By: Dawda Baldeh

Juliet Ryan, a British national residing in the Gambia, has vowed to file a counter sue against one Alhagie Samba Bah, a Gambian car dealer who reportedly threatened to get her deported over an exchange car deal.

The two are said to have entered into a car exchange deal in 2022 which ended after Juliet discovered the car had several mechanical problems and was likely stolen.

“I exchanged my 2018 Range Rover Evoque model worth D700,000 dalasi for a Range Rover Sport valued at 1.7 million dalasis. I paid a cash price of D590,000 dalasis and was supposed to pay an outstanding D410,000 dalasi but the car is not good,” she said.

She was recently sued by Alhagie for not paying the outstanding D410,000 dalasis. A court order has been made already and her car is under custody.

Juliet said she will counter sue Alhagie to get her money back after discovering the car was not good and subsequently involved in a court case for the same problems.

The British woman said the car is not fit for purpose and that has been the reason she has not completed the payment, demanding a car replacement.

“Alhagie knew the car was not good but he deceived me. When I detected the problems and informed him, he never admitted the car was faulty. He breaches the deal because he sold me a car which is not good and was involved in a court case for the same reason.

Alhagie has been making everything possible so that he will not return my money or replace the car and he has been threatening to get me deported. He agreed to exchange the car for another vehicle that was being shipped but it never materialized,” she explained.

She added the car was diagnosed with 19 mechanical faults by her mechanic.

“Alhagie knew the car was condemned but he wants me to pay the balance for a car that is not good. Now I’m stocked because I don’t have any car and I have business to run,” she explained.

A report published by the Point Newspaper on 2^nd December 2021, revealed that the same Ranger Rover Sports Autobiography Hybrid with VIN Number: SALWA2LFXGA542996 was sold by Alhagie Samba Bah to Alassan Gent Ceesay in April 2019 for the sum of D1.5 million.

The matter ended in court after Alassan discovered the Range Rover was not good and was stolen. A judgment delivered by Justice S. Wadda Cisse ordered Alhagie to refund the sum of D1.5 million dalasis to Alassan the same car he sold to Juliet Ryan in 2022.

When contacted for comments, Alhagie Samba Bah confirmed having issues with Juliet over a D410,000 balance she owed him as part of a car exchange deal. He denied threatening Juliet with deportation.

“I am not an immigration officer, so I cannot decide who should be deported. She is owing me money, and if she is deported, I will lose my money,” he said.

When asked about the issue of the car being involved in a court case, he responded, “The court will decide on those claims she is making. I sold Juliet a second-hand car and she also gave me a second-hand car. She doesn’t want to pay my money that is why she is making all these allegations against me.”

Bah said few months later the car Juliet gave him had an engine problem and is currently at a mechanic garage.

By: Ousman Saidykhan

The pretrial in the defamation case involving renowned businessman, Abubacarr Jawara against the politician who also doubles as a political commentator, Momodou Sabally has begun at the High Court in Banjul after the defendant filed an affidavit in opposition to the plaintiff’s claims. Jawara seeks D8 million in damages for defamation and slander.

The plaintiff, represented by Counsel Drammeh told the court that they have eight documents to tender including a warning letter which was admitted and marked as exhibit PF1.

The plaintiff said they have four audios with their transcriptions to tender. Copies of each of the audios were given to the defendant’s lawyers and the judge.

The first audio amongst the four to be played in the court was that of a man called Saibo Hydara who was among other things, threatening Jawara for taking Sabally to court.

That audio was rejected in Justice Bakre’s ruling after arguments between the two lawyers about its admissibility. It was supposed to be accompanied by a certificate, the judge ruled, agreeing with Counsel Fatty’s argument. However, the audio transcription was admitted and marked as PF2.

The case was adjourned to tomorrow 18th January for the continuation of the pre-trial.

Meanwhile, before the pre-trial began, the lawyer for the plaintiff stood up to claim that some paragraphs in the defendant’s affidavit in opposition to their claims were unnecessarily long, suggesting that some of them should be struck out.

The judge, Justice Bakre, who said he was yet to read the statement told the defendant’s lawyer, Counsel Fatty, that because they are lawyers doesn’t mean that they have to mystify things so much so that those who are not versed in law cannot understand.

He asked Counsel Fatty if they would reconsider their defence or if he (the judge) would strike out some paragraphs he deems unnecessary.

The defendant, on the other hand, submitted that he was familiar with the rules and that the defendant has the right to know how they want to present their facts.

Counsel Fatty’s argument was defamation is serious and they, therefore, need to be careful in presenting their case.

The plaintiff will formally apply for the striking out of some paragraphs, Counsel Drammeh said.

Momodou Sabally, the defendant, was served with a writ of summon last month to answer a suit filed by Jawara. The plaintiff, Abubacarr Jawara seeks D8 million in damages for defamation and slander.

By: Dawda Baldeh

A 34-year-old Gambian female author Aisha Jawara who hailed from the Upper River Region (URR) has launched her new book titled “Now We Run” at a ceremony held at Alliance Franco over the week.

The book tells the story of a young lady who was living a difficult life until she changes her way and become successful.

Aisha said she was inspired to be a writer at the age of 13 when she had a mathematics assignment to do and was forced to go to a library, but she got distracted after reading a book titled “Narnia” written by C.S Lewis.

“Since that day I convinced myself that I will be a writer and I developed the habit of reading different books,” Aisha told The Fatu Network.

She has written four books that are accessible online. The young writer challenged women to read books and change their narratives.

“The concept of the book is about someone who has been trusting something she has no idea about and she has been innocent.

Because of the past evil done by her parents it turns back to her making life difficult and she has to run away from dangerous people and move on to start a new life,” she explained.

The thirty-chapter book is edited by Haddy Dibba who described the book as a true reflection of the new generation and what people are going through.

Haddy also urged her fellow females to embrace Aisha in reading and writing. “If you want to travel the whole world and you don’t have the money you can read books,” she added.

Saikou Drammeh, country manager of DHL international, who was in attendance at the book launch said he is inspired by the content of the author.

He added that young men and women in the country would be able to draw inspiration from the book.

“I encourage my fellow Gambians, particularly the youths to read and learn more because the importance of knowledge cannot be overemphasized.

“If Aisha can write a book that touches people’s hearts, why not others?

“In many societies, women are not allowed to further their education and to see a young girl like Aisha breaking the barries is really commendable,” Mr Drammeh emphasized.

He urged people to give a helping hand to young people like Aisha who are willing to change the world through storytelling.

“I believe there are young men and women in The Gambia who are willing to learn and if they are given the opportunity they can have a great impact in the country,” he noted.

The book launch was attended by several prominent personalities including Honorable Billay G Tunkara the majority leader, and Essa J Conteh, the representative of the Jimara constituency among other businessmen and women who commended Aisha for sharing her knowledge through storytelling.

Five Honourable Members of The Gambia National Assembly and the Deputy Clerk have arrived in London yesterday 15th January 2023 on a Commonwealth Parliamentary Association exchange programme.

The esteemed NAMs were welcomed at the Heathrow airport by Mrs Sainey Barrow, the Councillor at The Gambia High Commission in London and later hosted to a dinner.

The Deputy Head of Mission, Mr Suntou Touray welcomed the delegation and encouraged them to learn the best parliamentary practices at both Chambers of the U.K. law-making bodies.

He further states: “Parliamentarians are the people’s representative, and they should always maintain an Honourable disposition, and decorum wherever they are and help government utilise the national resources efficiently and productively with their oversight functions.”

DHM Touray further extols the Deputy Clerk that “the Westminster parliament is a colossus in terms of law-making and taking on government ministers in their policy implementations. The Gambia NAMS which currently comprises a high number of first-term members will be exposed to vigorous methods of parliamentary scrutiny of government policy directives. And the visiting NAMS should seize the opportunity and make the best use of their time in London.”

The Parliamentary delegation includes Hon Touma Njie, Hon Gibbi Mballow, Hon Kebba Lang Fofana, Hon Camara and Hon Fatoumatta Jawara. They will undergo an intensive exchange study on how the U.K. Parliament Select Committees function and how such shared processes can be aligned to have more effective oversight functions.

The parliamentarians and the Deputy Clerk, Hon Kalipha Mbye will visit important parliamentary institutions and meet with heads of vital select committee leaders in the U.K House of Lords and House of Commons. Learning aims – Parliament to:
– support and strengthen parliamentary democracy with the help of CPA
– Build stronger parliament and advance democracy
– Strength Gender Sensitive legislation
– Create a greater understanding of Select Committees and Their oversight functions
Among others.

We wish the NAMS a fruitful time in London.
On Thursday 19 January 2023, the NAMS are invited to grace an event where renowned Gambian Musician Mr Jaliba Kuyateh will be honoured by Goldsmith University with an honorary doctorate for his music service.

By: Dawda Baldeh

Yafatou Corr, a woman residing in Sanchaba Sulay Jobe, has been left sad and worried as her 18-year-old son, Muhammed Trawally, escaped death after he was allegedly ganged up on and beaten by a group of people in the capital Banjul weeks ago.

She is seeking support to finance the medical bills of her son.

According to a police report obtained by The Fatu Network, the boy suffered a severe beating resulting in brushes on his face and other parts of his body.

“Muhammed Trawally was assaulted in Banjul and needs medical treatment,” a report from Kanifing Police Station signed by CPL 4566 Hassan Trawally on 7 January 2023 revealed.

According to the mother, he went to Banjul with his mates; some people were fighting, he went to separate them.

“Unfortunately, some of these people were angry with him and that’s how they began to beat him.

“He was trying to separate the fighters and a girl told him that he is a hypocrite.

“She hit him with an electric cable, and she ran to their house and came back with it on a row again and hit him in the hand.

“Muhammed was still trying to defend himself until another woman came from nowhere and grabbed his hands.

“At this time my son was helpless and that is how they beat him until he was unconscious.

He sustained several injuries all over his body,” Yafatou narrated how her son was allegedly beaten.

18-year-old Muhammed is currently admitted to the Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital in Banjul where he is undergoing treatment.

“I want people to support me so that my son can get the necessary medical treatment,” Yafatou Corr pleaded.

TFN can also confirm that Muhammed is currently unable to speak clearly since after the assault.

His mother said everything will be clear when he can speak again so that he can narrate to the authorities what happened.

Three people have so far been arrested in connection with the assault and are currently under custody according to the relatives of the boy.

The family is urging people to support them so that their son will get medical treatment before his conditions get worse.

For anyone who wants to support the family can contact the following numbers +2203433183/ 7046603.

GAMBIA FOR ALL (GFA) PARTY JOINS GAMBIANS IN BIDDING FAREWELL TO A NATIONAL HERO, Mr. SOLO SANDENG.

“It is a blessing to die for a cause, because you can so easily die for nothing” (Mr. Andrew Young, Civil Rights Leader, USA)

The cause Mr. Solo Sandeng (affectionately called Solo) died for was the noblest of all; fighting to liberate your country and people from the clutches of an oppressive dictatorship that prides itself in causing maximum harm to fellow citizens. It was on the 14th of April 2016 that Solo led a small group of fellow citizens to demand electoral reform, so as to create a level playing field for the forthcoming 2016 presidential elections.

The reaction of dictator Yaya Jammeh and his henchmen was swift and predictable because that was his modus operandi, which was arresting and torturing the brave iconic youth leader to death. This led to a cascade of events ending in the defeat of dictator Jammeh, and his eventual exile to Equatorial Guinea.

Unfortunately, Solo would not be alive to enjoy that watershed moment of joy in Gambian history, which he selflessly helped to bring about. GFA joins the Gambian nation in saying thank you to Mr. Solo Sandeng for the ultimate sacrifice he made for your country.

It is noteworthy that the funeral ceremony will start at the now-renamed NEVER AGAIN SQUARE. This, we hope, will be a poignant reminder to the current authorities that Gambians are determined not to return to the bad days of dictatorial rule. And also remind them that we view with deep concern, the undemocratic tendencies being displayed of recently; including the unexplained arrest, detention, and subsequent release without charge of political opponents, as well as the inappropriate use of paramilitary forces to quell peaceful gatherings.

These are the kind of incremental steps that brought us the nightmare of the Jammeh dictatorship. We would like to stress that the Gambia For All will always side with law-abiding Gambians determined to exercise their democratic rights.

GFA would like to take this opportunity to extend our sincere and deepest condolences to the family of Mr. Solo Sandeng, and the entire Gambian nation, not forgetting the many other brave Gambians that lost their lives in the struggle to rid the country of a vile dictator.

MAY THEY ALL REST IN PEACE

GFA Communication Cell

Ma- Jonka House. Kanifing.

Activist and politician Nenneh Freda Gomez said the things Solo Sandeng sacrificed his life for are still evident in the governance system of the country.

She was speaking to this medium at the State funeral of deceased opposition activist Ebrima Solo Sandeng who was tortured to death by intelligence agents during former President Yahya Jammeh’s regime in 2016. He was fearlessly pushing for electoral and other reforms.

“Solo died for a course, but that course is not being preserved and protected because for all those things that he believed in, suffered and fought for so hard, sacrificed his life and ultimately died for, we are still suffering and dealing with those issues.”

She expressed her dissatisfaction, saying “it is a shame that we are still talking about those things Solo sacrificed his life for.”

Nenneh called out President Barrow for not attending the funeral ceremony.

“This is a national course because this was somebody who sacrificed his life for everybody. This place should have been more packed than this. I think, I am not going to blame anybody else because the President trivialized this memorable day to not come. I don’t see anything in this world that is more important than this event. He should have been here; so, if he didn’t come, you can’t blame anybody else,” she expressed.

She noted that Solo will always be remembered and that his legacy will continue to live. “The fight continues because we have to ensure that what he died for is preserved and protected. We will continue to advocate for a just system,” the advocate-politician reiterated.

Representing President Barrow at the funeral, Justice Minister Dawda A Jallow said the government is committed to ensuring that what happened to Solomon Sandeng doesn’t happen again.

The remains of Solomon Sandeng were the subject matter of criminal proceedings in the case of the State v Yankuba Badjie & Others.

Last week, a press release from the Justice Ministry noted that following the completion of the said case, the remains of the late man should be given a “proper and befitting burial”, adding that President Barrow had ordered that Solo be granted an official burial.

By: Muhammed Lamin Drammeh

Muhammed Sandeng, the son of the murdered United Democratic Party member, has commended President Adama Barrow for according to his late father a state burial and funeral service six years after his demise.

Ebrima Solo Sandeng, in April 2016, with other members of the United Democratic Party took to the streets to demand electoral reform and democracy during President Jammeh’s regime, a protest that led to his arrest by the state securities and his eventual death, two days later.

Today, the state is organizing a state burial after years of trials that ended a few months ago sentencing former NIA director, Yankuba Badjie and others to jail.

Speaking to The Fatu Network, Muhammed Sandeng, his eldest son, praised the government for granting his late dad a state burial despite many claiming that President Barrow could have done more.

“Someone else may say otherwise, but I think maybe making a proclamation for an official funeral does it for President Barrow and I commend him for that,” he told TFN.

He added: “It is an honour to have a state burial done for a loved one and a national icon for that matter, so I am pleased with such a gesture. I also believe that Solo Sandeng is one person who everyone agrees deserves honourable recognition for his sacrifice.”

According to Muhammed, his father envisaged a democratic and prosperous Gambia by giving up his life. He said for the Gambia to actualize what Solo envisaged, they must labour today and reap tomorrow.

“My father envisaged a democratic and prosperous Gambia. He gave his life for [it], knowing he’d not benefit from it after his death. That’s to say that achieving such requires us to labour today and reap tomorrow. So, it is a process and we have made strides, albeit with many challenges. It is left to us to continue his legacy as Gambians,” he told TFN.

The state funeral and burial service will begin today at the Never Again Memorial Arch, and the burial is expected to be done at the Dippa Kunda.

By: Ousman Saidykhan

Teachers are resuming work today following the Gambia Teachers Union’s (GTU) declaration yesterday, January 9th, 2023, of the termination of the industrial actions that were announced last week.

The government have agreed to work on all their demands with some compromise from both sides, the president of the union said.

The GTU declared a nationwide sit-down strike asking for up to nine demands from the government through the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education. Among the demands were unpaid allowances and the thirty per cent salary increment that was approved for civil servants in late 2022.

The Union asked its members to stay home and promised not to resume teaching until the government succumbed to their demands.

However, in a dramatic turn at a press conference on Monday 9th January 2023, the Union asked its members to terminate the strike with immediate effect.

This declaration followed their 7th and 9th January 2023 meetings with the government to “holistically relook at the demands” and get to “sustained agreements” and put an end to the standoff.

Forty people have been reported dead in Senegal after a fatal road accident in the early hours of Sunday 8th January 2023. Other passengers are said to be in critical conditions.

President Macky Sall confirms the incident and extends his condolences to the bereaved families.

“I am deeply saddened by the tragic road accident today in Gniby which left 40 dead and many seriously injured. I extend my heartfelt condolences to the victims’ families and wish a speedy recovery to the injured,” President Sall writes on Facebook.

A 3-day national mourning has been declared by the President.

“Following today’s serious accident in Gniby that caused 40 deaths, I have decided to hold a 3-day national mourning starting from January 9.”

President Sall discloses that an inter-ministerial council will be held on Monday 9^th January “to take firm action on road safety and public transport of travellers.”

By: Muhammed Lamin Drammeh

Ibrahim JS Sanneh, an aspiring independent candidate for the Brikama Area Council chairmanship in May said his potential opponents, Yankuba Darboe and Ahmad Gitteh, are disconnected from the realities on the ground, noting that the duo only come to the Gambia during seasons of politics.

The 30-year-old, determined to go solo without any political party’s backing, told The Fatu Network that the duo is not more competent than him. He said that he is living in the country and knows all the problems that the people of the region are facing.

“I know the concerns. I was born and raised in these challenges. These two are all travellers, both residing abroad. They are only here during politics and when that is done, they are gone. You don’t see them again,” he uttered.

Yankuba Darboe has been picked by the main opposition party, United Democratic Party, as the party’s candidate for the position of chairman in the local government elections for Brikama. Ahmed Gitteh on the hand said he will also contest. It is not yet clear if he will be picked by the ruling National People’s Party (NPP) or will go as an independent.

To Mr. Sanneh, living with the people of the West Coast Region for most of his life makes him a more suited candidate to solve the region’s problems than Yankuba Darboe and Ahmad Gitteh.

“If you ask them (Yankuba and Ahmad) how much the prices of some vegetables in the market are, they cannot tell you because they are not living here. Even the price of sorrel or bitter tomatoes in the market, they can’t tell. For me, I know everything about our markets,” he told this medium.

He added that people on the West Coast streets will not even recognize Yankuba Darboe and Ahmad Gitteh, saying they can only be recognized on social media.

Why Contest as an Independent Candidate?

According to Ibrahim, he is contesting as an independent candidate for the forthcoming Brikama Area Council local government election for chairmanship because the region has been politically divided. He said the region cannot afford anything meaningful when they remain divided based on political ideologies.

“I want to contest under the independent ticket to bring unity and equity for the development. Looking at the political situation in the West Coast Region, our people are divided through party lines. We all know that we can’t continue like that. It will only take us backwards, and we cannot archive any meaningful development.”

He added that being an independent candidate, considering the disconnection of the duo from the people on the ground as well as being divided politically, he will have support from both UDP and NPP.

By: Dawda Baldeh

Born and raised by a woman known for poultry farming, Amie Mbowe continues to chase her childhood dream of rearing chicken and become a successful poultry farmer. She advised women to do poultry farming to reduce dependence on men.

She is currently rearing about two hundred and fifty chickens at the backyard of her house in Brikama-Ba, a densely populated village in the Central River Region, which is about 350km from Gambia’s capital, Banjul.

Amie Mbowe spends countless hours each day looking after her chickens as she enjoys spending time with them.

She started the poultry with one hundred (100) chicks and the poultry has grown to two hundred and fifty (250) within few months. It is evident that raising ruminants like chickens takes time, patience, and dedication and Amie is ready for the task.

She wants to change the narratives that every chicken consumed in the country must be imported, noting that she will provide enough chickens and chicken products for the local market at a cheaper price if given the necessary support.

“I love chickens because I grew up knowing only chickens. My mother had a poultry, and I spent my childhood looking after chickens. So, I know a lot about them,” she narrated.

Asked about what inspired her to venture into poultry, she said the purpose is to help provide chickens for the local market and make income to take care of her family.

However, Amie is facing challenges with her poultry which warranted her to seek support, particularly feeding.

“You have to feed the chickens for six months before they start laying eggs. When they lay eggs, I will put them into an incubator so that the eggs can hatch to produce more chicks. The business is good, but I need support to stand firm,” she pleaded.

Getting the proper food for the chickens is a major challenge for her because the feeds that fast-tracks the growth of the chickens are imported and expensive for starters like her.

“I want people to support me so that I can contribute in job creation. Currently, I employ four boys whom I pay monthly. My aim is to create more employment for the youths, but at the moment, I lack the capacity. No amount is small for me,” she pleaded.

Amie said she strongly believes Gambians like her, if given the necessary support, dependency on imported chickens will reduce.

With the experience she had, Amie can detect when the chickens are not happy. She also provides them with medications. “I always buy anti-stress for them because sometimes they will stress if the environment is too noisy,” Amie explained.

The young poultry farmer advised women to start creating means of getting income that will help them solve some of their minor problems without depending too much on other people.

Evidence has shown that there are a lot of benefits that come with raising chickens which include providing eggs, meat, manure, weed and pest control, income generation and reduction of food waste.

Experts believe that keeping chickens is one of the best investments that will bring people more returns in a short time.

Army personnel Warrant Officer Class Two (WO2) Lamin Jadama has been declared by the government “a treasonous fugitive from Justice.”

This is according to a government press release dated 7^th January 2023, signed by government spokesperson Ebrima G. Sankareh.

“Following the recently foiled coup plot, The Gambia Government hereby declares Warrant Officer Class Two, Lamin Jadama a treasonous fugitive from Justice. Jadama, among a dozen soldiers and some civilians who conspired to overthrow the democratically elected Government of President Adama Barrow, has since eluded the authorities and presumably fled the jurisdiction,” the press release stated.

The government notified citizens, residents and members of the Diplomatic and Consular Corps that Warrant Officer Class Two, Lamin Jadama, is wanted in connection with a failed coup plot to overthrow a constitutionally elected government and as such, should be reported to the nearest police or security post.

The government also shared pictures of WO2 Lamin Jadama for what it called “proper identification.”

On Friday 6th January 2023, The Gambia Government charged Jadama and seven of his colleagues (eight soldiers) of The Gambia Armed Forces with two counts of “Treason and Conspiracy to Commit Felony.”

The soldiers were charged with conspiracy to commit felony contrary to Section 368 of the Criminal Code CAP 10: 01 Volume III Revised Laws of The Gambia 2009 and treason contrary to Section 35 (1) (A) of the Criminal Code CAP 10: 01 Volume III Revised Laws of The Gambia 2009.

The released confirmed that the seven apprehended military personnel linked to the coup attempt are remanded at the Mile Two State Central Prisons awaiting trial alongside two civilians, Mustapha Jabbi and Saikuba Jabbi and Police sub-Inspector, Fakebba Jawara.

The government press release noted that investigations are ongoing, assuring that the public would be notified accordingly as things unfold.

By: Ousman Saidykhan

The case involving the State and Momodou Sabally has been struck out following Sabally’s unconditional release from detention.

Sabally’s arrest and detention was in connection to a statement he made in a video at a meeting with some youths who were said to be UDP TikTokers. The video was allegedly deemed to have connection with the foiled coup announced by the government on 21st December 2022.

The State later applied at the High Court for an extension of Sabally’s detention for further investigation. The said application was granted by Justice Zainab Ngui Mboob.

Sabally’s lawyer also filed summon of notice challenging his client’s detention and that was going to be heard on January 3rd, 2023. However, Sabally’s unconditional release meant the State has nothing concrete against him and the case has therefore been struck out.

Shortly after the matter was struck out, Sabally took to his Facebook page to say: “Case closed. Alhamdulillaah. Special gratitude and appreciation to my lawyers Abdoulie Fatty and Borry Touray.”

He said he is “not ready to back down.”

Below is the poetic statement Mr. Sabally posted on Facebook:

I’m not ready to make nice

I’m not ready to back down

I’m still mad as hell, and I don’t have time

To go ’round and ’round and ’round

It’s too late to make it right

I probably wouldn’t if I could

‘Cause I’m mad as hell

Can’t bring myself to do what it is

You think I should…

By: Dawda Baldeh

Following a viral CCTV video footage showing a doctor fighting a patient at Ndemban Hospital in Bakau, the management of the Edward Frances Small Teaching Hospital (EFSTH) has set up a Technical Committee to investigate the matter.

In a press release dated 3rd January 2023 and signed by Dr. Abubacarr Jagne, EFSTH management described the incident as “inappropriate, unethical and unprofessional,” saying they are investigating the matter.

“The hospital is investigating the matter and will appropriately inform the public of the findings that may arise. A Technical Committee has been set up to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident,” the hospital’s statement disclosed.

According to the hospital, the result of the investigation will be used to take necessary actions to deter reoccurrence of such incident.

Meanwhile, the authorities also urged the public to bear with them while investigations continue.

“We are begging the public to bear with us while we do the needful,” the statement added.

However, they also called on the media to reach out and get information from them rather than relying on ‘secondary sources.’

By: Dawda Baldeh

Gambian Nollywood actor, film producer, and scriptwriter Musa Darboe Junior has warned Gambians to stop promising to help people if they know they cannot fulfil their promises.

This he says could destroy people’s lives and careers. Speaking exclusively to The Fatu Network, the Nollywood actor said he nearly put himself in serious trouble that could have ended his career as a movie actor in Nigeria after he was given lavish promises by some Gambians.

“I nearly put myself into serious trouble and that would have been the end of my career.

“I was producing a movie titled ‘Living With Our Wicked Father’ so I needed financial support. One day, I was live streaming on TikTok and a lot of people were watching.

“One Gambian brother promised to support, and he failed the promise at the last minute. I was left shocked and hopeless,” recounted the young movie actor.

According to Darboe, a lot of Gambians promised to help him, but they all failed at the last moment.

However, Musa said while he was hopeless and heartbroken, a lady stood by him and give him the necessary support so that he will continue with his movie.

“It is not by force to help but it is not good to promise if you can’t fulfil it. You don’t know the condition of the person seeking help so don’t fail them.

“Some Gambians are attention seekers, and they can make any promise online because they know people are watching. But once you text them privately, it’s a different story,” he emphasized.

Musa claimed he knew a good lot of Gambians that are contributing money for rich Nigerian actors to celebrate their birthdays.

“I will not mention names, but I can tell you a lot of Gambians will contribute money for Nigerian actors to celebrate their birthdays.

Those actors will not even talk about them and all they will say is thank you. It doesn’t make any sense to contribute money for someone who is ten times richer than you,” he said.

However, the actor said he is not saying Gambians shouldn’t help other people but noted that help should be for the sake of Allah, and it should be given to those who need it.

“If you help your fellow Gambians who are struggling that will make more sense than helping someone who is already rich.

“Don’t help because you want people to know because you won’t get any reward from it,” he ended.

2023 NEW YEAR MESSAGE BY

H.E. ADAMA BARROW, GMRG,

PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE GAMBIA AND COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF

NATIONAL BROADCAST DATE:

 31ST DECEMBER 2022

“Fellow Gambians and Friends of The Gambia,

Witnessing a New Year is a blessing, for which we should be grateful. I thank God, therefore, for the blessings of the year, which include the huge decline in COVID-19 cases globally.

Focussing more on economic recovery than the pandemic, my government began 2022 with renewed vigour and commitment to advancing our dear nation’s development agenda.

Twelve months on, we are comfortably set to implement a sound five-year Recovery Focussed National Development Plan (2023-2027) and a longer-term Vision 2050 through a robust governance structure.

To recollect, after my inauguration in January for another five-year term, 2022-2027, and the National Assembly Elections that followed in April, I formed a Cabinet with new profiles to lead the march towards building on the gains of our transition period and to break new grounds. The creation of two additional Ministerial portfolios demonstrates our resolve and manifests our determination to move swiftly but professionally.

Supported by the Access to Information Act, my government’s commitment to democracy and our respect for freedom of expression led to the retention of a separate Ministry for Information.

It is obvious that we cannot develop in the absence of a capable human resource stock. As such, the Government highly prioritises education, skills development and job creation to boost our human resource capabilities.

Incidentally, the Faraba Banta University Campus is ready for operation in 2023. Graduates from our various institutions will feed into the National Employment Policy goal of creating one hundred and fifty thousand (150,000) jobs within the next five years.

My government takes education, health and agriculture with utmost seriousness. That thirty percent (30%) of the 2023 national budget is allocated to these sectors serves as evidence. Additionally, there is a sharp Government focus on economic recovery, agricultural production, construction, and tourism to reduce global pressures on our economy.

As a tax-based economy, we must create jobs and pay taxes willingly. Aided by new technology, we have improved tax collection and are determined to build on this success.

Fellow Gambians and Friends of The Gambia,

Lessons learned from the COVID-19 and AKI outbreaks have put us in a stronger position to strengthen our health system further. Meanwhile, the Task Force I set up is investigating the cause of the AKI outbreak and will submit its report in the New Year. We will review the report together with the recommendations from the National Assembly to inform Government’s decision on the matter.

The outbreak was indeed tragic. We sympathise with all the families and persons affected and mourn the loss of those precious Gambian children. I assure the nation that the Government will do all it takes to discover what led to the tragedy and how to prevent its recurrence.

The initiative we took to improve the health infrastructure is advancing smoothly. Besides the widespread construction works in progress, we plan to transform the Basse and Brikama health facilities into regional hospitals. Construction will begin in 2023.

Inaugurated earlier this year, the ultra-modern Medical Disposal and Treatment Centre at Farato is another gigantic development of the year. Alongside these initiatives, we will steadfastly build the capacity of the health personnel and improve their work conditions.

Fellow Gambians and Friends of The Gambia,

High inflation continues to threaten our survival and growth. It negatively impacts living costs globally and influences prices locally.

Furthermore, the current high dependence on imported rice is neither productive nor sustainable. As a result, supporting farmers is another key Government priority.

Despite the difficulty of providing essential farming inputs, such as fertilizer, during the year, we made a subsidy of millions of Dalasis to avail farmers of affordable quality fertilizer.

To begin the trade season on a high note, my administration increased the price of groundnuts by 14% to D32,000 per tonne from D28,000.

Our farmers also received improved seed varieties for higher yields. We listened to them during the recent Meet The People Tour and will continue to address their plight.

The global price increase of rice is an alert for Gambians to take up rice cultivation more seriously. Importing over 70% of the rice we eat is unsustainable.

Formally, Gambian farmers cultivated most of the rice consumed in the country. With modern technology, we can do far better. We have the land and the human resource; thus, with private sector investments, we can transform farming into profitable business ventures.

Against the threats of climate change, we have taken adaptive measures for resilience purposes. The floods in the Greater Banjul Area remind us to urgently manage our environment, settlements and waterways. I urge everyone to respect the building and land laws to reduce the risks posed by climate change.

The programme budget allocation to the Ministry of Transport, Works and Infrastructure indicate my government’s preparedness to provide the needed infrastructure to ease movement and boost the economy.

Fellow Gambians,

In this short speech, I cannot mention all areas requiring attention but be assured that we are taking a holistic development approach, with better coordination arrangements, to realise our national targets.

In this light, we recently initiated an appraisal system for State-Owned Enterprises, which will eventually include all MDAs. I call on all those in public service to do their best for the nation.

Fellow Gambians,

Affordable electricity supply for all is top on my government’s agenda. The plan to decentralise and expand access in all areas, rural and urban, and in new settlements is on course.

Our Security Sector Reform programme has progressed in building the capacity of our security forces. The Armed Forces are being re-oriented and motivated to enhance their role and responsibilities to assure maximum security in the country.

For their part, all citizens should take responsibility to control crime. While crimes reported to the police dropped in 2022, with public cooperation, burglary, domestic violence and other crimes could be reduced further.

Along similar lines, those in border communities that experience sporadic armed conflicts should collaborate with the Security Services to secure the country. Our territorial integrity must never be compromised.

It is regrettable that a handful of soldiers recently planned to overthrow the democratically elected government of the day. The devastating consequences of illegally overthrowing a constitutionally elected government can never justify the means employed, nor the ill-advised purposes for such deadly crimes. Gambians have lived through a military regime, and they know how military takeovers have destabilised, disunited and isolated countries within the sub-region that struggle to live with them.

The Gambia is a multiparty democracy, and citizens can legally contest for public office if they wish. To do otherwise amounts to treason and carries severe penalties.

I thank and commend the Intelligence Service and the GAF High Command for boldly and promptly taking action to foil the plot. They have demonstrated that, if we are united and vigilant as patriotic citizens, we will safely defend our country and continue our development programmes. These are times for national reconciliation and consolidation of our democratic institutions and not time to revert to lawlessness, subversion, and unconstitutional tendencies.

Because there are effective measures to ensure that justice prevails, all unlawful acts, mob justice inclusive, will not be tolerated. Wherever we may be, we must take charge to make our environment safe and maintain peace, law and order.

Fellow Gambians,

At the international level, The Gambia is in the limelight again. Our partners appreciate the Government’s efforts to promote and protect our democracy.

To cite examples, we now head the ECOWAS Commission, and both the World Bank and the IMF approve of our fiscal discipline.

The recent announcement at the US-Africa Summit by President Joseph Biden according to The Gambia the Compact Millennium Development Challenge grant is quite significant.

Our ranking in the World Press Freedom Index for respecting freedom of expression and enacting the Access to Information Act continues to challenge us to strive harder.

In like manner, we will continue to strengthen our foreign relations through diplomacy and people-to-people relations, thus encouraging investments.

Fellow Gambians,

Our achievements in 2022 resulted partly from teamwork and collaboration from the Legislature, the Judiciary, the public institutions, the media, Civil Society Organisations and the public. To a large extent as well, our partners played their roles very well. I thank all of them and urge that we cooperate and work harder to bring about the change we desire without violence or conflict.

In the same way, I appeal to all Gambians in the Diaspora to continue contributing to the advancement of their motherland. I encourage them to invest in growing the economy and safeguarding our democracy peacefully. Remittances contribute to economic growth, so let no one relent.

I thank our religious and community leaders for standing by the teachings of our religions to guide the people. The African Ulama and Ministers of Religious Affairs conference we hosted signifies international recognition of our beloved nation. Please keep up the good work.

I cannot fail to reiterate to all political leaders and supporters that our love for the country should never be questioned, regardless of our diverse opinions. We have a nation to build, and doing so requires unity, commitment, determination, and professionalism.

We have to strive in unity to maintain The Gambia as the Smiling Coast of Africa. As we enter 2023, we are better prepared to move The Gambia to higher heights. Let us do so together.

I wish you all a very Happy and Prosperous 2023.

Long live The Republic of The Gambia!”

By: Ousman Saidykhan

The leader and secretary general of National Reconciliation Party (NRP) has encouraged his party militants to cement their relationship with President Barrow’s NPP or risk seeing a United Democratic Party (UDP) government in the Gambia.

“UDP has a solid support. Fortunately, for us, they don’t grow, but their number remains solid. If there is any division on the other side, they stand chance to be a minority government in this country,” Hon. Hamat Bah said.

He told the militants they should never let that happen and the only way they could avoid that is by rallying behind President at all times.

“If we are divided, it will become a disaster and that disaster we don’t want to see happen,” the tourism minister said.

UDP is the biggest opposition party in the Gambia and it appears to be the only party Barrow’s political ally, Hamat Bah fears.

Hamat Bah has been accused of selling his NRP to Barrow, an accusation he has always denied. But what is clear now, is that, the NRP will never contest against Barrow for the country’s highest leadership position, according to its leader.