By: Dawda Baldeh

Hagi Suwaneh, main opposition United Democratic Party (UDP) second National Youth President has attributed the increase in homicide cases to youth unemployment and non-prosecution of high-profile drug cases.

He said the government is to be blamed for its “lack of political will” to prosecute high-profile drug cases, citing the 3 tons of ‘cocaine’ that was discovered at the ports last year.

“The government is not showing any political will to prosecute these high-profile drug cases. As I keep appealing to my fellow youths to refrain from all forms of drugs, in the same vein, I also blame the government for not showing commitment in combating drugs.”

Mr. Suwaneh called on President Adama Barrow, the Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Ministry of Interior, and the Ministry of Justice to update the public on the delay in bringing the culprits to justice.

“Our youths are exposed to dangerous hard drugs which are destroying their future. Within the past three years, numerous hard drugs have entered the country, but little is being done about prosecuting those responsible,” he said.

“Now, you rarely sit a week without hearing of or seeing young people being involved in killings. The failure by government in creating employment opportunities for youths is leading them to drug consumption and therefore increasing daily crime rate,” he asserted.

Mr. Suwaneh added that the closure of Julbrew (company manufacturing drinks) has caused many young people to be jobless.

“These people are now suffering and they have families to take care of. Julbrew was closed [unable to settle] 75% tax imposed on it by governmenton. If such high tax continues, many other businesses will close.”

He noted that immediate viable solutions should be proffered and implemented to address the country’s economic, security and hardship challenges, saying that “the situation is getting out of hands.”

President Barrow received a briefing on a report on a survey of potential rice cultivation sites, and the Acquisition of land for investments at his office on Wednesday 28^th September 2022. The presentation was in line with his government’s drive to enhance productivity and food security, and opportunities for job creation for Gambians.

President Barrow expressed appreciation of the update and advised the Taskforce to expand the survey to a national scale that will provide bankable data for future and potential investors.  He urged the working group to also work on a standard template to harmonize the leasing of land for investment purposes as well as ensure the legal acquisition of landed property.

Following the presentations by Gambian Businessman and CEO of the Q Group, Mr. Muhammed Jah and his team, and CEO of GIEPA, Mr. Ousianou Senghore, a discussion followed with Government Technocrats and Officials from the Ministries of Lands, Agriculture, and Trade, as well as the Chief of Staff, Office of the President, Mr. Mod Ceesay.

The discussions led by the Minister of Lands, Hon. Abba Sanyang, centered on the processes for acquisition and allocation of land for agri-business, potential land for investment purposes in areas of agriculture, as well as industrial development.

Rice production was one of the priority areas President Barrow discussed with the Korean Ambassador to The Gambia, H.E. Kim Ji-Joon, when he presented his Letter of Credence to the President earlier in June. The President was pleased to get updates on the fruitful partnership between the Q Group and the Korea International Cooperation Agency – KOICA.

Mr. Jah reported that they have already identified 1000 hectares of land for piloting, on which they will start rice production for all-year-round farming.   The identification was based on the technical advice regarding the topology, structures and access to utilities that are suitable for mechanised farming, and he is optimistic to expand it to 10,000 hectares within four years.  The goal is for the country to feed itself from locally produced rice in the shortest possible time.

On the GIEPA presentation, Mr. Senghore emphasised the need for coherence and zonal allocation of land for industries and other investments nationwide.

The Lands Ministry guided the discussion on the legal acquisition of land and updated the meeting that it is working on harmonizing its land criteria systems to combat double ownership, land usage, and related challenges.

Media advisory

Office of the President, State House, Banjul

29th September 2022

The hardship felt in our nation cuts across party lines and across all spheres of life. Everyday Gambians are struggling to feed their families. We have more unemployed youth than skilled ones. Violent crime is on the rise; our health facilities, which were once the envy of our neighbors, are now death traps, under-equipped and unfit for purpose; there is rampant corruption at every level of the government. Cronyism, ineptitude, incompetence, and lackadaisical attitude has taken firm root in society.

The hardship in The Gambia is acutely felt by Gambians in the diaspora, who shoulder the burden for several families. This makes them no stranger or innocent bystanders to the hardship in the country, despite their distance. Out of concern for such unacceptable and deplorable situation and immersed in the democratic culture of their adopted home of the United States, some Gambians mobilized to bring attention to the plight of their countrymen, just as they have done countless times in the Jammeh era in their determination to end tyranny and build a Gambia every selfless Gambian wants.

Instead of acknowledging the grievances felt by the majority of our people, and making sincere efforts to address them, the president has yet again shown his callous disregard for the struggling Gambians and determined to cause further divisions by dismissing, diminishing, and deflecting their desperate cries for genuine help, as partisan propaganda by what he referred to as “UDP Gambians”.

The President further falsely alleged that the UDP was behind the 3 Years Jotna protests of 2019 and 2020 as well as the planned peaceful demonstration scheduled for November this year by a group of people calling themselves “Concerned Gambians” against his government.

UDP cannot fathom the reason, Adama Barrow, the President of The Gambia would be that dishonest, untruthful, and misleading about the United Democratic Party, the party he once served as an executive member and familiar with its modus operandi.

President Adama Barrow knows very well that if the UDP supports any form of political action, it does not take shelter behind any individual or group of individuals to conceal its identity or run away from its responsibility.

The United Democratic Party wishes to make it abundantly clear that it has never had, nor does it have and will never have reason to hide behind other groups or names. The UDP has every right to demonstrate peacefully and will do so whenever there is legitimate cause for it.

Therefore, it is false to claim that UDP is behind any protest/demonstrations that is not officially endorsed or called for by the party.

We believe that the President’s rhetoric is not only false and baseless but also dangerous and divisive as history teaches us that such rhetoric has always been the precursor to justifying the abuse and persecution of a segment of society by first labeling them as undesirables, unpatriotic and troublesome. This is the first step to widespread abuse of citizens’ rights and should be concerning to all freedom and peace-loving citizens.

Our assessment is not mere speculation; we witnessed it when a key adviser to the president unashamedly went on camera rejoicing at the callous disregard for human life and the life of children, when members of The Gambia Police Force fired teargas into the home of the leader and secretary general of the UDP.

The untrained and unprofessional police officers were gleefully celebrating their disgraceful conduct and bragging that they could not wait for the next opportunity to unleash their barbarity on fellow citizens for the crime of daring to exercise their rights to political association.

Our assessments are further confirmed by recent statements made by President Barrow’s Deputy Political Adviser that if the November 11, 2022, protesters do not want to go through the same ordeal and share the ultimate the fate of Solo Sandeng – a patriot who was murdered for simply exercising his constitutional rights to manifest – they should desist from protesting in the country against this government.

We are witnessing a trend and would like to put all concerned entities on notice starting with the National Human Rights Commission, ECOWAS, African Union, and the United Nations, to keep an eye on the issues ongoing in The Gambia, as the United Democratic Party will not stand for nor condone the abuse of our party supporters for merely exercising their constitutional rights.

UDP will further hold President Barrow and his government responsible for any harm suffered by any Gambian for simply exercising their constitutional rights. This is because, as his deputy political adviser threatened, this government has every intention of inflicting harm on innocent Gambians for daring to express their constitutional rights to protest in this country.

The Gambia is a country of laws and expressing one’s political opinion is not a crime in any civilized society and The Gambia should be no exception.  The president’s focus should be on consolidating our democratic gains and not to squander them. Consolidating our democratic gains will provide the élan for our economic take off and progress.

We believe, as a party, that our cause is righteous and when we have cause to speak up, we will do so loud, clear and without equivocation. The Gambia deserves better, and we will not relent in our quest to demand for better. Our conviction and commitment for a better Gambia will remain unshakable and cannot be extinguished.

UDP nurses the belief that the country is crying for reconciliation but the attitude and unguarded statements coming from the chief executive and his party-political shenanigans will not promote reconciliation.

Maybe President Adama Barrow should take a leaf from his brother and neighbor President Macky Sall who faced similar demonstrations in New York but handled the situation with maturity as evidenced by his meeting, a few days ago, with a cross section of Senegalese society at the presidential palace in an effort to address the pressing problems facing Senegal.

In the service of The Gambia.

A.N.M. OUSAINU DARBOE

FOR UNITED DEMOCRATIC PARTY

28 SEPTEMBER 2022

By: Modou Touray

In an effort to curb rampant shop breakings at the Jarra Soma market and to extend the business hours of the vendors, bright solar lights have been installed which the vendors say will catapult business activities.

In an interview to ascertain the impact of the lights on business at the Jarra Soma market, vendors pointed out that the market environment used to be dark when the main electricity supply goes off exposing their goods to theft and physical attacks by criminals. With the provision of solar streetlights by the Mansakonko Area Council, the environment is safe and better secured now.

“It’s a relief for us, many of us close very early to go home because the market used to be dark when electricity is off. Now we can close by midnight,” Fadel, an electronic shop vendor told TFN.

“I sell cafe-touba which is normally marketable in the evening and early morning. Some vehicle drivers and morning vegetable vendors use it for breakfast. I will not fear closing late and also coming early to serve my customers,” Medun Faal said.

“This is a positive move because for us the fish vendors, we get to the market very early in the morning and we close late as well,” Meta Sonko a fish vendor revealed.

Today, solar streetlights have become the lighting source being mostly used for outdoor lighting. Solar energy is the solar streetlights’ primary energy source. Photovoltaic panels, which are always placed on the integrated poles, power the streetlights. Since the demand for continuous power and lighting has increased in urban and rural areas.

Jama Sowe, the deputy imam of the Jarra Soma Market, spoke at length on the significance of solar lights.

“We can now pray at the mosque at night. It’s also beneficial to people whose compounds are near the market.”

A market is a place where buyers and sellers can meet to facilitate the exchange or transaction of goods and services. Markets can be physical like a retail outlet, or virtual like an e-retailer.

Marie Gikineh, the vice-chairman of the market committee said the streetlights are essential to enhance security at the market.

“The market is a source of revenue for the council therefore they need to provide for our needs.”

Jarra Soma is a vibrant cross-border market town and an economic hub of the Gambia, for his reaction, the chairman of the Mansakonko Area Council Mr Landing B Sanneh asserted that the solar lights project at the Jarra Soma Market is to reduce crime and bolster business activities.

“We need to create a conducive environment so that vendors can stay longer at the market. Soma is a growing city, and we envisage Jarra Soma to be the next city. It is the main transit city linking different countries. We need to make the market environment safe for the taxpayers. The lighting systems are of very high quality.”

Chairman Sanneh further pointed out that the duration of the lights is five years but gives assurance of its sustainability.

“As a Council, we are committed to providing basic services and facilities to the people we are serving and that is ongoing.”

By: Modou Touray

Some two decades and a half ago, storytelling was a significant activity in Gambian communities. The stories are mostly fiction, but they help children and youth to draw lessons of moral consciousness from them that can stimulate their maturity and build cautiousness.

Recently, a series of moonlight storytelling exercises were organised for young people of Kuloro village and other settlements in the Kombo East.

Rural Child, a grassroots organization is spearheading the activity. Its coordinator, Amadou Jallow said from their findings, storytelling is one of the fantastic ways to hold a child’s attention for a long time, saying many children in this generation find it hard to concentrate.

“Storytelling can help improve the listening skills of children. This is because they will become more attentive and learn how to increase their focus on a certain topic. In today’s generation, people are turning to the convenience provided by technology to send their children to sleep,” he said.

Mr Jallow added that storytelling may be considered a simple pleasure of childhood, but it is important for children, unfortunately, parents have little or no time to spend telling stories to their children anymore.

“We provide career guidance and counselling to children and youth and expose them to the understanding of fundamental human rights, personal health, education and the environment they live in.”

According to him, the activity also targets to promote excellence in informal education and support young people with learning aids for growth and development and redirect a positive mindset. Moonlight Storytelling used to be a popular activity in homes and communities. It is usually organised in a circular format and elders will narrate stories intended to help children to be cautious when they grow.

The officer in charge of the Youth Migration Information Centre of the West Coast Region, Miss Binta Touray believes that when parents and communities invest adequate time in narrating and sharing stories with children, they are instilling virtues they can carry as they grow old.

“Narrating stories of moral values to children can inculcate cherished lessons in children and helps them learn about kindness, wisdom, honesty and compassion,” Mrs Touray stressed.

The youth chairperson for the West Coast Region, Mr Lamin Sanneh, said nurturing children in storytelling is a positive move and expressed gratitude to the Rural Child Organization for positively moulding young people.

Mr Hassoum Ceesay, a renowned historian and Director General of the National Council for Arts and Culture when contacted for his expert opinion, highlighted that oral storytelling is significant for the younger generation.

“The Gambian history is very oral. Storytelling helps to promote the oral narrative of our culture. People write but generally, people use orality to transmit information, process information and add value to information. it can be in the form of narration of storytelling or by griots and wise saying of historians,” he pointed out.

By: Karimatou Jallow

The coronavirus pandemic has been a global problem since 2019 and first entered the Gambia in March 2020. The Gambia government had some tough preventive measures in place in the beginning, however, it has now taken its foot off the gas, and this has become a concern to many Gambians.

The Fatu Network has spoken to some Gambians who have said people should believe in the existence of the COVID-19 pandemic and also follow the WHO preventive measures to prevent themselves and their families.

Saidou Jallow said he believes in the existence of the virus and will ensure sure that he prevents himself from the virus by following the preventive measures given by the WHO.

Jallow added that Gambians should be cautious because this is a pandemic that has affected the globe especially businesses which were affected so, in order to regain what was lost during the pandemic, people have to respect the guidelines given by the WHO.

“Most Gambians don’t believe the existence of this virus because they just heard it from people and were not affected but that should not be an excuse for not following the preventive measures because the government is here for the people and am sure they will not lie to us especially when it comes to our health”, he added.

“The government don’t take these preventive measures seriously so how can they expect us to take it seriously, a leader should go by example at all times but that is not the case within the government,” Ebrima Kujabi said.

He said that most people are unwilling to take this vaccine because they believe it has some negative impacts.

He said all the people he knew who have taken the vaccine have fallen sick which is what discourages him from taking it.

However, he advises the people to believe the existence of the virus and prevent themselves from it by following the preventive measures given by the WHO and the ministry of health.

“Coronavirus is here to stay with us and not believing its existence wouldn’t help. Let’s try to protect ourselves by following the preventive measures because we have seen how it affects the globe.”

“The reason most people are reluctant to be vaccinated is that some of those who took the vaccine has been sick for days which many believe is not a good sign.”

Moreover, he said in order to make things easy and eradicate the virus, the people should follow the advice of the health ministry.

“The Ministry of Health is taking all the steps to protect the people from having viruses so let’s listen to their advice and make things easy with all of us,” he said.

“Nobody cares about the COVID-19 pandemic because the preventive measures given to us by WHO are not being carried out like before and this is because they believe that the virus does not exist and people are just fabricating things,” Jainaba Jatta said.

Jainaba said they were not affected which is why they still believe that the virus does not exist.

“However, I will advise every Gambian to follow the guidelines of the WHO to prevent ourselves, friends and family members from COVID-19 because I believe that the virus is still existing,” Jatta said.

She further advises the government to keep sensitizing the people about the virus to prevent people from getting the virus.

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected many sectors in the country and has one way or the other affected everyone because people were restricted from many things. So, in order to avoid it happening again, we should follow the WHO preventive measures to prevent ourselves,” Ebrima Jallow explain.

Jallow said Gambians should believe the existence of the virus because many people lost life due to it and others were seriously ill.

By: Jankey Touray

President Adama Barrow has said the Gambians who protested against him at the just concluded 77^th United Nations General Assembly summit are supporters of the main opposition United Democratic Party (UDP).

During the summit, some Gambians in the United State protested against President Barrow, citing socioeconomic, political, healthcare and security challenges which they said the incumbent is not addressing as expected.

President Barrow noted that, amid the protest, he had engagements with Gambians in the US and urged them to invest in the country.

He said it is important for Gambians in the diaspora to invest in their country, adding that there are Gambians in the States who are doing very well.

“We had very good meetings, [however], some Gambians [supporting] UDP came out to protest against me. It is the same people who organized the Three Year Jotna and the same people working on protesting against me in November. My doors are open, so I am calling on them for us to work together as protesting will not solve our problems.”

The President noted that where there is unity, people stay strong, assuring that he is ready to work with his political opponents to move the country forward.

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

Dr. Omar Bah, a US-based Gambian politician who contested the forthcoming Congressional elections in the US has lost the Democratic primaries in Rhode Island. Dr. Bah lost to fellow Democratic contender Seth Magaziner who amassed over 27000 votes in the Democratic primaries, defeating Omar Bah and four other Democratic candidates. In a message shared with his supporters, Dr. Bah said he remains committed to giving a voice to hardworking and vulnerable Rhode Islanders.

“I embarked on this campaign intent on winning. While we came up short this time, I remain committed to giving a voice to the hardest working and most vulnerable families among us, as Teddi and I have continued to do through the Refugee Dream Center over the past decade, and as we will continue to do so.’’

Dr. Omar Bah has since reacted to his defeat by throwing his weight behind fellow Democrat, Seth Magaziner.

“I congratulate Seth Magaziner on his Primary win and look forward to helping defeat Allan Fung in the general election. We need to ensure Rhode Island has a strong voice in Congress to stand up for the working class and to protect our democracy and rights. Seth has the skills and the experience to do just that.’’

Dr. Omar Bah fled to the United States in 2007 after he was declared wanted by former authoritarian ruler Yahya Jammeh, following his numerous anonymous publications on the oppressive regime’s murders and torture practices on an online news site called Freedom Newspaper, which was operated by a Gambian exile in the US.

He founded one of the leading socioeconomic development agencies in Rhode Island in 2015 called the Refugee Dream Center. The center, under his leadership, has created systems to mitigate the effects of poverty in Rhode Island among other things.

Meanwhile, Rhode Island Democratic candidate Seth Magaziner will now be facing off with Republican candidate Allan Fung in the general elections slated for November 8th.

By: Muhammed Lamin Drammeh

Ahmad Gitteh, a prominent member and supporter of the ruling National People’s Party (NPP), expressed concern over his fears that tribalism will completely destroy President Barrow’s NPP party amid the tribal sentiments that have been creeping in and causing issues within the party.

Gitteh, in a three-hour Facebook live, said he knows that there is a problem in the National People’s Party and that his biggest fear is the rearing of the ugly face of direct tribal attacks emanating from within the party, which are dangerous and will crumble the party.

“My biggest fear is that what happened to a lot of these parties, based on tribal sentiment, might get to NPP, and it will destroy us completely,” he asserted.

The outspoken politician, who publicly declared his ambition of contesting for the Brikama Area Council chairmanship, pointed out that the attack some of them received from party members is dangerous.

“I know, inside that political party, there is a problem. The reason some of us are being attacked in NPP is a dangerous one. This direct attack or target of people will not take our party forward. And the most dangerous of all the problems is what some people are trying to initiate at the party, and that is the nonsense fight on the tribal line. The fight is not based on tangible issues, but just because x belongs to this tribe, and I belong to this tribe and the belief that this particular tribe or ethnic group is supposed to own NPP. That is exactly what is happening. I know, when I get attacked, I know where they came from,” he revealed.

According to Gitteh,  he spoke to the Deputy Spokesperson of NPP who doubles as the Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, Seedy Njie to talk to those allegedly involved.

Ahmad Gitteh further revealed that, amidst the issues in the party, he heard information that some party members were involved in a physical confrontation.

He said that the NPP became a ruling party because they believed in diversity and that the Gambia can only go forward when Gambians stand as a diverse community.

Mr. Gitteh also repeatedly said that he is a founding member of the National People’s Party and is still a prominent member.

By: Modou Touray

Following reports of the Gambia winning a food security grant from the United States Department of Agriculture, the Farmers Platform, the Gambia urges the judicious use of the money to enhance the food production value chain instead of wasting money on flamboyant workshops and consultancy.

The grant is part of President Biden’s $2 billion additional funding to strengthen global food security, announced at the United Nations General Assembly.

The body representing grassroots farmers expressed concern that if the grant is misused it could defeat the purpose of ensuring that farmers produce enough food crops to ensure food security.

In an exclusive interview with the communication officer of the Farmer’s Platform, Mr Lamin L Fadera expressed gratitude to the government for their efforts in winning the huge grant which is beneficial for the development of the food value chain and agriculture in general.

“The awarding of USD28.5 million by the USA to improve Gambia’s food security program is indeed a welcoming one, and I hope it will be a turning point for improving agricultural production and productivity. USD 28 million can positively contribute to the Gambia’s food security struggle if it is properly utilized. We should graduate from developing and validating strategies and blueprints and focus on the practical implementation of the strategies to meet the food demand of the nation,” Mr Fadera said.

Mr Fadera further revealed that the amount will make no impact if it is spent on consultancy and meetings instead of production enhancement, research and technological enhancement to stabilize the production value chain. He says the attainment of the country’s food security could be quickly realized if the available resources are effectively utilized

“This fund should be used to develop the poultry sector, livestock, and rice production to stem the importation of the products and by-products of these sectors to attain food and nutrition security. Gambian farmers really appreciate the effort of the government towards mobilising the necessary resources for the development of agriculture and we shall continue to embrace programs and projects that are meaningful to ensuring food and nutrition security.”

“There are a lot of challenges still affecting Gambian farmers which must be solved. Vegetable gardening is challenging with animal intrusion, fertilizer and farming tools are not affordable to ordinary farmers and many other issues at hand. We must filter the money to the grassroots.”

Food security, according to experts, is the availability of sufficient food for the population of a particular locality. It’s often a result of effective agricultural practices which ensure that food crops are cultivated in abundance to avert shortages. It could be hampered by poor rainfall, disease outbreak and soil erosion.

In other to improve the incomes of farming households and eradicate hunger and poverty in the Gambia as promised by the President during his State of the Nation Address (SONA), the government was able to win an award from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) of $28.5 million to assist the country’s food security program.

By: Jankey Touray

For over twenty years, residents of Bakau Newtown have been seeking streetlights from the previous and present government and they have now renewed their calls for streetlights following recent killings in Bakau.

Streetlights are important mainly for safety or the feeling of safety. As humans are active during the day, they don’t have good sight in the dark and rely on their awareness of the environment mainly on sight. Darkness creates fear in humans, the modern source for feeling fear is the danger of being attacked or met with accidents.

The beauty of every town is the lights glistening at night, brightening every street, where everyone lives safely and comfortably. In Bakau Newtown, it’s a different case.

According to residents, many unreported cases occur within the vicinity, yet the government or rightful authorities failed to come to their assistance.

Sanneh, a resident who lost her son within the area, urges the government to provide streetlights to avoid certain occurrences.

“I lost my 7-year son on St’s album launching, the fence of the stadium fell on him during the night of the program and people didn’t see him until the next day in the morning when the women gardeners were headed to the gardens. If there was a streetlight, my son would have been safe, probably someone would have seen and rescued him before his death,” Mrs. Sanneh grieved.

Naba Touray, also a resident, explains her encounter with a taxi driver she booked for a ‘towntrip’ from Senegambia.

“I was coming from a friend’s birthday late at night and I decided to take a taxi from Senegambia to Bakau around the stadium. Upon arrival at the junction going to the stadium from traffic lights, the driver stopped and pull out a knife, he asked for my handbag and mobile phone and ask me to go home by myself since my house is not far from there,” said MS. Touray.

She pointed out that she fears going even to the shop because there is no streetlight and the area is very dark at night, and also pleaded to the government to provide them with streetlights and for there to be a police checkpoint around that area since many were assaulted and killed there.

Babucarr Baldeh raises concern over the place, saying people were familiar and used to that place during those days and even at night people would be going for a stroll, especially couples and pregnant ladies and others would go jogging. No one felt afraid.

“That area has been a place of relaxation, but with the recent happenings, the killings and robberies, people are so afraid to go around that end. The place is now very isolated, and you know an isolated and dark place is not safe to go. You know before, despite there being no light, it was safe compared to now especially after the kinds of reports coming from there,” Baldeh said.

He urges the government to consider the area and put lights on the street, claiming that crimes will reduce within that territory.

Aunty Ramou Trawally, in her mid-fifties, affirms that the area has been dark ever since she moved there.

“I spent at least more than three decades here and to this day, there have not been attempts to bring us streetlights despite our demands. Even the supported streetlights at Bertel Harding highways are usually off, it is only recently that a young man bought solar lights for our street and the car pack put lamps. At least, that helps reduce the fear,” Mrs. Trawally emphasized.

Trawally pleaded to the authorities to consider providing them with streetlights, saying Bakau has the country’s only stadium and that there is a need for streetlight. Adding that it’s a shame for the only stadium to be without lights surrounding it as it is where most of these heinous crimes occur.

By: Modou Touray

The National Chairperson of the Association of the Physically Challenged, Mr Edward Preirra, has said lack of employment and financial support forced most of the physically challenged persons to street begging.

In an exclusive interview with The Fatu Network, Mr Preirra said financial support and embracing physically challenged people are crucial in order for them to live a dignified life, saying disability is ordained by God and that disabled people’s rights must be protected.

“Most of the people who beg around the market area and the town is as a result of the inability to get a source of earning for their livelihood. The physically challenged mostly don’t secure permanent employment. People who are formally registered with my association are not part of the beggars.”

According to Mr Preirra, the Association of the Physically Challenged offers skills training to their registered members and periodically gives loans to support their businesses.

Employment most generally means the state of having a paid job—of being employed. To employ someone is to pay them to work. An employer employs an employee or employees. Employment can also refer to the act of employing people, In the case of physically challenged persons, their employment chances are minimal.

“We believe that each human being deserves a dignified life and can contribute meaningfully to development. Their inability to do regular duties does not mean that they are worthless. It’s important to uplift their socio-economic status in a view to making them independent.”

He called for all physically challenged persons to join their association which to a larger extent will provide a way for them to sustain themselves.

“As an association, we don’t promote street begging, although we cannot totally eradicate it, but we can minimize it. we can train them in soap making, tailoring and or skills to support their families. It will be difficult to stop it. What we can do is to find alternative means of earning for our members.”

The Association of the Physically Challenged is a body under the Association of the Disabled which is an umbrella body of all forms of disabilities.

With the enactment of the disability bill 2021, Mr Preirra is optimistic that issues of persons with disability will be handled.

Physically challenged can be natural or inflicted through circumstances on persons which render their physical strength incapable of performing regular activities or work.

“Some of them are into small business such as shoe selling, and others are even in school to further their education. If they are educated well, they will be able to get better employment.”

The Association of Physically Challenged persons believes that in order for them to fight for their rights, it’s tactical for them to form a unified body to brainstorm on issues affecting them and the way forward.

Physically Challenged means any individual with a physical disability. The plight of the physically challenged persons and all other forms of disabilities still remains a challenge forcing a number of them to street begging.

By: Ousman Saidykhan

Chairperson of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) Emmanuel D. Joof has expressed concern over the increasing murder cases that have now become a point of discussion in almost all parts of the country, saying his institution is concerned about such incidents.

“But of course, as an institution mandated to promote and protect human rights; we are very concerned. Because the rise in crime, as it is reported, is very concerning to everybody. If we do not feel safe, then there is a problem. And our job is to create a better society,” the NHRC Chair told this medium.

Gambians at home and abroad have been voicing their concerns over the recent murder cases which some of them believed to have been an unprecedented situation in the country; calling for the tightening of what they see as a loose security.

The police have confirmed at least six (6) murder cases in September alone including the murder of a 19-year-old boy in Sanchaba-Sulay Jobe – the most recent one among the six. If this number looks small to anyone; the fact is, it is big to the people of the Gambia, a country that has a population of a little over 2 million people.

“We hope that the police will step up because the incidents of crime are increasing. There is increase in theft; there is increase in assault and even murder cases. So, we are worried and then we have taken things up with the authorities,” Mr. Joof added.

NHRC is established to promote and protect human rights in the country. The independent institution also monitors and investigates human rights violation.

By: Dawda Baldeh

Mamour Mbenga alias Kifa Barham, the Chief Executive Officer of Africa Citizen Radio and President of Dolphin Stars Football Club, has finished in second position in a six-month Football Business and HR from the University of Valley View (VVU) Accra, Ghana in partnership with Linked Sport Business College.

Kifa as widely known, left for Ghana in March to attend his program as the only student from the Gambia in the mix of different students from other West African nations.

The course program is an advanced foundation level aimed to equip the graduates with the understanding and knowledge needed for sports marketing, branding, administration, communication among others.

Speaking to this medium, Kifa said he was excited to be the only Gambian student in the middle of other “World Football Icons” as he came second in the course.

The young football administrator said he intends to give back to the country and work effectively with all stakeholders in the sporting industry especially the football industry.

The course also offers the participants the opportunity to work with athletes, clubs and sporting bodies as well as set professional standards for the participants to coordinate the operation and activities of sporting bodies.

“This will create specialised knowledge and the skillset to manage football business activities and understanding of the wider football industry and stakeholders involved. Sports, in general, has a huge economic benefit for contributors and stakeholders,” he explained.

He added, “my goals and passion are to give back to my country. To share the skillset in order to professionalize our football industry and create the parachute avenue for our athletes to benefit and participate in the international football arena.”

Mr. Mbenga also noted that he will continue to support implemented projects, especially at the grassroot level, conduct trainings in the following professional areas and create room for improvement for clubs and athletes’ careers, he reiterated.

The course modules include Sports First Aid, Sports Finance, Children Save Guarding, Laws of the Game, Sports Administration, Contract Negotiation, Branding and Marketing Segmentation among other areas.

Kifa, the CEO of Dolphin Stars, is currently part of a group of young potential sports stakeholders within the continent. A newly established project named Africa Sports Agency (ASA) is established to support and Promote African football to the wider world through organizing trainings, development programs for athletes and marketing platforms through digital media networks.

He described himself as “an agent of change”, adding that he is willing to work with everyone for the development of the country.

“Thanks, I was even the only Gambian in the course program out of 26 students from different countries. I was scared cause I shared a class with sports icons and people with strong sporting backgrounds but as we know Gambians are blessed.”

Valley View University is ranked 7th out of 70 universities and colleges in Ghana.

Mbenga took second position out of 26 participants from eleven countries.

By: Haddy Ceesay

Vendors at Serrekunda Market who sell mint leaves locally known as “nana” have expressed to this medium the challenges they encounter daily in earning a living.

They told The Fatu Network that the lack of enough space at the market is the reason they take the risk to sell their goods by sitting along the busy main road where vehicles ply.

Mariama Njie, a vendor, said selling “nana” is the only business they do for a living.

“It’s what we depend on to feed our families. We don’t have a particular selling location as where we currently sit is part of the road,” she said.

She added that the spot is not safe for them, but they however sell their goods there because they have no options. “We want to have a safe place where we “nana” vendors can sit and sell.”

Isatou Jeiteh, another vendor, disclosed that she wakes up as early as 6am to go to the market to sell, but she hardly gets a place to sit and sell.

“I pay my children’s school fees from this small business. If I don’t sell, who will pay their school fees?” she asked.

She urged the Kanifing Municipal Council (KMC) to provide them a place, saying that the roadside they are using to sell is risky.

Fatou Touray said the lack of space in the market warrants her to sell along the roadside.

“It’s not my choice to sit along the roadside to sell. It is just that I don’t have a space. Sometimes, we even have push and pull with drivers because that is where they (drivers) do ply.

We are calling on authorities to provide us a space to sell our goods,” she concluded

Mint leaf is a popular ingredient in several foods and beverages, ranging from tea and alcoholic drinks to sauces, salad and dessert. In most African countries, people put it in green tea (ataya). It is said to have health benefits.

By: Muhammed Lamin Drammeh

Madi Jobarteh, a human rights activist and the country representative of Westminster Foundation, has said he is startled that political parties and Civil Society Organizations have not reacted to Malagen’s story about Securiport’s contract with the Gambia Government, noting that Gambians like talking but do not want change.

Last week, Malagen broke a story detailing how the Barrow government and the US-based company went into a contract that has, over a few years, cost the government a whopping D274 million in economic losses. This contract was reported to have violated public procurement and finance rules.

Madi, who is known for writing about a variety of pressing issues in the country, said no political party has even issued a statement condemning Securiport or gone to court.

“But the most shocking is the fact that seven days after the Malagen story, no political party and CSO found it necessary to react to it officially. Until today, no party has issued any statement or written to the government to seek answers or gone to court to stop it, nor asked their members to protest at this blatantly illegal act hatched at the highest level of the state. Yet, these political parties indeed claim they are interested in improving the lives of Gambians,” he wrote.

The human rights activist said he has now concluded that Gambians like to talk about change, but they do not want change.

“How can one explain the total silence and calm by the political parties, CSOs, and citizens in general at the utter mismanagement and plunder of this country by the government since 2017 to date?”, he asked.

Madi further took on the political parties for not reacting to President Barrow’s state of the nation address. He equally said that President Barrow’s State of the Nation Address last week was illegal according to the National Assembly standing orders.

“In the first place, the SONA was illegal according to the standing orders of the National Assembly, which required it to be delivered between January and March. September is not the beginning of the legislative year; hence it is not the appropriate time for SONA.

“That aside, the president did not, in fact, address the state of the nation at all,” he alluded.

Madi highlighted that since 2017, the Gambia has been on the wrong path but the political parties, CSOs and the general citizens continue to allow the government to be as it likes, saying Gambians like to be misused and abused.

“One needs to look at the litany of issues to accept the fact that indeed Gambians holler about change with slogans, we indeed do not want change. We love to be continuously misused, abused, and discarded,” he claimed

By: Modou Touray

Residents of Farafenni have expressed dissatisfaction over the presence of a cattle farm occupying a busy residential area. They said the farm is a threat to their children who play around and poses an environmental hygiene challenge and discomfort as scattered cow dung (faeces) attracts flies.

Most of the nearby residents who spoke to this medium admitted that the cattle farm should be relocated to make the environment safe and hygienic for residents, especially little children.

“Flies are too many here because of the presence of the cattle farm. Anytime, you pass by files follow you. It’s really a nuisance to residents. They should understand and move to a faraway place with their cattle. It’s a matter of dialogue because cattle farm is not suitable amid people,” Bakary Ceesay asserted.

Another resident, Ndey Marong, stressed on the challenges posed by the cattle in the community.

“Sweeping in the morning is always difficult because of the scattered cattle faeces and flies. This is very unhygienic to the environment. If you have 2-5 cattle, that is understandable, but we are talking of more than 30 cattle. They have to be relocated to an isolated bush.”

According to Ebrima Gano, a community teacher, “The cattle at one time nearly attacked a child who was playing around their farm. Imagine a 3-year-child who was crawling towards the cattle, not knowing whether the animals are dangerous or not.”

The owner of the cattle farm, Ansu Camara, highlighted that lack of animal track and proper grazing is hindering the expansion of his farm.

“Women are always complaining anytime I move with the cattle for grazing. The cattle tracks are virtually blocked and access route to the bush is occupied by gardens and residential settlements.”

He said he has been occupying the piece of land for more than 20 years at the time the farm was a bit distanced from residents. “Many people move to resettle around my farm and many pieces of land were sold. It’s challenging but I have to endure,” he said.

The ward councillor for the Farafenni Ward, Papa Tunkara, noted that the Council is not responsible for allocating land to cattle farmers for them to relocate.

“If you see people complain, it’s because of development. Those who cannot be patient with him have to complain. There are bushes in the nearby villages and empty crop farmlands. He can move with his cattle there. In fact, many crop farmers need cattle to settle on their lands to enrich soil nutrients.

When contacted for his reaction, the president of the National Livestock Owners Association, Mr. Ebrima Jallow, asserted that there was a cattle track and grazing area around that vicinity which he claimed was sold, making difficulties for the cattle farmers.

Mr Jallow appealed to unhappy residents to be patient and says all blames should not be squarely on the cattle farmer for the fact that local authorities fail to cater for the plights of cattle farmers.

By: Alimatou S Bajinka

Leader of the Gambia Moral Congress (GDC) party, Mama Kandeh, has said the Ministry of Health should do more clarifications on the making of the new e-birth certificate as he believes the process to be “fishy”.

“It is good to introduce a digitalisation system but how the ministry is carrying out the process is fishy, that is why I am calling on them for more clarification on the processes of the new birth certificate.”

He claimed that an Alkalo’s attestation and a paper from a Chief can grant one a birth certificate, while your parents’ documents are requested in getting a passport and an ID, saying that this is a form of denying citizens their right.

Kandeh also warned the Gambian citizens to be conscious of their information.

“I want the Gambians to be mindful. This is a sensitive area; your identity card, your passport and your national identity card were all printed by your authorities with their machines, you went through processes before you can be granted an ID, passport and birth certificate.

There will come a day in this country when they put a document before you and ask you to vote on the referendum, majority of The Gambians will vote no but you will be overcome by non-Gambian voters. Let’s be mindful.”

He said they have no problem with introducing a digitalised system, but it should start with people that are holding national documents, both identity cards and passports.

He calls on the Ministry of Health for proper clarification before he could go for the new birth certificate.

“Am calling on the Ministry of Health to come out and clarify, until then I reserved myself and anybody that pays heed to my words. In fact, if they cannot clarify the process they should stop for now or look for people with valid documents and make a birth certificate for them and health insurance. I want the Ministry of Health to clearly state their aims regarding the new birth certificate,” he stressed.

He alleged that the health ministry created a market for a few individuals and started attaching fees to the new birth certificate asking people to pay D300 to D500.

“What are we trying to introduce, he asked.