By: Sarjo Brito

The Ministry of Health has moved to recall all Maiden Pharmaceutical products in The Gambia pending the outcome of an investigation. The move came following the WHO’s announcement that the recent AKI deaths in the Gambia may be linked to contaminated cough and cold syrups manufactured by, Maiden Pharma, an Indian pharmaceutical company.

The Ministry has since embarked on a drug recall exercise which was only limited to the four syrups while other Maiden Pharmaceutical products were still being sold. Now, the Ministry of Health said they are embarking on a second phase of the drug recall exercise, which will include all Maiden Pharma products, pending the outcome of investigations.

Health Promotion Director Modou Njie told this medium that the Health Ministry cannot wait for investigations to conclude before they could act.

“Since 4 syrups were confirmed to be contaminated with chemicals that are known to cause AKI, and these are products manufactured by Maiden Pharmaceuticals, the Ministry of Health decided to suspend and recall all their products until laboratory confirmatory tests are available to determine their safety. This is in the right direction, and our decisions are guided by scientific evidence. Furthermore, we cannot wait for an investigation to be concluded before we act. A lot of cases and deaths were prevented as a result of our swift action. Once investigations showed that the products are safe, then we’ll lift the suspension.’’

Modou Njie further stated that more medicine samples from Maiden Pharmaceuticals and other drug manufacturers have been sent abroad for testing, adding that the Ministry will leave no stone unturned to get to the root cause of the issue.

Human Rights activist Madi Jobarteh said the move by the Ministry of Health to suspend all products from Maiden Pharmaceuticals is long overdue, adding that the suspension should have been extended to all their products immediately after their syrups were suspected of causing AKI.

“The Ministry’s response to this crisis is very lacklustre which is indeed frightening! It is not just about collecting syrups, but the Minister should have invoked powers in the Public Health Act to undertake stronger measures of transparency and accountability. This mess cannot be approached as if it’s normal.’’

The number of AKI deaths has since risen to 80 after the WHO revelations. Meanwhile, Gambians are continuing to demand answers from Gambian officials as many of them attribute the mass deaths to the country’s medicines and pharmaceutical industry which has been left unregulated.

By: Muhammed Lamin Drammeh

Halifa Sallah, the Party leader and Secretary General of People’s Democratic Organizations for Independence and Socialism (PDOIS), has claimed that the Adama Barrow-led government has been engaged in a trials-and-error form of governance rather than strategic governance backed by a transformative agenda.

The PDOIS supremo said this while speaking to the press on the challenges The Gambia is faced with and ways forward.

The former spokesperson of the 2016 Coalition, which ousted former president Yahya Jammeh from power, said his former ally in the struggle is leading a government that doesn’t have a strategic plan tailored to a transformative agenda.

“… to us, and maybe too many, we see that the government in office is more engaged in a trial-and-error form of governance than a strategic one directed by a transformative agenda. It is an opinion. They may wish to disagree, but we want a fresh conversation, a constructive one,” the seasoned politician uttered.

The former National Assembly Member (NAM) for Serre Kunda Constituency said the Government can engage them in a debate if they disagree with the claim that they are engaged in a trial-and-error form of governance, which he said his party intends to do now towards the 2026 presidential elections.

“They can engage us in a debate and that is what PDOIS intends to do in this coming four years going to five. For the debates to take place so that the Gambian people can be cleared regarding the future of their lives and that of their children’s life,” he pointed out.

According to the politician, who has been in the frame of Gambian politics from the first republic to date with a sharp institutional memory as one of the oldest political parties in the country, PDOIS will continue speaking to the power, and they will never be silent. He asserted that the party will be gauging and scrutinizing the government to do what is in line with the desire of the Gambian people.

“We mentioned as early as 19th January 2022 that we will be beginning this new journey and that we will not be silent in gauging, scrutinizing, and restraining the government in office to do what is in line with the aspirations of the people.
Speaking as we have always done in the interest of the Gambian people. “

Speaking to the press, Hon. Sallah said that PDOIS is the voice of the voiceless in the country, and they have stood for many people during the past regime. He urged Gambians to take part in the affairs of the public offices, noting that the country is owned by them, and they entrust power just for a time.

By: Ousman Saidykhan

The government of the Gambia, in January 2022, began an unprecedented undertaking; the payment of monthly salaries to Alkalolu across the length and breadth of the country for D3,000. The initiative was quite welcoming amongst Alkalolu with a great number of people praising President Barrow for what they believed was a result of his “concern” as regards the affairs of village heads.

The payment of Alkalolu was one of the most swiftly fulfilled promises of the Barrow government since coming into power in 2017. He made the promise in his November campaign in LRR and other regions of the Gambia, ahead of the 2021 presidential election. The promise followed heaps of criticisms from critics just like praises were coming from those who were to benefit from the payments. The critics argued that allocating salaries for Alkalolu was not sustainable in a country whose economy is not strong. If the critics had a point, at all, in their argument, then the government could have been in a position to know such.

However, 8 months since Alkalolu were allocated salaries, some of the village heads still have two months of pending salaries – August and September.

“End of October will be the third month we have not received our salaries,” one Alkalo, Al-Amin (not his real name) told this medium.

“I have always made follow-ups at the local government but what they told me was they have realized some Alkalolu were not paid; that I should wait while they check in the database. They assured me that they would pay us, but I have not heard anything from them,” he added.

Although the government owes some Alkalolu two months’ salaries, which is August and September, this medium has been told by some Alkalolu that what they are struggling to get is September’s pay. One such Alkalo is Jerreh Bojang, Kombo Manduar.

“They need to tell us something concrete. I have not been paid yet. When we went to where they usually pay us, they told us the money was not there. I always ask for it (the salary), but I receive nothing concrete from them,” said Jerreh.

When President Barrow was making the promise at a gathering in November last year, he acknowledged the importance of Alkalolu, saying “any difficulty in the village is faced by the village heads.”

Mustapha Saidy, Bafuloto Alkalo, is another village head who spoke to this medium. He does not know as to why they have not been paid even after enquiring.

“Our salaries have not been paid. We (the Alkalolu) usually inform one another as soon as it comes. But to be honest, we have not been paid. We don’t have any information about what causes the delay, nothing,” Mustapha told this medium.

According to media reports, there are precisely, 1,800 village heads benefiting from the salary payment. Simple mathematics, if that is the case, shows that it will cost the government five million four-hundred thousand dalasis (D5, 400, 000) each month and sixty-four million eight hundred thousand dalasis (D64, 800, 000) yearly.

Meanwhile, this reporter has tried reaching out to the authorities, including travelling to their offices but was unable to get a response from them regarding the matter.

By: Modou Touray 

Regional chairman of West Coast Region for the ruling National People’s Party (NPP), Mr. Lamin Jatta, has expressed confidence that his leadership will give the NPP 20 of the 28 counsellor seats in West Coast Region.

He was speaking on the forthcoming local government election, his re-election bid as chairman of West Coast Region and related issues.

“I am confident that I shall win 20 seats out of 28 in next year’s local government elections.”

He warned members and supporters of the NPP against intraparty conflict, noting that they should embrace unity and social cohesion for the progress and success of the party.

“If you don’t obey me as your leader, even if you win to be chairman, my supporters will never accept you. This is what lead to long lasting hatred.”

Responding to questions on his bid to contest in the forthcoming NPP congress, chairman Jatta pointed out that the fate of his re-election lies in the regional party delegates of the west coast region.

“With or without position, I am always NPP. To be chairman, a member of the delegates must dominate you seconded by another delegate. If there is opposition to my nomination, then we proceed to party elections. There are procedures in political party candidates’ selection process,” he said.

As preparations for party congresses underway, Mr Jatta clarified that there is so far no application for the post of regional chairmanship for West Coast Region.

“It’s not to my knowledge as at now whether someone is interested in the position or not. Anyone interested in the position must have the party at heart. The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) recently dispatched a press release reminding all registered political parties to conduct biennial Congress by 31st of December,2022.

I was nominated by party delegates from the entire 12 constituencies of west coast region to contest as chairman. If I have any intention to resign, I shall notify those delegates respectfully but not on social media.”

Mr Jatta has been a key influential figure in the formation of the National People’s Party (NPP) with a break-away faction of the 2016 coalition team.

Recently, there has been vigorous political campaign against him to resign by a group “operations clean NPP” who accused his executive of dominating incompetent candidates in the last national assembly elections. Out of the 12 constituencies, NPP only won Old Yundum.

“I don’t select any candidate for national assembly elections. It’s the mandate of the constituency committees to select their candidates. My task is to campaign for whoever is selected as my party candidate.”

Some NPP supporters hinted this medium that underground campaigns are in high gear to challenge Mr Lamin Jatta but at the time of this publication, no one publicly declare his/her bid to do so.

Utopia Spa and Global Wellness based in Durham, North Carolina, USA partnered with The Gambia’s Woman Boss, a female-focused entrepreneurship accelerator, to host retreat in Senegal and The Gambia:

(Utopia SGW), formerly Spa Utopia Inc was founded by Naya F. Powell in 2021. Initially, the company provided on-demand wellness services for businesses and corporations. After a pandemic pivot, it relaunched as a business-to-business digital wellness subscription platform addressing global burnout, and the future of work. Now they have taken it a step further by organizing global destination retreats. The Senegal and Gambia eight-day retreat will be its first on the continent.  Below we had a chat with Naya as she tells us a bit more about her inspiration and motivation in organizing such an event in Senegal and Gambia.

How did the Africa retreat come about?

A few years back, Awamary Khan, founder and CEO of The Woman Boss (based in the Gambia), was working with Black entrepreneurs in Durham, North Carolina. She also founded North Carolina’s Black Entrepreneurship Week (BEW). Her work with Shaw University’s Innovation Center positioned her on the same street as Red Hat, and our paths crossed. Through collaboration, we fostered a true friendship born out of a mutual passion for entrepreneurship. Hosting a retreat together was a natural progression. We secured a line-up of amazing speakers who are also women that share our vision for empowering other women in the entrepreneurial and corporate leadership space. This initiative resulted in a global press CNBC feature highlighting our social impact collaboration.

Who will take part in this retreat?

Naya: From October 14-23, 2022, fourteen African-American women CEOs, executives, investors, and thought leaders will ascend from around the globe to Escape, Elevate, Enrich, and be Empowered at our inaugural Utopia Spa & Global Wellness Retreat in Senegal and The Gambia. I serve as a global mentor and Advisory Board member to The Woman Boss (TWB) founded by Awamary Khan. In The Gambia, we will extend the opportunity for our Utopia Global Wellness Retreat guests to meet, mentor, and do business with this amazing community of founders.

What was your motivation in bringing the retreat to Africa this year?

Naya: I wanted to curate an experience to promote self-care and cultural enrichment around the African diaspora, investment opportunities, women’s empowerment, and social impact – in collaboration with Gambia-based non-profit, The Woman Boss (TWB). While there, we will spend time at TWB and Innovate Gambia headquarters. Utopia retreat attendees and I will participate in an entrepreneurship panel, followed by speed mentoring sessions with entrepreneurs of TWB. They will meet, learn and ask questions of our retreat attendees, who are entrepreneurs and executives in the U.S. Additionally, this offers mentorship matchmaking.

Finally, we will end the day at TWB with a curated market allowing us to shop with these brilliant women entrepreneurs and invest in their endeavors in real time. We will also extend some social activities for further relationship-building with our sisters across the globe.

Alaba: Who made the speakers list?

Naya: Our Speakers are Global Thought Leaders and Wellness Innovators from various countries. They include:

1). Naya F. Powell, Founder + CEO, Utopia Spa and Global Wellness Number #1 Best Selling Author, North Carolina, USA.

2). Awamary Khan, Founder + CEO, The Woman Boss and Innovate Gambia, Banjul, The Gambia and Malaga, Spain.

3). Khadijah Aja Tambajang, Founder & Lead Consultant, MakalliMatta Consulting and Co-owner, NewDay Media, The Gambia.

4). Aminata Mbaye, Chief of Staff- Sigma Gamma Rho, Planning and Strategy  Consultant, Dakar, Senegal.

5). Dee C. Marshall, CEO, Diverse & Engaged, LLC, Co-Host of Brown Table Talk, New Jersey, USA

6). Koren Bowman, Founder + CEO, KU Real Estate Group, Owner, Keller Williams North Carolina, USA .

7). Kimmi Troy, Trauma-Informed Yoga Instructor, Wellness Advocate Indiana, USA.

What would you like the takeaway for this retreat to be for the ladies?

Naya: The Utopia Retreat Experience was curated for women across the African diaspora to return to the continent and connect with our rich history while providing the opportunity to escape, elevate, enrich and empower whilst doing good. I would like for the women to leave Senegal and The Gambia feeling inspired to deeper reconnect with their sisters and brothers on the continent as a whole and to see the great economic opportunities on the continent. Above all, I would like each and everyone of them to take a piece of Senegal and The Gambia with them and educate their friends, family and community about this great continent we were all taken away from.

Originally published by NEXT Newspaper

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.