By: Dawda Baldeh

Justice Ebrima Jaiteh of the High Court in Banjul has issued a judgment ordering Alieu Bangura to pay $50,000 to Cruise Ship Crew Gambia Limited.

Alieu Bangura had acted as a guarantor for Saja Bangura, who was recruited by Cruise Ship to work on their vessel.

However, Saja Bangura deserted the ship, and the court found that Alieu Bangura had no defense in the case.

Despite being served with the plaintiff’s writ of summons and other documents, Alieu Bangura failed to file a notice of intention to defend the suit.

As a result, the court entered a judgment in favor of Cruise Ship Gambia Limited and ordered Alieu Bangura to pay the specified amount as a guarantor for Saja Bangura.

Reacting to the court verdict, Musa Drammeh, the Director of Operations at Cruise Ship Crew Gambia, said the judgment is timely and will pay dividends in preventing people from absconding.

“Saja’s actions by absconding have led to many visa rejections and ruined the opportunity for hundreds of young people who have been in the ship. New hires and those in the shops are not allowed to go out due to one person illegally entering the Americas,” he explained.

Drammeh added, “We are happy that the court has ruled in our favor, and now Saja (Alieu’s Guarantor) will have to pay the money or make sure Saja Bangura is back, or he should be jailed.”

He described Saja’s absconding as a selfish decision that has negatively affected hundreds of others whose visas have been rejected, and their appointments canceled, among other things.

Thus, he said, is significant damage to the agency and the Gambians at large.

Furthermore, the agency warned people whose main objective is to use the opportunity to travel to Europe or anywhere around the world without wanting to work on the ships to desist from doing so.

In his conclusion, Mr. Drammeh warned that the agency will not relent in making sure absconders are brought to justice and encouraged their crew members onboard to work hard and make a better living.

By: Dawda Baldeh

On the third day of this constitutional tour, various ongoing projects were visited in the NBR and CRR regions. The delegations visited several Water Supply facilities constructed as a symbol of friendship between Japan and The Gambia. These water facilities are considered state-of-the-art.

President Barrow, speaking briefly in Kerr Sulay, expressed his gratitude to the Japanese government for their unwavering support to The Gambia. He highlighted the strong bilateral relationship between the two countries and emphasized that providing water in rural communities is a worthwhile investment that will complement his government’s efforts in addressing water shortages.

While visiting several places, the key priorities identified by residents were access to clean drinking water, electricity, roads, quality healthcare services, and educational opportunities. On behalf of the Gambians, President Barrow continued to further convey his profound gratitude to the Japanese government.

As the completion of the state-of-the-art water facility is eagerly awaited by the residents, they were reminded to actively participate in ensuring its sustainable usage. It is expected that once these various water facilities are completed and efficiently utilized, they will put an end to the water crisis in the communities benefiting from them.

Ambassador Bah and Chief Justice Jallow met with partners in Washington D.C. on possibilities of strengthening the Judiciary in The Gambia

The Ambassador of the Republic The Gambia to the United States of America, His Excellency Momodou Lamin Bah, and the Honourable Chief Justice of The Gambia, Hassan B. Jallow, recently engaged with partners at the World Bank and at the United States Department of State on ways to further collaborate to strengthen the judiciary in The Gambia.

The Hon. Chief Justice who was accompanied by a High Court Judge, Justice Landing Sanneh, arrived in Washington D.C. on November 9th, 2023 at the invitation of the World Bank to participate in the 2023 Law, Justice and Development (LJD) week.

From the 13th to the 15th November, 2023 the Hon. Chief Justice attended meetings and served as a Panelist at a Session on Law, Justice and Development: Judges’ Perspectives. In his deliberation, the Hon. Chief Justice highlighted the intricate linkages between the rule of law and development in society.

On the margins of the meetings, His Excellency Ambassador Bah assisted the Hon. Chief Justice in bilateral meetings with officials of the World Bank and US Department of State. The delegation discussed with partners the Judiciary’s Strategic Plan and highlighted areas that need collaboration and support for an improved and consolidated Rule of Law in The Gambia.

Before leaving Washington D.C, the Hon. Chief Justice paid a courtesy call on His Excellency Ambassador Bah and the Team at The Gambia Embassy. His Lordship commended the Ambassador and the staff for the support given to him on all his engagements in Washington D.C.

For his part, Ambassador Bah assured the Chief Justice of the Embassy’s unwavering support especially when it comes to empowering the Judiciary. He said follow-up would continue with partners on pertinent issues raised during the meetings with a view to further strengthening the Judiciary as stated in the National Blueprint of The Gambia (Green Recovery National Development Plan -2023 -2027).

Issued by the Embassy of The Gambia in Washington D.C.

Saikou Ceesay

First Secretary
Embassy of The Gambia
Washington D.C.
Tel: (+1) 240-945-6579
website: www.gambiaembassydc.gm

By: Dawda Baldeh

Addressing a large audience during the ongoing Nationwide Meet-The-People’s Tour, the Minister of Tourism and Culture, Hamat NK Bah, appealed for government intervention to address the water crisis in Kaur.

Minister Bah made this plea during a joint meeting as part of the ongoing nationwide Meet-the-People tour held in Kaur, Lower Saloum Constituency.

“I call on the government of President Barrow to intervene and support the people of Kaur with adequate water supply. Water is crucial for our living and this community has been facing water shortages and they need support,” he emphasized.

The Tourism Minister’s remarks echoed the sentiments of various speakers who described the lack of access to water as a significant challenge.

Minister Bah reassured the people of Kaur of the government’s commitment to resolving their water crisis.

He commended the residents of Lower and Upper Saloum for their steadfast dedication to supporting government development initiatives.

Several speakers, including men who took the podium, expressed profound gratitude to the president for the developmental initiatives in Lower and Upper Saloum. However, they also highlighted persistent challenges facing their communities, such as limited access to electricity, salt salinity affecting rice farms, inadequate healthcare services, and a need for improved educational facilities.

By: Dawda Baldeh

President Adama Barrow and his delegation, including cabinet ministers and government officials, visited road projects in the North Bank Region as part of his meet-the-people tour in The Gambia.

The president called on citizens to pay their taxes to support the government’s efforts in mobilizing funds for development projects.

Emphasizing the importance of taxation, Barrow said taxes must be paid for the government to achieve economic growth and provide quality healthcare, education, infrastructure, and other essential services.

He told journalists that tax is crucial for creating a prosperous and orderly society and upholding the social contract between citizens and the economy.

During a joint meeting in Dobo village and Farafenni, villagers expressed their appreciation for the president’s visit and made various requests to the government for improvements that would positively impact their lives.

The Minister for Agriculture, Demba Sabally, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to addressing the needs of farmers by providing support such as fertilizers, seeds, and other assistance.

Minister for Tourism and Culture, Hamat NK Bah, highlighted the issue of irregular migration and encouraged the youth to take advantage of the opportunities provided by the government instead of embarking on risky journeys.

President Barrow’s tour aimed to gather information, engage with communities, and discuss government policies and programs focused on improving the well-being of the people.

By: Alieu Jallow

Counsel Darboe has filed a motion to produce call printouts from Africell and Qcell for Mama Jabbie, the Prosecution’s 3rd witness in the ongoing murder trials related to the Police shooting at Sukuta-Jabang traffic light.

Lamin J Darboe, the defense counsel for the first accused person, has also requested the court to issue an order to the two GSM operators to provide the call printout as part of the cross-examination on PW 3 (Mama Jabbie).

Following the police incident on September 12th, 2023, at the Sukuta-Jabang traffic light, and the President’s announcement of a one million Dalasis reward for capturing or reporting the suspect’s whereabouts, Mama Jabbie was identified as the person who captured Ousainou Bojang, the first accused person, in Jululung, southern Casamance region of Senegal.

Mama Jabbie informed the court that she was in a friend’s compound in Jululung on the Tuesday before Wednesday, September 13th, when Ousainou met her around 2 pm local time. PW 3 stated that she was not paid by anyone to capture Ousainou and had no prior knowledge of the President’s reward. She learned about the shooting on Wednesday when Ousainou Bojang arrived in Jululung.

When asked if her friend Yafatou gave a statement to the police, PW 3 mentioned that she couldn’t recall her friend providing any statement.

PW 3 had a brief stay in Dakar before leaving for Jululung shortly before the police shooting on the faithful night of September 12th at the Sukuta-Jabang traffic light around 21:00 onwards.

The case has been adjourned to November 28th, 2023, at 2:15 pm for the continuation of cross-examination.

By: Dawda Baldeh

President Barrow, speaking at a well-attended joint meeting held in Pakau Njogu village in the Upper Nuimi District of the North Bank Region, paid tribute to the families who lost their loved ones in a recent boat incident that claimed the lives of about twenty Gambian youths. Approximately 20 Gambian youths, mainly from the Greater Banjul Area, are reported to have died in their attempt to sail to the Canary Islands to Spain, with many describing it as a national tragedy.

The Gambian leader, shocked about the death of the youth, also expressed his concern over the increasing number of lives lost in recent boat accidents. He called on parents and village leaders to discourage the menace of the ‘back way,’ using the dangerous route to Europe. Barrow further urged Gambian youths to seize the opportunities provided for them by the government, emphasizing the numerous policies and programs created for the advancement and betterment of the country’s youth.

Commenting on the recent boat accidents that continue to claim many lives, the Gambian leader emphasized the need for community leaders to work together with the objective of discouraging their members from embarking on this perilous route. He urged parents who wish to send their children to Europe to do so through legal means.

He reaffirmed his government’s continued commitment to advancing the welfare of young people in the country through the creation of various initiatives aimed at providing employment opportunities. During his recent visit to Saudi Arabia, Barrow stated that his government and that of Saudi Arabia have signed various agreements that will enable Gambian youths to work and acquire new skills.

“My government is doing everything possible to ensure that young people in this country are provided with employment opportunities,” he said. He maintained that through this agreement, many young people would be taken to Saudi Arabia to work and learn other skills.

Additionally, Barrow mentioned an agreement with investors to promote rice cultivation in the country, with implementation set to begin in the coming year.

By: Dawda Baldeh

Officials from Euclid University recently engaged in a productive meeting with Muhammed B. S. Jallow, the Vice President of The Gambia. The discussions revolved around various project activities, with a primary focus on their upcoming graduation ceremony scheduled for November 29, 2023.

Present during the courtesy visit were the Vice Chancellor of Euclid University, Prof. Momodou Mustapha Fanneh, and members of the board of advisors.

Euclid University, an online institution that has been actively operating in The Gambia for a decade, specializes in training diplomats and civil servants.

At the meeting, the university representatives shared with Vice President Jallow that approximately 30 students from different countries would be graduating and participating in the ceremony to be held at the International Conference Center in Bijilo.

They also unveiled the list of special guests of honor, including the Euclid University Secretary General and Deputy Secretary General, the Minister of Higher Education from the Central African Republic, the Central African Republic Ambassador to the United Nations, the Sierra Leonean Ambassador to Ghana, the Maltese Ambassador to Kuwait, the General Consul of Burundi to Morocco, and a high-level representative from the Mexican Foreign Council, among other dignitaries.

Beyond the graduation ceremony, the Euclid University delegation delved into discussions about future projects aimed at supporting higher education, youth employment, and national development in The Gambia.

Vice President Jallow expressed his gratitude for the visit and reiterated the government’s unwavering commitment to the development of education at all levels, from primary to post-secondary, for the progress of the nation.

The upcoming graduation event will not only mark the academic achievements of the students but also celebrate Euclid University’s remarkable ten-year presence in The Gambia.