By: Dawda Baldeh

Badou SM Conteh, lawyer of Cruise Ship Crew Gambia, has expressed his disappointment over the conduct of some Gambians whom he said have absconded while on deployment abroad.

Cruise Ship Crew Gambia is a company that recruits young Gambians to work as crew members abroad American Cruise Ship Companies as well as offer skills training to young people, who if successful in the process, will be employed to work for the cruise ship companies globally.

The company employs waiters, restaurant stewards, cooks, laundry attendants, gallery utility, storekeepers, cleaners, as well as other positions such as security, photographers among others.

Recently, the company is said to have employed approximately three hundred (300) Gambians who are now work as crew members abroad.

The operation of Cruise Ship is seen to many young people in the country as an opportunity for them to travel abroad and work in luxurious places without embarking on irregular migration.

However, many people who have been recruited and are waiting deployment are now living in fear of being rejected by the US Embassy as some have already been rejected. This comes after some crew members absconded.

Lawyer Badou SM Conteh described the absconding of people as ‘bad behaviour’ that can tarnish the image of The Gambia.

“We are not happy at all, and this is a very bad behavior. It will not only spoil the chance for others, but it will also tarnish the reputation of the country.

If you don’t want to work in the crew that’s fine, but don’t use the crew as opportunity for traveling to America or other countries,” he emphasized.

He said the rate of unemployment in the country is very high, adding that the government cannot employ everyone.

“We all know how costly it is to get US Visa, but with the crew ship, the Embassy is charging only fifteen thousand dalasi (D15, 000),” Badou disclosed.

The Cruise Ship lawyer urged Gambian youths to stay away from absconding while on mission abroad, adding that lot of efforts were made to bring the Cruise Ship in the country.

Mr. Conteh disclosed that they have not rejected anyone except those who were once rejected by the Embassy due to fraud in visa application.

“The President has also help seventy-two people (72) to be trained on sea tracking which is a fundamental requirement for every employee. Currently, he sent us a list of two hundred people who will be trained and employed in the cruise ship. He (President Barrow) told me that he is supporting the process to minimize the rate of unemployment,” said Badou Conteh.

Badou said as part of his efforts to help young Gambians, he has paid for medical test for many people who are currently working aboard in different ships.

“I have seen many people insulting me on social media. This is not necessary. From now on, we are going to bond everyone who will be employed in the ships. Before, the bonding was free but now they have to pay,” he added.

According to an anonymous source, the cruise ship jobs are paying well and changing the lives of those they employ.

“My friend is already working on the ship in America, and he is getting very good salary. Last week, I was rejected visa due to the actions of those who keep absconding.”

He urged people to stop absconding to preserve the opportunity for other Gambians.

By: Alimatou S Bajinka

Mama Kandeh, Gambia Democratic Congress (GDC) standard flagbearer has said President Adama Barrow has the powers to immediately end the recent surge in crimes that have gripped the country and put citizens into terror while also saying that 90% of the information the President receives is very much likely to be fake.

The GDC party leader made these claims during a press conference on Wednesday 21st September 2022 at Boabab Hotel, while condemning the recent crime rates, among them, the gruesome murder cases in the country.

He said the President has the power to change the country’s current situation.

“He has the powers to stop this immediately (rising murder cases). The peace and stability we were having in this country are fought for and brought in this country by the Gambians, and that same Gambians are still here. Where is the problem? We changed presidency, we have security personnel to protect the life and properties of the people, they are here, we wanted a new President, we have it, then what is the problem?” he questioned.

“Somebody somewhere is not fulfilling his obligations,” he added

Mr Kandeh, speaking about the president’s way of communication with the citizens, said HE President Adama Barrow should not talk information at a face value.

“He should not sit in his office and be fed with information then he just believed and consumed it. I can say that 90% of the information he receives might be fake because I do not believe that he would want to see people being killed left, right, and centre of the country and do nothing about it.”

The opposition leader urges the government to equip and monitor power holders for the safety of the country.

“The President should call on those he entrusted with the country’s security, there are people causing more harm than good. Come out, do the needful, and care less about criticism because the lives and properties of the Gambians matter.

If need be, use the Gambia Armed Forces with the Police for security because security should not be compromised. Equip the security force for the safety of our nation,” he concluded.

The Ministry of Transport, Works and Infrastructure on Tuesday 20^th September 2022 signed a 50million dalasis Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), with The Gambia Armed Forces for the relocation of services such as water pipes, electrical poles and cables for the 50 kilometers roads of the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC), project.

The signing ceremony which was held at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Center in Bijilo, was witnessed by Honourable Ebrima Sillah, Minister for Transport, Works and Infrastructure, Honourable Abba Sanyang, Minister for Lands, Abdou Jobe, Minister for Petroleum, Momodou Senghore, Managing Director of The National Roads Authority, Major General, Mam Matarr Secka, Deputy Chief of Defence Staff and other senior government officials.

In an exclusive interview with Matarr Ceesay, Director of Technical Services, Ministry of Transport, Works and Infrastructure, said the signing of the memorandum of understanding between the Ministry of Transport, Works and Infrastructure and the Gambia Armed Forces, would go a long way in complementing government efforts in making sure that the OIC project is completed within the stipulated time frame.

“This initiative was actually spearheaded by the Honourable Minister Ebrima Sillah himself as a way of helping and manage the cost of relocation of services which has been one of the main challenges of the 50 kilometers OIC roads project. It will also help to capitalize the skills of the Gambia Armed Forces as they are having an engineering unit,” he said.

According to him, this is an opportunity to engage the military as they have been lacking such to be fully engage in such a national development project.

“We have 20 roads under this project. We will start with the priority areas which is Brufut, Kanifing and other areas like Kotu, Sukuta and Old Jeshwang. They will help with the relocation of water and electricity poles, foundations and other related issues. They will be under the supervision of Nawec,” he said. The contract is expected to end in 12 months.

By: Lamin Njie

Ministry of Transport

Ebrima Sawaneh, Group Chief Operating Officer of Arise Ports & Logistics, has received The National Order of the Côte d’Ivoire from the Ivorian Prime Minister. The honorary award of Ivorian knighthood (Chevalier de l’Ordre National) was presented to Mr Sawaneh on behalf of the President during the inauguration of a new seaport terminal in San Pedro city.

The inauguration took place Wednesday, September 14, 2022, in the presence of His Excellency Mr. Patrick Achi, Prime Minister and Head of Government. Also present were Mr. Amadou Koné, Minister of Transport, Mr. Amédée Koffi, Minister of Equipment and Road Maintenance, Mr. Hilaire Lamizana, Director General of the Autonomous Port of San Pedro, Mr. Gagan Gupta, Founder and CEO of Arise and Ms. Roselyne Chambrier-Chalobah, CEO of Arise Ivoire.

Arise developed and financed a new multipurpose industrial terminal in San Pedro, which represents an unprecedented growth opportunity for the country and the region, especially for the mining economic operators. A total investment of EUR173 million was made into this terminal, of which Ebrima led the team that raised EUR90 million from international banks.

Arise Ports & Logistics is a developer of port and logistics ecosystems that designs, creates, finances, and develops interconnected infrastructures with their integrated logistics services. The group consists of 3 port assets spread over 2 countries: Gabon and Côte d’Ivoire. In each country where Arise P&L is present, its mission is to support the growth of local economies, create jobs and transfer its skills to the national workforce.

Ebrima Sawaneh, said:

“I am truly humbled by this recognition. Growing up in Saruja Village, the Gambia, I had many dreams and inspirations, but I never thought I would receive a knighthood from the government of Côte d’Ivoire. It is a great privilege to receive this award and an honour to work with many outstanding talents in & outside Arise Group. This recognition is also for my colleagues, board of directors, investors and business partners, and I would like to thank each of them for their commitment to the Arise mission. I am also grateful to my family for their support in enabling me to pursue a career.”

Since joining Arise two years ago, Ebrima has led the finance division of the port & logistics group and was given additional responsibility as the chief operating officer in April 2022. Prior to Arise, he was a vice president of finance in Africa Finance Corporation.

Alongside leading Arise, Ebrima is also driving skill development in the Gambia through Finance Leadership Forum, where he serves as the President. He is also an author and blogger and often writes about personal development, personal finance and small business management with the primary goal of supporting young Gambians.

Addressing a forum on Tuesday, 20th September on mobilising climate financing on the sidelines of the ongoing UN General Assembly in New York, President Barrow said countries should raise investments and focus on saving and protecting lives, and the ecosystems.

The President cited the recent floods as ‘one of the worst’ in The Gambia’s history, which affected more than 50,000 people due to the country’s one-meter rise in sea level. He added that the rise could submerge 50% of the city, including the country’s only deep-water seaport.

‘’As the impact of climate change could cost developing countries between 1% and 5% of their GDP annually, it is imperative to raise investments and focus on saving and protecting lives and ecosystems.”  President Barrow detailed.

He added that climate financing is a challenge for many developing countries and investing in it could create difficult options for many Africans.  “Countries like The Gambia would have to forgo investments in poverty reduction and other development priorities to shift attention to climate action.’’ President Barrow stated.

Highlighting how The Gambia has shown leadership and taken a progressive position on climate action, the President said the country has increased budgetary allocation to address, particularly climate adaptation, resilience and mitigation. He added that the focus is now on mobilising private sector investment to cater for the urgent mitigation needs, especially in renewable energy.

While stating that The Gambia will be the host country of mitigation projects aimed at protecting the planet, President Barrow solicited international support to realistically implement the Climate Change Long Term Strategy 2050.

The President raised several concerns including the provision of long-term predictable funding that allows for capacity development, and risk integration, and promotes climate finance for gender-responsive climate actions, as well as effective and equitable finance delivery.

He also observed that international climate finance entities, especially multilateral funds, should revisit their procedures and policies, and prioritise the needs of developing countries.

Media Release

Office of the President

State House, Banjul

21st September 2022

By: Dawda Baldeh

The father of a 17-year-old minor, who is alleged to have killed his 19-year-old friend yesterday at Sanchaba-Sulay Jobe, has stated that he has not been able to observe prayers since the incident occurred, saying he doesn’t know how to face the community.

Speaking to The Fatu Network, the father of the minor suspected to have committed the crime described it as shocking.

“Since yesterday I don’t know what to do. I haven’t gone for prayer at the mosque since the incident occurred. Everyone knows how frequent I go to the mosque. But now I don’t know how to face the community,” he narrated with tears.

Lamin Touray (not his real name) said he has been in the community for over two decades but has never had any issues with anyone.

“I see them all as my children (his son the alleged perpetrator and the victim). I don’t know how to face the family because we are very close. This has put me into a very difficult situation, and I don’t think it will end well with me,” he lamented.

He further urged the family of the victim to forgive him. “I am praying for Allah to forgive the dead and grant him Jannatul Firdaws.

“To the family, I am urging them to forgive me. I have never had any issue with anyone in the community but being a father is not easy”.

“This is never my wish and it’s shocking. I take it as a test from Allah and I hope the family will forgive me.”

The incident which occurred at midnight on Monday involving a minor has been described as shocking by an eyewitness.

The suspected perpetrator, alleged to have stabbed his 19-year-old friend to death, is currently under police custody.

By: Alimatou S Bajinka    

A garden that is said to employ over 304 women gardeners in Tujereng is said to be in a bad shape since the devasting July flashflood caused by heavy downpour. The flood caused erosion leading to the destruction of crops and vegetables. Stagnant water still spreads everywhere.

A garden of 219 by 145 meters employed over 304 women gardeners. It is the sole source of livelihood for the women.

Currently, there are no ongoing gardening activities due to the stagnant water in the fields.

Madam Manjie Sonko, the Garden Committee chairperson said the situation of the garden has affected them in every way.

“The vegetable gardeners are suffering economically. Schools have reopened and we have to pay fees and buy new shoes, bags and uniforms for our children. We now find it challenging to do such because our only source of income is destroyed.”

She said the garden also serves as a place where women meet, share ideas and chat about pertinent issues concerning the community, noting that they now have nowhere to go or a place to sit and discuss.

Madam Sonko added that walking from the community to the garden is the only exercise some of them do on a daily basis, a movement he said is crucial to their health and wellbeing.

The women gardeners seek support from all to save there means of livelihood.

“We solicit support from all government agencies, NGOs and philanthropists to help build a drainage system so that the excess water can be drained from the field to facilitate gardening activities,” Sonko pleaded.

The Gambia Investment and Export Promotion Agency (GIEPA) continues to experience remarkable strides in attracting investment to Gambia. The promotional agency over the past five years has experienced a net investment portfolio of one hundred and fifty-four million dollars (US$154m) and created over two thousand two hundred and seventy-four jobs (2,274).

The investments were injected by thirty (39) companies in manufacturing, agriculture, tourism, fisheries amongst other areas of productive returns to the Gambian economy.

As per its strategic vision, the agency will be aided with an entrepreneurship development fund this year to help cottage industries and businesses thrive with a soft revolving loan scheme. This additional but new initiative is hatched by the Trade Ministry, and in the coming years will see GIEPA serve as secretariat to a trust committee already formed to manage the scheme.

The development is amongst the many other initiatives GIEPA is working on to promote and create more investment opportunities for the country’s teeming entrepreneur ecosystem.

President Barrow in his 2022 State opening of parliament reaffirmed his government’s commitment to help GIEPA create more investment opportunities for more job creation to Gambians.

By: Muhammed Lamin Drammeh

The National Assembly Member for Janjangbureh, Honorable Omar Jammeh, was today 20th September, denied by the speaker of the house, Hon. Fabakary Tombong Jatta from addressing the per diem case which involved the wife of the sports minister, Bakary Y. Badjie, while he was debating the President’s state of the nation address.

Jammeh, who was an active youth leader, said he won’t end his debate on the President’s speech about youth and sports without expressing his disappointment over the per diem allocated to sports minister Bakary Badjie’s wife, which he said, is a public fund.

“I cannot conclude youth and sports without registering my disappointment with the Honorable Minister. I was on social media to show my disappointment about him about the allowances that were allocated to his wife, even though he was out there on the media to say that it was an oversight; it was a mistake, he sought advice from….”

At this point, he was interrupted by Bilal G. Tunkara, the majority leader who raised the issue that what Jammeh is saying was out of order.

“The minister’s travel to Commonwealth Games or the UK has never reflected in the president’s speech. He added that such an issue can be debated later.

It was at this point that Fabakary Tombong Jatta spoke as the speaker to make a ruling on the point raised by Hon. Tunkara. He ruled that Hon. Omar Jammeh’s point is out of order.

“I think this is out of order, to be honest. You have a right to speak about issues as it pertains to whatever you called them. But in this specific issue, I think this is out of order”, the speaker ruled. The persistent Janjanbureh NAM, who was not happy with the ruling, told the house he cannot continue his debate without reflecting on the statement of President Barrow on the success registered at the Commonwealth Games in London.

“It is clearly stated by the president the successes registered in the Commonwealth games, so why are you denying me from speaking?” Hon. Jammeh asked the speaker.

He then insisted: “Mr Speaker, I will still continue to speak about the allowances allocated to the minister’s wife, which was a public fund.”

At this point, FTJ, gave out a final warning to Honorable Jammeh not to talk about the sports minister’s wife allowance saga.

The disappointed NAM then unwillingly unwind his case but questioned the importance of the parliament.

“Honorable Speaker, I will rest my case specifically on the minister seated here (Bakary Y. Badjie), but I will continue to say that corruption is at its peak in the Gambia. Here is the platform that we have to share our views. Not only our views but the views of the electorates. So, if I should be condemned to speak about those trending issues that are affecting our daily lives, I will still want to question the use of this august parliament,” he remarked as he shifted the debate to tourism.

The National Assembly is currently debating President Barrow’s State of the Nation’s Address.

The 77th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).

The president of The Republic of The Gambia, His Excellency President Adama Barrow joined other world leaders in New York to grace the event.

By: Jankey Touray

Crime in the Gambia has been on the rise recently and this has been a major concern among citizens and tourists; robbery, rape and brutal killings have become the other of the day and making news headlines daily.

Many believe that the use of drugs, lack of security, and parental home training for the youth are among the major causes of high crime rates.

Cadet Assistant Superintendent Binta Njie in an interview with TFN said another issue for the increase in crime is lack of community cooperation as sometimes people will commit offences and run to hide in houses where they would be harboured instead of turning them in to the authorities. In fact, sometimes they would fight the officers at the scene.

“I think the first thing I would talk about when it comes to societal contributions to crimes would be playing our roles as parents and guardians to ensure that our children are law-abiding, most of these crimes occurring are related to people being armed in public. These people coming from homes, I am sure someone somewhere would know that they are either armed or have the intention to do certain things, even in cases where they don’t know when this crime is committed, they are harboured in homes,” Cadet ASP Njie said.

Mrs. Njie explained that people overstepping or trespassing at crime scenes is also a major issue affecting the work of the authorities. She also said most of these offences are domestic, and when the crime happens, crime scene photos are leaked before the police arrived at the scene because people are already on the ground which makes their investigation complicated and sometimes incriminates innocent people.

Cadet Njie said it is because of the new police policy of being transparent and forthcoming with information when asked what changed as crimes seem to be on the rise, saying crimes have been committed under our noses but because they were not reported, people thought they were not happening.

By: Alimatou S Bajinka

Hon. Lamin Ceesay, National Assembly Member (NAM) for Kiang West Constituency has said, in allocating scholarship, priority should be given to children of ordinary Gambians who struggle to earn a living and not the children of those who have in abundance.

“We have so many dropouts in the country because their parents can’t afford tuition fees. We should desist from prioritizing the children of ministers and other high-profile government officials.”

On enhancing discipline in learning institutions, Hon. Ceesay said, even though corporal punishment is unacceptable, other forms of disciplinary measures should be strictly enforced in schools to make sure students concentrate and learn in order to brighten the country’s future.

He stressed that The Gambia educational system should be looked at, saying that the country continues to register mass failure in external exams.

The lawmaker also elaborated on the status of higher education in the country which he said needs highly competent people to impact learning.

“The Gambia College should be scrutinized and make sure they enrol people that can provide quality education to the students to make sure the country’s educational system is improved,” he said.

In another development in the ongoing parliamentary debate on President Barrow’s State of the Nation Address (SONA), Hon. Gibril Mballo, NAM for Lower Fuladu West said claims of numerous expenditures in the agricultural sector have been made but that the result is not reflected in the farms or produces, especially in the rural Gambia where farming is a crucial source of livelihood.

Kebba K. Barrow, NAM for Kombo South, urged ministers and heads of government departments and agencies to be present at the National Assembly to hear from NAMs as they debate the recently delivered SONA by President Barrow. This he said can help them in effectively running their ministries, departments and agencies.

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