By: Christian Conteh

Veteran politician Hon. Halifa Sallah has made an emotional statement at the party’s headquarters. The message was clear, Hon Sallah and his right-hand man Hon Sidia Jatta will now be engaged in other activities outside politics.

Halifa Sallah said Hon Sidia Jatta will be sought by many institutions and educational systems since he is an expert in many languages.

“Sidia is a professional, Sidia is wanted in West Africa. For all your languages in your educational institutions you will soon be resorting to him for consultancies,” he said.

Sidia Jatta sought to be re-elected in the just concluded National Assembly Elections but lost his Wulli West seat to Nfamara Sabally.

Halifa Sallah further noted that from the look of things the people want them (himself and Sidia) to go on and make money or go and rest.

“Our reaction is simple. The load is off our heads and we are freer today and with a clear conscience that we did not betray the aspirations of our people. It’s people who say ‘go and rest’. I think people just want us to make money,” he said.

Hon. Sallah himself officially retired from active politics after failing to emerge winner in the December 4^th 2021 Presidential Election.

By: Christian Conteh

Rights group Amnesty International has written to President Adama Barrow raising concern about the safety and security of human rights defender Madi Jobarteh. The letter according to Ousmane Darbo, Media Manager at Amnesty’s West and Central Africa Office seeks to draw the state’s attention to a case of intimidation against Madi Jobarteh.

During his annual meeting with the Banjul Muslim Elders for Koriteh at the State House on 2nd May 2022, President Adama Barrow accused human rights defender Madi Jobarteh of being a “troublemaker” who wants to bring violence into the country.

It is believed that this assertion was made in relation to a recent social media post that Madi Jobarteh made calling for the removal of a government minister, due to alleged mismanagement of public lands.

Such statements by the President the group says put Madi Jobarteh’s safety at risk, and fundamentally undermine the right to freedom of expression in The Gambia.

“I am writing to you to express my grave concern for the safety of human rights defender Madi Jobarteh, following your televised statement on 2 May in front of Banjul Muslim Elders at the State House. It was alarming to see that during your speech, you accused Madi Jobarteh of being a “troublemaker” who wants to bring violence and burn down the country, and the media of being irresponsible for serving as a platform for Madi Jobarteh.

In a society guaranteeing human rights, including the right to freedom of expression, such baseless attacks and accusations against human rights defenders and the media raise serious concern,” the letter stated.

It further stated that the recent statement has not only stigmatised Madi Jobarteh’s peaceful activism but dangerously exacerbated the risks he faces in his personal and professional life, making him the target of threats, harassment and criminalization.

“As I am sure you will agree, human rights defenders play an essential role in standing up for freedom, opposing discrimination, repression, corruption and promoting social justice across West and Central Africa. Yet, instead of being celebrated, many face the risk of threats, harassment and physical violence by security forces and private actors.”

The letter went further to call on the state to among other things ensure the security of human rights defender Madi Jobarteh and ensure he can exercise his right to freedom of expression as guaranteed by the Gambian Constitution.

Refrain from using language and sentiment that would stigmatise, and therefore endanger, human rights defenders and supportive media outlets whilst promoting the role of human rights defenders and the media in defending human rights and freedom of expression by taking effective measures to ensure that all human rights defenders can carry out their peaceful activities without fear of hindrance, intimidation, arbitrary detention or imprisonment, in line with the UN Declaration on Human Rights Defenders.

It is important to note that this is not the first time that Madi Jobarteh has faced harassment. On 30 June 2020, he was arrested and charged with false information and broadcasting under section 181A of the Criminal Code. On that occasion, he had stated during a Black Lives Matter protest he had organised that the government failed to investigate the killings of three Gambian citizens by police officers. The charges were dropped the following month.

After President Adama Barrow assumed power following the election in 2016, he vowed to carry out critical reforms to reverse the repression which characterised the government of former President Yahya Jammeh. Nearly five years later, despite some improvements, things have not changed as positively as expected, including the Gambia legislative landscape which has barely changed.

Although protection of the right to freedom of expression and other rights have improved since 2016, oppressive Jammeh era laws are still on the statute books such as some sections of the Information and Communications Act of 2009. These laws are still used to oppress human rights defenders, activists, journalists and civil society groups.

By: Muhammed Lamin Drammeh

The Republic of Korea Consul General in The Gambia, Muhammed Jah, has said that the Gambia will work closely with the Korean government to make sure that the Gambia does not import rice anymore if the Korean variety of rice works on the Gambia soil as part of a new collaboration between the two countries.

Jah was speaking to reporters shortly after the Republic of Korea’s new ambassador Kim Ji Joon submitted his letters of credence to the President of the Republic of The Gambia at the State House on Friday.

“We are going to grow enough rice in The Gambia to feed us and also with the possibility of exporting”, he told reporters.

According to Consul Jah, the Republic of Korea has tested its variety of rice in Guinea and Senegal, the result of which will come out in June. He said that the two countries have a similar climatic condition to the Gambia, which means that it may work in the Gambia if the result in Guinea and Senegal turned out positive.

“If we have positive rice in Guinea, we will test it in the Gambia for about a hectare in different areas in the country. And if successful, we are going to work with the Republic of Korea to make sure that in the next few years, we don’t import rice anymore.”, he explained.

Another sector that the government of the Gambia is collaborating with the Republic of Korea, is the skills development area.  Jah established that it will significantly help the Gambia.   The Consul General said he has been working hard to establish cooperation between the Gambia government and the Republic of Korea.

Kim Ji Joon, the new ambassador, emphasized that they will work closely with the Gambia government in agriculture on food production and food security. He also explained that President Barrow is committed to curbing unemployment in the Gambia and believes that South Korea can be of good help by building skill centers in the country for Gambians.

The new South Korean Ambassador to the Gambia submitted his letter of credence to President Barrow. He was accompanied by Gambian businessman Muhammed Jah, who serves as the Republic of Korea consul general in the Gambia.

By: Muhammed Lamin Drammeh

As Gambia Football Federation (GFF) Division One League clocks 18 weeks, there have been thrilling results across the league’s three venues as Hawks FC equaled the league leaders Brikama United and Real De Banjul on points and at the summit of the standings.

Hawks FC needed a magic bullet from Pa Sarr whose crucial goal against Wallidan FC on Saturday night propels them to 33 points. They have now opened up an interesting title race.

The week began on Friday when the champions Fortune FC once against bite the dust to Bakau giant killers, Steve Biko at the independence stadium in Bakau. Biko inflicted another agony and setback on Jane Joof’s Fortune FC who will now need a tremendous fortune to defend the title they won in style last season. Biko only needed the magic from Ismaila Manneh who scored both goals for them.  Manneh’s two goals defeated the petroleum boys.

On the evening game on Friday, Marimoo FC and Waa Banjul played a lacklustre goalless draw.

On Saturday at Yundum, Team Rhino gripped leaders Brikama United to a stalemate draw. The draw slows down the ‘Satayba’ boys’ title race.

At the independence on the same day, Falcons restored their winning formulae with a 2-nil win over academy boys, Sanger before Hawk Fc’s Pa Sarr will punish Wallidan in the night game. Wallidan ended up losing to Hawk FC by Pa Sarr’s goal to nil.

Then yesterday, Sunday, The Gambia Armed Forces and Elite United settled for a one-all draw.  In Basori, Real De Banjul came from behind to deny former head coach Ebou Jarra from winning them on their pitch. It ended Real De Banjul 1-1 Gamtel. A win would have put Real back on top of the table standing.

The other game between Banjul United and GPA ended in a goalless draw.

After week 18, Brikama United, Real De Banjul and Hawks FC are all tight up on top of the league with 33 points each.

At the bottom, Samger, GAF and Elite United are still in the struggle to get out of the red zone.

By: Dawda Baldeh

David White, Managing Director of Cruise Chip Crew, has informed The Fatu Network that over six hundred youths have been given employment letters to work abroad.

According to him, one of the company’s objectives is to create job opportunities for young people in the country.

David said Cruise Ship has been operating in the country for seven years, noting that the Ebola outbreak in 2016 and the Covid-19 hindered their business. He however confirmed that business is back to normal.

“We are here to create jobs for young people in the country,” David White said. “We have employed many young Gambians in our ships who are currently in different parts of the world earning decent salaries.”

Alhagie Bojang, Recruitment Manager Cruise Ship Gambia said they are employing people who have experience in hotel services, saying that if the young people are giving the opportunity to get decent jobs they can develop the country. “With Cruise Ship, we employ young people and pay them good salaries,” he said.

He stated that the Cruise line job are well secured. According to him, ships owners and employees operate under the Maritime Labor Convention 2006. “These are international laws and we cannot do anything against it. Employees’ welfare is well protected.”

“The country has gained itself the biggest name in hospitality service provision, thanks to the natural friendliness of the people, hence known as the Smiling Coast of Africa,” Bojang said.

“Over the years, the company has employed many young people who are professionals by all standards in various departments of the hospitality industry, including bar and restaurant, front office and reception, housekeeping and laundry, cooks and storekeeping.”

He said employers deal with their employees directly after they are permanently employed, adding that the employees’ salaries go directly into their accounts. “Employees are not exposed to any harassment unlike other companies,” he emphasized.

Speaking further, Mr. Bojang said, there is no job in the country that people can compare with Crew Ship, revealing that the company targets to employ five thousand Gambians every year who will be working in different ships across the world.

“The challenges we faced in the previous years was the MLC 2006 that Gambia has not ratified. This has hindered our operations, but thankfully now Gambia has ratified both conventions.

“We have many people who are interested in the job but they have challenges in terms of getting funds to attend the trainings that are required.” He called on the government and private sectors to help create more skills centers for youths so that they can get decent jobs,” he concluded.

By: Dawda Baldeh

31-year-old Gambian identify as Yaya Cham, resident of Chamen Village, Nainija Constituency and 22-year-old Tairuh Bah resident of Sare Gubu Basiru, in Sandu Constituency, have been found dead at the border between Algeria and Morocco on Sunday 08 May2022 while embarking on a journey to Europe, reliable source informed The Fatu Network.

According to the source, the dead bodies were discovered by Algerian soldiers who were patrolling the border. The dead bodies were taken to Manish Hospital, Algeria where families can collect them for burial.

Among the dead bodies found include two Gambians, one Ivorian and a Guinean.

Our source further disclosed that the cause of their death is believed to be extreme coldness in the border as they were dress in heavy cloths. It has been reported that the low temperature in area has claimed lives of many people.

Fatu Network will reach out the families to hear from them.

By: Christian Conteh

Civil rights activist, political and social commentator, Madi Jobarteh has said that public officials should be seen as servants and not masters, he wrote this as he put out a message to express gratitude and appreciation to his colleagues in the civil society under the leadership of TANGO and to The Gambia Press Union and all its journalists. He also appreciated media houses and the Gambian people for the show of support.

“Public officials are our servants, not our masters. In order words, for better understanding, elected and appointed public servants are our Mbindaan! We did not ask them to become public servants. Rather they chose it by themselves to become a Mbindaan!,” Madi said.

He went on to note that it was Adama Barrow who decided on his own to stand for election to get the people’s mandate. Therefore, he should submit to the will and opinion of every citizen.

“Nobody went to beg him (Adama Barrow). Allah did not give him to us nor did God ask us to get him. We the people did it by ourselves. Hence he must submit to the will and opinion of each and every citizen, whether such opinion is sweet or awful! The decision is not his!” he said.

He noted that the people have demonstrated their resolve and duty to uphold and defend the Constitution and unequivocally insist on and demand democracy in their lifetime!

Addressing the issue that he wishes to burn down the country as alleged by President Adama Barrow Madi noted that he dares not burn a single pavement in his motherland.

“I hereby re-echo, needlessly that I dare not burn down even a pavement much more an entire country – especially my own motherland! For who? For what? Unthinkable! But the truth must be told to the elected and appointed public officials of this country from Pres. Adama Barrow to the headmaster of Boraba lower basic school that this country is a Republic. They are elected or appointed to serve as public servants to manage public affairs and resources to deliver public goods and services to protect and fulfil the human rights of all citizens! That’s their one and only job,” he maintained.

Madi Jobarteh went on to explain that it is not for a public servant to determine how and when and where a citizen should hold them accountable. He said a public servant is paid a salary and for that matter, there is no need for any praise for him or her for whatever excellent work one thinks one is doing. The only relationship between a citizen and a public servant he emphasised is accountability.

“To hold a public servant accountable requires that citizens express their opinions by speech or writing or singing or painting and in any other form and any media platform or gathering or go to court or stage a protest among many other means of participation,” he said.

Adding that for a public servant to equate such citizen participation as burning down a country means such a public servant does not wish to be held accountable.

“It means such public servant has risen himself above the people. It means such a public servant wants to usurp the power and sovereignty of the people as he arrogates to himself autocratic and absolute power. That’s inimical to a republic! That’s the kind of public servant hell-bent on burning down the country as we saw with Yaya Jammeh,” he concluded.

By: Muhammed Lamin Drammeh

Ebrima Boye, a young, prolific Gambian poet, has confirmed that he will storm the country’s literary and artistic terrain with the launch of his debut poetry spoken word album in July 2022.

Known popularly as Mentor Boye, the prolific poet and 2020 University of The Gambia students’ Union’s ‘most prolific writer’ award winner is set to follow in the footsteps of Cherno Gaye and Omar Champion Cham by coming up with a poetry album titled “The Baton Exchange (TBE).”

The album, according to the poet, covers virtually all facets of society including rape, youth empowerment and maternal mortality. The poetry album is aimed at bringing positive changes and a call for unity and development.

“This poetry album will bring about positive attitudinal change, proffer solutions to many societal challenges and pave a new route in the minds of the young people in embracing all the core values of society from peace to development,” Mentor Boye told The Fatu Network (TFN).

He explained that it is time for him to move from just writing to going on stage and effect changes through poetry in its most creative fashion. The prolific poet outlined that he reckons that his words can heal wounds and provide solutions to certain societal problems.

” I have been performing at events for almost two years now. I believe it is now time to compose my spoken word poems centred on salient themes to send my messages out there. It is now time for me to be on stage and to fulfil my advocacy for a better country where unity, diversity and development will be the focus of every young Gambian,” he explained.

Ebrima Mentor Boye has over 100 poems in the last 24 months. The young poet developed a lust for writing and poetry dating back to his upper basic school days. However, Ebrima started writing and publishing his poems when he entered the University of the Gambia three years ago as a result of his growth in the genre.

Mentor Boye does his spoken word pieces in both English language and his native language, Wolof.

He has disclosed that he will launch this much-anticipated “The Baton Exchange” poetry album on the 2nd of July at Jama Hall in Senegambia.

By: Christian Conteh

The Country Reports on Human Rights Practices for 2021 published by the United States Department of State, Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor has revealed harsh and life-threatening prison conditions due to food shortages, gross overcrowding, physical abuse, and poor Sanitation in The Gambia.

This was mentioned in Section one of the report which looks at respect for the integrity of the person.

“Prison conditions were harsh and life-threatening due to food shortages, gross overcrowding, physical abuse, and poor sanitary conditions. Overcrowding was a problem in some facilities, particularly in the remand (pretrial detainee) wing of the state central prison, Mile 2 Prison in Banjul, where police held detainees pending trial. Food quality and access to potable water, sanitation, ventilation, lighting, and medical care remained inadequate,” the report stated.

In the area of corruption and lack of transparency in government, the report revealed that a culture of corruption persisted among government officials, including many former officials of the Jammeh government who remained in government positions, as well as officials elected and appointed since 2017.

“Small-scale corruption remained the norm. Citizens reported frequent demands for bribes in exchange for smoothing regulatory hurdles, accessing port facilities, and obtaining government services. Police corruption remained a daily problem, since officers routinely pulled over vehicles and fabricated infractions, or demanded money to let drivers go.”

Amidst the gloom, there were no reports that the government or its agents committed arbitrary or unlawful killings. There were also no reports of disappearances by or on behalf of government authorities.

However, families of individuals detained during the Jammeh regime continued to demand information on their missing relatives and ask that those responsible for killings, disappearances, and other serious crimes be held accountable.

The report further noted that although the country’s constitution prohibits such practices, there were reports of security personnel engaging in degrading treatment of citizens.

“In July 2020 Commander Gorgi Mboob of the Police Anti-Crime Unit assaulted Ebrima Sanneh, an arrestee, at the unit’s headquarters in Bijilo. In October 2020 the inspector general of police demoted Mboob at the recommendation of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC). On July 26, the inspector general reappointed Mboob to his position. The NHRC requested an explanation from the inspector general concerning Mboob’s return, but at year’s end had not received an answer.”

Rape and domestic violence were other highlights of the report. Although the law criminalises rape without reference to gender and criminalises domestic violence, rape and domestic violence were widespread problems that often went unreported due to survivors’ fear of reprisal, unequal power relationships, stigma, discrimination, and pressure from family and friends not to report abuses.

The information contained in these reports could not be more vital or urgent given ongoing human rights abuses and violations in many countries, continued democratic backsliding on several continents, and creeping authoritarianism that threatens both human rights and democracy.

By: Muhammed Lamin Drammeh

Spokesperson of Citizens’ Alliance (CA) party, Nenneh Freda Gomez, has reacted to the new cabinet installed by President Adama Barrow, claiming that the President has no interest in women empowerment by appointing only four women in his new cluster of cabinet members announced on Wednesday.

Nenneh, who contested in the Serrekunda Constituency but lost in last month’s parliamentary elections, expressed her disappointment over the composition of the new cabinet over the low appointment of women.

The CA strongwoman asserted that President Barrow has not been matching his words regarding giving women leadership roles in running the affairs of the state.

“He has not been living up to what he says. President Barrow is not an advocate of women empowerment,” she said.

According to Gomez, the president has not only talked about his lack of interest in women’s empowerment but has demonstrated it.

“He has no interest in women empowerment.  He has not only said it, but he has also demonstrated it. We do not have hope that, with this President, we can be where we want. But that will not make us relent as women,” she told TFN.

She narrated that she has lost hope in the retained ministers in the cabinet but has hope in the newly appointed ministers and hopes those ministers will guide the president on the right path.

Madam Gomez stated that she has no expectations of Barrow because the president has been disappointing her throughout his tenure as President.

“I don’t have any expectations for Barrow because I will be a fool to have expectations from him and be disappointed again. He has been disappointing us over and over again because the competence and the know-how are not there,” Nenneh Freda Gomez said.

By: Dawda Baldeh

In a bid to promote the culture of reading, Inspiring Young Stars a youth led organisation with the goal of inspiring young people through education and literacy development has over the weekend launched a community library in Willengara Village. The event was attended by community leaders, students and teachers among others. 

Speaking at the launching ceremony, Alagie Ndow, founder of Inspiring Young Stars (IYS), said the organisation aims at inspiring young people through education and community development. The community library which has been in existence since 2016 has now been renovated and upgraded and is expected to continue providing 24hrs services to students.

He however acknowledged that the establishment of the library has been a challenge for the organisation.

“We engaged young people in various communities, they supported the idea since young people have become leaders through the library and some have graduated through our support programs,” he said, adding that the library caters for all categories of students.

Mr. Ndow further called on students to make the best use of the library. Commending school associations that are actively using the library. Key among them are Nusrat Senior School, St. Peters, Charles Jow and Masroor Senior School.

Sideeq Saidykhan, Imam Ratib of Willengara Village, said education is key to success, noting that students should take their education very seriously. He said even the prophet Muhammad S.A.W was asked to learn by the angel. 

Mariama Jadama, a student at Nusrat Senior said the existence of the community library is important to their education.

“The library has helped me a lot in my education. I am urging my fellow students to embrace the reading culture and read different books,” she said.

Musa Saidykhan, a third-year student at the University of The Gambia, said the library has helped him a lot, adding that the library is significant in the community. 

“I always come to the library every day to do my research,” he said. Other students commended Inspiring Young Stars Organization for establishing the community library.

By Omar Bah

Karpowership, the Turkish energy company operating in The Gambia, on Wednesday and Thursday, presented hundreds of bags of rice and sugar to charities and needy institutions in The Gambia.

Since its establishment in The Gambia in May 2018, Karpowership has become one of the most active corporate social responsive companies in The Gambia.

On Wednesday, the new Karpowership country manager, Omar Njie, presented 100 ten kilo bags of sugar and 40 fifty kilo bags of rice to the Fatou Bah-Barrow Foundation.

At the handing-over ceremony at State House, Mr Njie said Karpowership places a high premium on its corporate social responsibility and has spent tens of millions of dalasis assisting government departments, institutions and individuals in the four years of its operation in the country.

“The company has supported the Edward Francis Teaching Hospital, Gambia National Library, The Gambia Police, National Environment Agency, communities in Lower River and North Bank regions, projects on women’s empowerment, fisher folk around Banjul and others including procuring five ventilators for the government at the height of Covid-19 costing D6 million,” Njie recounted.
He said the donation of the food items to FaBB Foundation is part of the annual Ramadan and Tobaski assistance to needy Gambians.

FaBB Foundation’s manager of programmes, Lamin K Saidy, commended Karpowership for being at the forefront in supporting the foundation’s initiatives. “The last support Karpowership gave the foundation was at the Baby of the Year programme,” he said.

He assured Karpowership that the donated food items will reach the targeted beneficiaries. “We are grateful to Karpowership for choosing FaBB for fulfilling your corporate social responsibility,” he said.

He appealed to Karpowership to support the foundation’s water projects which aim at digging boreholes in communities across the country.

Good neighbourliness

From State House, the Karpowership team moved to the Banjul jetty area where 40 bags of sugar and 40 bags of rice were given to fisherwomen and fishermen who operated in the maritime vicinity the powership is anchored.

In presenting the gifts, Mr Njie emphasised the importance of good neighbourliness and said the fisher folk have enjoyed a cordial and mutually beneficent relationship with Karpowership and engineers who work and reside in the powership.

The recipients expressed their gratitude to Karpowership for the “timely donation” and promised to share it among their members in a fair and transparent manner.

The Karpowership team also visited the Mile 2 Central Prison and donated 30 bags of rice and 30 bags of sugar.

The deputy director-general of Gambia Prisons Services, Keita Saidy, expressed his institution’s gratitude to Karpowership and expressed his hope that the donation will mark the beginning of a long relationship of cooperation.

“This donation is very timely because the government cannot do everything on its own. So the inmates need your support. We should make them feel that there is somebody out there who cares for them,” he said.

He explained that not all prisoners are criminals and bad people and that even those members of society who slipped up along the journey of life and ended up being incarcerated deserve the support and empathy of member of the society.

‘Caring and catering for”

On Thursday, the Karpowership team visited the Tanka Tanka Psychiatric Hospital at Salagi and donated 30 bags of sugar and 30 bags of rice.

In presenting the gifts, Country Manager Njie said Ramadan is a time of sharing and caring especially for less fortunate people like those undergoing treatment at the psychiatric hospital. “These gifts are a manifestation of Karpowership’s belief that we need to care and cater for everyone including our brothers and sisters who are mentally challenged,” Mr Njie Said.
In receiving the gifts, the department matron, Omar Bojang, explained that Tanka Tanka is not a stand-alone facility but a part of the Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital and offers free treatment.

He said mental illness is neglected in The Gambia and lamented that whereas patients in other hospitals receive visitors, “90 per cent of Tanka Tanka patients never receive a visitor”.
He thanked Karpowership for extending a helping hand and urged other companies to follow suit.

Later on Thursday, heads of three orphanages and Qur’anic memorisation centres in the Greater Banjul Area met at Al-Ihsaan Foundation and Centre in Salagi to receive ten bags of rice and ten bags of sugar respectively.

Mr Njie thanked the institutions for the “great work” they are doing in taking care of orphans and putting them on the path of Allah.

In receiving the gifts, Muhammed Darboe, head of Al-Ihsaan Foundation and Quar’anic Memorisation Centre thanked Karpowership and said feeding is the biggest challenge facing institutions like his. “Food is our oxygen and we hope help like this will no be given out just in Ramadan,” he pleaded.
Muhammed Ceesay from Madrasatul Nurul Sabakh Foundation and Quar’anic Memorisation Centre in Somita and Saihou Gassama from Arafang Lang Ceesay Quar’anic Memorisation Centre in Sukuta Nema made similar remarks.

Omar Njie thanked the recipients as well as the government of The Gambia, Nawec, Pura, GPA, GMA and NEA for providing Karpowership the conducive environment to operate in The Gambia.

By Amara Thoronka

Speaker of the National Assembly of The Gambia, Fabakary Tombong Jatta, on Monday 25th April 2022 told lawmakers that everyone in the assembly is qualified by law to serve in any capacity in all the committees.

The Speaker was responding to some assembly members who described certain selected committee chairpersons as “unqualified and incompetent” to serve in those capacities, taking into consideration their academic and experience backgrounds.

“Every national assembly member in this parliament is qualified to serve as a chair or member of any committee,” said Hon. Jatta.

He emphasized lawmakers should understand that all members are qualified to serve because they are legally in parliament representing their people.

The Speaker however stated that it is now left with parliament to decide who is going to serve in a given capacity.

He advised assembly members to desist from describing colleague members as unqualified and incompetent.

By: Muhammed Lamin Drammeh

Six months after organising and presenting awards to the deserving footballers playing in the country at the end of last season, the Gambia Football Players Association has still not given the money they promised the players. This has raised concern among the awarded players recently.

On 2nd October 2021 at Pancha Mi Hall, The Gambia Football Players Association came together to organise an award night for the home-based players after the end of the Gambia Football Federation Division One League and two in both the male and female categories. This was welcome by a cross-section of football zealots.  Different awards were created and different players won different awards.

The players Association wrote to different institutions and assured the nominees that each award would have a sponsor and the awards will be accompanied by a cash prize. However, for six months, only the goalkeeper of the season for both male and female first division leagues received the cash prize.

According to four of the players who were awarded in the night but beg for anonymity, the Players Association executives promised that they will give them the money in the second week of October noting that most of the institutions that were supposed to give them money were not on the ground but will give them money.

“Before the event started, they called all of us (players) inside. They told us that most of the institutions that were going to give us the cash as sponsors were not around and that they were going to give us the money a week after that. We were all shocked but because we trusted them, we nodded our heads and the award night went on,” this player told TFN.

One of them told this medium that they lost the trust in the association and didn’t believe they will be given their money. He said that this action is demotivating the players.

” I am disappointed with the organising committee because what they told us was lies and dramas like anyone who won …… of the season will receive some cash.  people voted and I don’t receive even one single hundred dalasis from them”, a disappointed player explained to TFN.

He said he can not believe that there was no money because there were voting and GSM companies partnered with them.

However, the President of the association John Bass said the executive didn’t outline any specific amount that will be given to the winners.

The Fatu Network understands that only the best goalkeeper award winner in the male and female league one received their cash prize of ten thousand dalasis from Enterprise Life.

On the night of April 24th, the awarded players called for a meeting in their WhatsApp group to voice out their frustration over the lack of communication from the Players Association executives since after the award night.

Reacting to the concerns and worries of the players, Dodou Janko, the Secretary-General of the association admitted that they promised the players of cash but couldn’t fulfil it.

“We didn’t have what we had expected. We came at a loss which means our expectations surpassed our income. Give us time and we will discuss this at our executive level”,  he told the players in a WhatsApp group through a voiced note received by this medium.

He promised these concerned players that they will discuss their issue in their executive meeting.

However, the president told TFN that their focus now is to go on a tour and meet with the players first.

“For now we are focused on the tour to meet them (players) and the to resume the monthly awards”, Bass said.

According to the President, they could not get the money because most institutions failed to chip in after receiving positive responses from them. He explained that they will do something.

“But we still want to put up something for them”, he asserted.

It is not still clear if the players association will fulfil their promises to these players.  Already, the players that spoke to TFN lost trust in the executive and have no hope of getting the money.

National People’s Party (NPP) stalwart Ahmad Gitteh has accused Lawyer Ousainou Darboe and other members of the United Democratic Party (UDP) of double standards.

According to Gitteh, the UDP leader Ousainou Darboe, Lamin Kitty Jabang and many others benefitted from state lands in Pipeline during President Jawara’s era, the same way other public officials have benefitted from state land at Bijilo.

He however agreed that the land tenure system and the laws governing land in The Gambia are not favourable to Gambians.

“The land tenure system or land act in the Gambia brought in during Jawara or Jammeh’s era is not favourable to Gambians but by law, the Minister of Lands Musa Drammeh has the powers to allocate lands to any Gambian,” Gitteh insisted.

He went on to claim that when Darboe and Sheriff Dibba acquired land at Pipeline back in those days they were among the richest Gambians.

He further reiterated that the current land act is a big problem and needs changes to remedy the situation.