The army on Friday cautioned people that live near its Brikama Range to avoid the range amid a munition destruction exercise it intends to embark upon.

According to the army, it will conduct a destruction of ‘unserviceable’ munitions at its Brikama Range from Monday 12 October through Thursday 15 October.

“To this end, the general public especially residents living around the range in Brikama, Kassa Kunda, Jalanbang and other satellite villages are urged not to panic but cautioned to avoid the designated area on the above mentioned dates,” the army’s spokesperson Major Lamin K Sanyang said in a statement on Friday.

The army will be working with Mine Advisory Group with respect to the exercise. MAG is a group that is focused on finding and destroying landmines, cluster munitions and unexploded bombs in places affected by conflict.

The World Food Programme (WFP) Country Director Ms Wanja Kaaria on Wednesday bade farewell to the Vice President.

Dr Isatou Touray said Ms Kaari has demonstrated excellent and cordial work relation with the government of the Gambia, according to a news release by her office.

OVP said: “She (Vice President) noted that the world food programme under the leadership of Ms. Kaari, has contributed immensely to the development programmes of the government of the Gambia most especially humanitarian assistance.

“Dr Touray indicated that WPF has provided the much needed technical and financial support in the humanitarian response on COVID-19 pandemic through the National Disaster Management Agency, Education and Agriculture, as well as the health sector.

“Her Execellency the Vice the Vice President expressed the appreciation of the government of the Gambia for all the support provided by WFP in complimenting government’s efforts in attaining our numerous national development programme goals. She acknowledged that government has seen the WFP response to the country’s needs and contribution in building national capacities to ensure effectiveness and efficiency in service delivery.

“The outgoing WFP representative Wanja Kaaria has expressed gratitude to the government of the Gambia for an open-door policy and for creating the enabling environment for her programmes to deliver the promises of WFP. She indicated that her stay in the country was quite a memorable experience and would always be a goodwill ambassador for the Gambia.

“She was accompanied by Ousama Ousman, Anta Janneh and Dawda Samba.”

Gambia Action Party has called on the President Adama Barrow government to respect the public health regulations that have been put in place to combat a spread of coronavirus.

The party’s leader Musa Yali Batchilly said in a statement: “The Gambia Action Party has challenged this so-called government to respect the rules and regulations aimed to curb the spread of COVID-19 and it’s related issues. The draconian laws are aimed to prevent the Gambia from advancing at the best interests of the government that receives bribes and engage in corruption to further sink the nation.

“During this pandemic that they claimed is dangerous amid surging the numbers and they closed the traditional businesses and caged the other businesses, they closed our educational frontiers, they closed our borders, they imposed on wearing face masks and imposed restrictions on night movements, public gatherings and they barred night clubs. Their cruelty and inaction has slowed down both public and private sectors, but at their interests.

“The pictorial view seen below was taken from the President’s recent visit to Kerewan and we challenge him to respect the protocols. Barrow and his crony allies called the cabinet ministers should resign to ensure that dignity and integrity of holding public offices is adhered or they’re all liable and labelled as criminal government. The government that does not respect its own rules and regulations that government is unfit to govern as well as an act of cowardice.

“All political activities has been suspended and the President continually campaigns by gathering crowds in this critical moment of our history. He is responsible for the outbreak in the Gambia due to his lack of respect for the lives of thousand Gambians who are affected and the lost of loved ones that has forever gone into the darkest pages of our nation.”

A crowd formed at Serrekunda Police Station Thursday evening as MP Ya Kumba Jaiteh went there to give her statement over claims she obstructed drug agency officers.

Reports emerged on Wednesday Ms Jaiteh obstructed officers of the drug law enforcement agency as they tried to swoop in on individuals suspected of being in possesion of drugs. The alleged obstruction allegedly took place in Ms Jaiteh’s house.

The lawmaker was at Serrekunda Police Station Thursday evening to give her statement over the claims, a source with Ms Jaiteh at the police station told The Fatu Network.

She gave a statement on claims she obstructed drug squad officers and was asked to report back on Friday, the source added.

Police spokesman Lamin Njie could not be immediately reached for comment.

Citizens’ Alliance has announced its national congress is scheduled to take place from 27 to 29 November, 2020.

The party in a statement on Thursday asked its registered members to vie for the ten positions that are up for grabs.

The party said: “With this notice, and in accordance with the requirements of the Independent Electoral Commission, the Citizens’ Alliance Electoral Committee is soliciting nominations for election to the Citizens’ Alliance National Executive Council. Qualified party members may nominate themselves.

“Other registered members may also nominate fellow party members who are qualified, however, the nomination must be accepted by the nominated candidate to be considered by the Electoral Committee.”

The positions include party secretary general and presidential candidate and the party said the deadline for a person to submit his nomination is 22 October.

The National Human Rights Commission said on Thursday its investigation found Ebrima Sanneh was assaulted by Commissioner Gorgi Mboob on his private parts.

In July this year, top police officer Gorgi Mboob came under heavy criticism after 26-year-old Ebrima Sanneh accused him of hitting him on his genitals with a farming implement. The National Human Rights Commission later announced it was investigating the claim. The police also came under massive pressure prompting them to suspend Mr Mboob.

On Thursday, NHRC said ina statement its investigation panel found that the arrest of Ebrima Sanneh and his colleagues was unwarranted as there was “no fighting at the night club as alleged by the Police and the Police did not state that the arrest of Ebrima and colleagues was due to breaches of the emergency regulations”.

“Ebrima Sanneh and his colleagues were also subjected to forced labour while in detention and Ebrima was assaulted by Commissioner Gorgi Mboob on his private parts.

“The medical report showed that unlike rumours of a Sexually Transmitted Infection, Ebrima suffered from trauma on his genitals as a result of the assault. The report however concluded that there was no lasting internal damage,” NHRC said.

By AFP

US military aid to Mali’s post-coup transition government will remain suspended until a new government is in place following elections, a senior US official said Wednesday.

Such a government is not expected to be formed for another 18 months at least, the timeline set by the new authorities for a political transition tasked with preparing the ground for general elections and the restoration of civilian rule.

The United States announced it was suspending security aid to Mali following a military coup that overthrew elected President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita on August 18, following months of political unrest in a country gripped by an Islamist insurgency.

The military leaders who seized control put in place a president and a transition government while retaining a grip on power.

The US special envoy for the Sahel region, J. Peter Pham, told journalists in a conference call that Washington could only unblock military assistance when the proper conditions are met.

When the military topples a government, “we’re obliged under US law to restrict (security) assistance that benefits that government until such time as constitutional order is restored,” Pham said.

“Those restrictions remain in place,” he added.

But he said humanitarian and development assistance — which makes up the bulk of US aid — continues to reach Mali through non-government and international partners.

“We view the establishment of the transitional government, which I met with, certainly as an initial step in that process toward restitution of constitutional order through free and fair elections,” Pham said.

“But until such time as those are held and a constitutional government is restored, we are obliged under US law to restrict our assistance – our military assistance, that is – to the regime,” he said.

The nation’s new youth and sport minister Bakary Badjie swore on Thursday to stay true to the rudiments of office – where he also revealed his wish to turn our youth folk into a leading force of the state to ensure their participation in the solution of the nation’s socio-economic problems.

Speaking at State House, the new youth minister said: “With enormous gratitude for the confidence placed in me by Your Excellency, and with an unswerving resolve to honor that trust, I humbly accept the appointment as Minister of Youth and Sports of our beloved country, The Gambia.

“It is my considered view that today’s realities require the young people of this country be identified by their skills, intellect, healthy lifestyle, so as to actively participate in public administration and the implementation of our national youth and sports policy with a view to attain the goals and objectives of the National Development Plan.

“Thus, it is my wish to turn our youth folk into a leading force of the state, to ensure their participation in the solution of our socio-economic problems.

“Equally, it is my sincere desire to attain maximum participation and excellence in sports and sporting activities at local and international levels.

“Ultimately, I am hopeful that the youth of this country will grow up knowing that they are a priority to the Government of the day and that we are working hard to build a better future for them.

“During my tenure, I will embrace their hopes and hear their appeals. I am an optimist, and I am full of hope about the future of our country.”

President Adama Barrow revealed on Thursday his government continues to intensify ongoing search for citizens that can contribute towards the strengthening of his government’s governance structures and the realisation of the national goals.

“Today, we are here for another swearing-in ceremony. This time, it is for the positions of Supreme Court Judges, President of the Court of Appeal, Judicial Secretary, the Ombudsman and Minister of Youth and Sports. The event is part of the continuous search for Gambian citizens to join us in building our national institutions.

“Therefore, my Government continues to intensify the on-going search for Gambian citizens who can contribute towards the strengthening of our governance structures and the realisation of our national goals,” the president said while swearing in the new minister of youth and sport, supreme court judges and other officials at State House.

By DailyMail

The former Minneapolis police officer charged with the murder of George Floyd has been released from prison after posting bond.

Derek Chauvin, 44, was released from the Minnesota Correctional Facility in Oak Park Heights on Wednesday morning, the Department of Corrections confirmed.

The ex-cop walked free after posting a non-cash $1million bond signed by A-Affordable Bail Bonds, Inc, online court records show.

Chauvin had been in custody at the maximum security prison since May 31 after video showed him pressing his knee onto Floyd’s neck for more than eight minutes shortly before his death.

He is charged with second and third degree murder as well as second-degree manslaughter. His bail was initially set at $1.25million or $1million with conditions.

A release receipt posted by the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office showed Chauvin was freed at 11.22am.

Under the conditions of his release, he must attend all court appearances and cannot have any direct or indirect contact – including social media – with any members of Floyd’s family.

He is also not permitted to work in law enforcement or security, and must not possess any firearms ammunition.

Floyd’s death was captured in widely seen bystander video that set off protests against police brutality and racial injustice around the world.

Floyd, a 46-year-old black man, died on May 25 while being arrested for using a counterfeit $20 bill at a local Minneapolis deli.

Former Constitutional Review Commission communication chief has announced he has signed a three-month contract with Gamworks as the agency’s lead PR and communications expert.

Marenah made the announcement five days after announcing his resignation from GRTS as assistant editor and social media strategist.

He said: “I am thrilled to announce that I have signed a three months contract with Gamworks under its New Project, The Gambia Pilot Project to serve as Lead PR and Communications Expert effective October 2020.

“The Gambia Pilot Program (GPP) is an initiative by the Government of The Gambia and German Financial Cooperation facilitated through KfW to serve as a model for the larger implementation of the Regional Stabilization and Development Fund for ECOWAS.

“Ten million Euros has been committed for The Gambia to empower youth, women and vulnerable groups such as migrant returnees via GPP grant schemes and investments for agricultural infrastructure, vocational training and skills development among others. GAMWORKS is entrusted with the management of the Program. I therefore seek your prayers for the successful implementation of the project.”

State House said on Wednesday President Adama Barrow will swear in new public officials on Thursday.

The president last week removed two ministers – trade and youth – and hired fresh hands. The trade ministry however remains unfilled after the president’s choice Bakary Jammeh turned down the job.

State House however said on Wednesday the president will preside over the swearing in of the new youth and sport minister, two supreme court judges, President of the Court of Appeal and the Judicial Secretary on Thursday.

It’s believed the president will now be on the hunt for a new man for trade minister.

Basic and secondary education minister Claudiana Cole has laid out how she intends to get students back in school – as she announced the reopening of school.

Speaking on GRTS on Tuesday, Cole stated school would reopen on October 14 and October 28 for students between Grade 7 and 12 and ECD to Grade 6 respectively.

Her gameplan however includes reduced class sizes, distance learning initiatives, extended school days, double shifting and catch-up plans.

She said: “Dear parents, teachers, students and all other stakeholders, now that we are beginning to understand the virus, and seeing positive signs in our countries’efforts to contain the pandemic, as well as having learnt and gained some lessons and experiences from the partial school re–opening, the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education is determined to reopen schools under strict conditions based on the advice of the Ministry of Health and WHO agreed international standards.

“To complement this, my Ministry in collaboration with all the stakeholders will endeavor to ensure that the safety of all schools, students and teachers are safeguarded from hazards related to the COVID-19 pandemic by putting in place measures thatwill support this process.

“However, being cognizant of the multiple benefits of face-to-face learning against the risks posed by the spread of COVID-19, the Ministry intends to complement the reopening of schools with a recovery strategy, by promoting reduced class sizes, distance learning initiatives, extended school days, double shifting and catch-up plans to recover learning losses accrued during the school closure.

“This will also be supported by monitoring the education responses to the pandemic nationally, as the data collected on both students and teachers’ wellbeing are analyzed toinform the course of action.”

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad, Dr. Mamadou Tangara, on Tuesday 6th October met his Nigerian counterpart, Mr. Geoffrey Onyeama, in his office in Abuja, Nigeria, the ministry of foreign affairs has said.

Following diplomatic engagement with Foreign Minister Tangara and his team, the Nigerian Foreign Minister said his country is pushing towards increasing trade volumes with The Gambia and strengthening bilateral relations across all spheres, the ministry said.

The foreign ministry in a statement by spokesman Saikou Ceesay added: “Minister Tangara appreciated Nigeria for the tremendous support it has given to The Gambia and the pivotal role played in the entire sub-region. He further appreciated Nigeria’s support to The Gambia’s Armed Forces and the Judiciary, stating that without Nigeria’s support to the Gambian Judiciary, it would have been completely crippled.

“He said to show appreciation, the Gambian President Adama Barrow has decided to posthumously honour Late Gen. Abubakar Dada, a Nigerian soldier who helped in the formation of the Gambian Armed Forces.”

“The Gambia is very grateful to Nigeria because if at some point Nigeria were to withdraw from the Judiciary, our judiciary will be completely crippled.

“But with thanks to the support of Nigeria we have been able to build our judiciary with home grown lawyers, magistrates and that could not have been possible without the support of Nigeria.

“In very critical levels you helped us build the most valuable resource in our country, and that is our human resource and we are so very grateful for that.

“We cannot also talk about our Armed Forces in The Gambia without mentioning Nigeria. You have been key in the setting up of the Armed Forces of The Gambia.

“And today in the Gambia, people like the Late General Abubakar Dada is a household name in The Gambia.

“Everybody knows about him and we have decided to honour him posthumous and that is the best way we can say Thank you to Nigeria and his family,” Foreign Minister Tangara said, according to the foreign ministry.

The statement continued: “For his part, Foreign Minister Onyeama said that Nigeria has made enormous contributions to peace and reforms in The Gambia and how much the volume of trade made and how that has translated into something meaningful.”

“The Gambia is a small country and there are quite a small number of Nigerians in The Gambia and a lot of them are doing business there.

“Some are professionals working in the Gambia and the nature of relationship we have is such that Nigerians in the Gambia feel very much at home and very welcomed.

“There are some Nigerian businesses that are very present in the Gambia, banks and we used to have one of our carriers that fly to Gambia some years back.

“There is more we can do and that is what the strengthening of the relations is all about.

“We have a framework for cooperation, bilateral commission and also we will be pushing towards increasing the volume of trade between Nigeria and Gambia,” Onyeama said, according to the foreign ministry.

Foreign Minister Onyeama said Nigeria is excited with the restoration of democracy in The Gambia and will continue to engage with the rest of the ECOWAS sub region to sustain this, the foreign ministry said.

“Of course we are cooperating in different areas within the West African sub region addressing the different challenges that are constantly being posed in our sub region.

“And we count very much on your government, your country as a very strong dependable friend, ally in our efforts to strengthen governance, prosperity in our sub-region.

“Your visit here will give us the opportunity to review the relationship between our two countries and also to identify areas where we can improve things and develop a roadmap going forward,” Onyeama added, according to the foreign ministry.

Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Zubairu Dada, who happens to be brother to the late General Dada appreciated the Gambian government for honouring his brother, the ministry said.