORTATION

In the evolving landscape of transportation, the concept of smart transportation is gaining traction worldwide, smart transportation leverages digital technologies to optimize and enhance the efficiency of urban mobility.African countries like Kenya are pioneering innovative solutions that redefine the way people move, platforms like Uber have revolutionized traditional taxi services by allowing users to conveniently order rides through a mobile application. This shift not only provides a seamless experience for commuters but also improves the overall efficiency of transportation networks.In Gambia, citizens face formidable challenges accessing transportation, leading to increased hardships in daily commuting. Insufficient infrastructure, limited public transportation options, and economic constraints contribute to a struggle for many Gambians seeking reliable means of travel.The inadequate road network in some regions exacerbates transportation difficulties, with poorly maintained roads and lack of proper signage hampering smooth traffic flow. This not only prolongs travel times but also poses safety risks to commuters.Some frequent road users lamented the difficulties they face while navigating the daily traffic.‘I wish I would be able to order a taxi or Uber from any location and not have to struggle to board a loaded bus, van, or taxi every day, we are in a digital era, and by utilizing it, life will be much easier’-said Fatou Njie, a commuter As the Gambia strives for progress, considering the adoption of smart transportation systems becomes imperative, according to Ebrima Colley, Deputy Permanent Secretary-Technical at the Ministry of Transport, Works, and Infrastructure, before the implementation of smart transportation in the Gambia’s national transportation system, several key strategies need to be taken into consideration to ensure successful planning, deployment, and integration.The Gambia stands to benefit significantly from embracing Digital Public Infrastructure. By introducing similar services, the country can address challenges related to traffic congestion, reduce environmental impact, and enhance the overall commuting experience for its residents, therefore, without smart transportation, Public transportation remains limited, primarily relying on informal modes like shared taxis, vans, and minibuses.However, concerns linger regarding the compatibility of smart transportation with the country’s road infrastructure. The unpredictability of these services leaves citizens grappling with inconsistent schedules and overcrowded vehicles, making the daily commute a time-consuming and uncomfortable experience.According to the Ministry of Transport, swift actions are underway to change the current status quo.‘Currently, The Government of the Gambia is focused on improving Infrastructure Development requirements such as roads, energy and ICT. By investing in the necessary physical and digital infrastructure, this will ensure that the infrastructure can support the deployment of technologies such as connected vehicles, sensors, and smart traffic control systems.’ _Deputy Permanent Secretary-Technical, Ministry of TransportThe convenience of on-demand transportation services, coupled with the integration of digital payment methods, contributes to a more connected and accessible urban environment.As the global community increasingly gravitates toward smart transportation solutions, the Gambia has the opportunity to position itself at the forefront of technological advancements in the transportation sector. By learning from successful implementations in countries like Kenya, the Gambia can create a modern, efficient, and user-friendly transportation system that meets the evolving needs of its citizens.

Continue Reading >>
News First slide

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.

Continue Reading >>
Sports First slide

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.

Continue Reading >>
Sports First slide

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.

Continue Reading >>