By: Muhammed Lamin Drammeh

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

By: Dawda Baldeh

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

By: Ousman Saidykhan

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

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

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

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

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

By: Modou Touray

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

By: Muhammed Lamin Drammeh

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

By: Muhammed Lamin Drammeh

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

By: Ousman Saidykhan

One Karanta Darboe, a man described by the police as a “long-time wanted suspect”, was denied bail as he stood in the dock at the Kanifing Magistrate Court on the 12th of September 2022 for allegedly obtaining D20, 000 from a Bureau De Change worker, by false pretence; a charge he pleaded not guilty to.

The alleged fraudster was said to have obtained the said amount on the 21st of July 2022 from one Mariama Ceesay who works with M & A Bureau at Manjai Kunda, with the pretext of exchanging 500 FEM HUNDRA KRONOR, a currency used in Sweden.

“We are objecting to the bail of the accused person on grounds that the police are mounting an investigation with regards to the case of the accused and amongst other things.

“Also, we are informing the court that the accused is not a first-time offender,” the Prosecution, led by Jammeh said.

According to the Prosecution, the accused has been found guilty of similar offences in multiple courts, namely: Brikama Magistrate Court, Bundung Magistrate Court, Kanifing Magistrate Court etc.

The Prosecution continued that the accused had even been convicted of a similar offence at the Kanifing Magistrate Court last year, where he was fined D105, 000 or serve 10 years 6 months in prison, a fine he has not fully paid.

“We are of the view that if the accused is granted bail, he will commit similar offences as after all convictions, he appeared for similar crimes. Maybe he has not been remorseful. The society needs protection from these kinds of people, and the protection of the society lies on our shoulders. Therefore, we urge the court to grant our application [to deny the accused bail] as we investigate – intensively for that matter,” the Prosecution begged court.

Meanwhile, the accused, who asked the court to ignore the Prosecution’s application argued he should be granted bail, saying he had a critical health condition as a result of a medical surgery he had undergone.

“Please grant me bail. I’m sick. I’m a Gambian – I cannot go to Mile 2 in this condition,” the accused urged.

The Magistrate’s ruling did not favour the accused. He was denied bail and would be in Mile 2 till the next adjourned date, 27th September 2022 when the state is expected to bring their first witness.

The accused may spend up to 3years if found guilty as per the Criminal Code of the country.

By: Ousman Saidykhan

The principal Magistrate of the Kanifing Magistrate Court, Omar Jabang, has transferred a murder case involving 18-year-old and 20-year-old boys who allegedly murdered a 62-year-old woman in Fajara South, Bakau last week.

The Duo is alleged to have strangled the old woman to death on the 4th of September 2022, at her residence in Bakau. The prosecutor, Sub Inspector Kebbeh applied for the case to be transferred to a higher court as the Magistrate Court lacks the jurisdiction to hear such matters.

“Your Worship, with this circumstance, the Prosecution is applying for the transfer of this case to the Special Criminal Division of the High Court and remand the accused persons pending the hearing of this case; pursuant to sections 62 and 208A of the criminal procedure code,” said the prosecutor. Their application was granted.

It could be recalled that this medium broke the news of the death of the woman, who was said to have been found lying in a pool of water in her room with her face, neck, and nose all bruised. Her house was said to have been filled with water — almost knee-deep.

The two alleged murderers were found, arrested, and remanded by the police two days after their alleged crime on the 6th of September 2022.

The punishment for murder is death as per section 188 of the Criminal Code of the Gambia. However, there is a moratorium on the death penalty, which means if found guilty, the duo will be sentenced to life in jail.

By: Haddy Ceesay

Amid the ongoing sit-down strike by commercial drivers in their efforts to corner the government to reduce fuel prices, Residents in Kerr Serign have expressed their frustration to The Fatu Network, saying they find it difficult to travel from Kerr Serign to Serrekunda.

Mariama Jallow, who is a vendor, said she couldn’t go to the market today due to the ongoing drivers’ strike.

“Let the government deploy a bus in Kerr Serign community, we need a bus which will be plying from Serrekunda to Kerr Serign because many of us normally go to Serrekunda market for shopping on a daily basis, she added.

Haddy Njie, a commuter said she couldn’t go to the Serrekunda market for shopping because many drivers in Kerr Serign are not operating.

“I did not go to the market today because many drivers not are not operating and this is affecting us,” she said, adding that if the government provided other communities with buses, they should also help the people in Kerr Serign as they always travel to Serrekunda.

Alieu Jobe said that many of their people could not go to work in and around Serrekunda because there was no bus allocated to them.

“The government should look at the Kerr Serign community, especially in a situation like this.”

These people concluded by urging the government to allocate them buses. They said schools are almost open and many students are using the Serrekunda route.

By: Lamin Njie

Assistant Information Officer

Ministry of Transport

Mr. Sulayman Gaye, a Senior Planner, under the Directorate of Planning, of the Ministry of Transport, Works and Infrastructure, has been named among the top 10 best winners of an alumni award contest called “Tell us Your Story,” organized by The Singapore Cooperation Programme (SCP), established in 1992 to share Singapore’s development experiences with government officials from 180 countries, territories and inter-governmental organizations.

Mr. Sulayman Gaye, Senior Planner, Ministry of Transport, Works and Infrastructure

The SCP is managed by the Technical Cooperation Directorate of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Singapore. In May 2022, the SCP celebrated 30 years of existence and as part of the celebrations, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Singapore contacted all the alumni of the SCP from the 180 countries and territories they cooperate with, to participate in the contest.

In this contest, alumni members were called to write a thesis about their experiences with the SCP and how those experiences shaped their professional development the in context of the public policy environment they operate under.

Mr. Sulayman Gaye was among those called to participate in the contest as an alumni member having been trained in Singapore in 2014.

As a winner of this contest, Mr. Gaye is currently in Singapore to attend the “Futures for Public Policy” Executive Programme from the 13 to 16 September 2022, to be held at the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy (LKYSPP), of The National University of Singapore

By: Modou Touray

In the wake of the continuous increase in basic commodities and the high cost of living, private vehicle owners are forced to use their vehicles to carry passengers in order for them to take care of their economic needs.

Several privately licensed drivers have disclosed to The Fatu Network that their monthly income cannot sustain them and that the money accumulated from passengers helps to boast their income.

“I am a civil servant working in Banjul. I decided to use my vehicle at night and during weekends for the commercial town-trip service. The amount I gather helps me to cater for my household needs and buy enough fuel for my vehicle,” Lamin Jobe revealed.

High food and energy prices will affect the most vulnerable in society, especially in an extended family setting where most of their income is spent on food and clothing.

“Cost of everything is increasing, if you buy a cup of sugar for D10 today, the next day the price will increase to D12 or more. I was working at a local hotel as a receptionist, but my service is terminated due to a decline in the hotel’s earnings,” Ousman Jassey said.

A private vehicle refers to a motor vehicle transporting persons or property for which no charge is paid directly or indirectly by the passenger or by any other entity. In no instance shall a private vehicle be considered a commercial vehicle.

“I am a security officer with little earnings. I only depend on my monthly salary. I bought this vehicle when I newly return from Dafur, Sudan but I am broke now because all my money was spent on my house construction. I use my private vehicle to get money for minor family expenses,” A soldier, who begged for anonymity, told this medium.

Cost of living is the amount of money needed to cover basic expenses such as housing, food, taxes, and healthcare in a certain place and period. The cost of living is often used to compare how expensive it is to live in one city versus another. The cost of living is tied to wages.

Lamin Sarr is a businessman who also uses his private vehicle to demand fares from travellers.

“I am not making much profit in my business now, therefore I depend entirely on my private vehicle. I don’t give free rides now because maintaining a private vehicle is challenging.”

As the demand for a particular good or service increases, the available supply decreases. When fewer items are available, consumers are willing to pay more to obtain the item—as outlined in the economic principle of supply and demand.

“Fuel prices are costly, commercial drivers keep requesting more money from passengers. I took that chance to carry people when I am going to work in Kanifing. I use the money to add-up fuel and take care of other family needs,” Bakebba Nasso said.

“I took a loan from the bank to buy my vehicle, the bank is deducting some money every month from my salary and the balance is not much. The vehicle is meant to facilitate my daily travels to my workplace, but the high cost of living and economic hardship is forcing me to use it for commercial purposes.

The price of basic commodities is still unstable, and prices keep increasing meaning the average Gambia cannot afford their basic needs with little salaries without another source of income.

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.