By: Muhammed Lamin Drammeh

The National Youth Secretary of the opposition United Democratic Party (UDP), Kemo Bojang, has called on President Adama Barrow to save taxpayers money by not travelling to the United Kingdom with a delegation to pay homage to Queen Elizabeth II, who died yesterday September 8^th, 2022; citing that the Gambia High commissioner in The UK can do that for the government amid the eroding living conditions of Gambians.

The UDP’s youth leader said this following President Barrow’s condolence message for the longest-serving British Monarch, Queen Elizabeth II.

“The condolence message that the government sent is okay. If there is a need to go for the funeral, they can just designate the High Commissioner, who is a representative of the government,” he pointed out.

Mr. Bojang underscored that the country is faced with pressing issues, including floods that have affected families. He added that the living conditions of average Gambians are deteriorating.

“Living conditions are deteriorating. There is no need for the president to go there or represent with a contingent; to be paid per Diem and to buy air tickets to represent the people of the Gambia. The High Commissioner Fatou Bom Bensuda will be able to be a great representative for the people of the Gambia,” he argued.

According to him, this will save taxpayers money, and it will be put into something useful that will be beneficial to Gambians.

He called on the President to evaluate his call and not travel with a delegation to the United Kingdom for the funeral.

“I hope he considers this because this will be taxpayers’ saving mechanism where the money of poor taxpayers like Gambians, will be saved and used in meaningful things, and it will also stop people from per diem hunting which will cost the Gambia government more,” he explained.

Queen Elizabeth II, the longest British Monarch, died at age 96.  She was the Gambia’s Queen from February 1965 to April 1970, when the late Sir Dawda Jawara was serving as the Gambia’s Prime Minister.

By: Sarjo Brito

Nine months after Gambia’s Presidential election, which saw the re-election of President Barrow, GDC National Youth President MC Cham Jnr. said he is urging former GDC supporters who were said to have been induced by the NPP during last year’s election to return home.

MC Cham, a staunch supporter of the purple party, also accused President Barrow and his National People’s Party of instilling fear in the minds of the people that voting for a GDC/UDP government will bring about segregation.

”Fear was instilled in most of the people who left the opposition because they were made to believe that voting for GDC will strengthen the UDP and that if UDP wins, Fulas and Wollofs will be asked to leave this country.”

“We have all seen the direction this country is headed. There is no development whatsoever. We are all seeing what is happening in our hospitals. Our children are dying, and our women are succumbing to unnecessary birth complications. Agriculture, which used to be one of the backbones of this country’s economy, is suffering huge challenges. So, if you are a GDC supporter or a son of The Gambia who loves this country, we are opening our arms to welcome you back to the party to continue the job we started so we can alleviate the suffering of the Gambian people.’’

MC said Barrow’s government should be ready to tackle the country’s development challenges head-on. He said seeing beggars in the streets begging for food to eat is a cause for concern as he fears of a looming hunger crisis because of the current state of the economy.

“This is why we told Gambians to be careful during the campaign period. This is what we saw. Gambians must start looking beyond tribal politics and positions in government if we want to move this country forward. This must be removed from our politics if we want to see a difference.’’

The leader of the Gambia Democratic Congress, Honourable Mama Kandeh lost to President Barrow in last year’s Presidential election. The Jimara native rejected the results of the election and refused to congratulate the Gambian leader on his win. Kandeh said the Presidential election was marred with irregularities.

By: Modou Touray

Dembo Keita is a final year student at the School of Education, University of The Gambia. He majors in agriculture. As a way of putting his ‘book knowledge’ into practical, he contemplated on establishing a nursery agrobusiness. Mr Keita took advantage of the fertile land in his locality and embarked on the said agric venture. While focusing on the completion of his university education, Dembo decided to travel to his native village of Wuli Sutukonding in the Upper River Region in pursuit of his dream.

“This idea emerged as a result of my interest in biodiversity conservation. I was born and grew up in a community where most of the population use wood for cooking, construction, and other activities. These acts are increasingly negatively impacting the environment, leading to drought, erosion and loss of our rich biodiversity and ecosystem services.”

He justified the production of seedlings of fruit trees for the fact that vegetables and fruits supply essential minerals and vitamins that are very essential for our health, however, access to fresh vegetable or fruit products is a serious challenge in the Upper River Region.

“Most of the products are imported from neighbouring Senegal. They are mostly available in February, March and April. The supply is very limited in these three months as those living in the North Bank of Upper River region have limited or no access to these valuable products.”

Mr Keita said he came up with this idea to help address the severe environmental challenges that his region is currently facing, and the lack of adequate fresh vegetables and fruits to enhance the dietary need of his people and the country at large.

“If I am able to fence the garden and have a borehole, I can produce more than fifty thousand seedlings or  trees of different species.”

We will supply fresh fruit and vegetables to all the markets in my region and even to the Kombos”

There are many different species of fruit seedlings such as mango, orange, cashew and other species for wood suck as mahogany which Dembo grows. He also outlined his long-term agricultural production plans which includes establishing more farming initiatives.

“After one year of full operation, I will use the profit gained from the seedling business to establish both poultry and small ruminate production. Then in the third year, I will establish fish farming and in the fifth year, the farm will be used for both production and training of farmers and students.”

“My main challenge is fencing my farm to minimize damage caused by animals. I have been in this farming for almost 2 years now and it’s progressing slowly. For now, I am specializing in tree nursery and backyard gardening.

Mr Keita’s seedling production is believed to help community and government projects concerned with climate change and restoration of the natural vegetation.

He asserted that if seedlings are available in large quantities in the rural areas, there would be no need to transport seedlings from the Kombos for tree planting activities.

By: Sarjo Brito

Economist and political pundit, Momodou Sabally, has described the recent press release from the Ministry of Health addressing the acute kidney outbreak in the country as reckless.

This came following Wednesday’s press statement in which the Ministry of Health said investigations into the acute kidney outbreak are still on. The Ministry, however, disclosed that it has concluded that the possible causes of the outbreaks are E. coli and the possible toxicity of paracetamol syrup.

Sabally has since described the Health Ministry’s conclusion as mere speculations, especially after clearly stating in their press statement that investigations are still ongoing.

‘’To say that I am shocked would be an understatement. So, they know that the purported studies on this matter are still ongoing and yet “conclude” that syrup paracetamol and E. coli are the causes of this disease. This is completely reckless and inexcusable. Why on earth would a professional medical practitioner make such blatant speculation on inconclusive research that can create panic in the country?’’

The Health Ministry said it has now moved to suspend paracetamol syrup until further notice but Mr. Sabally argued it will be incorrect for the Ministry of Health to generally infer that paracetamol syrup is the cause of the disease, without making it clear which brand is responsible, arguing that there are many brands and importers.

‘’Certainly, there is more than one brand and one importer of paracetamol. Which of the many is the suspected one making our children sick? One can infer that they have found paracetamol, a very common drug prescribed by almost all doctors, in samples; but does correlation necessarily mean causality in their world?’’

The disease control unit at the Ministry of Health announced that 28 children died of Acute Kidney Injury last month.

Gambians have since raised concerns following the announcement as many wonder what the possible causes could be.

By: Muhammed Lamin Drammeh

The head coach of the Gambia National Under 20 team, Abdoulie Bojang, has admitted that the semi-final game against Mali late this afternoon will not be an easy battle but noted that his side will capitalize on the Malian’s weakness to damage them in the game.

Bojang was speaking to the press ahead of the semi-final game against Mali in the ongoing West African Football Union (WAFU) Zone A championship in Mauritania late this afternoon.

“It won’t be an easy game because it is a semi-final that will qualify us for the AFCON. So, we don’t expect an easy game, but we are also very well-prepared for the game,” Bojang explained.

The young scorpions head coach affirmed that they have watched the Malian team and figured out their strengths and weaknesses.  He said his team will capitalize on the weaknesses of their opponent and cause them the game, citing that they are prepared for the match.

“The Malian team — physically — are more physical than us. But when it comes to football, sometimes, it doesn’t matter that much. What is important is that, if someone is more physical than you, you try to play a little bit quicker than him. So, we have our plans against the Malian team.  They are a very good team, and we respect them,” he pointed out.

The young scorpions are in pursuit of retaining the crown that they won in the last competition.

They will try to win the Malian U20 at Stade Sheikha Boidiya at 17:30 GMT to get one step closer to defending the title.

The Gambia finished second in their group with a one-nil loss against Senegal.  A win this afternoon will qualify the country for the African National Under 20 championship in Egypt.

By: Dawda Baldeh

Kebba Gaye, a 28-year-old Gambian tailor, has explained to this medium why he quit teaching for tailoring after three years in the field.

He enrolled at the Gambia College in 2015 and obtained his HTC in 2018. Kebba began his teaching profession at Kairaba Upper and Senior Secondary School and later went to St. Therese’s Upper and Senior School, where he taught English Language and Social and Environmental Studies (SES) before quitting in 2019.

Kebba said he quit teaching to focus on his tailoring business.

“I established NS Fashion (New Solution Fashion Design Gambia) which is a brand with the vision to reach the world market,” he said.

In an exclusive interview, he told The Fatu Network that his mother inspired her at an early age to become a tailor.

“My mother motivated me to focus on tailoring. She always encouraged me to look up to one little boy who was a tailor at the time who normally used to come to our house to collect lunch. Look at this boy he Is the one sewing all the clothes he is wearing. Why not you also do the same,” Kebba recalled his mother’s words.

He added that upon starting tailoring, he always believed that he could do more than what other tailors does.

“I always love to do things in a different way, and I have always believed that I can do it in a unique way.”

The young tailor added that the teaching salary is not attractive, saying the government should work to improve the welfare of teachers otherwise many will quit if they have other opportunities.

“I was teaching and running my tailoring business but when it was no longer favourable, I quit because a lot of times customers will call and ask for their clothes.

I know if I quit teaching someone can take over my position but if I leave my business no one will take care of me.”

At the age of 28, Kebba owns a Fashion tailoring shop where he employs others at the same time recruiting other young people to become tailors.

Mr. Gaye, as he was addressed in schools, urged the government to focus more on skills for the young to learn and become self-independent.

“I don’t want to show up [sic] but I believe my work can speak for me. You don’t need to tell people who you are, just do the work and allow people to judge.”

The former teacher said his main priority is to let his brand reach the entire country in a few years.

He revealed plans for the opening of new branches across the country to reach their growing customers.

The young fashion designer urges the government, philanthropists, and NGOs to support the young people who are interested in skills to reduce the rate of unemployment and dependency.

By: Ousman Saidykhan

Principal Magistrate Jabang has handed a six-year jail term with hard labour to one Muhammed Jarju who was convicted of stealing a Techno Caman 17, which is said to be valued at D9, 000 and owned by one Algasim Jallow.

Jabang described the convict as an “indiscipline thief” whose behaviours “need to be curbed.”

“The punishment for the offence of stealing from a person is seven years imprisonment. However, pursuant to section 29(2) of the Criminal Code, the convict is sentenced to serve six years imprisonment with hard labour,” Magistrate Jabang said after listening to the convict’s plea in mitigation, who said, “I have been in Mile II, and I have seen a lot of things there. I will not allow myself to go back there.”

The Magistrate cited that the convict’s demeanour throughout the trial revealed a remorseless attitude over the act.

“He is hardcore from the look of things. He can go to any length to steal. If he had his way, he could have injured, maimed or even killed the victim over his phone. If someone can go to any stage to steal a phone, the law shouldn’t be lazed to accommodate him for any reason,” Principal Magistrate said, citing the case of a young man from the National Audit Office whom he said was killed over a “mere phone” at Palma Rima Junction.

During the trial of the case, it was narrated by the prosecution witnesses that not only had the victim gone through some “push and pull” with the convict even after calling his phone and it rang in the convict’s bag, but he also had his mother insulted by the convict.

“Society needs complete deliverance and sanctuary from the likes of these convicts. Their presence in the society can only cause havoc and terror. I can imagine the trauma the victim must have gone through on the day of the incident. Having to have your mother insulted over your hard-earned property is the height of disrespect any man can show to the other. These are behaviours that need to be curbed.”

The convict was first arraigned before the court on the 20th of October 2022. He pleaded not guilty, giving the prosecution a task to prove its case.

By: Modou Touray

The majority of citizens residing in the settlements of Brikama North and South have raised concerns about the limited period allocated for the ongoing electronic birth registration per village.

Unregistered citizens who spoke to The Fatu Network revealed that the process of e-birth registration is slow and the allocated time frame for the campaign would not be enough to register the entire residents, especially children who need it most for school enrolments.

The e-birth registration process in the Brikama North and South settlements happened between August 29th – 3rd of September 2022. The registration team already moved to Kombo East and Foni. The activity is being carried out according to a timetable from the Ministry of Health.

“I came to the registration centre in Brikama Newtown, I joined the queue but due to poor internet, all the people on the queue could not be registered. I tried the second day, but I was unsuccessful again,” Ebrima Barry Said.

In the Brikama North and South, many settlements had long queues of people mostly women and children. Manduar, Kembujeh, Jalanbang, Kitty, and other localities could not register the majority of their people.

“The first day in Brikama- Misira, there was no electricity, and it was rainy which affected the process of e -birth registration. They had to put on a generator, and few were registered,” Lamin Badjie asserted.

The Ministry of Health earlier in a press release said obtaining an e- birth certificate is free during the mass registration period but clarified that an affordable token will be charged after the completion of the campaign.

“If they are saying that some amount of money will be paid if they moved to the health facilities for e- birth registration, it will be difficult for some people. That is why we were rushing to get registered but unfortunately for us, the period allocated for our area has elapsed and we have to wait until they start issuing at the health facility,” Kitty native, Famara asserted.

The amount to be charged at the health facilities is yet to be known and some citizens fear that if it’s high, they might not afford it.

“My family is large. I have 8 children and therefore if the amount is huge, it will be difficult for me. More time is needed for the e- birth certificate registration. It’s a new initiative and they should extend it to 6 months,” Lamin Demba proposed.

In Kembujeh village, Brikama North, many residents said they are yet to be registered and some even could not produce the required documents to be submitted to the registration centre to get an e- birth certificate.

“My father is away, and my mother is not alive, I need time to put together documents to get registered. The one-week period doesn’t favour me,” Sulayman Saidy pointed out.

Jalanbang and Manduar residents were also contacted for comments, and they made similar sentiments calling for an adjustment to the campaign period deadline to enable other citizens to be registered.

“The process requires time; putting papers together, join the long queue which is compounded by poor internet and routine verifications,” Sanjally Baldeh stressed.

The e- birth registration has now moved from the Greater Banjul areas to provincial areas and the challenges remain the same.

By: Alimatou S. Bajinka

The Banjul flash flood victims who were shortly sheltered at the Saint Joseph Senior Secondary School and now housed temporarily at Friendship Hostel in Bakau, have claimed they have gone for four days without food.

The flood victims were first transferred by the government to Tobacco Road in Banjul due to recent devastating floods caused by heavy downpour. The floods destroyed houses and other valuables, rendering many people homeless and vulnerable.

Sarjo Conteh, one of the flood victims who claimed to have been given a notice to evacuate the hostel, said they have gone days without food.

“We are tired; food has now become a problem as we have now gone for four days without food. We are issued with a letter today saying we should leave the hostel on 24th of this month.”

Fatoumata Manneh is currently at the hostel with 7 children. She is seeking help from anyone who can assist as her children’s education is at stake.

“We are seeking help from anyone who can help. My children’s uniforms, school bags and shoes are all spoiled, and school would soon resume. I have 7 children and I am living with all of them in one room. I am helpless, so I am seeking help from all.”

Mr Essa Adakuwa, another flood victim, said he cannot go back to the house he was taken from as the water had destroyed the house, forcing everyone to leave. He said his old age and condition cannot allow him to stay alone without help.

“The government recently served us with notice stating that we should all go back to our various homes, so I asked them where would I go because everyone has left. The rain water has destroyed the house and I have nowhere to go. If they take me back to that house, I will die because all the people who were helping me have all left due to the water.”

Mr Essa Adakuwa is a Ghanaian, who has been living in The Gambia since 1982 and currently using a wheelchair due to his condition, seek help from all to sustain himself.

“I need a lot of help, giving my old age and current condition, I appeal to all to help me.”

Almost every part of the country has been affected, but the country’s capital city, Banjul was one of the worst hit settlements. As a result, some of them needed temporary accommodation before the stagnant water is drained from their houses.

The rain in question that led to such destruction was said to have been the heaviest rain in over 30 years in the country. It will take some time for the Gambia to recover from its effects. The Government is being criticized for doing little about it.

By: Ousman Saidykhan

The Police officer who was accused of raping a 22-year-old girl has been granted bail in the sum of D50, 000 following his first appearance before the Brusubi Magistrate Court for the mentioning of the alleged rape case.

“The court orders that the accused provide a responsible Gambian surety who must be in the course of business or employment, and the said surety is ordered to provide a report of his or her correct and valid contact number and address. The surety must provide the office of the registrar his or her valid origin ID card or passport…,” Magistrate Krubally orders.

The accused was charged with a single count of rape contrary to Section 3(1)(a) of the Sexual Offences Act 2013 which is bailable. He pleaded not guilty after the charge sheet was read to him in Mandinka.

The prosecution team led by one Sergeant Secka applied under Section 62 of the Criminal Procedure Code for the case to be transferred to High Court for want of jurisdiction.

However, his application was disregarded after the counsel for the defence, J. Jobarteh argued that the court could hear all criminal cases except those that attract live imprisonment or a death sentence.

“There is nothing in the charge sheet to show that this court does not have the jurisdiction to try this case. Therefore, this court has the jurisdiction to hear this case,” counsel Jobarteh submitted.

The accused was said to have been arrested by PIU officers after he allegedly left his guard post and went on a self-assigned duty at the seafront near Monkey Mark in Bijilo, on the 28th of August 2022 where he allegedly raped the victim.

On the 29th of August, a statement emerged from the IGP condemning the alleged crime and also announcing the interdiction of the accused.

The matter was adjourned to Wednesday 28th of September at 1:45 pm and Monday 24th of October at 10:3 am.

By: Muhammed Lamin Drammeh

The Ministry of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology, has announced that the head of Kutehjumbulu/2BaB Foundation, Mr. Gerd Hoffman, visited their office and unveiled their plans of constructing a Technical, Vocational and Education Training (TVET) centre in Jinack Village, Nuimi.

“The proposed TVET centre will provide the youth of Jinack Kajateh, Jinack Niggi and the environment with relevant skills and opportunities for self-actualization for national development,” MoHERST revealed on their page.

The ministry’s release added that the foundation and its partners will be responsible for the construction and equipment of the centre. However, MoHERST will provide them with teachers.

The Kutehjumbulu/2BaB foundation has already established an upper and senior secondary school as well as a health care centre in Jinack. According to MoHERST, after graduating the first batch of senior school students, the foundation now wants this centre to provide livelihood skills for the graduated students from the school.

Earlier this week, the Minister of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology, Honourable Professor Pierre Gomez, told the Fatu Network that his ministry is making a paradigm shift in the country’s Higher Education system by investing in TVET. He pledged that the government would establish TVET centres in every region across the country.

On this salient initiative, he assured the foundation of his ministry’s support, noting that Jinack will not be forsaken in national development.

According to the ministry, the honourable minister was pleased with the initiative.

The Permanent Secretary of MoHERST, Dr. Yusupha Touray, instructed the foundation to get an interim authorization from the National Accreditation and Quality Assurance Authority.

By: Alimatou S Bajinka

In the minds of many, the ghetto is seen as a crime-prone, drug-infested, and violent area of a city, village or street.

This image of the ghetto serves as a powerful source of stereotype, prejudice, and discrimination.

In this regard, this medium spoke to some ghetto youth to unveil their reasons of sitting in ghettos.

Alieu Bah is a driver and a shopkeeper, opposite to whose shop is a ghetto and has been for many years. He described the ghetto as a form of escapism for most youths.

“Most of these young people that sit at this ghetto are running away from family pressures at home. It is either they are being forced to get a wife, being bullied for not having a job, or eating without being able to contribute to the livelihood, among others. These reasons force most of these youth out of their homes” he asserted.

Modou sits at the ghetto. He said his home is full of judgmental people instead of helping him make amends in his life they are doing him more harm.

“I have a day job; I smoke but I do not steal. My home is a no-go area for me because there it is full of judgmental individuals. Because I smoke, they label me a thief and bad guy. Instead of advising me to stop smoking, they call me all type of bad names. I sit in ghettos, because there, you are not judged or treated like an outsider.”

Ebrima Bobou stressed that sitting in ghettos does not mean one is a drug dealer or poor. “I am comfortable. I have a day job and I sit in the ghetto just to clear my head after work. People constantly stereotype people based on what they think.”

Fallou Kebbeh lamented the attitude of his family towards him.

“They push me out, they are the course of my current state. I have a wife and kids, but I do not earn much compared to my siblings, therefore, I am accorded little or no respect. I am trying but you know the Gambian salary as I cannot feed my wife and three kids with it let alone my siblings, mum and dad. So, I try but the little I contribute is not appreciated. So, when I close from work, I sit at the ghetto till daybreak then I sneak into the compound to avoid stress.”

According to research, Getto is a part of a city, village or street, especially a slum area, occupied by a minority group or groups, restrict to an isolated or segregated area or group.

Research shows that without family and social support systems, people experiencing lack of belong live in the shadowy edges of society. This puts them in a higher risk of victimization, poor health, loneliness, and depression, which can lead to dependency, crime, and a host of other issues.

By: Karimatou Jallow

Cement vendors at Jimpex have called on government to build cement factories across the country to create job opportunities for youths, reduce cement price and boost the economy.

“It is not easy for us because we have only three factories in the country and production is very slow. That is why we buy cement from neighbouring Senegal. However, it takes days before it is imported into the country. Such is not favorable for a businessman,” cement vendor Ebrima Jallow said.

“The Cement in Senegal is cheaper than the one in The Gambia. If Gambian goods are more expensive than the one coming from outside the country then I see no reason why a product has to be made in the Gambia,” he lamented.

Jallow said the government should build more factories to end price hike in the market and employ youths.

Ousman Terera is another cement vendor who told this medium that they find it challenging to make profit.

“Everything is expensive in the market and our main problem is at the Port because what we pay at the Port is very expensive and most of the goods that are imported into the country are also very expensive. That is why we find it challenging to make profit.”

Terera said the price hike in the country is due to the lack of price control in the market. He called on the government to monitor prices in the market.

Giving his views on price hike, Demba Bah said cement is very expensive and not everybody can afford the price. He urged the government to find workable lasting solution to reduce the price of cement.

By: Ousman Saidykhan

One Babu Joof, an Islamic Scholar, has filed a lawsuit at the Kanifing Magistrate Court against his landlord, Tijan Savage, claiming the sum of one hundred and seven thousand dalasis (D107,000).

The defendant was accused of reneging on the agreement after receiving the D70, 000 that was given to him for renovation of a self-contained double room and parlour which was allegedly supposed to be completed in two weeks, bearing “hazards, discomfort and disappointment,” in a single room he was given pending the renovation of the house.

After 5 months in that single room, the plaintiff said he got another disappointment after transferring to the double room and parlour because of poor renovation leading to leakages which rendered destruction to his property such as chairs, clothes and mattress worth D14, 000.

He claimed as well that the defendant disconnected his electricity supply for almost one month which led to the damage of his food stuff worth D5,000.

While giving his evidence, the plaintiff, Mr Babu Joof told the court that he knew the defendant through one Ali, a colleague of his, who told him he had seen a new place he wanted to rent. He said he told Ali to ask if there was another house he could also rent.

“He [Ali] told me to go with him to the defendant’s compound. We went there and found Tijan [defendant] and one Omar sitting in his compound. Ali spoked with the defendant and Omar; he introduced me to them that I was looking for a house too,” the plaintiff narrated.

He continued that he also spoke with the defendant, Mr Savage who told him there was a self-contained double room and parlour which if he, the plaintiff gives him [defendant] money, it would be renovated, and the plaintiff would be the first to occupy the house for one year.

The plaintiff who said he was initially reluctant because he had an unpleasant experience before, later agreed when the defendant told him:

“He is a Muslim and that he would not do anything that was not part of the agreement.”

“I gave them D25, 000 the first day and then D45, 000 the next day, making it 70, 000 for the renovation,” the plaintiff told court.

The plaintiff is claiming recovery of D28, 000 for the five months he spent in the single room out of tenancy agreement. He is also asking for D14, 000 for the alleged damage caused by leakages of the roof.

The plaintiff claims another D5, 000 for the deliberate disconnection of electricity and D60, 000 for breach of trust, emotional stress and breach of agreement. In total, the plaintiff is claiming D107, 000 from the defendant.

The matter was adjourned to the 4th of October 2022 at 12 noon, for the continuation of the plaintiff’s testimony.

By: Modou Touray

Ansu Trawally, a rural poultry farmer in Farafenni has expressed his frustration over the death of 100 of his poultry birds because he could not afford what he described as “expensive medication” for the poultry. He told The Fatu Network that his farm is now virtually empty.

“The cost of medication for the poultry birds is very expensive, making bird rearing challenging. I used to get some drugs, however, the financial challenge to continuously buy the required medications, has hampered the productivity of my poultry farm. I have the calendar for administering drugs to the fowls, but if I don’t get drugs on time, it adversely affects the health of the poultry which eventually causes death,” Trawally explained.

In producing poultry birds, constant medication enhances their health and reduces mortality. Survival of the poultry to a large extent depends on proper medication, timely vaccination, and regular caring. It contributes to the growth of the poultry and overall production.

“My long-term goal is to contribute to the eradication of imported chicken. If my farm is not well vaccinated, my aspiration is being hampered because I cannot afford the prescribed medication for my poultry on time. I need support so that I can employ other youths,” he said.

Poultry farming or production involves the raising of birds either for egg or chicken meat.

“In every two to three weeks, the birds need vaccination. If their supply is delayed, it affects their survival. Sometimes, the veterinary officers don’t respond early whenever I request for their presence at the farm.”

At Ansu Trawally’s poultry farm in Farafenni, layers were almost empty, making the survival of the remaining birds critical. Disinfectants and other   essential medications are not enough.

“I am in a critical stage now as my poultry farm is crippling and the risk of infection is high. I appeal for support to make it viable.”

The Fatu Network later contacted a senior livestock officer working with the Department of Livestock Service who urged poultry farmers to report their constrains and concerns to livestock officials on time.

“We do give them technical support hence the department is the technical arm of government on livestock matters. If they don’t report to us timely, we cannot respond on time. There is medication support for poultry farmers but its purposely for community initiatives. The private individual farmers need to buy the medications themselves because they are doing business.”

According to Pa Alhamdu Ceesay, a veterinary expert and specialist in poultry, a proper and adequate medication is important for poultry birds.

“There are infections which normally transfer from one poultry to another, therefore, disinfectants must be available at every poultry farm and medication must be given accordingly. Also, not every person should be allowed inside a poultry farm. Even before starting a poultry farm, you need to know the required medication.”

According to experts, unvaccinated poultry birds are more likely to get serious sickness than birds that have been vaccinated. Poultry farmers must procure all vaccine doses recommended to them by veterinary doctors. The health of the poultry is crucial, and any act of negligence could have deadly consequences on the poultry birds.

By: Muhammed Lamin Drammeh

Amid the barrage of criticism directed at the government of the Gambia for their lack of meaningful investment in the University of The Gambia which has, to a great extent, contributed to the lack of classrooms and furniture in the Brikama campus, the Minister of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology, Honourable Professor Pierre Gomez has pledged that UTG students and staff’s suffering and cries for classrooms will soon be a thing of the past as the UTG Faraba Campus nears completion.

The UTG students based on the Brikama campus struggle for furniture and classrooms for lectures. In the last academic semester, some students at some point had to attend lectures outside due to the unavailability of classrooms for on-campus lectures.

Minister Gomez, who served as a Dean for the School of Arts and Sciences for ten years, said those days will soon be over as work on the Faraba Campus is 90% done.

“Those days will be over, and they will soon be over. A committee is working on a bidding document for furniture and lab equipment,” he said.

He further elucidated that he must deliver and the completion of the Faraba campus cannot be postponed. He said he knows the suffering of UTG staff and students.

“I have written to the contractors. I have sent them two letters that we cannot postpone this. The delivery cannot be extended. I am coming from the UTG. I know how the students and the staff are suffering. It is my responsibility and that is the first thing the President asked me to do. I must deliver. There is no option. If not, I have failed,” he affirmed.

Gomez, who had lived and witnessed challenges UTG students and staff are faced with, told The Fatu Network that the government is not neglecting UTG and that the president is committed to making sure that the UTG Faraba campus is complete.

According to him, by early 2023, the schools of Business and Public Administration, Arts and Sciences, Education, Information and Communication Technology and a library will be completed on the UTG Faraba campus and students from those schools will be attending their lectures in Faraba uninterrupted.

“By 2023, January – February, God willing, they will move to Faraba Campus and have their lectures. Their classroom problems, furniture equipment, will be over for the schools I mentioned,” he told TFN.

In addition to the Faraba campus phase one that will see some schools move to the Faraba campus, the honourable minister revealed to The Fatu Network that his ministry has an additional 23 to 24 million dollars, all for the University of The Gambia.

UTG Faraba campus, in the Eastern part of Kombo, is expected to house other schools in the next phase.

The campus will have dormitories but the Honorable minister for Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology, said they are yet to sit over the issue of the dormitories.

By: Muhammed Lamin Drammeh

With the advancement of so many young people in the country getting into the creative art industry, self-taught Aji Ndumbeh Jobe, a young painter, has called on the state authorities to establish creative art schools in the country where young Gambians will be taught the basic tenets of the arts at an earlier age.

Aji told The Fatu Network that the country is endowed with young stars in the creative industry doing things on their own, and thus providing them with creative art schools will help young artists coached in their area of interest and make them better artists.

“There should be an investment in the creative arts. There is no school of arts in the country that anybody will tell you he or she learned these things. The government should establish creative art schools so that young people who have the passion can start at an earlier age than waiting until they are 18 or 19 years,” she asserted.

She further elucidated that it makes no sense to be learning other things in school when one actually wants to be in the creative industry.

“Why teach me political history when I would like to become an artist? I will prefer you tell me how a painting is done, how photography is done since I want to be in the creative industry,” she said.

According to her, most artists in the Gambia are self-taught; they learn everything by themselves or through watching certain things on the internet.

She called for support for those in the creative arts. She said that most support for the youths is always on the tech aspect, thereby neglecting the area of creative arts. Last month, Ismaila Saidybah, a young prolific writer and author of two books, equally told TFN that the government of The Gambia through the National Centre for Arts and Culture should invest in the creative industry to help encourage young brains in the country.

By: Dawda Baldeh

The Gambia Federation of the Disabled (GFD) has expressed shock over the removal of the Kassa Kunda Alkalo by the Ministry of Local Government and Lands through the Governor’s office in the West Coast Region and demands an explanation from the said ministry.

The federation advocates the protection and promotion of the inherent dignity and fundamental rights of Persons With Disabilities as vehemently enshrined in both national and international legal instruments. The federation acts as the focal point on disability matters in The Gambia.

Magistrate M Kurubally, the chairman of the federation through a letter addressed to the ministry of local government and lands seen by this medium, said they are shocked by the removal of the Kassa Kunda Alkalo.

“From the information we heard and that is circulating on social media, the Alkalo was removed from his portfolio referencing his blindness.

This news is one of the greatest shocks received by Gambia Federation Of The Disabled,” the federation chairman expressed.

M Kurubally added that the federation is concerned over the decision leading to the removal of the said Alkalo.

“We hereby write to your office (ministry of local government) to offer us reason or reasons for his removal from his portfolio as soon as possible before taking the next necessary, appropriate and legal step.”

Gambia Federation Of The Disabled herein referred to as GFD is the umbrella body representing an estimated number of Three Hundred Thousand Persons With Disabilities ranging from Visually Impairment/Blindness, Hard Of Hearing, Physically Challenge, Albinism, Mental Illness, and Autism amongst other forms of disabilities in The Gambia.

It can be recalled that the Alkalo of Kassa Kunda village Cherno Siranding Sabally was dismissed from his position by the ministry of local government through the Governor’s office in Brikama citing his blindness. The Alkalo’s dismissal was frowned at by many residents in the village who protested against the decision last month.

By:Ousman Saidykhan

One Algasimou Bangura and Idrissa Kamara, both from Sierra Loenian, have been arraigned before the Kanifing Magistrate Court today, 5th September 2022, for allegedly stealing a tricycle valued at D175, 000 in Kanifing South.

The tricycle with Registration Number MC KM 8171 C, which was allegedly stolen on the 10th of August 2022, is said to be the property of Rapid Trading Service.

Bangura and Kamara, first and second persons respectively, denied stealing any tricycle.

The prosecuting officer, Corporal Jallow applied for an adjournment “to secure the presence of our witness.”

“We are not objecting the bail of the accused persons should they be granted bail. However, we want to bring the attention of court to the nationality of the accused persons. Both are Sierra Leonean,” said the prosecuting officers.

The Prosecution’s application for adjournment was granted and the case was adjourned to the 27th of September 2022. The bail of the accused persons was set at one hundred thousand dalasis (D100,000) for each or two Gambian sureties who should tender their valid ID cards to the registrar.

Algasimou Bangura and Idrissa Kamara are charged with two counts: conspiracy and stealing, contrary to both 368 and 252 of the Criminal Code of the Gambia. If the court finds them guilty of the offences, the accused persons may spend up to 5 years in prison.