By: Karimatou Jallow

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

By: Jankey Touray

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

By: Muhammed Lamin Drammeh

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

By: Modou Touray

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

By: Jankey Touray

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

By: Modou Touray

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

By: Ousman Saidykhan

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

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

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

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

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

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

By: Dawda Baldeh

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

By: Haddy Ceesay

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

By: Muhammed Lamin Drammeh

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

By: Modou Touray

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

By: Alimatou S Bajinka

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“What are we trying to introduce, he asked.

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