By: Muhammed Lamin Drammeh

The party leader and Secretary General of People’s Democratic Organization for Independence and Socialism (PDOIS), Halifa Sallah, has blamed the government for neglecting the public sector doctors on the effects of Indian-made-syrups that killed over 80 Gambian children and urged the government to take the lead in following up with the Indian Maiden Pharmaceuticals Limited on why the syrups were made for The Gambia alone.

Halifa Sallah revealed the party’s position on the death of over 80 Gambian children from Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) in a press conference the party organized yesterday, October 19th.

The former National Assembly member for Serre Kunda Constituency said the issue of the syrups in the country is a result of the neglect of the public sector doctors who will work for different hospitals to earn more money. He encouraged the government to establish good payments for public sector doctors to effectively do their work.

“One thing that is clear is the neglect of public sector doctors. You will see them work, for the hospital and also go to the private sector to be able to earn more income. So, our emphasis is they should be properly remunerated and encourage rendering public services to our people.”

The opposition PDOIS party leader, while addressing the country’s challenges and ways forward, said the tragic death of over 80 Gambian children by AKI should be a clarion call for the government to well-equipped the medicine agency with proper materials that will properly test all medicinal products imported to the country. He emphasized that medicines that arrived in the country must be subjected to quality control.

Hon. Sallah, who is in transition to hand over the leadership of PDOIS to new breeds of leaders, said the government should lead the world in following the Indian Maiden pharmaceuticals Limited to find out why the syrups were made for The Gambia alone.  He added that the government should equally monitor children in the country and compensate families whose children died as a cause of the contaminated syrups.

“We must also be ready to follow that company which earns billions from different pharmaceutical products. But the information we have is that what was produced for The Gambia was specifically for The Gambia. Why was that the case? The WHO is there, the world is accompanying us, and our government must lead as quickly as possible and ensure that we must follow that company and continue to monitor the lives of our children to get the type of compensation for those families and our companies who may have imported those products so that the company will pay should something be found that they are a culprit,” the seasoned politician said.

The Indian-based pharmaceutical company has exported 50,000 bottles of contaminated syrups which have now killed over 80 children in the Gambia, according to the police preliminary investigative report.

The leadership of PDOIS call on the Government to investigate the current situation within two weeks to a month and come out with findings to address what has gone wrong regarding these syrups that have killed so many Gambian children.

By: Dawda Baldeh

Musa Drammeh, a native of Tendaba village in Kiang Central in the Lower River Region, has been appointed the new Director of Operations at Cruise Ship Crew Gambia. Drammeh has been working at Cruise Ship Crew for nine years in various capacities.

Musa graduated from the International Business College with a higher diploma in Tourism and Hotel Management and later travelled to the United States in 2013. During his stay in the United States, Drammeh underwent several trainings in cruise management.

Speaking to The Fatu Network after his appointment, Drammeh said he started with a very low position when he joined the cruise industry and was promoted to various positions.

“Since, I have strong passion for the cruise industry. I was just 24 years old when I started working in the cruise industry. When I got there, my aim was how to get my brothers and sisters in The Gambia to work in the cruise industry.”

Asked about his plans for the new task, Drammeh responded that he would work hard to restore confidence and bring together cruise members to know their challenges and address them.

Mr. Drammeh added that the cruise is a massive opportunity for Gambians to make money and contribute to national development.

“Every job come with challenges but with passion, patience, hard work and dedication, you will overcome the challenges. I am a crew member and I know all what crew members need. It is not about the position; it is about your ability to complement the task. I will work hard to make sure this opportunity remains here for Gambians.”

He said there is no easy job, adding that passion and dedication are what keep people in their jobs.

“Money will come, but you must be patient for you to get what you want. If you are doing something because of getting money easily and the money doesn’t come that fast, you might leave and this is what is affecting many. Any task at the beginning is always not easy but as time goes on, things get better.”

He further stated that young people continue to embark on deadly irregular migration, a move he said has claimed many lives.

“To save our young people from such, this is why we tried to work with stakeholders to bring the cruises here. Applying for the jobs is absolutely free. We train people here to prepare them for employment. Let no one attempt to bribe our staff or pay for any application; it’s free. You only pay for other services such as medical examination, training, certification and watch-keeping for seafarers at GTTI, the Visa etc.

I must thank the government and all other stakeholders who work with us to ensure the cruise ship operate in The Gambia. I also want to register my profound gratitude to David and Buba who gave me the opportunity to work with the crew.”

By: Modou Touray

The Lord Mayor of the Kanifng Municipal Council (KMC) Talib Ahmed Bensouda has disclosed his monumental infrastructural agenda to construct 7 new markets within his municipality to decongest markets.

The initiative according to mayor Bensouda is already captured in Kanifing Municipal Council’s market development project which intends to provide shops and canteens for more vendors and businesses to ease the high demand for market space as the population increases.

The Lord Mayor of the Kanifing Municipality made the statement on Tuesday while presiding over the official inauguration of newly built structures at the Latrikunda market.

“This project is part of the Latrikunda Sabiji market expansion project and part of the KMC market development project. The Kanifing Municipal Council intends to provide enough market space for all the vendors and traders within the municipality in the coming years, we intend to construct 7 new markets in Faji Kunda, Abuko, Bundung Jola Kunda, Tippa garage in Bakoteh, Mbari Padembo in Serrekunda, Fajara and Bakau,” Mayor Bensouda disclosed.

He further highlighted that the project being inaugurated is a supplement to the already built-storey building constructed earlier at the market premises.

“KMC is here to serve the people and ensure that quality of life has improved.”

The new structures inaugurated at the Latrikunda Sabiji market include 26 canteens,79 kiosks and 2 toilets. Hundred and fifteen (115) dustbins were also presented to keep cabbages which normally scattered around the market vicinity.

In another development, Mayor Bensouda unveiled plans to allocate more dustbins for waste collections within the municipality and market premises as well.

“Our plan is to provide every compound and market vendor with a dustbin within KM,” he stated.

The chairman of the KMC sub-committee of markets, councillor Lamin Jammeh spoke at length on the commitment of his committee to improve market conditions.

“We initially thought of allowing the vendors and businesses themselves to construct their own canteens, but we later decided that the traditional structural setting of the market needs to change,” Mr Jammeh said.

He justified that the new canteens are modern structures and are more secure in case of emergencies and the risks of fire outbreaks are minimal.

“The expansion project will be adjusted to fill the space in the market environment. The vendors made an earlier plea for a reduction of canteen rental fees, but it was late, now the issue is addressed in the 2023 budget. Effective January, all canteens and shop rental fees will be reduced,” Council Jammeh assured.

Delivering a statement on behave of the market vendors, the president of the Latrikunda Sabigi market committee Mr Abdoulie Camara welcome the building of the new canteens but appealed for more considering the high demand. He commended the Kanifing Municipal Council for fulfilling their promise.

The Kanifing Municipality is densely populated largely due to rural-urban migration thus making demands for market shops and canteens high.

By: Sarjo Brito

Inheriting a budget of fewer than 200 million dalasis when he came into office, Talib Ahmed Bensouda, the Lord Mayor of Kanifing Municipal council has disclosed that his council registered a 300% increase in income in the year 2022 after reaching a milestone of 344 million dalasis.

While the KMC Mayor has been applauded for his initiatives that have helped generate income over the past couple of years, Economist and Politician Alhaji Mamadi Kurang have accused the council of manipulating and cooking up numbers in a bid to give what he describes as a false impression of their performance.

“The KMC is clearly and deliberately engaging in sexing up facts to give a false impression of their performance over the past five years. When the Mayor said they have increased income by 300% between 2017 and 2022, this was a misrepresentation. That is simply because the increase in income from D117m to D344m in that period worked out to be 194%. Where did the mayor get his 300% from?’’

Talib Ahmed Bensouda also disclosed that his council’s budget of 438 million dalasis for 2023 will see a 400% income increase, something the former Janneh Commission Secretary described as misleading and failed to address how the council’s income has been spent over the past five years.

“That one too is mathematically not correct. The increase will only be 274%. This is misleading to the people of Kanifing Municipality, but what is more misleading is to tell people that their services have increased by 4 times because of the wrongly stated 400%. The KMC is deliberately not telling us how much of the increase in income is spent on servicing exorbitant bank loans. In effect, the message is suspicious in the sense that it does not only mislead but failed to address the real issue of how the KMC income is spent over 5 years.’’

Meanwhile, Talib Ahmed Bensouda has disclosed plans for the next five years, including the building of roads that will connect every ward within the municipality, affordable housing projects, and a waste management plant among others.

By: Modou Touray

Residents of the criminally targeted neighbourhood of Dalaba Estate disclosed to the Fatu Network that their families abroad empty their savings to comfort them, and they are not rich as thieves perceived.

Residents say they also struggle to earn a living pointing out that to shelter in an expensive house doesn’t depict a flamboyant lifestyle.

Police say following their raid, nine young Nigerian nationals and one Gambian lady were arrested, all of whom are between the ages of 18 and 30.

Several residents, mostly elderly women, are devastated and shocked by the recent theft and robberies by people residing in their estate.

People living in an expensive house are often perceived to be wealthy but according to the information we gathered, it’s just a general notion that doesn’t reflect their realities.

“This is frightening, we are staying with criminals in the same neighbourhood who are not visible during the daytime. They only move at night. We are not safe and need security. This is a havoc and government must address our lamentations,” Fatou Jobe asserted.

Fatou John another resident whose son abroad bought a compound for her says this unfortunate situation of rampant theft and robberies is causing economic loss.

“You buy your compound for comfort, and you are not safe, we need security in our estate,” She applied.

For Anty Awa Mbergan, this situation is disturbing and is making her sleepless. “We cannot sleep at night, we are really disturbed after spending a lot of money, your life is still in a mess.”

Aja Bajen Jagne described the incidents as worrisome and needing to be urgently addressed.

“We are staying with all kinds of people; they speak languages no one understands and distance themselves from the people. We don’t have peace of mind because security is still a challenge for us,” She said.

Other residents who spoke to this medium prefer to hide their identities for security concerns but made a unified request for security to be vigilant and sensitive to criminal activities within their estate.

Mustapha Njie, CEO of TAF Africa Global and the developer of the Dalaba Estate has reacted to the recent arrest of suspected criminals believed to be responsible for the many robberies and break-ins within the estate.

“We are not the owners of Dalaba Estate but the developers. The estate is sold out and every property is handed over to the rightful owner. They have options of renting it out or living there. This particular house was rented out to this gang by the rightful owner. We regret that this is happening in The Gambia and would advise property owners to conduct proper due diligence before renting their properties to tenants.” He clarified.

A preliminary investigation by the police led to a massive recovery of different items which includes cases of clothes and shoes, laptops, a generator, bags, mobile phones, cutlasses, and other valuables.

As investigations into this incident progress, the police say the general public is once again reassured of their commitment to ensuring the lives and prosperities of all Gambian and residents are safe.

Police PRO Binta Njie when contacted says the Dalaba Estate is hot spot and police will intensify their patrols around the vicinity.

By: Modou Touray

In an aggressive farming campaign, the deactivated National Youth Association for Food Security (NAYAFS) is making a strategic move to replace the elderly members of the youth association with 40 youths to attain their goal of championing youth participation in farming to ensure food security

The youth are the cream of society with the required strength to engage in farming since the youths who have been running the association in the farming campaign for more than 25 years are above the youthful age of 35 years.

According to Mr. Alieu Sowe, the National Coordinator of the National Coordinating Organization for Farmers Associations the Gambia (NACOFAG) highlighted the weakness of the youth farmer association largely is due to the generational gap

“The members have grown older with other commitments and engagements and can no longer partake in meaningful functions to ensure youth participation in enhancing food security,” Mr Sowe asserted.

The National Youth Association for Food Security (NAYAFS) is a member of the umbrella farmers body – The National Coordinating Organization for Farmers Association (NACOFAG).

“The over-aged members of the National Youth Association for Food Security are embarking on a reform process to include younger members below the age of 35. The role of youths in agriculture is crucial as the elderly lack the physique and adequate time to engage meaningfully and productively in ensuring food security. The initiatives of family farming emanated from the NAYAFS. The Youth Farmer Association is indeed weakened,” Mr Sowe added.

However, Mr Sowe further added that access to life opportunities particularly land and other productive resources by youth farmers continue to be challenging. Youths over the past years have been marginalized with a limited voice to raise issues in the public space and contribute to their own development.

Agriculture remains a determining factor in the economics of the African states and the lives and livelihoods of their populations.

“The idea of establishing NAYAFS was (FAO’s) food and agriculture organization of the United Nations initiative during the international youth forum in 1996 held in Rome, Italy with a view for youths across the world to work towards the promotion and participation in food, nutrition, income and employment security,” Mr. Sowe revealed.

He also said that following its establishment in 1996, the association in collaboration with development partners has contributed enormously to the achievements of its objectives and targets related to food security, trade justice and employment.

Given the challenges confronting NAYAFS, the members of the association with farming stakeholders convened a day forum to highlight their overview strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats /limitations which may influence positively the strengthening of the NAYAFS.

As part of the reactivation process of the National Youth Association for Food Security, family farming, and youth in agro-entrepreneurship are high on their agenda.

By: Muhammed Lamin Drammeh

Gambian music promoter, consultant and artist manager, Dembo Jobarteh alias D Jobz, has said Gambian musicians lack proper administrators that will properly guide them on the business aspect of music and what is playable in the international market.

The music consultant disclosed to The Fatu Network that the Gambia music spectacle has grown but not developed, pointing out administrative lapses in the industry as well as a lack of support from companies.

He outlined that Gambian artists do not have rightful managers to instruct them as to the type of music they should release based on what’s trending.

“I feel like Gambian artists do not have proper administrators that will be able to administer their craft and be able to advise them as to what is playable in the market,” he explained.

D Jobz, who once manage ST Brikama Boyo and was involved in a scandal as the manager of Nyancho, told TFN that for the Country’s music to go beyond the borders of the country to the international stage, Gambian artists should start playing what is trending in the global market.

“For our music to be considered at the International level, there are so many factors that should be responsible to be in place. One is the genre acceptable in the market has to be played by our artists and that requires skills from artists to flow and maintain it,” he told TFN.

According to D Jobs, over the years, Gambian artists have not been playing what is marketable or trending in the market.

The music zealot and artist manager added that Gambian music producers do not have the proper facilities to work on good visuals for the international market.

D Jobz, who calls himself ‘the Baddest artist manager’, blasted companies for not helping music producers in the country. He said if Gambian companies invest in the country’s music industry, there will be changes.

By: Dawda Baldeh

Corporal Alpha Touray, a police officer who testified at the Truth Reconciliation and Reparation Commission (TRRC) on 2^nd March 2020, has told The Fatu Network that he has been facing discrimination and provocation since his testimony at the commission, demanding the commission to provide him his medical reports.

The TRRC was set up to probe into human rights abuses reportedly committed during the 22-year reign of former president Yahya Jammeh.

The officer narrated his ordeal, saying he was severely tortured by unidentified soldiers at a time he was on duty at the APRC Bureau in Manjai on 14 August 2014.

“I am really frustrated because anywhere I go people keep provoking and discriminating against me in public. They will always say ‘look at this poor police officer who told the TRRC that he was stripped naked and beaten seriously but till now cannot get any support.’ Some even mock my family.”

He alleged that the TRRC victims support unit has failed to provide him a medical report that is still hindering him from getting medical treatment.

“They collected my previous medical reports, but till now, they haven’t given me any medical report. Now, I want my medical reports back. They (commission) took me to the Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital for check-up and later to a private clinic and the doctors requested for my previous reports, but the commission cannot provide me with any.”

He claimed that he gave all the medical reports to one Kaddijatou, a staff at the TRRC victims support unit. “Mistakenly, I provided her the documents without photocopying them, including the NIA report,” Touray said.

He said the provoking words being thrown at him traumatize him and his family.

According to the officer, some victims with whom he was in the same situation, have gotten their medical reports.

“I am in constant pain knowing how I escaped death and now people are bullying me and my family. This is very painful, and I need help because I don’t know what to do.”

He said he has not received any support from the government since the incident occurred.

Corporal Touray is urging people to support him regain his health so that he can be in a better position to continue serving the nation and provide for his family.

However, the TRRC victims support unit was contacted for their reaction on the matter but couldn’t be reached.

By Sarjo Brito

A Gambian man believed to be an NPP supporter has called for the arrest of Momodou Sabally, Madi Jobarteh, and GDC youth President MC Cham Jr. The man, in a widely circulated WhatsApp audio, said the trio poses a threat to the security of the country and must be arrested by the government for peace to reign. The man further stated that The Gambia will be peaceful once the trio are silenced, citing the arrest of comedian Alhagie Muhammed who was recently arrested by the police and charged with incitement of violence following his infamous Facebook live where he caricatured the first family.

“These three people, Madi Jobarteh, MC Cham, and Momodou Sabally, once these people are silenced the country will be peaceful. These three are hellbent on destroying this country. The ban on Momodou Sabally from working in the civil service is the anger he has been harbouring. He will never be quiet. Am not saying he should be attacked but he should be put in custody for more than six months.’’

The GDC National Youth President and social commentator MC Cham has since reacted to the widely circulated audio. Cham said not only is it shameful but dangerous that utterances like these are coming from someone who supports the ruling government, saying the days of using fear tactics to silence the opposition or government critics are long gone.

“I will continue to talk and hold the government accountable. I have never condoned violence. All my criticisms which I believe are constructive have been centred on how to develop the key sectors of our economy. What I am fighting for is for the endless corruption to stop, and for the standard of living of Gambians to improve. I am fighting for his right and mine. I am empowered by the Constitution to talk, and I will continue to do so. I will continue speaking on Gambia’s interest and will not be silenced.’’

Economist and former Secretary-General Momodou Sabally said the threats are nothing new to him as he accused the Gambian President Adama Barrow of showing subtle dictatorial tendencies.

“This is not the first time NPP stalwarts have issued threats against me and MC Cham in particular. Their regional chairman for URR once made threats that I should be physically attacked when I visit any Sarahulleh settlement. These threats have only emboldened me and further motivated me to amplify my voice against the rampant corruption and mindless incompetence of this NPP government.’’

By: Modou Touray

Liliane Sallah, the ground handler for Corendon flights and owner of African Adventure Tours, have disclosed to journalists that the strict COVID-19 protocols still being observed at the Banjul International Airport could trigger change of destination by tourists if not reviewed. She pointed out that many tourists don’t prefer traveling with COVID vaccination and test documents anymore. She further said no other chartered destinations with large number of tourists is observing strict protocols.

“The only problem we have now is COVID measures the Gambia has been implementing since January. That needs to stop. All the other destinations, like Senegal and Cape Verde, tourists don’t need to present this anymore,” She said.

Liane Sallah warned that these countries are competitors with the Gambia and if the measures are not revisited it might reflect on the number of arrivals.

“If they want to have more tourists, COVID test results and vaccination record requirements should be ignored. In October, we have one flight, two in November. If there had been no obstacle with regards COVID-19 issues, we would have increased the number to three.”

Corendon is the second  flight of the 2022/23 tourists season which landed at the Banjul International Airport about 1am on Monday with 127 tourists onboard. This is after the arrival of Gambia Experience’s flight from London Gatwick on Friday.

She noted that they often combine tourists’ flights with Cape Verde, but that this year, they instead decided to come with a full flight.

“The tourists season last year was horrible; it was a very bad season. COVID 19 adversely affected the tourism sector in the Gambia. We are starting from scratch.”

Despite the many challenges, Liane Sallah said she has been working with Correndum as the ground handler for almost 10 years, saying that their service is impressive. “We are going quite well and we are committed to Gambia,” she continued.

As ground handler, her terms of reference includes facilitating the arrival of tourists by picking them from the airport upon arrival, taking them to their hotels and ensuring that hotel reservations are made accordingly.

“We sensor the reservations and make sure that rooms are booked. We are communicating with all the hotels. We take care of them if there is any problem or if they have a question.”

The ground handler also organises tourists visit around the country which includes boat trips and visit to historical sites in a bid to know the country and interact with local inhabitants to know their culture and traditions.

Arrivals for the 2022/23 tourist season begins with hope and high expectations that the status quo might change following previous poor performance due to COVID lockdown. This resulted to lost of jobs and income as well as flights arrivals.

By: Dawda Baldeh

Primary school students at Samba Njabeh Lower Basic School (LBS) in Lower Nuimi in the North Bank Region are reported to have been attending classes under trees within the school following the destruction of the school roofs by a heavy windstorm on the 7th of July 2021.

The school roof was blown off by a windstorm that claimed dozens of lives across the country in 2021 leaving hundreds of families homeless.

Samba Ndow the village Imam, said the school has been left without a roof for nearly two years now.

“Our children are attending classes under the trees within the school, and during the rain, they suffer a lot. This is really heart-breaking,” he lamented.

Mr. Ndow claimed that the villagers and the former headmaster reported the conditions of the school to the relevant authorities on several occasions, but to no avail.

“As villagers, we cannot sit and continue to watch our children suffering in the school. We are urging the government through the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education and all relevant stakeholders to come to our aid. How can students learn without proper classrooms? The situation in the school is unbearable and actions need to be taken,” he narrated.

Mr. Ndow added that learning has become extremely difficult for their children. “The school is without a fence and water; all these are coupled with a lack of furniture.”

He said the conditions of the school have forced many parents to transfer their children to other schools. The imam described the school situation as devastating, saying their children’s rights to education are at stake.

Wally Ndow, the Village Development Committee Chairman, lamented the challenges the school is facing due to the lack of a roof and other necessities. He said the school’s poor conditions have affected their children’s learning.

He emphasized that learning cannot take place without having the necessary tools and a conducive environment.

“How can students concentrate in class without getting a conducive environment? The government should come to our aid,” he emphasized.

However, efforts have been made to reach the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education for comments, but they were not reachable.

By: Hadram Hydara

The Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs has set up a task force to launch an investigation into the financial affairs of the National Water and Electricity Company (NAWEC).

In a letter seen by TFN, the Finance Ministry has asked for and demanded NAWEC to avail the assigned task force of all necessary financial documents and information.

“In line with our previous communication to you referred MF/F/166 (48), dated 12th October 2022, informing you of the task force set up by the Honourable Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs to look into the financial affairs of NAWEC, we hereby kindly seek your assistance in availing the task force the following documents/information:

All power purchase agreements (PPAs), all procurement contracts signed during the last three years (from D1 million and above), all IT and consultancy contracts, draft statements of Management Accounts (2020 & 2021), all internal audit reports for the last three years, details breakdown of revenue source (2020-2022 Q2).

Cash flow forecast for the year 2023, accounts receivable Aging report-summary (water and electricity) as of 30th June 2022, accounts Payable Aging report-summary as of 30th June 2022, inventory Aging report-summary as of 30th June 2022, all bank accounts balance as of 30th June 2022, and contingent assets and liabilities, if any.”

When contacted for comment on the request of the Finance Ministry, the Managing Director of NAWEC Nani Juwara, confirmed receiving the letter. However, when asked if the Finance Ministry made it known why they want to look into NAWEC’s financial affairs, the MD said: “No, not yet. As of now, we have only been served with this letter [letter requesting information and financial details of NAWEC)”.

 By: Modou Touray

Human rights advocates have made a unanimous call for the abolition of the death penalty in the Gambia, expressing concerns that moratorium on executions is not reliable because presidential decision can change at any time. They argue that capital punishment is not in conformity with universal human rights standards.

The abolition of the death penalty in the Gambia was the theme of the first panel discussion organized by Amnesty International, Kanifing Municipality chapter meant to remind the State of its commitment to abolish the death penalty.

Muhammad Hydara, who leads the team of campaigners, justified that no human being should be sentenced to death, calling on national assembly members to put pressure on the government to enact laws regarding the abolishment of the death penalty.

Reacting to Mr Hydara, the national assembly member for Latrikunda, Hon Yahya Sanyang clarified that the abolition of the death penalty is not applicable under the current constitution.

“Death penalty is entrenched in the 1997 constitution therefore the national assembly cannot do anything about that. The issue is tackled in the draft constitution which was thrown out by the former legislature. Our oversight mandate doesn’t permit us to force the executive to bring back the draft constitution.”

Responding to questions from the audience, the national assembly member for Busumbala and chairperson of the national assembly select committee for human rights and constitutional matters, Hon Muhammad Kanteh gave assurance that the assembly might consider the draft constitutional this time.

In accordance with protocols, bills presented under the former legislature cannot be forwarded to the current legislature.

The Amnesty international Kanifing Municipality chapter members and other human rights advocates had interactive discussions with relevant stakeholders with questions to clarify issues surrounding the abolition of the eath penalty.

In her response, Madam Rakey Duanda, a state counsel who represented the Ministry of Justice at the forum, promised to give feedback to his ministry concerning the discussion.

“When I get back to my ministry, I shall find out at what stage the relevant bills are and ensure that they are tabled before the national assembly,” she assured.

Sohna Jaw, a member of the Gambia Bar Association, noted that the Bar Association has been an active advocate for human rights and the abolition of the death penalty and promised that the momentum will continue.

Mr Mansour Jobe of the national human rights commission said they will not relent on their advocacy and engagement on criminal offences and criminal procedure bills.

In February 2018, President Adama Barrow declared a moratorium on executions. Gambia ratified the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, aiming at abolishing the death penalty thus becoming the 86th state party to the treaty.

By: Dawda Baldeh

The consequences of traveling long distances to give birth pose numerous challenges to pregnant women. Pregnant women living in regions with low population density are forced to travel long distance for maternity care due to lack of nearby health facilities.

The people of Ndemban village in Foni Brefet are excited as philanthropist Amie Jarju begins construction of the first-ever maternity unit in the village to ease the suffering of pregnant women.

Amie is a native of Ndemban and founder of ‘Join Hands 2 Save a Baby’ – a maternity-based charity organization.

“This maternity unit is meant to support pregnant women and their babies, and save their lives from preventable maternal deaths,” she said.

Ms. Jarju, who was so emotional at the event, recounted the challenges pregnant women continue facing in the community in accessing maternity care.

“Five of my siblings died here due to lack of maternity unit. I am grateful that Allah gives me the strength to build a maternity unit that will save lives. This is huge to me.”

Hon. Musa Amul Nyassi, former assembly member for Foni Brefet, called on people to support the construction of the maternity unit.

Hon. Nyassi said the gesture is huge and will save many lives from preventable maternity deaths. He described the building of the unit as development to their doorsteps.

Amie Bah, a representative of the village women and Ousman Jarju, a representative of the Village Development Committee, both expressed excitement over the initiative, saying it will ease the burden on pregnant women and also reduce expenditure on long-distance traveling for maternity care.

“This is a major development in the community and is worth emulating. Since the country gained independence, the women in the village have been traveling for distance for maternity care and now this will be a thing of the past,” Junkung Camara, the chief of Foni Brefet expressed gratitude.

On his part, Abdoulie Jarju, the Secretary General of the charity organization, said since inception they have supported the construction of maternity units in various parts of the country. He assured the gathering that the organization will continue to offer humanitarian assistance to the needy. Many speakers at the event commended the philanthropist for her humanitarian assistance.

Residents of the village and its environs anticipate the completion of the maternity unit building.

When completed, the maternity unit is expected to facilitate effective and efficient antenatal and postnatal care in Ndemban and nearby villages like preventing complications, enhancing healthy pregnancy and protecting infants.

By: Modou Touray

The Director General of the Gambia Tourism Board, Mr Abubacarr S. Camara, has called on Gambians to always maintain peace and tranquility, emphasizing that frequent demonstrations may endanger the economic prospects of tourism in the country.

Mr Camara was responding to questions from journalists while officially receiving the maiden flight of the 2022/23 tourist season at the Banjul international airport on Friday afternoon. The Gambia Experience’s flight first landed with 164 tourists from the United Kingdom.

“Peaceful demonstrations are normal worldwide but you never know what could happen. People can demonstrate peacefully but other people with ulterior motives may use that as a platform to destroy the peace. This is our fear.

The Gambia has a competitive advantage because we are known as the smiling coast of Africa. There is only one smiling coast in the whole world which is the Gambia. By nature, Gambians are very peaceful,” he explained.

He further pointed out that tourism is the second highest contributing industry to the country’s economy after groundnut.

Mr Camara assured the safety and wellbeing of tourists while calling on hoteliers and other service providers in the hospitality industry to improve their services.

“When we went with the Minister to UK, many tourists wanted to come to the Gambia, but they wanted to be sure that they have high quality beds. We made this known to them and our inspectors are going round to inspect facilities of service providers.”

The Gambia Tourism Board Director General also spoke on the issue of “bumsters” who disturb or harass tourist, declaring zero tolerance to bumsters and all other undesirable people.

Mr Camara also predicted the success of this season, saying that more flights and tourists are expected this year.

Mr Camara is optimistic that with the number of flights expected and the positive correspondences he had received, the fruit of their labour has materialized.

The Gambia Tourism Authority was established by an Act of the National Assembly in July 2001 to promote, develop, regulate and oversee the tourism sector in the Gambia. This comprises hoteliers, travelers, businesses and entertainment.

The Gambia is one of West Africa’s smallest countries but without a doubt one of the most attractive destinations in the region. With the beginning of tourists’ season, authorities are on high alert to ensure that the country remains peaceful and stable.

The best time to visit The Gambia is between November and May, during the country’s long dry season. It’s the ideal time to travel if you’re keen to make the most of the country’s famous beaches and other attractions.

By: Ousman Saidykhan

The seventh witness of the Prosecution in a criminal suit against Sainabou Mbaye and two others, Dr. Edel Perez of Africmed has told the court that Baby Muhammed, the child whose death the accused persons are being tried for, arrived at the Africmed International Hospital with low oxygen level and low pulse beat per minute.

“The oxygen circulation was 60 and the pulse was 22 (beats per minute). Normally, pulse of a child of around 2 years should be between 100-120 (beats per minute). The oxygen saturation should be above 90% but the child had 60%. We gave him oxygen – 5-litres. At this point, the temperature was 38.5,” Dr. Perez told the court.

The witness testified that the child arrived at Africmed at around 6 p.m., in critical condition and that was the reason one of the nurses called him to attend to the child. He told the court that the nurse told him that the child was left in a vehicle for 4 hours as per the explanation of the child’s family.

“Immediately, I checked all the vital signs and found out that, at this moment, the child had severe Respiratory Distress,” he narrated.

The seasoned medical doctor testified that they gave the child some medicines to prevent heart contraction and hypoxia. Hypoxia is a term used to refer to low oxygen.

“After medication (including paracetamol 150mg), the pulse increased to 74 (beats per minute) and oxygen increased to 74%,” the witness told the court.

Dr. Perez told the court that any human being, old or young, is at risk of having hypoxia (low oxygen) if the individual spends 10 minutes without good oxygen.

“I prepared a referral form and sent him to Banjul with Ambulance and oxygen,” the witness told the court.

During cross-examination, the defence counsel Drammeh asked whether it was true that the witness had spent limited time with Baby Muhammed. He responded: “It is correct in this case; the child spent 20 to 30 minutes at Africmed.”

Counsel asked whether the child was wet and whether he had vomited. The witness replied that Baby Muhammed was wet but had not vomited.

The witness was also asked whether anyone had told him that the child had flu or a cold. Dr. Perez replied in the negative.

“It is correct that you did not speak to the family; it was the nurse who spoke to the family?” Defence counsel Drammeh asked.

“The nurse was the first to speak to them. I also spoke to the family about what the child had,” the witness responded.

The case was adjourned to Monday, 17th of October for further hearing of the prosecution’s case.

By: Hadram Hydara

The first Vice President and Minister of Women’s Affairs in the Barrow government, Fatoumata C.M. Jallow-Tambajang, has said she would have resigned if she were the current Health Minister amid the tragic deaths of over sixty-six (66) Gambian children to Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) linked to Indian-manufactured cough and cold syrups, a scandal she described as “national tragedy”.

The former VP was speaking exclusively to The Fatu Network at her residence in Kotu over the deaths of 66 children (now 70) to AKI and the current state of the nation. However, when quizzed on what she would have done if she were in the Health Minister’s position, she said:

“I would have resigned or administratively I would have asked for a leave of absence until investigations are complete. That is my position, but people are different,” adding, “when you are principled and certain things happen, you’re accountable no matter who did it within your institution. Once as the head of the institution, you’re liable and accountable. So, by way of principle, I would have resigned.”

Speaking further as the interview delves more into the calls of Gambians asking for the immediate resignation of the Health Minister, a former health minister herself, Madam Tambajang said sacking the minister could be injustice against him.

“As a former health and women’s affairs minister, I would think that it is really pathetic, and everyone is emotional by justification, but my own view would be for us to urge government to take the appropriate measures like policy measures and also technical measures.

In terms of sacking people, as a fundamental human rights activist, I would rather say it is important that whatever happens, we take the due process. That is after reviewing the situation and assessing the situation inclusively with the citizens of the country then the measure would be taken because rationally, if you sack the minister then you’re removing… fundamental information that the minister may have been privy to and fundamentally also, it could be an injustice against the minister.

I am speaking as a former Minister of Health and Women’s Affairs and I am also speaking as a stateswoman and at the same time as a mother,” she said.

By: Dawda Baldeh

A good number of one hundred families affected by the July flood within the Kanifing Municipality and West Coast Region have received support from ‘As-Suffa Relief’, a charitable organization established in Birmingham in 2012 which began operations in The Gambia last year.

They presented one hundred (100) bags of 50 kg rice worth £3000 to the one hundred affected families to support their recovery process from the flood destruction, where each beneficiary received a bag of rice.

Twenty-nine (29) bags of 50 kg rice were given to families in Kotu, eight (8) were given to families in Wulinkama, while the other sixty-three bags were distributed among families in Nema-Sukuta, Nema Jola Kunda, and Nema-Kunku.

Yusuf Sisawo, the project coordinator, said the gesture is meant to support the flood victims.

“We are out to support the families that are affected by the flood. It was really heart-breaking to see the conditions of these people so, we deem it necessary as a charitable organization to give a helping hand.

The monetary aspect is not a big concern, but the smiles that we want to put into the faces of the affected families is what matters,” he explained.

Mr. Sisawo expressed his profound gratitude to all those who supported ‘As-Suffa Relief’ for complementing their efforts in supporting the needy.

Sarjo Jallow, a beneficiary, said they are excited to receive the donation. “This is huge to us, and we are grateful to the donors for supporting us at this difficult moment,” he expressed with excitement.

Mariama Kujabi and Fanta Jaiteh both beneficiaries said the donation has come at a time when it is highly needed, and it can help them. They both thanked the donors and urged people to support their families.

According to the officials, ‘As-Suffa Relief’ is an International NGO set up to alleviate poverty, assist in the provision of facilities in the interests of social welfare, help in the advancement of education, promote racial and religious harmony and advance the Islamic religion for the public in accordance with the teachings of the Quran and Sunnah of the prophet Muhammad.