By: Muhammed Lamin Drammeh

President Adama Barrow has promised that his government will invest in foundational literacy and numeracy and employ skills development initiatives as the country begins a paradigm shift in its higher education to Technical, Vocational Education Training (TVET).

The president said this in a statement delivered at United Nations Transforming Education Summit 2022.

“Government will invest in foundational literacy and numeracy and employ skills development initiatives that enhance independent learning, creativity, interpersonal skills and critical thinking capabilities,” he said.

Early this month, Professor Pierre Gomez, the Minister of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology, told this medium that his ministry will give more focus on TVET.

President Barrow, while addressing stakeholders at the summit, re-echoed his government’s commitment to give relevance to TVET.

He explained that Gambian education previously focused mostly on academic achievement, leading to the perception that TVET is reserved for academic failures. He emphasized that his government will create more technical senior schools in its quest to promote TVET.

“Government will establish more technical senior secondary schools, upgrade subvented tertiary institutions to degree awarding institutions and establish tertiary TVET centres in all administrative regions. The objective is to build TVET-based foundational skills and promote indigenous content,” the President explained.

He noted that the Gambia government will pursue inventive and good financing strategies for education.

Many academics in the country have welcomed the government’s concept of focusing on TVET education, noting that functional education will uplift the country. The Higher Education Minister told The Fatu Network that TVET is a game changer in the country’s higher education system.

The president together with higher education minister Professor Pierre Gomez are all currently attending the summit in the United States of America.

By: Muhammed Lamin Drammeh

The Public Relations Officer of the Gambia Police Force, Cadet Assistant Superintendent Binta Njie, has told The Fatu Network that the recently suspended police checkpoints were unofficial but not illegal, noting that they were mounted to enhance security measures.

The police spokesperson narrated that those checkpoints were created because of the distance between official police checkpoints. The suspension of those ‘unofficial’ checkpoints has raised divergent reactions from Gambians. However, Cadet ASP Binta Njie said the police sometimes work according to discretion.

“What I want people to understand is that these are unofficial, but not illegal checkpoints. They were mounted because most of the official checkpoints…the distance between the official checkpoints, sometimes, is huge. We work according to principles as a law enforcement institution. But sometimes, we work according to discretion”, she pointed out.

She backed the reason for the ‘unofficial check points’, saying the drivers tend to be much more careful on the roads when there is police visibility on the roads. She asserted that those checkpoints were meant for security measures.

Some Gambians, in reacting to the release from the police in the suspension of the ‘unofficial checkpoints ‘, said it will make the country’s security fragile and may increase road accidents.

However, Cadet ASP Binta Njie assured that despite suspending those checkpoints, police visibility will be felt. She equalled noted that the checkpoints will be replaced with patrols.

“We are substituting those checkpoints (unofficial checkpoints) with patrols.  We are not condemning the police presence, we are just saying that we will stick to the official checkpoints and replace the unofficial checkpoints with patrols… the visibility will be there,” she said.

The new police PRO further called for community support for the police in combating crimes in the country.

By: Sarjo Brito, Foreign Press Centers U.S Midterm Elections 2022 Reporting Participant

Education has rarely made the voters’ priorities lists in the past US elections. However, experts say this dynamic is fast evolving as covid-related school closures and the way diversity is addressed in schools among other issues bring education into new prominence, possibly becoming a big factor in the November 8th polls. Urban politics and school reform expert Jeffrey R. Henig said the last five years have seen a re-engagement on the part of national actors like political parties who have come to realize that education is an issue that often motivates voters.

“Particularly voters who may not be already actively involved in national politics, Republican or Democrat, may be somewhat apolitical, but when it comes to kids and when it comes to their kids they respond intensely. And those are – the groups are particularly important looking towards the midterm elections because those are the folks who aren’t firmly in the Republican camp or firmly in the Democratic camp.’’

Professor Henig said the hot-button issues in the national discourse like the teaching of race, and gender identity among others in the school system have become emotionally sensitive issues, making parents who normally don’t get involved take positions. Both the GOP and Democrats are said to strategically try to use these education-related issues to attract swing voters, with both parties hoping to pull back voters using these culture war clash issues at the local level.

“The national debates on these issues are zeroing in on local arenas as ways to set up a different and clarify the difference between Republicans and Democrats. And both the Republicans and Democrats are tactically and strategically trying to use these education issues as ways to mobilize their base in some instances, both to make sure that they get the turnout they want but also to attract – and importantly to attract these potential swing voters, many of whom are located in suburbs; particularly, suburban voters who were turned off by many aspects of the Trump administration are seen to be in play.’’
Meanwhile, another controversial education-related issue is the Biden Administration’s proposal to eliminate student debt. A proposal that has been highly criticized by Republicans who describe it as overpromising and spending money at the expense of taxpayers.

“It is a controversial issue, and right now because this is so recent, it’s a very controversial issue and part of the national debate. How much of a role it’s going to play in November I think is very unclear. Right now, it fits into the talking points on both the Democratic side and the Republican side. On the Democratic side, it fits into the talking points to say that government can make people’s lives better and it can help them affordably pursue higher education.’’

It remains unclear how much education issues will influence the midterm elections, but experts suggest it may be a big factor that American voters will also have to contend with in the November 8th polls.

By: Ousman Saidykhan

One Kumba Sinyan, 25, who was alleged to have murdered Lamarana Jallow, has been arraigned before Principal Magistrate, Omar Jabang of the Kanifing Magistrate Court today but the case was transferred to the Special Criminal Division of the High Court as the Magistrate Courts lack powers to try murder cases.

The transfer followed the Prosecution’s application for the case to be transferred to a higher court for want of jurisdiction and for the accused to be remanded until her next appearance at the High Court.

While urging the court to grant their transfer application, Sub Inspector Kebbeh relied on Sections 62 and 208 of the Criminal Procedure Code.

“The Prosecution is applying for the transfer of this case to the Special Criminal Division of the High Court and remand the accused person pending the hearing of this case.”

In his ruling, the Magistrate granted the Prosecution’s application mentioning section 62 of the CPC and Legal Notice No.3 of 1999 which he said gives powers to the Special Criminal Division of the High Court to try capital offences.

Magistrate Jabang also granted the Prosecution’s request to remand the accused pending her next appearance at the High Court since the alleged offence is not bailable.

The accused, Kumba Sinyan, is charged with murder. She is accused to have allegedly killed Momodou Lamarana Jallow, 25, by cutting open his stomach with a razor blade at Friendship Hotel in Bakau on the 14th of September 2022.

Kumba was said to have been in a relationship with her victim. The deceased, according to reports, was supposed to fly to Indonesia for studies a day after his murder.

The accused was arrested by the police on the same day as a suspect as they launched an investigation into the incident.

The PRO of the Gambia Police Force, Cadet Assistant Superintendent Binta Njie Jatta was quoted by Kerr Fatou as saying, “What we were able to discover is that the suspect and the victim were said to be in a relationship. So, I think some glitches occurred in their relationship, which led to the suspected murder of the victim. So far, we have gathered some facts and the case would be taken to the court on Monday (19th of September). So far, there is only one suspect, and our investigation is enough to press charges,” she said.

By: Dawda Baldeh

Following his brilliant performance at the Commonwealth games in London couple of months ago, Gambia’s judo champion Faye Njie is in high spirit again as the World Judo Championship draws near.

The world judo championship will be held at Humo Ice Dome in Tashkent, Uzbekistan from 6^th to 13^th October 2022.

Speaking exclusively to The Fatu Network, the 28-year-old Gambian judo silver medal winner said he is well-prepared for the world judo championship next month.

“My preparation ahead of world judo championships has been going well. For the last few weeks, I have been training in France where I am currently based and the training has been successful without a single injury,” Faye Njie said.

He added that he is expecting good result from the competition.

The Judoka further emphasized that he has been training hard and is up for the task ahead just like his previous competitions.

“The previous competitions throughout the summer have shown that I can now challenge anyone. Of course, considering the level and the stake of the competition, there won’t be any easy fights as only top 100 athletes from freshly published world ranking list are qualified to this competition.”

The judo silver medal winner noted he has no fear in participating in the coming world judo championship.

“If I had any fear, there would be no point going there. If you lack the self-confidence during your fight, you most likely end up losing it.”

By: Modou Touray

National Farmers Platform – The Gambia has reacted to President Barrow’s state of the nation address (SONA), arguing that government often drafts brilliant agricultural policies and project documents but that the effective implementation of such policies has always been a challenge.

Mr Lamin S. Federa, communication officer of the farmers body told this medium that there are numerous plans and beautiful strategies put in place for agricultural development but the commitment to effectively implement them has been the problem.

He spoke extensively on challenges of farmers and farmers groups, disclosing that access to project loans and farm inputs often delay which negatively impacts timely and productive crop cultivation.

“There are ongoing agricultural projects as stated by the President in his address. Many projects have come and gone, but their impacts are not felt. There are always brilliant agric strategies and policies but are poorly implemented. We urge government to properly direct project funds to address the need of farmers. There are a lot of unfinished project activities, especially in land development.”

Mr Fadera further said the National Farmers Platform is deeply concerned about inadequate veterinary service for livestock farmers and other areas.

“The fisheries sector is almost struggling. The National Agricultural Research Institute (NARI) has limited resources to satisfy the research need of the production sector. They cannot even satisfy us with the seeds we should grow. All these need to be solved if we are to achieve our dreams of sustainable agricultural production, food and economic security.”

National Farmers Platform continues to engage farmers to adopt best agricultural practices, especially climate resilience and sustainable agriculture. Their long-term aim is to enhance income for farmers and restore the diminished natural vegetation.

“Despite the challenges in harnessing agricultural production and productivity, hopes are high to get bumper harvests at the end of the cropping season. This could be related to the efforts made by farmers couple with inputs and implements (seeds and simple farm tools) supports by the Ministry of Agriculture to improve production.

The challenges are numerous, ranging from access to land, fertile soil, timely access to inputs for farmland preparation and early planting,” Mr Fadera explained.

According to the President’s SONA, the agriculture sector has registered an increase of crop production above the national average and that production level of crops such as paddy rice, maize and groundnut has improved.

The President said, in a bid to boast the income of farming households, his government has invested heavily to modernize agriculture through donor funded projects.

By: Dawda Baldeh

The high cost of internet services has left many people dissatisfied and unhappy in The Gambia who used the internet daily. These people described their internet misery as unfavourable. Online Communication has become more difficult in the country due to the ever-rising cost of internet services.

Good and cheap Internet connectivity is important to ensure effective communication, considering that both literates and illiterates use social media platforms such as Facebook, YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, WhatsApp etc for daily online communication.

Hundreds of thousands of people spend money on internet service on daily basis. The cost of internet in the Gambia is considered to be unimaginable compared to the cost in neighbouring countries.

Internet users have lamented their challenges and urged the government to reduce tax on telecommunication companies to prevent people from high internet costs.

Hagi Suwaneh, United Democratic Party’s (UDP) 2nd Vice President of the National Youths Wing, said the cost of internet in The Gambia is too expensive compared to other African countries.

“Customers must stand up against the authorities such as PURA, GAMTEL and GRA. The 37.30% deduction goes to GRA as VAT & sport Development Levy tax,” said Hagi Suwaneh, an internet user.

In Suwaneh’s view, the government is ripping off internet users seriously with very poor-quality network connectivity. For Hagi, the government must reduce tax on the telecommunication companies so that they (telecommunications) can also reduce their tariff.

He blamed the high internet cost on the high tax imposed on telecommunication companies.

In Hagi’s analysis, for every D100 credit customers recharge on their telephones and use it, over 22% tax is charged and fifty bututes per minute deduction for every call for sports development levy is calculated and directly debited from the customer’s purchase and paid to GRA.

“This means 50 bututs per minute call is taxed as sports levy which is like 15.15% tax if that minute call is D3.30. 22.25% + 15.15% = 37.30% of customers’ purchase will be Taxed according to the statistics.

“With all these extreme high charges and costs to the consumers, yet the service providers cannot provide us with good quality and fast connectivity,” he stressed.

The cost of internet connectivity in other countries is said to be cheaper compared to the Gambia, it also promotes digitalization and creates jobs to improve the economy.

“Whenever I purchased credit and convert it to megabytes, I used to be happy. Because I see a hundred per cent (100%) bonus. But the megabytes would get finished within a blink of an eye, sometimes this makes me worry because am a student and I cannot afford to buy credit always to do my research,” Sheriffo Saidy, a third-year Political Science Student at the University of The Gambia highlighted.

According to previous data published by Daily News and authored by Sulayman Waan in 2021, Internet service is cheaper in neighbouring Senegal than in The Gambia. The Orange Company limited charges 75MB at 250 CFA for 24 hours.

This means it charges 75MB at 23.4 dalasis for 24 hours. It charges 400MB at 400 CFA for 24 hours equivalent to 400MB at 37.5 dalasis for 24 hours.

The Orange company sold 1GB at 1000 CFA for 3 days, equivalent to D93.7 for 1GB for 3 days of usage. And it also sold 7GB at 5000CFA for 30 days, equivalent to D468.6 per 7GB for 30 days.

As digital marketing becomes the rapid modern way of creating larger markets and reaching out to many consumers.

Internet users said if the internet is expensive like in the Gambia with poor quality, it will only further create economic hardship for the citizens.

Therefore, “consumers must come out and stand up against the daylight robbery. We must face the government and force them to reduce the high tax on the telecommunications companies,” the outspoken internet user added.

Rates of Africell and Q-Cell

Africell, the biggest mobile services provider in The Gambia with a 57% user share charges 50MB at D26 for a 30-day browse equivalent to 50MB at 278.5 CFA for 30 days.

This company also sold 100MB at D45 for a 30-day browse equivalent to 100MB at 481 CFA for a 30-day browse. It sold 200MB at D90 for a 30-day browse, equivalent to 200MB at 963 CFA.

It sold 500MB at D145 for a 30-day, equivalent to 500MB sold at 1553.5 CFA. Africell also sold 1GB at D250 for a 45-day browse, equivalent to 1GB sold at 2677.7 CFA for 45 days. In addition, the giant electronic company charges 5GB at D770 for 60 days of usage while this one is equivalent to 8247.23 CFA for two months of usage.

The company is also charging 970 dalasi for 8 GB, 1300 dalasi for 10GB, 1615 dalasi for 12GB, and 1620 dalasi for 13GB valid for 30 days.

Rates of Qcell

QCell a major competitor of Africell company with nationwide coverage is cheaper than all the GSM operators owing to its recent promotion with a 100% bonus. It charges 40MB at D18; 160MB at D31; 150MB at D58; 1.5GB at D82 and 8GB at D975 respectively.

These charges are equivalent to 40 MB at 192.79CFA; 160 MB at 332.02 CFA; 150MB at 621. 22 CFA, 1.5GB at 878.28 CFA, 8GB at 10442.92 CFA respectively.

Despite the recent hundred per cent promotions that Qcell provided for its customers, some said it is not satisfactory because the internet services go off quickly.

According to a recent publication by the Standard Newspaper, Yankuba Darboe, the Commissioner General of The Gambia Revenue Authority (GRA) revealed that Africell company pays over D100 million in taxes every month totalling over D1.2 billion annually.

However, this medium has contacted Africell and Qcell to get their response to this concern, but they are not reachable. Their response will be published once they get in touch.

By: Muhammed Lamin Drammeh

With its inexhaustible craving to help create professional paths for young footballers in the country, Fortune Football Club has facilitated the coming of football scouts from Belgium, Europe to come to The Gambia for a scouting voyage through a football tournament from 19th-24th September at the Late Ousman Saho Memorial Field previously called Goal project in Yundum.

These scouts, coming from Belgium, will be in the country on behalf of their football clubs as the hunt for talents from Africa to Belgium continues to be a priority for most clubs now.

The president of Fortune Football Club, knowing the significance of such an opportunity for Gambians, has extended the invitation to other teams to come together for a small tournament while the Belgium football scouts watch games in the stands.

“They are here to watch our boys and other teams as well as scout players for their teams in Belgium. This is a massive chance for these players because they may be lucky to be spotted as a prospect in Europe,” the Fortune President noted.

The scouts will be representing Belgian first division side Zulte Waregem and Kortrjk and while another one will represent second division club, Berrschot.

The whole project and the coming of the scouts are all through 2021 Gambian League Champions, Fortune Football Club.

“Our ultimate desire is not only to win trophies but to produce professional footballers as well. This is among the things we are doing for our players and other teams as well,” Assan S. Ndure said.

Belgian clubs are now having a lot of interest in Gambian players. Wally Fofana, Alieu Fadera, Sualyman Marr, and Badamosi (loaned out) all ply their trades in the Belgian top league.

Fortune’s FC generosity has been extended to Falcons FC, Tujereng, PSV Wellingara, Greater Tomorrow FC, Dibba Oil, Tallinding and West Harm.

Fortune Football Club is a top divisional football team in the country. Established in 2012, the team has won nine trophies since then and has produced footballers from professional careers and for the Gambia National U17, 20 and 23 teams.

The team, in 2021, won the Gambia Football Federation Division One league, just 4 years in the topflight league

By: Muhammed Lamin Drammeh

Designed to help curb drowning by learning to swim at a tender age, Swim For Life and its partners have today 17th September 2022 begun a six-week free swimming training for thirty (30) young Gambians aged 8-16 years at Sand Beach Resort in Kotu.

The training, which enters its fourth edition, trains children about swimming including first aid and rescue methods training.

In a ceremony that gathers parents, the kids dressed in colourful shorts as parents observe the first swimming session shortly after the opening ceremony.

Speaking at the opening of the fourth edition, the co-founder and Secretary General of Swim For Life, Sang Mendy, told the participants and their parents the rationale behind such a laudable initiative, saying it is a measure to curb child drowning.
Mr Mendy further told The Fatu Network that Swim For Life has two major objectives which are to introduce kids to swimming at a younger age as well as to introduce it as a game.

“We have two main objectives. One is to train young people to learn how to swim in a bid to curb drowning in the sea in the country. And the second objective is to introduce swimming as a sport to young people at a very tender age,” he revealed to TFN.

Swim For Life, has so far trained a total of one-hundred and two Gambian kids in the past three editions.

However, despite having the craving to train more kids about swimming as a sport and to curb drowning, Sang told this medium that their most enduring challenge is not about the management of the kids but finance. He revealed that the fund received for the fourth edition came from Norway. He narrated that he pays D75 per head for kids over ten years and D50 for those below ten in every training.

Caroline Mendy is a parent who, after sending her nephew to be part of the third edition, has now cemented her hope in the training by registering three young girls to be part of the fourth edition. She said she cannot swim and if a scenario of drowning occurred in her presence, she won’t be able to rescue the individual. However, she preferred her three girls to learn what she has no skills in.

The Gambia Swimming Association, Gambia Fire and Rescue Services, Gambia Tourism Board, and Ministry of Youth and Sports were all invited to grace the occasion but failed to turn up. Sang, however, expressed his dismay over that but remained committed to what he believes is the best.

The training of these kids will be in a course of six weeks at Sand Beach Hotel in Kotu.

By: Ousman Saidykhan

The National Assembly Member for Latrikunda Sabiji, Yahya Sanyang, has said he had more pressing issues to attend to rather than sitting in Parliament to listen to a State of The Nation Address (SONA) he described as “unconstitutional” which was delivered by President Barrow, on Thursday, 15th September 2022 at the Parliament.

“In my considered opinion the President after giving speech should sit down and allow the NAMS to ask him questions but this is not the case as the Vice President will later appear to receive questions on behalf of the President. I felt this was waste of time for me to sit there and listen to the President without asking him questions. It is better I walked out. I had better [sic] pressing issues to address than attending any unconstitutional act by the President, Honourable Yaya Menteng Sanyang told The Fatu Network.

The Hon. Member was responding to questions posed by this reporter about his statement that: “I walked out when the President made his introduction. You cannot give me speech and I cannot ask you questions,” yesterday after the SONA.

The President delivered a State of the Nation Address as per Section 77(1) of the Constitution which dictates that he “shall at least once each year attend a sitting of the National Assembly and address a session on the condition of the Gambia, the policies of the government and the administration of the state.”

However, this was seen as ‘unconstitutional’ by the Latrikunda Sabiji NAM as he complained that the President’s appearance at the Parliament is long overdue, saying it should have been done in the first quarter of the year as dictated by the Constitution.

“The President failed this constitutional requirement and appeared in the last quarter which is itself is unconstitutional,” said the UDP NAM, Hon. Sanyang.

The outspoken NAM also described the State of the Nation Address as an ‘untruthful’ speech that ‘misled’ Gambians for its failure to touch on some important socio-politico-economic issues that interest the citizens.

“He did not mention the State’s failed preparedness to host the OIC summit; the skyrocketing of price of basic commodities; the lack of security in the country; or the reckless and rampant corruption in all sectors of the economy. In summary, as usual, his State of the Nation Address was just a performance well calculated to mislead Gambians on the real issues,” Sanyang told The Fatu Network.

The Gambia Press Union (GPU) is concerned by the Gambia Radio and Television Services (GRTS)’s act of censorship in an editorial policy update which seeks to ignore voices of people and organizations calling for better working conditions.

The memo, signed by the Director General of GRTS, Malick Jeng, and dated 12th September, 2022, orders all staff of the News and Current Affairs Department to cease providing a platform to all organisers of industrial action in all sectors.

“It is not our calling as a national broadcaster to promote any action that can destabilise the nation or put our people in difficult circumstances. On the contrary, we should feature the official reaction of government agencies and law enforcement authorities. Trade unionists should engage the relevant Government institutions such as the Department of Labour to resolve the issues,” Jeng stated in a memo after the Transport Union announced a nationwide strike over fuel prices and bridge toll fees.

“The GPU found this directive to be illegal as it is inconsistent with the provisions of the 1997 Constitution,” GPU President, Muhammed S. Bah, said. “We are therefore calling on the Director General of GRTS to rescind this directive with immediate effect and create space for divergent views in programmes of both the state radio and television.”

Section 25(a) of the Constitution provides that “every person shall have the right to freedom of speech and expression which shall include freedom of the press and the media”. Also, section 208 of the Constitution further provides that “all State-owned newspapers, journals, radio and television shall afford fair opportunities and facilities for the presentation of divergent views and dissenting opinions”.

The obligation to afford fair opportunities and facilities for the presentation of divergent views and opinion extends to the right of all Trade Unions or organisers of industrial actions (strikes) to be afforded media coverage.

In this regard, sections 107 and 137 of the Labour Act, 2007 provides for the rights of workers to form trade unions and to undertake industrial actions, if they so wish.

Section 107 states that “workers and employers have the right to establish and join workers’ and employers’ organisations of their choice in accordance with the Constitution and laws of The Gambia.”

Section 137 provides that “it is lawful for one or more persons, acting on their own behalf or on behalf of a trade union or of an individual employer in contemplation or furtherance of a trade dispute, to assemble –

At or near their own place of employment; or

If the persons are officials of the registered trade union; at or near the place of employment of employees whom they represent,

If they so assemble for the purpose of peacefully persuading a person to work or abstain from working or to communicate information.”

The directive is also a violation of the General Principles of the Cherno Jallow Charter of Ethics for Journalists on “public interest and the social responsibility” of journalists and the media.

The Charter provides that journalists and media houses “shall uphold the public’s right to fair, accurate, balanced information of issues and events of public interest.”

In light of the above, we are also urging the Minister of Information, Lamin Queen Jammeh, to initiate and work closely with relevant stakeholders to implement recommendations by the Truth Commission to transform GRTS into an editorially-independent public service broadcaster.

“The government must keep its promise to task the Ministry of Information to work with GRTS [and relevant stakeholders] to fulfill the broadcaster’s constitutional mandate by providing divergent views on national issues, including workers’ strikes,” GPU Secretary General, Modou S. Joof, said.

“The reform of GRTS is necessary, and should be treated as a top priority, to break from an unacceptable past of censoring critical voices on national issues, including those of striking workers and the opposition. This is necessary to ensure government accountability and to create the democratic space needed for freedom of expression to thrive.”

Finally, we note that the Truth Commission’s recommendations are in line with the Declaration of Principles of Freedom of Expression in Africa that was adopted by the African Commission in Banjul in 2002.

As per the declaration, State and government-controlled broadcasters should be transformed into public service broadcasters, accountable to the public through the legislature rather than the government, in accordance with the following principles:

public broadcasters should be governed by a board which is protected against interference, particularly of a political or economic nature;

the editorial independence of public service broadcasters should be guaranteed;

public broadcasters should be adequately funded in a manner that protects them from arbitrary interference with their budgets;

public broadcasters should strive to ensure that their transmission system covers the whole territory of the country; and

the public service ambit of public broadcasters should be clearly defined and include an obligation to ensure that the public receive adequate, politically balanced information, particularly during election periods.

– Ends

Press Statement – Fajara, September 16, 2022

For enquiries,

Contact GPU Secretary General

Tel: +220 348 0043

Email: [email protected]

By: Modou Touray

In reaction to the alarming rate of domestic crimes in the country, The Fatu network conducted random interviews with various neighbourhoods where criminal activities are rampant. According to the residents, many parents neglect the activities of their children who usually got into criminal behaviours because of bad peer pressure. These children often get stubborn, and criminality becomes a normal way of life for them.

These children, some said, become idle due to a lack of proper home upbringing which they entirely blame on their parents.

“Children and youths who idle normally abandoned their family homes to stay elsewhere or sleep around garages. Sometimes you think they are apprentices for vehicles but that is just an opportunity to have a way for their operations,” Fallou Jeng said.

A study has shown that youth impatience, corruption, low level of education, poor parental care, stress at home, and financial constraints are some of the factors for violent crimes.

“Young people are often seen around town looking like homeless people. Several hardcore criminals had issues at home in their childhood. It is either the parents divorced, or they are traumatized by violence at home.”

Domestic violence can be physical, sexual, emotional, economic, psychological, or technological actions or threats of actions or other patterns of coercive behaviour that influence another person within an intimate partner relationship. It has an adverse impact on the children.

“Some parents take pride in getting many kids, but the required guidance and counselling are poorly done. They dodge from school and join other friends to idle around the beach or other places. Most kids and youths are now interested in having money than concentrating on education and vocational skills development,” Sanna Yaffa said.

Care can be beneficial if parents increase offspring survival during the stage in which parents and offspring are associated. Improve offspring quality in a way that leads to increased offspring survival.

“Especially in the urban centres where women will wake up early in the morning to sell at the market; the father too will go to work. Parents close late from work therefore, less time is spent with children which makes it difficult to monitor their engagements,” Mr Ebrima Jallow, a retired school principal revealed.

The chairperson of the West Coast Regional youth committee, Mr Lamin Sanneh asserted that its essential to have critical conversations on the rising crime rates among the young people in The Gambia.

“Drugs are causing havoc in our societies and the better we holistically have conversations on how to remedy the current predicaments the earlier the better.”

The village head of Kombo Manduar, Alkali Jerreh Bojang, highlighted the failure of parents in disciplining their children.

If you don’t take of your children, you can’t talk to them because they struggle on their own to feed themselves. They don’t mind doing any dubious act to survive,” Jerreh said.

The police public relations officer ASP Binta Njie attributed the crime rate to a lack of parental supervision

Children are roaming in the streets with some engaging in selling while some are at garages as apprentices. It exposed them to lots of risks.

By: Dawda Baldeh

Hon. Suwaibou Touray, the National Assembly Member (NAM) for Wuli East Constituency has reacted to President Adama Barrow’s State of the Nation address, saying he [Hon. Suwaibou Touray] doesn’t believe Gambia is ready for development. President Barrow delivered the nation’s address at the National Assembly yesterday Thursday 15th September 2022.

Speaking to The Fatu Network, Hon. Touray said the President’s speech has little or no difference with his previous State of the Nation addresses.

“For me, it is the same speech that I keep hearing and sometimes they are far from reality. Gambia is not a serious country when it comes to development. I don’t believe the governments we continue to have are serious about development,” he noted.

The lawmaker added that the country is depending highly on outsiders for its development. For Suwaibou Touray, the country’s development cannot be achieved without the commitment of the government.

“We cannot wait for outsiders for our own development,” he emphasized.

According to the lawmaker, there are lot of agricultural projects that have come to the country but “they all failed.” He said government is depending entirely on loans and grants from external partners in all its projects.

“This has been a serious matter from 1965 to date. If we are serious about development, we could have come up with strong plans to develop this country.”

The Wuli East representative said agriculture should be prioritized for the development of the country.

The Wuli East NAM said government is spending billions of dalasis on importing agricultural commodities annually.

He added that the country cannot depend on loans and grants all the time.

Hon. Touray noted that government should invest in agriculture if they are serious about the sector.

“No country has ever developed through loans. Loans are only meant for short-term and not long-terms developments,” he concluded.

By: Muhammed Lamin Drammeh

“What I gain from the car Wash and poultry alone monthly, I can pay two qualified HTC teachers from grade 7.1 towards 7.9”, Ousman Touray, a runaway teacher (RAT), who bagged his Higher Teachers’ Certificate from the Gambia College in 2017, asserted as he explained to The Fatu Network how his income changed after leaving the teaching profession.

Teaching is described by many as a noble profession that shapes and forms the path of budding leaders and administrators in every domain of national development. However, there has been some kind of a trending teacher exodus recently among young Gambian teachers as they quit the profession for other jobs. This has created a vacuum in many schools in the country despite the Gambia college delivering hundreds of teachers every year to the country’s ministry of basic and secondary education.

Ousman Touray is a young man who bagged his HTC from the Gambia College School of Education. He explained that he abandoned the field because there is no motivation, and his monthly earnings are insufficient compared to his needs.

“As teachers, we lack motivation from the government. We depend on a Monthly salary of less than, D7000 on a single shift. A bag of rice is D1500. Fish money is D200, which in a month will give you D6000. Breakfast for the family is D200, including my children’s lunch money when going to school plus my wife’s breakfast. So, I always realized that my budget is always in deficit at the end of every month,” Ousman revealed, narrating the challenges he faced as a teacher.

Ousman would, after two years as a teacher, leave the field and went on to open a poultry farm and two car washing workshops in Jambajelly. Financially okay now, Ousman told The Fatu Network that his income can pay two qualified teachers whose monthly payments start from six thousand dalasis to ten thousand dalasis including allowances.

He said he would advise young teachers to leave but said that the government should motivate teachers.

He said the government should motivate teachers; however, he would not hesitate to advise young teachers to leave.

Samba Jallow, 32, is another brilliant teacher who taught for seven years while continuing to live from hand to mouth. After seven years, and a period of deep thought, Samba discontinued being in the profession he dearly loved for a small business at the Brikama market.

“I resigned from teaching two years ago. I did my PTC and HTC, but could I not do anything meaningful financially. After a deep reflection without any financial progress, I decided to put an end to it and joined my uncle in a small business. Now, I have my shop, selling clothes. Ways better than what I earned from teaching,” Samba confessed to The Fatu Network.

He said that he has seen so many bright teachers in the profession who left the field because there is no motivation and incentive for teachers.

“I will never advise any bright student to be a teacher unless the person wants to be poor,” he pointed out.

Earlier this week, TFN reported a story on Kebba Gaye, a 28-year-old teacher who left the teaching field for tailoring. Gaye expressed that he left the field for the creative industry because he would like to establish his own business and not continue depending on his monthly salary.

Another young teacher who left the field for something else is Omar Saibou Camara, the Executive Director of the Fact-check Center.

Omar did not quit the field because it pays less, he left because he wanted to pursue a degree in Political Science, however, it is against the school policy of going to university without taking study leave.

Omar was teaching at Kabafita Upper and Senior Secondary school in Brikama. When the then principal realized that Omar was going to the University, he released him. He was then posted to Foni Bondali but he failed to go and instead continued his studies at the UTG, a decision that killed his teaching career.

“I left teaching because I couldn’t teach while going to the university as it was claimed to be against the policy of the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education. So, I quit and then looked for another job,” he explained.

While so many people continue to teach because they want to, some want an income that will be enough for their families.

Ansumana Camara, a youth activist and football administrator, taught for six years as a qualified teacher. He was a passionate teacher but also left the field, noting that the teaching job has been a trap for a lifetime of poverty in the Gambia. When quizzed why he left teaching, he narrated:

“Teaching was supposed to be lucrative; hence it is a field that prepares future citadels of the state. This is entirely different in the Gambia. It has ever been a trap for lifetime poverty. Inasmuch as you want to serve the state, the state should also understand that you have mouths to feed at home. Small wages, small salaries and no motivation. Worst of all, the budgets allocated to schools for their upkeep are inadequate. Working in areas with few resources for easing the job is not the least easy. Teachers deserve better, and the government ought to know. It was boring, and I had to leave for another field.”

The recent poor performance of Gambian students in the 2022 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE), was attributed, by some people, to the poor delivery of teachers.

Ebrima Sarr, a teacher who still wants to continue teaching, said because of the lack of motivation for teaching, many young teachers do not care what has been affecting the performance of students.

“They don’t care. They don’t bother helping students beyond the classroom because the motivation is not there. Nobody can blame them; they have families and responsibilities. Some of them are teaching different schools to get something sufficient at the end of the month.” he argued.

By: Dawda Baldeh

People who are lodged at the Friendship Hotel in Bakau New Town have woken up to what was described by eyewitnesses as another tragic murder case involving two young people, a male and a female. This comes less than two weeks after the alleged murder of a 62-year-old woman in the same neighbourhood.

The incident involves a young lady and a man, who are said to have been in a relationship, in the early hours of Wednesday 14, September 2022 at the Friendship Hostel in Bakau; a hotel where some of the July flood victims are moved to by the government.

The police confirmed the arrest of a young lady who is deemed a suspect in the case and she currently helping them in their investigations. Cadet ASP Binta Njie, the Public Relations Officer of the police confirmed to The Fatu Network that the police have a suspect in custody.

“A suspect has been arrested and is currently helping the police in the investigations,” Cadet ASP Binta Njie confirmed.

Babucarr Faye, a Bakau New Town resident who was at the scene, explained how he first heard the news. He said upon hearing the news, he was left devasted, while on his way to observe the early morning prayers.

“The incident is really devastating. When I saw the man lying on the ground with blood everywhere in the house I couldn’t hold my emotions,” he explained, adding that the suspect was trying to escape but she was apprehended by the security guards in the hotel.

Mr. Faye added that after visiting the scene, he rushed to Bakau Police Station to find out who was involved and to gather more information.

Babucarr, who was so emotional at the time, said the incident has left him in a difficult situation.

“This is really strange. I went to pray at the Mosque but unfortunately, I cannot remember the ‘Surah’ the Imam was reciting.

The eyewitness also urged people to be vigilant in their various places. He said living in the area is now becoming worrisome for the security of his family.

“I don’t know what to do and as a family man, I fear for the security of my family. Just a couple of weeks there was a murder incident in Bakau and this time also in the same place. This is really scary,” he added.

Isatou Barry, a staff at the hotel, said upon hearing the news she felt sad, noting that she is a mother, and such news is devastating for parents. However, she advised parents to give proper home training to their children to avoid such tragedies in communities.

“As a mother, I felt very sad and this is not good news,” she narrated, adding that parents need to be careful about how they train their children at home.

The suspect is under police custody and is helping the police in their investigations, according to the police spokesperson.

However, such incidents are becoming the order of the day as cases of murder, burglary, robbery, and theft among other crimes, are making daily news headlines.

By: Ousman Saidykhan

One Abdoulie Saine has been accused of obtaining D1, 350, 000 (one million three hundred and fifty thousand dalasis) from one Khadijah Kebbeh pretexting that he was going to facilitate the reinstating of the former Gam-petroleum MD, Saihou Drammeh.

The accused was alleged to have obtained the said amount on the 28th of December last year at Pipeline with the intention to defraud the lady.

He pleaded not guilty, and the matter was adjourned to the 29th of September for the Prosecution to produce their witnesses.

Meanwhile, the accused is granted bail in the sum of D1.5 million or property (freehold/leasehold) of the same value, located within the jurisdiction of the Kanifing Magistrate Court.

The punishment for the offence the accused allegedly committed is 3 years imprisonment as per the Criminal Code.

By: Modou Touray

Gambians across all sectors of the economy expressed fear of an unforeseen economic lockdown as the Ministry of Transport and Transport Union issued divergent statements on the drivers’ strike instead of focusing on mutual dialogue.

Some of the commuters who spoke to The Fatu network this morning said the frequent strike by drivers cause them difficulties in getting to their workplaces and running errands on time.

“If we cannot get to work on time, services will be delayed leading to economic losses. I work at a private clinic where I am supposed to administer drugs and injections to my patients but due to lack of transport, I could not report to work. My patients’ health conditions might worsen,” Lamin Yarboe, a private health worker, said.

The president of the Gambia Transport Union, Omar Ceesay, laid demands that he said must be met before they end their sit-down strike. He called on all the commercial drivers, commercial transport owners, and all garage attendees across the country to sit at their homes.

“I came to the Brikama garage around 6 am. My mission was to accompany my child to Saint Peters Primary School in Lamin village for admission. Unfortunately, I could not be able to do that today. The police bus came around, but people rushed to get on board so I could not secure a seat,” Mrs Awa Manneh narrated.

Industrial action happens when trade union members are in a dispute with the government such as high fuel costs that can’t be solved through negotiations. A trade union can only call for industrial action if the majority of its members are involved. Although fewer drivers defied the Monday strike.

“Only a few drivers were plying mostly 7 passenger vehicles. They are charging D50 from Brikama to Westfield. Brikama to Banjul is D75. I can’t afford this fare,” Fanta Mbye said.

The Ministry of Transport issued a statement warning drivers not to obstruct those who are not part of the strike.
“I came with a commercial van from Bwiam up to Brikama but the driver decided to discontinue his journey to Banjul. My tomatoes are still with me which I should take to my customers in Albert market in Banjul,” Sariba Nyassi said

The pressure groups and trade unions are special interest groups which seek to influence Government policies in a particular direction. This is not the first time the Gambia Transport Union stage a strike with conditions.

“Anytime there is a strike, it affects economic activities. I sell food at the garage every morning but no single sales today. I don’t have a refrigerator to preserve the food for another day,” Ndey Sey asserted.

Many shops around the Brikama Garage had low sales, especially a restaurant that depends on passengers and drivers to buy from them.

“I work at Kuloro, but I am already late because no vehicle yet. I saw a private driver who is picking up passengers but only for town- trips which are D300- D500 depending on your agreements,” I can’t afford that, Borry Sonko said.

Police staff busses as well as the government public buses rescued stranded passengers on the roadside to transport them. Many economic activities take place in the morning which has been adversely disrupted today. Citizens call for dialogue amongst stakeholders to amicably resolve the country’s transport challenges.

By: Muhammed Lamin Drammeh

Amid the growing frustration being manifested by a large number of ordinary Gambian commuters, who in the midst of the ongoing indefinite sit-down strike by commercial drivers, have continued to wallow in search of transport as they commute to workplaces and businesses, the National Youth President of the Gambia Democratic Congress (GDC), Mc Cham Jnr, has said the suffering in the country is beyond imagination and labelled the Gambia as a doomed state where “economic junglers” are at the helms of the affairs.

“We are sinking in the deep ocean. Hardship is beyond imagination. All sectors have failed. The Gambia is a doomed state, and we have criminals in suits pretending to be public officials,” he asserted as he reacts to the ongoing sit-down strike by commercial drivers in the country.

Cham, vocal opposition to the current government, stated that Gambians do not deserve to be in a situation like this. He pointed out that the people had the chance before to change the existing state of affairs, but they refused.

He said the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure should call for a dialogue with the Gambia Transport Union to curb the suffering on the roads.

“Dialogue is the only way forward in solving this transport debacle affecting our people.  Why can’t the ministry responsible for transport sit with the Transport Union and negotiate or strike a good deal to avoid this suffering of the masses? Our public officials should always listen to the plight of its citizens,” he claimed.

Several Gambians have called for dialogue between the government and the transport union to put an end to the strike as ordinary Gambians struggle to go on their businesses.

The president of the Gambia Transport Union advised drivers to continue sitting at home until their demands are met.

By: Muhammed Lamin Drammeh

The National Treasurer of the opposition Gambia Democratic Congress (GDC), Lamin KB Bojang has blasted the Gambia Transport Union (GTU) and commercial drivers who have been on a sit-down strike since yesterday, calling their actions an “absolute heartlessness” by making ordinary Gambians suffer while the top arms of the government move freely and go about their businesses without having to worry about the transport issue that has gripped the country.

The former GDC candidate for Brikama North in April Parliamentary elections said the majority of the people who suffered from yesterday’s industrial actions are the poor and helpless Gambians.

“Majority of those who suffered are the poor and helpless Gambians. So, for me, it is absolute heartlessness that a group of people calling themselves Gambians are heaping such hardships on their fellow Gambians,” he asserted.

Bojang argued that the top government officials did not feel the pain. He said the executives and the parliamentarians went on their businesses as well as those in the judiciary, leaving ordinary Gambians wallowing in search of transport.

The indefinite sit-down strike by the Gambia Transport Union hit many people hard yesterday. The few drivers that ignored the call of their leaders were in traffic charging exorbitant fares.

Bojang further claimed that the industrial actions by the drivers do not hold water. He contended that one of the proposals by the drivers should not warrant a complaint. He said tax or toll fees collected at the bridge are okay, noting that Gambia’s economy is tax-based. He further said that no genuine Gambian should complain of numerous police checkpoints, contrary to the demand of the drivers.

“Our roads are unsafe for our mothers and children, so why should a genuine human being complain about checkpoints?  In fact, I call on the police to increase them because our well-being surpassed their greed for money,” he pointed out.

According to the GDC National Treasurer, he doubts if the government of The Gambia can reduce the pump prices since the country doesn’t own a single barrel of oil.

He called on the transport union to end the strike because the industrial action is affecting women and children.

“The union should come back to their senses and end this strike as the heat of their actions are hitting the women and children harder than initially thought,” he explained.

Meanwhile, the president of the Gambia Transport Union, Omar Ceesay, has hailed his drivers for sitting at home and encouraged them to continue observing the strike.