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.

By: Modou Touray

Dozens of businessmen who spoke to The Fatu Network in this interview lamented unstable rental fees charged by landlords due to the manipulations of agents. According to them, the house agents often adjust a certain amount to the actual fees for themselves which makes it exorbitant to afford.

“Agents manipulate rental fees. Virtually everyone you approach for space to do business; the person will add some amount. They know we really need the space, so they don’t care,” Ahmed Khan of Ranslam furniture shop explained.

Agents are intermediaries assigned by landlords to look for businessmen and companies interested in rental properties, either apartments for offices or business purposes.

“I deal in mobiles. It took me 3 months to get my own space. The landlord is charging D4000 per month but I’m paying D6000 instead. The agent who facilitated the space for me increased it. I have no choice because getting a shop is difficult. My shop is Daru Salam Mobile Shops at Westfield,” Bailo Sowe said.

Rent regulation is a system of laws, administered by a court or a public authority, which aims to ensure the affordability of housing and tenancies on the rental market for dwellings and business purposes.

Ahagie Basiru Mbye of B&B Cosmetics Kairaba Avenue and Ida Fast Food all made similar appeals for government to enact a law to regulate rent.

“I don’t save much money now because the rental fees are not stable. I pay D5000 monthly. My profit is minimal and sustaining my business is a challenge,” Sheikh Fye of Baifall tailoring workshop asserted.

The Mansajalli Enterprise Internet Cafe and Stationaries also face the struggle of paying D3500 monthly. “The amount I pay is more than the annual profit I make. I do some technical job as a technician to subsidies the rent fees,” Bana Kuyateh said.

Lamin Keita, the general manager of TATA Real Estate explained the dubious tricks in the rental business which he said affects his business.

“I pay D5000 for this apartment but the person I pay the rental fees to is not the real owner of the place. He is making a profit because his elder brother owns the apartments and the real price is D3,700. The business is slow and it’s difficult to pay rent on time,” he complained.

Fabacarr Ceesay owns a bakery shop where he pays D4000 monthly, which is very is sometimes very hard for him to pay. “If the agents want to eat more than the landlords, the rental fees will be very heavy on us,” he said.

The loose term “rent control” covers a spectrum of regulations which can vary from setting the absolute amount of rent that can be charged, to not allowing an increase.

“My uncle is importing second-hand materials from Sweden, sometimes when the business is slow, we cannot pay the rent of D6000 monthly out of our sales. I urge the government to regulate the rent fees because agents are a problem,” Buba Njie said.

The rental fees challenge is affecting the profits of many businesses along Kairaba Avenue and Serrekunda and there is a growing call for the government to regulate rent.

By: Muhammed Lamin Drammeh

Saffiatou Joof, a bright young poet who is set to launch her maiden poetry book next month, said she does her activism through poetry, a craft she uses to send her messages across.

A budding Computer Scientist, the 26-year-old sensational poet told the Fatu Network that she does poetry to represent the voice of the voiceless and issues happening around her.

“I use poetry to do my activism and to represent the voice of the voiceless. I wrote these poems [poems in her book that is set to be launched soon] because it is through this medium that I can express myself about the issues happening around me,” she explained.

Started writing poems in 2014, Saffiatou Joof said she was motivated by her sister who encouraged her to do poetry despite being a science student at school.

Miss Joof, who was never an art student, will be launching her maiden book titled Under the Spell of Poetry on November 5.

Many young Gambians are into writing but only a few among them are successful in publishing books. However, for Saffiatou, she said her book will serve as a motivation to whoever reads the book. She narrated that the book portrays Gambian society in all aspects of life.

“Under The Spell Of Poetry depicts our real Gambian society in all its glory. The celebration of some public figures and other issues in society. This book will motivate our minds and hearts. It will serve as a tool to understand our real societal problems,” she explained to The Fatu Network.

Saffiatou is currently a Computer Science student at the American International University and the admin manager of Bridge Construction.

By: Momodou Ndow

My new book, The Mischievous Mosquitoes of Banjul, is now available for pre-order today!

Order your copy just in time for the holidays, here: https://fyenetwork.com/?post_type=product&p=26296&preview=true

Official release is this November 2022! Pre-order it today to add to your library and be the one of the first people to enjoy this beautiful love letter to our city of Banjul!

I wrote the story of the Banjul mosquitoes about a decade ago but was recently encouraged by a friend to turn it into a children’s book. I immediately fell in love with the idea, but then I realized that it might be challenging for me to change from an adult audience to a younger one so I decided to recruit my niece, Saffie Jagne, to help me make that transition.

Of course, she said, yes! I’m her uncle and when I say “jump”, she says “how high Uncle Mo Ndow.” Saffie is a wonderful writer in her own right. I would have described her as a brilliant writer, but the word “brilliant” is the word most abused by the British. Apparently, everything in the UK is “brilliant” except for the weather.

The Mischievous Mosquitoes of Banjul is the first of five books in my “Memories of a Gambian Child” series under my “MoBooks” brand. The books will be published by Fye Network, a media company that specializes in curating African inspired content for children. Look out for the next book in the series called “Zoo Keeper” which will be coming out next summer.

My desire was to work with a publisher who can help me deliver the book in the proper context.  Fye Network delivered that and more. We knew this was a match made in heaven from our very first Zoom meeting. There was an instant connection and a mutual excitement that our collaboration would be unique. At the end of the meeting, we gave each other High Fives, Zoom style.

My vision for the MoBooks children’s series is to help improve reading culture by making reading a pleasure, especially for children in underprivileged homes, more so on the African continent. For example, UNICEF Gambia estimates that 2 thirds of ten-year old children in The Gambia can’t read and understand simple texts.

This book series will help by bringing diversity, context, and representation to the table, all of which are relevant components in making reading and learning to read fun and enjoyable. The books some of us read as children did not represent us, so reading became more like a chore instead of something to look forward to.

For most of us, our parents never read us bedtime stories. We began to learn to read in grade school. My late father was an educator, but I don’t recall him reading to me as a child. Reading is just not part of our culture even though early reading in any language is fundamental to cognitive development.

The fact that English is a second language for most is also another setback. I’m somewhat convinced that most of us are only operating at 70% or less of our potential because of our lag time in learning to read.

The Memories of a Gambian Child book series seeks to contribute toward changing this by making reading fun, whilst providing much needed context and representation at the same time. I can guarantee that parents will be more than happy to read my books to their children.

For all those who are not African, I would like to tell you that this book transcends race, color, and creed. It has a universal message that will resonate with anyone, no matter the geographical location or national origin. And, it will add flavor to your bookcase at home. Get it for your children, nieces, nephews, and grandkids.

Parents, get your own copy too. You are never too old for a good bedtime story otherwise; you’ll end up stealing your child’s copy. Don’t forget to get a copy for grandma and grandpa too. Kindly share this with your family, friends and loved ones! Your colleagues too. They say that the role of literature is to instruct and delight, and I believe this book series has achieved that.

Finally, my deepest gratitude to my family for the infinite support and encouragement. I would also like to express my appreciation to my employer, Johnston, Kinney & Zulaica LLP (JKZ). Everyone at the firm has been very supportive throughout this process.

Some will quickly pop into my office for a brief update. Others will ask me when they see me in the corridors or when they catch me in the kitchen scavenging for an afternoon snack. Others have even allowed their children to be part of my sample readers and they provided me with invaluable feedback. Their support was part of the motivating factors during the process, and I truly appreciate that. I’m indeed lucky to be part of the JKZ Family.

The founder and CEO of Innovarx, Dr. Ismail Badjie, has in a statement assured their customers of safe and quality medicines “sourced from reputable pharmaceutical companies in the United States by our US-based parent company.”

He said “the strict consumer protection mechanisms of the FDA and the reputation of our distributors gives us a security blanket and quality assurance cover that we extend to the Gambian People. Besides closely vetting our sources, our pharmacy operation in the Gambia is aligned to United States standards and runs on electronic prescription processing. This technology allows us to track every single prescription that we have dispensed since we opened our doors.”

Read the full statement below….

…

Dear Innovarx Customers,

Our company joins the rest of the world in mourning the death of the 69 innocent Gambian children linked to a drug-induced kidney injury. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the friends and family of all the victims. At this point in time, given the mood of national mourning, we have been debating how we should respond to this crisis given that we are a leading company in the distribution and dispensing of pharmaceutical products. We have listened with keen interest to the new policy pronouncements and measures that the Government has announced in respect of this tragedy. These measures are focused on limiting any further damage caused by imported pharmaceuticals and uncovering the root causes of the system failures that led to this situation. We hope these measures will have the desired effect, and we look forward to seeing the outcome of these investigations.

Meanwhile, based on the number of queries and inquiries that we have received, we feel it is important that we assure our patients and their sponsors in the diaspora that none of our medications (over the counter and/or prescription) were in any way involved in this or any other similar incident related to sub-standard pharmaceuticals.

Fidelity towards uncompromised quality is the bedrock of our company ethos and the reason why our entire medication inventory has always been sourced from reputable pharmaceutical companies in the United States by our US-based parent company. The strict consumer protection mechanisms of the FDA and the reputation of our distributors gives us a security blanket and quality assurance cover that we extend to the Gambian People.

In addition, besides closely vetting our sources, our pharmacy operation in the Gambia is aligned to United States standards and runs on electronic prescription processing. This technology allows us to track every single prescription that we have dispensed since we opened our doors.

None of this is by accident: it was all by design.

When we started our journey in the Gambia in December 2019, we were aware of the pharmaceutical vulnerabilities of the entire sub-region given the proliferation of sub-standard medications. The damage it has done over the decades is unquantifiable.

It is a well-known fact that the counterfeit drugs industry is a Billion Dollar Industry around the world, and Africa accounts for 40% to 50% of the world’s substandard medications. We estimate that 1 in 2 medications that our people are exposed to would not pass quality control in a western country like the USA. This lack of probity invariably presents in one of two ways.

1. The drug may contain little or none of the active ingredient on which the effectiveness of the medication hinges. (e.g., Metformin 500mg made only with 100mg); and/or
2. It may contain harmful inactive ingredients (e.g., anti-freeze) because it was manufactured in facilities that do not meet the WHO GMP (Good Manufacturing Standards) — and the counterfeit drugs industry is very intentional about taking advantage of those nations which have a relatively weak regulatory environment and lack the laboratory infrastructure to conduct regular quality control

This latest event is therefore not an isolated one, and in our view, it is only a microcosm of a bigger problem across the region.

While we hope the nation heals through decisive and corrective action, we want to remind all citizens that as key stakeholders in the ecosystem, they should always apply proper scrutiny when seeking medication.

We thank every one of our patients, diaspora customers and company shareholders for the continued trust and unrelenting support they have given us over the course of our first three years. Despite the challenges, we remain confident in our business proposition, and we believe we are ideally positioned to make a significant difference in the lives of our customers and/or their sponsors over time.

As a result, we remain steadfast in our mission to become access equalizers and will continuously strive to restore the dignity back into our people through excellence in service delivery.

Sincerely,
Dr. Ismail Badjie

By: Dawda Baldeh

Justice Momodou SM Jallow, who presided over Babucarr Keita trial, has cautioned family members and sympathizers of Babucarr (Bob) Keita not to mock the victim, Fatou Ngoneh Mbye.

This came after Justice Jallow acquitted and discharged Bob Keita who was standing trial on a single count of rape.

“Please, when you go back to your places or houses discuss this matter responsibly and try as individuals [to see] what you will do to help the young girl who is a victim in either way. As a court, we will make sure that justice is served.”

Justice Jallow acquitted and discharged Babucarr Keita following a ‘nolle prosequi’ filed by the State to discontinue prosecution.

The ruling brought an end to a slightly over two-year trial. In the courtroom, family members and sympathizers of Bob welcomed the ruling with tears and smiles.

Bob was accompanied home by hundreds of people who have been calling for his release for the past two years.

Justice Jallow assured Gambians that the court will remain a house of justice.

By: Lamin Njie (Ministry of Transport)

The Ministry of Transport, Works and Infrastructure, together with its partners such as The Gambia Police Force, World Health Organization- Banjul office, National Roads Authority, University of The Gambia, and Gambia Red Cross Society have on Friday 7^th October 2022 kicked off a week-long road safety campaign across the country.

The team will first have a meeting at Barra, mostly with drivers in the North Bank Region of the country before proceeding to Farafenni the same day for another meeting. Similar engagements will happen in Soma, Basse, Bansang, and some major towns and villages in the hinterland of the country.

During the campaign, key messages such as drive slowly, don’t drink and drive, speed kills, the importance of using a seat belt, avoid telephone while driving will be preached mostly to drivers.

Annually, there are over 700 cases of road traffic crashes and about 123 fatal cases (Police Accident Report 2021). As a result, the Ministry of Transport, Works and Infrastructure has set an ambitious target of reducing the number of road traffic crashes to zero road fatalities and serious injuries in the Gambia by 2030.

The main objective of the tour is to raise public awareness and improve the skills, attitudes, and behaviors of road users on road safety and reduce the prevalence of road traffic crashes.

The Greater Banjul Areas and the West Coast Region are also not left behind during the campaign as the touring team will be visiting key strategic locations of these communities where accidents usually occurred.

By: Dawda Baldeh

Bob Keita’s lead defense counsel LS Camara on Tuesday 11^th October denied the admission of the DNA report to be tendered as evidence in court after the forensic expert from Ghana Superintendent Edward Kofi Abban opened it in court.

The forensic officer, who told the court that he holds a doctorate degree in forensic science, began his testimony by explaining to the court how he got involved in the case. However, the DNA expert could not proceed for the court to know the paternity of deceased Baby Muhammed as senior defense counsel LS Camara insisted on the admissibility of the DNA report as evidence.

“My lord, I received information from my commissioner CID informing me that the Inspector General of Police of The Gambia had a case that requires a DNA and that they would need the forensic lab in Ghana to assist the IGP in Gambia have a DNA examination; so, we should prepare the laboratory to receive the blood samples from The Gambia for analysis,” the forensic expert from Ghana told the court.

Mr. Abban told the court that on 6^th September the forensic office in Ghana received an officer in the name of Francis Jatta who came to the lab with the blood samples collected from The Gambia.

The witness further informed the court that the samples were received and on the 7^th September he personally completed a chain of custody and signed to have received the blood samples in the laboratory.

“According to the protocols of the laboratory, once samples are received, they are sent for storage. My lord, when the samples arrived, I checked them to make sure that what is labelled at the back of the envelope is the same as what is labelled inside the envelope or whatever package. The samples were then kept in secure storage pending further analysis. The analysis of the samples has been done and the report duly submitted. My lord, since the request for DNA examination came from the IGP of The Gambia, the envelope was addressed to the IGP office in the Gambia.”

There was an argument on the admissibility of the DNA report.

“My lord, we have an extensive objection for the DNA report to be admitted as evidence. The document said to be tendered as evidence is not admissible under any law in this country dealing with the admissibility of the expert evidence,” defense lawyer LS Camara told the court while objecting as senior state counsel P Gomez prayed for the court to admit the DNA report as evidence.

Defense counsel LS Camara told the court that the law requires the prosecution to serve the defense with every document it intends to rely on.

The case was adjourned to Wednesday 12 October 2022 for the defense to continue its objection on the DNA report to be admitted as evidence in court.

By: Modou Touray

The Brikama Area Council recognized Village Development Committee of Bafuloto in Kombo Central successfully held their capacity building over the weekend to identify the roles of members who dispute the boycott of the village Alkalo, Mustapha Saidy.

The recognized VDC is endorsed by the Brikama Area Council, the community development office, and the ward councillor is being led by Kebba Ansu Saidy. However, the Alkalo has his rival VDC spearheaded by Mbye Jassey. According to the local government act, the Alkalo serves as an advisor to the village development committee therefore his absence from the function of the recognized VDC could retard development.

Speaking at the end of a two-day capacity enhancement training, the chairman of the recognized VDC Mr Kebba Ansu Saidy pointed out that they anticipated uniting and working with the current Alkalo but to no avail.

“He doesn’t respond to us anytime we need him. Infant, there is a dormant VDC bank account which we want to activate but we need the village Alkalo to write a letter of authorization for us to access that account. Our malaise is impacting negatively on programs,” Kebba Ansu Saidy appealed.

The head of the Alkalo’s rival VDC Mr Mbye Jassey asserted that they finalized the registration process with the department of community development after being elected by different ‘kabilos’ in the village.

“We are working directly with the Alkalo and currently working on some projects,” Mr Jassey said.

The ward councillor for Kembujeh ward, Mr Alieu Lito Darboe said he is elected on a party ticket, but he represents the entire residents of his ward without discrimination.

“As VDC, you are the entry point of development to the village. The current Alkalo Mustapha Saidy was summoned to the Area Council but didn’t turn up and only send his rival VDC which we don’t recognize. The VDC in Bafuloto is headed by Kebba Ansu Saidy, the body mandated to take care of development programs in the village. The Alkalo has an advisory role only,” Councillor Darboe clarified.

The Community Development officer for the West Coast region, Mr Njaga Khan clarified that the village of Alkalo has no right to dissolve VDC.

“The Alkalo is the head of the village, and you should brief him on the outcome of your training despite his absence. Constant meetings are important because you should be accountable to the people. There is a prospect of development in our village provided you are united,” Njaga Khan advised.

When contacted for his reaction to boycotting the VDC training, the Bafuloto Village Alkalo Mustapha Saidy described the VDC as the group initially calling themselves a “task force”.

“If I call them for a meeting, they never turned up so why should I answer them? I don’t recognize them as VDC, my recognized VDC is headed by Mbye Jassey. This group hijacked the former VDC led by Ebrima Sarjo. I don’t know the way they came to be the genuine VDC. The villagers selected the current VDC and install Mbye Jassey as a leader. This is the group I am working with right now,” Alkalo Saidy said.

Bafuloto’s situation is on red alert as each VDC faction remains stiff on the stands.

The Gambia Bar Association (GBA) and Female Lawyers Association – Gambia (FLAG) have in a joint statement called for an independent inquiry into the importation of contaminated syrups from India linked to the death of cumulatively 69 children.

Read joint statement below…

STATEMENT ISSUED ON 10 OCTOBER 2022

JOINT STATEMENT OF THE GAMBIA BAR ASSOCIATION AND THE FEMALE LAWYERS ASSOCIATION ON THE UNTIMELY DEATH OF 69 GAMBIAN CHILDREN FROM ACUTE KIDNEY INJURIES LINKED TO THE CONSUMPTION OF SUBSTANDARD DRUGS IMPORTED INTO THE COUNTRY

The Gambia Bar Association (GBA) and the Female Lawyers Association (FLAG) are saddened to learn of the untimely deaths of 69 Gambian children from Acute Kidney Injuries (AKI) linked to the consumption of medicinal products imported from an Indian Company, Maiden Pharmaceutical Limited (Haryana, India). According to the World Health Organisation (WHO) Report Alert dated 5th of October 2022, the identified medicinal products are Promethazine Oral Solution, Kofexmalin Baby Cough Syrup, Makoff Baby Couch Syrup and Magrip N Cough Syrup (the medicinal products).

The laboratory report of the samples further confirms that the aforementioned medicinal products contained unacceptable high amounts of Diethylene Glycol and Ethylene Glycol. Both diethylene glycol and ethylene glycol are toxic to humans when consumed and can prove fatal. According to the WHO, the four medicinal products referenced in the alert are ‘‘unsafe, and their use especially in children may result in serious injury or death”. The Ministry of Health (MOH) has confirmed that the said medicinal products were imported into the country and have taken steps to withdraw the products from the market and homes across the country.

The importation of pharmaceutical products in The Gambia is regulated and administered by the Medicines Control Agency (MCA) in accordance with the Medicines and Related Products Act 2014. The primary responsibility of the MCA under the act is to regulate the quality and safety of medicines and related products. The GBA and FLAG are gravely concerned that contaminated paediatric medicinal products were imported into the country from a manufacturer whose reputation and credibility according to widely available public records is dubious. We trust that it is the responsibility of the body charged with regulating the pharmaceutical industry to ensure that the quality and standard of drugs imported into the country are safe for human consumption. The general populace has the right to know how such dangerous/contaminated and unsafe products were allowed into the country and administered to children.

The GBA and FLAG are calling on the Government (as duty bearer) to take its responsibility as the primary protector of the citizenry to investigate this tragic incident and thereafter take steps to ensure appropriate measures are taken to hold those responsible accountable. We recommend the constitution of an independent inquiry with multiple stakeholders and experts, including the National Human Rights Commission, to provide answers to the public and the bereaved families following the deaths presumably linked to the importation and consumption of the substandard medications. The inquiry should shed light on the following questions of public interest:

1. a) How were the substandard medications manufactured by Maiden Pharmaceutical imported and distributed in the country?
2. b) The role of the Ministry of Health, the Medicines Control Agency, and Pharmacy Council in the importation of the substandard medications in The Gambia?
3. c) Does the Medicines Control Agency have sufficient capacity to ensure quality and safety of drugs imported into the country? If not, what steps is the Government taking to increase the Agency’s capacity?
4. d) What steps will the Government take to re-examine the import license regime, the regulatory framework, and its efficacy in ensuring quality control and early detection of substandard products before its entry into the country?
5. e) What are the plans in place to prevent a reoccurrence of incidents such as the death of the 69 children?

To ensure that the person(s)/entity(ies) responsible for the importation and distribution of the substandard medications are held accountable, The GBA and FLAG demand that the Government of The Gambia takes the following steps expeditiously:

1. Robustly pursue the Indian Manufacturer, Maiden Pharmaceutical Ltd using its bilateral ties with our sister republic of India to ensure that the manufacturers are held accountable, and the victims are adequately compensated.
2. Hold accountable any party or authority complicit in the importation, sale, and distribution of the substandard medications attributable to the deaths of the 69 Gambian children.
3. Leave no stone unturned to ensure there is accountability and justice for the victims of this travesty through the pursuit of legal action against the persons and institutions responsible for the importation and distribution of the substandard medicinal products. The GBA and FLAG stand in solidarity with the bereaved families and demand justice and accountability.

The GBA and FLAG are available to support the Government in its quest to ensure accountability, justice and safeguard the interest of Gambians. The GBA and FLAG extends its heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. We join the entire population to mourn the loss of these innocent lives.

SALIEU TAAL – PRESIDENT GBA

ANNA A.B. NJIE – PRESIDENT FLAG

By: Muhammed Lamin Drammeh

Mc Cham Jnr, the National Youth President of the opposition Gambia Democratic Congress (GDC), has said President Adama Barrow has championed insults in the Gambian political arena and that his platform is being used to insult opposition leaders.

The GDC youth leader uttered this as he blasts the Gambia Police Force for questioning and eventually detaining comedian Alhagie Muhammad Darboe for a live video on Facebook regarding the death of sixty-nine (69) Gambian children who died from Acute Kidney Injury (AKI).

“President Barrow has championed insults in our politics as his political platform has been used on so many occasions to launch insults at opposition leaders in a very ill-mannered way and Barrow never has the audacity to stop or ban those doing it,” he said.

According to Mc Cham Jnr, the questioning and eventual detention of comedian Muhammad Darboe is “morally wrong” after witnessing the worst situations where leaders would be insulted. He alluded several people had done similar things in the past but never called for questioning or being detained.

“We have seen Baba Jah insulting Ousainou Darboe on a joint show with Muhammad Darboe on two occasions and no action was taken by the police to call him for questioning. In addition, he insulted the parent of Essa Faal, and he walked out free with his head held high in a country where we honour and give maximum respect to our parents,” he claimed.

He added that NPP Journalist Babourcarr Bahoum had also gone against his [MC Cham Jnr] party leader’s character, Mama Kandeh and the police made no such thing.

“The police got me thinking of the Animal Farm where all animals are equal before the law but there are some who are more equal than the others before the law”, he declared.

The young politician called for decency in Gambian politics and demanded the immediate release of comedian Muhammad Darboe.

Muhammad Darboe was invited by the police for questioning in the early hours of Sunday. However, he is yet to be released. It is still not known if he is or will be charged.