Operatives of the Drug Law Enforcement Agency – The Gambia (DLEAG) stationed in the West Coast Region recently arrested Abuchi Godspower Nwanko, a Nigerian national suspected to be involved in the dealing and trafficking of prohibited and controlled drugs.
According to DLEAG, Abuchi is a 35-year-old Nigerian who was apprehended at his residence on 6 February 2023 with eleven thousand three hundred and forty (11,340) pills of ecstasy, a controlled drug with an estimated street value of about three million nine hundred and sixty-nine thousand Dalasis (D 3,969,000.00).
Ecstasy, commonly referred to as Gaw-Gaw, is said to be a highly potent psychoactive drug that causes confusion, anxiety, depression and a compulsive drug seeking behaviour. The Gambian drug law enforcement agency noted that the resultant behaviour influenced by such drugs can result in immediate or permanent confusion or even loss of life.
“We therefore call on the public particularly to youth to value their lives and work on their future. Equally, we call on the public to remain alert and report suspicious criminal related activities to law enforcement operatives because we cannot be everywhere at every time,” DLEAG appealed in a statement.
The suspect is being held in custody as investigations into the matter continue.
Just less than two years since she started actively participating in sports photography, Sarjo Baldeh is set to be among a group of young women on the continent to cover the Africa Under 20 Cup of Nations in Egypt. She will be there as a photographer later this month. Likely to be the first female Gambian photographer to reach such a milestone if things go as planned later this month in Egypt, this young lady aspires to blaze a trail as she pursues her dreams of becoming a phenomenal photographer beyond the peripheries of the Gambia.
“I take photography as a gift from Allah. However, Photography is not easy in this country. It takes dedication, determination, and consistency to survive in it,” says the 21-year-old female photojournalist who specializes in sports.
Sarjo Baldeh is a rare breed of a lady who has joined the booming industry of sports journalism in the country. For Sarjo, she does not use a pen or microphone to report, she uses cameras to report by capturing stunning images, a craft that she is excelling at just within 24 months when she decided to venture into sports photography.
Sarjo — who also studies construction — photography career started lighting up in 2015 when she was 15 years old and in 9th grade. She was lucky to be part of Starfish International, an organization that houses volunteers yearly from different countries. While attending the programme in the summer of 2015, Sarjo began taking pictures, a move that would fuel her burning desire for photography.
“After that session, I continued taking pictures and that has led me to where I am today. After 7 years now, I am more determined to be a life-changing photographer than before,” she said.
Baldez, as commonly known in the photography space, has followed her passion by making a move to sports photography, where she takes stunning pictures that hooks photography lovers.
Being a young female photographer, she always stands unique in the midst of men doing her job. She does even mind being called a ‘cameraman’ despite being a lady, a manifestation of the belief that such craft is for men. Sarjo, however, defied the odds and evolved into a powerful photographer regardless of the perceived notion of the craft being designed for males.
Like every dreamer, Sarjo has gigantic dreams in football. She wants to be the first Gambian female photographer to work with FIFA as media personnel, where she dreams to leave a massive legacy.
“My desire is to go further in sports photography. It is one aspect of photography that fuels me and makes me so happy. I wish to be the first female photographer in the country to work with FIFA as media personnel and leave a lasting legacy to be modelled by others,” the ambitious young woman told The Fatu Network.
At the age of 21, Sarjo has multiple admirers and those looking up to her. Different people from different backgrounds contact her to train them in photography. With her passion to help others succeed, Sarjo gathered these ready-to-learn young people and formed a social media page called Team Baldezz, where they will be exhibiting their skills in photography.
“This team is ready to do what it takes to make a difference with what they have. They are a combination of members with a burning passion for photography, videography, graphic design and script writing,” she explained.
Sarjo doesn’t only do photography, but she is as well a student studying construction at the Gambia Technical Training Institute (GTTI).
Now being approved to cover the 2023 Africa U20 Cup of Nations in Egypt as a photographer, Sarjo is ready to make a name for herself and capture moments that will last longer. She told The Fatu Network what travelling to Egypt means to her as a photographer.
“To me, it is hard work pays off. It has been my dream to represent my country and take stunning pictures. Pictures that will forever be remembered, capture moments at AFCON.
“It is a moment for me to experience as a female photographer, to network with other photographers and learn from others.
“It is also an experience to travel. I wish I get the sponsors to go to AFCON”.
The Gambia Civil Aviation Authority’s recent decision to raise passenger service and security charges, as well as introduce a new passenger safety levy at Banjul International Airport, has sparked controversy and raised concerns about its impact on the country’s fragile economy and the tourism industry. In this op-ed, we delve into the potential consequences of these new levies and call for a more responsible approach to managing Banjul International Airport.
The Gambia Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) recently announced its decision to raise passenger service and security charges, as well as introduce a new passenger safety levy at Banjul International Airport. While the GCAA claims that these increases are necessary to recover the cost of investment and improve airport services, the move is short-sighted and could have a detrimental impact on the country’s already fragile economy.
The GCAA’s claims of needing to recover costs for infrastructure and equipment upgrades are flawed, as they have not provided any concrete evidence of how these charges will be used to improve the airport experience for passengers. This claim of ‘improving infrastructure and services at Banjul International Airport is nothing but a smoke screen for their true intentions of lining their own pockets.
“The new charges and levy are in line with international standards and similar to those imposed at other airports” – The GCAA is trying to pass off their decision as a standard practice, however, this statement is far from the truth. Many airports in the region do not impose such high charges and levies, and it is not comparable to international standards.
First and foremost, raising charges and introducing new levies will likely deter tourists from visiting The Gambia. The country’s tourism industry is a major contributor to its economy, and any move that makes travel more expensive will likely lead to a decline in the number of visitors. This, in turn, will lead to a decline in revenue for the country and further damage its economy.
Moreover, the GCAA’s move is also likely to result in an increase in airfare. The airlines are likely to pass on the additional charges and levies to their customers, resulting in a higher airfare. This will further deter tourists from visiting the country and will have a negative impact on the country’s economy.
Additionally, it is important to question the transparency and fairness of the GCAA’s decision-making process. The GCAA states that the charges have remained constant for over 30 years, yet they fail to provide any concrete data or evidence to support their claims that the airport has undergone significant transformations or that their proposed increases are minimal and reasonable.
Furthermore, the GCAA’s decision to introduce a new levy to support aviation safety in the country raises concerns about where the money collected will actually be going.
The GCAA’s press release also states that “the airport is still contending with challenges which require huge capital outlays and immediate solutions” however it is unclear what those challenges are and if they cannot be addressed without increasing charges.
Tellingly, it is important to note that the GCAA’s decision to raise charges and introduce a new levy is not a sustainable solution to addressing the airport’s challenges. Instead of increasing charges, the GCAA should be looking for ways to increase revenue, such as by attracting more airlines and flights to the airport.
Apparently, the GCAA’s decision to implement these charges without proper consultation and consideration of the impact on the industry and passengers raises serious concerns about the transparency and accountability of the organization.
However, what is often overlooked is how these new airport levies may actually benefit neighbouring countries such as Senegal while hurting The Gambia. The additional charges and levies imposed by the GCAA may serve as a deterrent for tourists, making other nearby destinations, such as Senegal, more attractive to travellers. As a result, this could lead to a decline in revenue for The Gambia’s tourism industry and a shift in the flow of tourists to neighbouring countries.
It is imperative that the GCAA takes a more transparent, consultative and responsible approach to manage Banjul International Airport. The GCAA must engage with stakeholders, provide concrete evidence of how the additional revenue will be used to benefit passengers and the airport, and take into account the potential impact on passengers and the tourism industry as a whole before making any further decisions.
Gambia first division league leaders Fortune FC’s young star, Karamba Gassama, has been signed by Futboll Club Dinamo, an Albanian first division side, on European transfer deadline day.
The 18-year-old young talented midfield maestro caught the attention of the Albanian first-division side with his scintillating display of talent playing for the one-time Gambia Football Federation League champions. He has signed a two-and-half-year contract with the Albanian capital football club.
The precocious midfielder has been playing for the petroleum boys (Fortune FC) since the age of 13 and made the ranks from the academy to the first team.
Speaking to The Fatu Network after yet another transfer breakthrough for the club to a European side, the president of Fortune FC, Mr Assan S. Ndure expressed delight over the transfer, noting that the club aspires to nurture talents and expose them to the international market.
“This is what the club envisioned. We don’t only compete for trophies; We also model players and prepare them for a professional career in this game. As a club, we are very delighted Karamba has joined FK Dinamo and we believe, with his talent, he will be able to make further progress in his career. Undoubtedly, he is a promising prospect in the game, something that this club has discovered in him,” he explained.
Ndure assured that the team will continue to shape players and seek opportunities for them for their professional careers.
Since its establishment in 2012, Fortune FC has exported footballers to Europe, availing them of the opportunity of professional contracts.
Futboll Club Dinamo Tirana is an Albanian professional football club based in the country’s capital Tirana. They play in the Kategoria e Parë, the second tier (first division) of Albanian football, in the 2022–23 season where they are currently on top of the table standings.
Amidst announcements of support for individuals, Lawyer Assan Martin is the latest to announce his backing for the mayor of KMC, Talib Ahmed Bensouda, as the 2023 mayoral election fast approaches.
“Our team members will embark on a formidable campaign as envisaged by [the] Mayor and support his efforts to rebuild a better city,” Mr. Martin said.
Martin announced his candidature for the 2018 mayoral election with the phrase “KMC must be fixed”, but later joined an independent Candidate, Papa Njie, who was later defeated by Bensouda.
Assan Martin’s endorsement came just a week after Musa Yally Batchilly, the Leader and Secretary General of Gambia Action Party (GAP) endorsed the same candidate at a gathering behind the Africell/KMC Fitness Centre.
“We intend to collaborate… to pressure him (Bensouda) to do more and help build capacities in the municipality for the benefit of all locals regardless of party affiliation,” he said.
The Human Rights Lawyer initially intended to run for the position but decided to back Bensouda because of his “maturity and openness – and ready to exchange opinion and views.”
Martin and his team endorsed GDC for the 2021 presidential election.
Over 30 commercial vehicle drivers have been arraigned to appear before the Kanifing Magistrate Court for overcharging passengers, which the police say, is not in line with the newly introduced road traffic tariffs. The court will pass its judgment on Monday, 6th February.
Speaking to journalists at a press briefing on 3rd February at the Mobile Police Unit in Kanifing, Cadet Asp Muhammed Y Darboe, the Deputy Public Relations Officer (PRO) of police, said the drivers were caught in different areas overcharging passengers.
“30 vehicles in Mobile Traffic, 6 vehicles in Bundung, and 2 in Brikama belonging to commercial drivers were found overcharging passengers on the road,” he explained.
According to him, the new tariffs that have been released have made an increment in fare prices. However, he said some drivers are still overcharging passengers.
“Unfortunately, this was used as leverage or advantage by commercial drivers to overcharge passengers undeservingly.
“Our police operation which was done for the past three days has impounded these vehicles. The case was arraigned before the Kanifing Magistrate court where it was mentioned and is waiting for a judgment on Monday,” he added.
Cadet ASP Y Darboe stated that the police will continue the operation and he warned that drivers who are engaged in overcharging passengers will be caught.
He urged the public, especially passengers, to not allow drivers to charge them beyond the introduced tariffs.
“Inasmuch as we blame the drivers, we must equally urge the passengers to help in making sure that they pay the actual fares.
“But some passengers will agree to pay a higher price because they can afford it. This will not help us. They should pay the actual price because people’s income is not the same,” he noted.
The police vowed to ensure the newly introduced road traffic tariffs remain and that any driver found wanting or overcharging passengers will face the law.
The former Gambia National U20 captain and WAFU Zone A champion, Tijan M. Marr has joined Spanish outfit Real Mallorca on loan from Depotivo Alaves.
The Gambia Football Federation Division One League winner with Fortune Football Club has described his loan move to Real Mallorca as progress in his career.
Joined Alaves from Gambian side Fortune Football Club, the agile midfielder spent the past months injured. However, that did not deter Real Mallorca from taking him on loan.
Speaking to The Fatu Network, the box-to-box midfielder said Real Mallorca is fine and will provide him with better opportunities and avenues to improve his game.
“Here is definitely fine. I have been appreciated here by the players and the technical team. This move will help me significantly. I am assured of playing time and that will only make me a better person by exposing my talent to the world,” he told TFN.
Known for his agility and thirst for success, the Gambian international said he will battle for regular playing time and hopes to leave trails of success as he climbs the ladder of his professional career.
The move to Mallorca will allow Gambians to watch Tijan’s matches via Mallorca TV.
The 21-year-old may likely start playing with the Real Mallorca Secunda Division side before making his appearance for the senior team.
Tijan officially joined Deportvo Alaves in September 2022 but spent most of his time with the team nursing an injury.
The Minister of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology, Honourable professor Pierre Gomez, has highlighted that Technical and Vocational Educational Training (TVET) is the higher education sector’s utmost priority as the ministry seeks to transform the country’s higher education system by providing skills development training and functional education to Gambian youths.
TVET education has been top of the higher education’s agenda as they roll on shifting tertiary education into skills education that is aimed at changing the development trajectory of the country.
“We have to do our homework. This is a homework where TVET is given the priority of all priorities because we have a country where 60 to 66 per cent of the population are youths, and these are the people who every day will tell you that: ‘I don’t have hope in my village,’” he told the stakeholders as he emphasized on skill’s education to Gambian youths.
Speaking further at a donor conference at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Conference Center in Bijilo, where the Ministry and its relevant stakeholders gathered in a day-long meeting to discuss and finalise financing higher education in the Gambia, the honourable minister noted that since the country gained its independence, it still cannot produce home-grown engineers that can build roads.
“Significant investment in higher education wasn’t done. That is why we are where we are today. In 2023, we are yet to produce one home-grown engineer. How can we build roads?
“How can you build the airport when you cannot, after 57 years of your independence, produce one home-grown engineer?
“Therefore, we need to do our homework. The homework is homework that is anchored on higher education,” he told the gathering.
The former acting vice chancellor of the University of The Gambia emphasized that his ministry is committed to solving the skill development problems in the Gambia by training youths in technical and vocational education. He said with skills, young people will stay in the country and play their roles in its development.
The Ministry of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology, over the last months laid the foundation of TVET educational institutions in the provincial Gambia. This is in addition to the transformation of the Gambia Technical Training Institute (GTTI) into the University of Applied Science, where the country is expected to train Gambians in engineering and other related skills.
The recent passing of the Vice President Alieu Badara Joof has left a vacuum that must be filled. As the Gambia continues to grapple with the loss of its Vice President, the question of who will take on the mantle of leadership has become increasingly pressing. However, it’s important to look ahead and consider who would make the most suitable successor.
In this Fatu Network op-ed, I argue that Dr. Ismaila Ceesay, a seasoned political science scholar and accomplished politician, is the right candidate for the job.
Dr. Ceesay’s qualifications are impressive. As a native of Brikama, a town that has been a kingmaker in Gambian politics, but has been historically underrepresented in the upper echelons of government, his appointment would signify a step towards a more inclusive and representative government.
Dr. Ceesay brings a unique blend of academic knowledge and political experience to the table. He holds a PhD in political science and has served as a professor and political commentator for many years. This combination of education and practical experience has equipped him with a deep understanding of the complex issues facing Gambia today, as well as a clear vision for the country’s future.
Additionally, as a vocal critic of the Barrow administration, but also one of his biggest supporters in pushing for national development. This balance of constructive criticism and support is crucial for any Vice President and would serve as a powerful symbol of the president’s commitment to transparency and accountability.
Moreover, Dr. Ceesay has demonstrated his commitment to the people of Gambia through his actions. He left the diaspora and returned to serve his country, renouncing his Swedish citizenship in order to be eligible to participate in Gambian politics. He supported President Barrow’s re-election and asked his base to do the same, demonstrating a willingness to put aside personal ambitions for the good of the country.
It’s also worth mentioning that Dr. Ceesay has a proven track record of working well with young people. Given that a significant portion of Gambia’s electorate is under 30, having a Vice President who can connect with young voters could be invaluable.
In addition, Dr. Ceesay is a charming figure, eloquent and knows how to connect with people from all backgrounds. This is a valuable asset for any leader, as it allows them to communicate their message effectively and build support across the country. His charisma and ability to connect with people would be an asset in building support for the President’s agenda.
Dr. Ceesay’s ability to understand and navigate the complex issues of international politics and international relations makes him an ideal candidate to serve as Vice President. He has a deep understanding of the political dynamics of the international community and is well-versed in the intricacies of international diplomacy. This knowledge and experience will be crucial as Gambia continues to forge relationships with other nations and play an active role in international politics.
In conclusion, the appointment of Dr. Ismaila Ceesay as Vice President would be a major win for Gambia.
He is a highly qualified candidate with a deep understanding of the issues facing the country, a proven commitment to serving the people, and the ability to connect with young people. The appointment of Dr. Ceesay as Vice President would be a historic move that would demonstrate the President’s commitment to inclusive governance and to representing the interests of all Gambians, including those of Brikama and its people.
Tellingly, his level of humility and service orientation is exactly what Gambia needs in a Vice President.
I’m more than convinced, he will work alongside the President, not against him, to ensure that the country is on the right track.
I strongly encourage President Barrow to consider him for this important role.
The President of The Gambia Secondary Schools Sports Association (GSSSA), Mr. Ismaila Ceesay has vowed to end cheating in the interschool athletics championship and threatened to ban schools from two years to ten years from participating in the championship depending on the gravity of their cheating.
As the country rolls toward witnessing over 5 thousand athletes from over 2 hundred secondary schools across the country, the association responsible for the secondary schools sports convened a presser ahead of the regional heats.
Speaking at the press conference, President Ismaila Ceesay warned the schools that the association will not entertain any form of cheating in the competition. Schools found wanted last year were punished and further sanctions will be meted out to schools if found cheating this year.
“Last year we came with an electric broom where we were able to wipe as many schools as possible. 21 schools were banned from participating in the championships as a result of cheating. We have taken a zero stance on cheating, and we have vowed that we are going to ensure that cheating ends in secondary school sports activities,” he said.
According to Mr. Cessay, the association does not want to disadvantage the young stars coming through the ranks of the schools; thus, those deemed to have completed their secondary school studies cannot be allowed to be recycled to participate in the championship anymore.
The interschool athletic competitions, over the years, have been marred with controversy over cheating from different schools.
According to Ceesay, after banning the 21 schools, they investigated the crimes of those schools and pointed out that some of them are severe, the reason why they didn’t come out to inform the public.
However, this year, the association says they will ban schools for three years, and some will have up to ten years, depending on the gravity of their cheating.
“We are determined more than before to unearth any secret thing that they are coming up with to provide ineligible athletes. If you are found wanting, we will look at the gravity of the cheating, and then if we realized this is more than serious, we may even give you a ten-year ban,” he emphasized.
He warned the school heads to be involved in scrutinizing the students sports teachers are taking to their schools and make sure that ineligible students are not registered to take part in the competition.
Last year, after banning 21 schools for cheating, they later banned Sifoe Senior Secondary School and Essau Senior Secondary Schools for cheating.
This year’s regional heats are set to start in Bansang, where regions 6 and 5 schools will compete before going to Farefenni in the following week where region three and 4 will compete. This will be followed by Kanifing Municipality and Banjul schools and then schools in the West Coast Region.
However, due to the work going on at the Independence Stadium, the final is tentatively pegged to be done at Bottrop senior school in Brikama.
The Kankurang masquerade is one of the famous cultural practices observed by many in The Gambia. During the Miss Gambia Pageant held on Friday, December 30, 2022, at the Coco Ocean Hotel, a lady was seen dressed in a Kankurang masquerade regalia during a pageant.
Image: Photo of a woman dressed in Kankurang.
This spectacle has sparked a lot of controversies. A Facebook post, tagged “opinion” by Fatu Network, condemned the lady for wearing masquerade regalia, describing it as “disrespectful to the Mandinka Culture.” That post has generated over 422 comments, 580 engagements, and 17 shares at the time of conducting this fact-check.
Another Facebook user, Badibunka A.K.A Jawaro, said, “This is a total disrespect to our culture and sabotage; why should they allow such to happen? If you don’t know your culture and its roots, this is what it lead(s) you to, (I) am heartbroken seeing this Allah, Yalong [sic].” But others like Modou Drammeh have a contrary opinion.
“Belie, this country (is) full of comedians! Kankurang is a Kankurang whether male or female; there is no law whatsoever that says only men should put on the masquerade. Let these fanatics chill and know that culture doesn’t belong to anyone’s father,” Drammeh fired.
Image: Other comments from the post.
Other comments from the post suggest that the masquerade is not for the Mandinka ethnic group only, raising questions about who owns it and who decides how it has evolved.
The two concerns raised were which tribe in Gambia the Kankurand masquerade belongs to and if women wear the attire of the Kankurand masquerade.
Against this backdrop, DUBAWA examined the issues by finding out from experts the facts behind the cultural practice.
What is Kankurang?
The term Kankurang is a combination of the Mandinka words ‘kango’ and ‘Kurango’, which literally translate as “voice” and “enforce,” respectively.
The masquerade wears a mask made of the bark and red fibre of the ‘faara tree,’ and there are three different types of Kankurang in the manding societies, which include,
Ifangbondi, who is invisible to the human eye and acts to shield boys from evil during the night time.
Jamba, a masked dancer responsible for ensuring that the community’s life is orderly and disciplined through his enforcement. This type can be seen at social occasions such as weddings and age-grade initiation ceremonies.
Wulengo, who is supposed to protect circumcised boys from evil spirits, wicked people, and witchcraft UNESCO.
The Kankurang initiate is clothed in leaves, and his body is painted with vegetable dyes. This is associated with circumcision ceremonies and initiatory rites.
Firstly, we sought to find out if, in Gambia, the Kankurang masquerade is a culture for only the Mandinka tribe.
Who does the Kankurang masquerade belong to?
Kausu Drammeh, a Gambian history and political science specialist based in the United States, said, “Kankurang masquerade is a culture known only for the Mandinka tribe.
“Masquerade is purely for Mandinka and is displayed by men,” he said.
Sulayman Ceesay, a Gambian cultural ambassador based in Sweden, also confirmed that the Kankurang masquerade is “purely for the Mandings (Mandinkas) and is for men. I grew up in a community and region known for masquerade, but it never happened,” Mr Ceesay added.
In a UNESCO research report conducted to preserve the cultures of different tribes in The Gambia, it was discovered that the Kankurang is an initiatory rite practised in The Gambia, in the Manding provinces.
The Gambia information site also states on its website, “The Kankurang is a secret society of traditional masquerades, used in traditional Mandinka circumcision and initiation rites, whose rituals can be seen all over The Gambia.”
A publication by The Point Newspaper Gambia also confirms that the Kankurang is tied to the Mandinka communities in the Gambia.
We can then conclude that in Gambia, the Kankurang masquerade is a cultural practice only for the Mandinka (Manding) tribe.
Secondly, we inquired about women wearing the Kankurang masquerade costume because some comments on the post suggested they couldn’t.
Do women traditionally wear the Kankurang masquerade costume?
Ebrima S. Sanneh, a History and Geography teacher at the Gambia College, also said that “I have never seen a female Kankurang in my life, and I grew up in a region that practices Kanjurang every time.” The Kankurang masquerade guides initiated boys in communities and disciplines people.”
On the other hand, in a report published by the Voice of Gambia, Hassoum Ceesay, Director General of the National Centre for Arts and Culture (NCAC), is quoted to have described Kankurang as “a highly respected and valued aspect of the Senegambia culture and heritage which is a Manding masking tradition that dates back hundreds of years.” He, on the other hand, said in a 2023 report published on theeastafrican that “while it is unclear, it wasn’t wrong for the female contestant to wear it during the beauty pageant. I believe the intention was great. The intention was to showcase our culture and heritage.”
There is no evidence of the rightness or wrongness of women cladding themselves in Kankurang costumes. But it is clear that the Kankurang masquerade tradition belongs to the Mandinka ethnic group of The Gambia.
”The researcher produced this fact-check per the DUBAWA 2023 Kwame KariKari Fellowship partnership with (The Fatu Network) Daily Trust to facilitate the ethos of “truth” in journalism and enhance media literacy in the country.”
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Gambia Investment and Export Promotion Agency (GiEPA), Mr Ousainou Senghore, and Senior Manager, Mr Hamey Jawara, have travelled to the United Kingdom for an intensive investment lead generation with several British business portfolios.
The team held high-level meetings with the Birmingham Chambers of Commerce, the London Chambers of Commerce, and several other enterprises to woo them for an outward investment in the Gambia.
The head of the delegation, Mr Ousainou Senghore, visited the Gambia High Commission to brief the Mission about its U.K engagements. Discussions were held with the Deputy Head of Mission, Mr Suntou Touray, and Councillor Mrs Sainey Barrow over the many opportunities and potentials for Gambians in the diaspora.
The offensive in the U.K. will be shaped in a multi-facet fashion to accommodate Gambians in the diaspora intending to explore starting businesses in the Gambia.
– Key targets will be exploring and creating linkages between Gambian-based products and the diaspora market
– Encourage processing of local produce and packaging for exporting for inward business to the U.K
– Sensitise diaspora and U.K investors widely on opportunities available in health-based products in the Gambia, which are in high demand in U.K/Europe.
CEO Senghore and team will meet with the Department for International Trade to push for Gambian products opening in the U.K.
DHM Touray welcomes the visit by GiEPA and encouraged CEO Senghore to work closely with the High Commission to reach a more comprehensive section of Gambians in the diaspora.
“The Diaspora is ready to play its part in creating a market for Gambian products, such as wonjo, baobab, moringa, dry fish, vegetables, kaba, and many other high-end products.
“The High Commission will work closely with GiEPA and Tourism Board to promote destination Gambians in both tourism and investment,” DHM Touray said.
Like many other young people growing up in the Gambia playing football, Bakary Jawara began his journey of kicking a ball at a tender age in the streets of Yundum, playing barefoot.
Struggled to get himself proper football boots when he moved to train with a football academy, Bakary never threw in the towel. He weathered the storm with his perseverance. Bakary would go from playing without boots to winning the most coveted prize in Gambian football to representing the Gambia National team in different age categories and travelling to five different countries as a footballer.
Bakary’s expedition to the peak of Gambian football and his ambitions are no different from a staunch young boy who has inserted a robust and contagious craving for success in his adventure. And now, he is one of the best players in his position in the country.
From the dusty streets of Yundum to playing in school football teams, Bakary, now a player for Fortune Football Club in the top tier of Gambian football, balances football and his education. Though like many other parents, Bakary’s mother wanted him to focus on education rather than football, however, the young star never shifted his mind from football. But, at some point, his mother would rescue him from giving up on football.
“It used to be a push and pull between me and my mum. She wanted me to focus on education while I want to be a footballer at all costs.
“I can remember there was a time I really needed football boots but could not get any. However, despite her longing for me to concentrate on schooling, my mother came to my rescue when a cousin of mine handed over a pair of football boots to her to give to me when she visited them. In those days, I really struggled to get boots to train. When that pair of boots were damaged, an elderly friend of mine would come in to help me with boots as support for my talent,” Bakary explained.
Focused and reinforced by his indomitable lust to reach the top, Bakary used his challenges as motivation and put his heart into what he loves doing. As luck would complement hard work, Bakary was opportune to be invited by Fortune Football Club, a naweetan team by then in Brikama to play for them, a move that will create a fascinating path for the young star to trek.
“My struggle to get football boots stopped when I joined Fortune in 2015. It began a path for me to pursue my dreams at another level as a dreamer. Since then, I have started enjoying football with correct boots.”
Bakary then helped Fortune in the team’s transformation from a naweetan team in Brikama to Gambia’s First Division, the GFF Division One League.
In 2018, the energetic, reliable, and dazzling right full-back would then be invited to join the Gambia National U17 team. This was the beginning of a five-year stint with different levels of the national team. When he travelled with the U17 team to Senegal and came back, his mother then started believing in Bakary’s dream of becoming a footballer.
The young star would not allow his maiden national U17 called-up to get into his head, he continued working harder and then gained a call to the National U20 and CHAN teams. At the age of 19, Bakary travelled to five different countries representing the country and Fortune Football Club.
The Fortune FC’s tricky right full-back has been a consistent player for the Gambia National U20 side and has been a key member in coach Abdoulie Bojang’s side, which is preparing for the African U20 Nations Cup in Egypt next month.
“Putting in the national team jerseys and winning the WAFU U20 is different a dream come through for me. Although, I am still saddened that a best friend of mine, Edirrisa Marreh, died while welcoming me from the competition.”
Edrrisa died in an accident around Bakau cape point when numerous Gambians went to the streets to welcome the young scorpions back home after the WAFU Zone A triumphed.
In his club’s successes, Bakary played an instrumental role in Fortune Football Club’s league triumph in the Gambia Football Federation Division One league in 2021. When Fortune was playing in the second division, he struggled to get his way through the team but later, through hard work, made his way to the team and has been consistently playing for the team for the last five seasons.
Bakary, like any other footballer playing in the Gambia, has a dream of becoming a professional footballer anytime soon. The brilliant young star desires to play in the English Premier League.
“I want to play in the Premier League. I know it is a massive ambition, but that is my dream. Dreams are meant to be chased, so I will chase them. I am not looking back in my dreams,” he told TFN.
Bakary is looking up to England and Chelsea right full-back, Recce James.
The young star has the potential to be a great football star in the future. He has the ambition, mentality and spirit to get there. Bakary only needs the luck to see his dreams come through in the professional league. As of now, Bakary has played every minute for Fortune Football Club in the ongoing Gambia Football Federation Division One League.
One Alagie Sonko, a Brusibi native who introduced himself as Lamarana Jallow’s (deceased) roommate, has narrated before the court some conflicts he witnessed between the duo prior to the killing of Lama, allegedly by Kumba Sinyan.
Kumba Sinyan was arrested last year for allegedly killing a 25-year-old Lamarana Jallow at Friendship Hostel in Bakau, an accusation she denied.
The 5th prosecution witness in the trial, Alagie Sonko, told the court he knew Kumba through Lamarana and were dating for over 4-years. He said Kumba, (accused) regularly paid visit to Lamar, but one day, a conflict broke out between the two when he was sleeping in the bedroom.
“They had a problem. I heard noise from the living room. When I went there, I found Lamar holding Kumba’s hands. I advised him to leave her but he said Kumba had a broken bottle and would hurt him if he left her hand. I tried and took the bottle from her and separated them,” witness narrated.
The witness continued that people came to the compound because of the noise but Lamar left and went to a nearby compound. Sonko said the accused tried to follow Lamar but was intercepted by someone.
The witness told the court that he accompanied his roommate to Africmed when the accused left, to treat a wound he sustained from the broken bottle.
The witness narrated sometime later; the accused came knocking at their door at around 2am but Lama would not open. He said the accused then knocked his window for him to open the door for her since Lama said he would not.
“I woke up to open the door but Lamar asked me not to. He told me he had been to Senegambia for a party and had hired a taxi for Kumba but she said she was not going home but she is now coming here knowing fully well that I’m tired and would be going to work tomorrow,” Alagie Sonko narrated.
The witness said he took the key from the door and went back to bed. Shortly after he went back to be, the witness said it started raining so Lama called a taxi driver to pick the accused but she refused and the Taxi driver left.
“Lama called another taxi driver and told Kumba that was her last chance. Then she went,” the witness testified.
He said the following day Lama told him the accused had texted him about termination of their relationship which Lama said he was longing for because of how problematic it had been.
A few weeks later, the witness said after coming back from Nuimi he did not find Lamar at home but found his documents packed and placed on a seat in the house. Lamar didn’t spend the night at home on that day, he said.
The witness said Sally, a woman he said is a mother figure to Lama asked him about Lamar and he told her Lamar did sleep in the house. He said Sally told him maybe Lamar has gone out with his friends because he was travelling out of the country on Thursday, a day after.
“Later, Sally called me again to meet her at the Bakau Police Station. I told her I was going to Foni. She insisted I should go because I didn’t know what happened. I asked her about what happened. She replied that Lamar was found dead at the Friendship Hostel.”
Muhammed S Bah, President of The Gambia Press Union (GPU), has urged the National Assembly through the office of the Clerk to create more avenues for journalists who want to specialize in parliamentary reporting.
The GPU president made this plea at the closing ceremony of a two-day training on parliamentary reporting for 25 journalists organized by the Westminster Foundation for Democracy (WFD) in collaboration with the Gambia National Assembly between 24th and 25th January 2023 at NaNA in Kanifing.
He applauded the training organisers for allowing journalists to learn important parliamentary proceedings, procedures, and jargon used in parliament.
“I am urging the National Assembly to create more opportunities for journalists, especially those who want to specialize in reporting parliamentary matters,” he said.
Adding that the training is timely and significant for both the journalists and the National Assembly.
“Such training will help journalists to better report on parliament without distorting facts,” he added.
MS Bah, as he is widely called, describes the role of journalists and parliament as key in national development, saying there is a need for the two to collaborate.
“The parliament should provide more capacity buildings for journalists and also when members of the parliament are travelling to attend parliamentary matters outside, they should go with few journalists so they can learn more,” the GPU president suggested.
However, he encouraged journalists, parliamentary staff, and the members of parliament to work together by engaging each other when things are not working well.
In his response, Gibairu Janneh, Director of Communication ICT and Press of the National Assembly of The Gambia, gave assurances that the Assembly will continue to support building the capacity of journalists to enhance their reporting.
“We are all serving the Gambian people and this training is a manifestation of the office of the Clerk’s commitment to supporting journalists.
Building the capacity of journalists is very important for the National Assembly because they will help to interpret what happened at the parliament to the public accurately,” he said.
Mr. Janneh added that the National Assembly is committed to supporting journalists’ work.
He stated that training journalists on various aspects of the National Assembly is commendable.
“Such training will help journalists to understand the language of the parliament, their conduct in parliament, proceedings and procedures in parliament…,” he noted.
He also tasked journalists to form a network so that the parliament will also find it easy to give them the necessary support.
During the April 2022 National Assembly campaign, empowering women was one of the lavish promises made by several candidates to get votes from women in various constituencies.
To honour this promise, Honorable Gibbie Mballow, the National Assembly Member for Lower Fulladu West Constituency has vowed to fulfil the campaign promise he made to the women gardeners in Madina Umfally village.
Recently, he revisited the community to gather first-hand information on their challenges as he wants to address them.
Speaking at the Madina women’s garden, Hon. Mballow thanked the villagers, particularly women for fulfilling their promises.
“The women have fulfilled their promise and I will also fulfil mine. I will not rest until their garden is properly fenced with adequate water in it,” he told women gardeners.
The lawmaker is said to be the first Lower Fulladu representative to have visited the Madina Umfally women gardeners and was accorded a warm welcome in the village.
He expressed his gratitude for the warm welcome accorded to him by the women.
“These women are hardworking and all they need from the government, or anyone is to give them a conducive environment. I will engage the president to make sure they are supported,” he added.
Binta Jallow, head of the women gardeners, and Jomfolo Sanneh a gardener stressed the importance of the garden in the community.
“The garden is our major source of income. We used the money generated in the garden to support our families.
The country is facing numerous challenges and we are contributing our part in supporting our families. We want to make sure that our husbands will only buy rice, meat, and fish the rest of the ingredients we will provide from the garden,” said Binta Jallow head of the women gardeners.
They expressed optimism that Honorable Mballow will help address their challenges.
Work in the garden measuring about five hectares is mostly done by women with support from a few men in the village.
Maduwa Sinera, a village youth described the women as hardworking why urging people to support their initiative.
“The garden is very important to us because the women are providing a lot of vegetables that if you are to buy every day will cost you huge amounts of money,” he stated.
Research has shown that community gardens can mitigate some of the problems that plague urban areas. They can be a beneficial addition to many communities by increasing the availability of nutritious foods, strengthening community ties, and creating sustainable living conditions for dwellers among others.
Fortune Football Club have prolonged their invincible and impenetrable run in the top division of Gambian football to four games with a hundred per cent winning streak without conceding a goal in three hundred and sixty (360) minutes following their 2-0 triumph over PSV Wellingara at the Brikama mini stadium today, January 25.
Midfield maestro Lamin Saidykan registered two exquisite assists in the game, availing new signings Yusupha Darboe and Alhagie Ceesay the opportunity of scoring their first goals for Fortune in the league.
Lefoe, as fondly named, first assisted Yusupha Darboe when he crafted a diagonal pass in the PSV Wellingara box for Yusupha Darboe to jump high and executed a powerful header at the back of the net in the 63 minutes of the game after several unsuccessful attempts by the Fortune players to break the deadlock.
At the tail end of the game, when spectators and fans were settling for a one-nil win, Lamin Saidykan formulated a glorious corner kick for substitute and debutant Alhagie Ceesay to smash the ball in at the back of the net to solidify the petroleum boy’s dominance and a hundred per cent start to the 2023 Gambia Football Federation Division One League game.
Coached by one of the most experienced technicians in the league, Jane Joof and his array of stars are rolling towards reclaiming the league title they won in style in the 2021 league season.
With four wins out of four games and four clean sheets, Fortune FC are on the path to reclaiming the league trophy.
“It is too early to talk about winning the league, but we are happy that we have recorded another win with a clean sheet. We will continue to play our games and win as much as we can. As a team, we have a target, and we are working towards that target in the first round,” head coach Jane Joof told the media after his side’s victory.
For Yusupha Darboe, scoring a goal in his first start for his new team means a lot.
“I am glad that I scored but happier for recording another clean sheet because as a defender, that is my responsibility. Scoring this goal means a lot to me, and I will continue to help my team in any way I can in every game.”
Fortune FC kicked start the league with a one-nil win over Banjul United in the first game before travelling to Banjul to inflict defeat on champions Hawks FC in the second game. In the third game, the petroleum boys conquered Team Rhino by a goal to nil before extending their unbeaten run and clean sheets to four games in a row against PSV Wellingara. They are currently on top of the league, followed by serial champions, Real De Banjul Football Club.
A young man, who is currently in police custody and helping them with their investigation, has confessed to stealing about D1.5 million worth of valuables and cash from a US-based Gambian couple currently vacationing in the country.
Deputy police PRO Muhammed Y Darboe has confirmed that police have launched an investigation into the matter and that the result of their investigation would guide their decision.
The alleged thief broke into the house of Sheriff Muhammad Lamin Jarju and his wife on Wednesday, 18th January 2023 when the couple left their house to visit their families.
Mr Jarju told The Fatu Network that the alleged thief got into the house after jumping over the compound fence and breaking the windows.
According to the victim, the incident happened between 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. while the watchman was not at the house.
The bag the thief made off with includes two laptops worth $1200, two gold chain sets worth $3500 and $500 respectively, four different kinds of watches including Apple and male diamond watches worth a combined $1233, Airpod worth $250, a Gucci purse worth $1079, two male designer perfumes worth $250, Aldo purse worth $60, silver crystal worth $33 and a whopping $15,800 of cash, according to the victim.
“One of the most valuable ones will be the money. We unfortunately put $15,800 in that bag. Because I was going to take that money to the bank and then see how best I can change it or buy a property here,” Jarju told TFN.
Sheriffo, as he is popularly called, said his wife later called the police who came and did some survey and took fingerprints.
“I have someone that was tracking the guy, the guy didn’t actually know what was in that bag. But I got something he was using that helped me a lot,” he said.
The alleged thief ultimately got arrested in Bansang on Sunday with the help of the traceable device in the bag.
However, he was lavishly using the money with a couple of boys and had in fact bought a car for himself and several footwears, TFN has been informed.
The couple has recovered some items and cash but that just amounts to a little of what has been stolen.
The victims were shocked to have lost those valuables and cash in such a manner but call on the authorities to appropriately do the needful to such “seasoned” and “unremorseful” thieves.
“These are the people you should not allow to be roaming within the society. They are a threat to society. They need to be put in one place. These are the people the judiciary needs to sentence to a maximum of five years in prison with hard labour” Mr Jarju said.
The man has told the police that he has a sense of knowing where money is and whenever his instincts tell him there is money at a particular place, he gets in there at any cost.
Working in a repair shop, sitting right across the bridge in Tippa garage, two sisters Isatou and Awa Sanneh have taken a route that is barely trodden by women in today’s society. Speaking exclusivity to The Fatu Network, Isatou and Awa said their decision to take up tyre repairing at their father’s workshop was fuelled by the need to support their family.
“It was not long before we started working at our father’s workshop. Our dad has apprentices, but they are not always around. It is hard for him to do the work all by himself. We told ourselves that we can do the job. He is our father and supporting him would not take away from us. He works 24 hours to support the family,’’ The duo told TFN.
Isatou Sanneh, who is the oldest and a construction student at the Gambia Technical Training Institute, said although they started working with their father to support the family, their passion and love for the job have since grown. Isatou Sanneh called on her fellow women to work hard in order to be independent.
“I do not look at this work as something difficult at all. When I set my sights on something and convinced that it is something good, I make sure to go for it. A job is a job as far as you’re able to earn money and take care of yourself. Do not be ashamed that this is a job that should only be done by men or that people will laugh at you. What matters is to earn clean money that will benefit you when you use it.’’
Pa Sanneh, the duo’s father, said he has done all types of odd work before finally settling on a repair shop. Sanneh said the girls decided to work with him at the shop and praises them for their dedication and love for family.
“What they are doing is something every woman can learn from. Knowing who you are is waking up every day wearing dirty clothes just to earn a living. In this world we are living today, nobody should wait for anyone to hand you free money. Not even your husband. Every man who is involved with a hardworking woman will respect them. I admire these girls and I’m happy that they are doing this. If Allah wills, peace is all they will ever know.’’
The two sisters called on commercial and private drivers to stop by their workshop at the Tippa Garage bridge if they ever want to fix their tyres as that will go a long way in supporting them and their father, admitting that they will welcome any kind of support as well.
Ahmad Gitteh, an aspiring candidate for the position of Chairmanship in the forthcoming Brikama Area Council elections, has promised to help 50 youths or groups with at least 150 million Dalasi within five years for start-up businesses and build proper mini stadiums and multipurpose centres for the young people of West Coast Region if elected as the Chairman of the Brikama Area Council.
Gitteh, who made his intention clear and, on several occasions, his desire to contest for the biggest office in the region, told The Fatu Network that West Coast Region has the largest youth population in the country and gives youths D30 Million yearly in different businesses opportunities will help in establishing businesses and employment for so many young people in the region if he becomes the chairman of the Brikama Area Council.
He said his council will call for business ideas from young people or youth groups, and ten young people or youth groups will be provided with support. This, he said, will be every year.
“We will invite young people to come up with business ideas in technology, agriculture, health and so on. The best ten individuals or groups will receive a combined total of about at least D30 million dalasi for a startup business,” he explained.
He added that the ten individuals or groups may not all succeed, but if 40% succeed, it will guarantee a long and medium-term creation of employment and income generation for them.
The vibrant politician, who remains very hopeful of winning the seat, also said that if elected as the chairman of the biggest local government area in the country, he will engage in building recreational centres in the region. He pointed out that the region does not have proper mini-stadiums or conference centres across.
“Children need to have well-developed playgrounds across the region. West Coast has no proper mini stadium, no proper multipurpose centre, and no proper conference centre that is modern apart from Sir Dawda Kairaba Conference Center. We need all of these,” he told The Fatu Network.
According to Gitteh, West Coast Region has the potential to generate rates of close to a billion dalasi annually. Thus, if elected, to effectively make the best use of the potential billion-dalasi revenue collection in a year, he will first properly train his council staff and introduce a proper digital platform as well as engage the central government in the valuation of private and business entities in the region. He disclosed to The Fatu Network that he already has experts who are willing to do that.
He added that his exposure in Canada will help him use his connections to build communities that will keep the young people in the region at home and contribute their part in developing the country.
“The other thing is that we will use our connections with international bodies and countries such as Canada, in my case, to help us with building a community that will keep our youths at home and contribute to building our country and not risking life through the treacherous desert.”
Submission of Application to National People’s Party Regional Chairman
With numerous doubts whether NPP will approve Gitteh’s application under the party’s ticket, he confirmed to The Fatu Network that his team submitted his application to Lamin Jatta, the regional chairman of NPP last week. However, NPP is currently busy engaging other political parties they have an alliance with on sharing modalities for different wards and regions as of now. Gitteh, however, remains upbeat about winning the party’s ticket.
