By: Dawda Baldeh

Yusuf Tunkara, CEO of Kusata farm in The Gambia has signed an official partnership with Big Dutchman company based in Germany on Thursday, June 23rd at the Brufut farm complex.

The event took place on Thursday 23rd June 2022 at Kusata Poultry farm in Brufut.

After the partnership, Kusata will henceforth serve as the sole agent and distributor of poultry equipment as well as provide technical support through the German company in The Gambia.

According to the young entrepreneur, the agreement is in line with Kusata farm’s mission which intends to provide investors with an opportunity to receive value on their investments and create employment in the local communities.

Now, Kusata farm will be the official agent and distributor of poultry equipment in addition to offering technical support through Big Dutchman company to the poultry farmers that give a volte-face in the industry.

Both partners welcome the initiative while expressing optimism that it will yield tangible results. Ousman Senghore, Chief Executive Officer of Gambia Investment and Export Promotion Agency encouraged both partners to work toward ensuring the success of their business while assuring them of GIEPA’s continuous support.

Other dignitaries commended the young entrepreneurs for the timely partnership which they said will make the supply of poultry products available in the local market.

The event was witnessed by the CEO of GIEPA, Ousman Senghore, Honorable Muhammed Magassy former Basse NAM, National Assembly member for Jimara Constituency, Honorable Essa J Conteh and National Assembly member for Tumana Constituency, Honorable Nfally Cora, President UTGSU amongst other dignitaries.

By Jankey Touray

In it continued efforts to combat the use and trafficking of illicit drug in The Gambia, the Drug Law Enforcement Agency of The Gambia (DLEAG) on Sunday 26^th June 2022 observed World Drug Day by engaging in a march pass from Bundung Police Station to Serekunda East pack at the Semega Janneh Hall.

Chairing the occasion, Mr Ousman Saidybah, public relations officer of DLEAG recognized the presence of the chairman and the Director-General of DLEAG, Advisor to the Director General, board members, Solicitor General, and representatives from SIS, Gambia Arm Forces, Gambia Revenue Authority, and youth groups from different quarters for attending the march pass.

He highlighted that the day is observed annually worldwide on 26^th June to fight against drug abuse, illicit drugs, drug trafficking and other drug-related matters. He disclosed that the theme for this year’s event is ‘care in crisis’.

Speaking at the gathering, Mr. Bakery Gassama, the Director-General of DLEAG spoke on the significance of commemorating the challenges faced in solving the world drug problem as well as sensitizing the public on the dangers of drugs.

“This year, the commemoration is happening at a time when the world is challenged in addressing serious humanitarian crises resulting from conflicts in some parts of the world and the Covid 19 pandemic,” Gassama said.

Gassama said they are faced with challenges in addressing the current emerging trends of trafficking and dealings in narcotics and related transnational organized crime, which is further compounded by the lack of adequate treatment facilities and services for Substance Use Disorder (SUD).

He added that from 2020 to date, the Agency registered one thousand six hundred and ninety-eight (1698) cases involving one thousand six hundred and ninety-nine (1699) accused persons; seized more than six tons of Cannabis, close to a quarter of hashish, almost three tons of cocaine, and a significant amount of controlled and prohibited drugs ranging from diazepam to clonazepam, ecstasy, methamphetamine, stunk, push etc since 2020.

Chairman of the DLEAG board, Mr Gaye Sowe, expressed delight in the seizure statistics and activities over the years.

He stressed that illicit drug trafficking and abuse cannot be separated from issues such as crime, violence and other health issues, which include murder, juvenile delinquency, hooliganism, rape, ill-health, street children, loss of personal ambition, irrational and risky behaviour, disappointment to parents, broken homes and also the danger of addiction and other issues that could have serious negative effects on the family and society.

He said the overhaul of the Drug Control Act 2003 is at an advanced stage and will be finalized shortly.

He said they will continue to engage partners for the provision of proper facilities and services for the treatment, rehabilitation and aftercare services as well as the preparation of guidelines for the treatment of Drug and Substance Use Disorders and also help address drug challenges.

According to the world drug report 2021, global drug use is projected to increase by eleven per cent by 2030 and Africa is projected to account for forty per cent of such increase. It was also discovered that while the potency of cannabis quadrupled, there was a forty per cent decrease in public perception, especially among the youth about the harmful effects of cannabis.

By Ousman G Darboe

The BriKama Fish Market has returned to normal business four weeks after it was sealed off by the Food Safety Authority of The Gambia due to poor hygiene conditions.

The reopening of the market according Foday Manjang, President of the Fish Market, would  ease the financial burden on the vendors in the market whom he said have been finding things challenging since the closure.

He stated that the fish market vendors have now tasked themselves to do a weekly cleansing exercise in order to avoid reoccurrence of the condition for which the market was closed.

Manjang however said the removal of the stagnant water is not their responsibility.

He said the Ministry of Fisheries is the duty bearer who is responsible for the removal of the stagnant water in the fish market.

“Our responsibilities stop at cleansing the market and paying the duties which we always do. It is the ministry’s responsibility to remove the stagnant water in the market.” Manjang said.

“We have been constantly informing the Ministry about the need for a safety tank in the market so that the water can be removed. Last time we approached the Minister about the issue, his response was that there is no money for a safety tank at the moment,” Manjang explained.

By: Dawda Baldeh

In commemorating World Vitiligo Day, the Vitiligo Association in The Gambia has observed the day by raising awareness on vitiligo. They said they are being traumatized and judged negatively by society.

Vitiligo is a long-term condition where pale white patches develop on the skin. It’s caused by the lack of melanin, which is the pigment in skin. Vitiligo can affect any area of skin, but it commonly happens on the face, neck and hands, and in skin creases.

The day is celebrated on 25th June each year; however, this is the first time Gambia joined the world to celebrate the day.

The day was established to raise global awareness for vitiligo, a disfiguring autoimmune disease that causes white spots on the skin. Michael Jackson one of the famous American singers, who died in 2009, was also remembered as a person who suffered from vitiligo.

Buba Jammeh, a Vitiligo person who is also the association’s head, explained the importance of the day. “The day is a global awareness campaign to tell people about vitiligo and also to remember people who died from vitiligo,” he said.

Jammeh said he was not born with vitiligo.

“I had vitiligo in 2009. At the time, I was very scared and confused because I didn’t know what it was. I underwent several medical tests and treatments but later I was told it was vitiligo.

“I come back in The Gambia to celebrate the day with the people who are undergoing the same challenges. Vitiligo is not a disease as people think. It is just a skin disorder caused by lack of melamine. Vitiligo is not painful, and it cannot be transferred from one person to another. However, we are being judged negatively by society, so we are traumatized. It is not our fault to have vitiligo. I was not born as a vitiligo, but I later developed it when I was already a grown man,” he narrated.

He highlighted challenges he faced when trying to cured the skin disorder.

“I underwent several traditional and medical treatments, but I later realized that vitiligo cannot be cured. A local marabout gave me some herbs that nearly killed me when he knew he could not cure me but because of the money he still promised to cure the skin disorder. This is one of our major problems. You cannot cure us and please don’t kill us,” he emphasized.

“For my case, I thank my family and friends for the support and encouragement they gave me. I went to UK because it was not easy for me to stay here.”

He said the association’s objective is to ensure vitiligo persons are freed from stigmatization and so that they can live like any other person.

Mr Jammeh, reiterated that vitiligo is a disorder that cannot be cured traditionally, warning traditional medicine dealers to avoid giving them treatments that can lead to other health implications.

Mr. Lamin Sambou, representative from the Ministry of Health, urged people to avoid traumatizing and stigmatizing people with vitiligo, noting that they need support and encouragement.

“We have to support vitiligo persons. We should not judge them. It can happen to anyone irrespective of age,” he added.

Vitiligo Gambia is leading efforts in addressing challenges of persons living with vitiligo in the country.

By Jankey Touray

President Adama Barrow, together with government officials and citizens, on Saturday 26^th June 2022 embarked on a cleansing exercise in Banjul. The exercise is commonly known as ‘set-settal’.

Making a statement, President Barrow highlighted the reason for coming up with the idea.

“It was two weeks back that I went round with my security forces to know what was happening with projects in Banjul like roads, seaway, the draining etc. I was very happy with the progress of the projects, but one thing that I was not happy with is the uncleanliness of the city.”

He said in other to complement the ongoing projects in the city, that is why they embarked on the exercise.

He recognized the presence of the Vice President, Minister of Health, Minister of Agriculture, security forces, citizens and other sectors for their efforts in the cleansing exercise.

He added that people should embark on cleansing, encouraging everyone nationwide to continue the process.

“I think we have to think beyond just to clean Banjul, we should think of countrywide. We can come out with a nomenclature to clean the Gambia once a month,” said President Barrow.

He asserted that they would come up with a brand to unify the people in joining the cleansing exercise, which will be a volunteer and not compulsory.

Hon. Seedy Njie, Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly expressed delights to engage in an exercise to clean the capital.

“Cleaning exercise or keeping our communities or places of work tidy should be the business of all Gambians and residents. It should however be daily and not periodic as it has serious health implications.”

He said if the environment is dirty, it can breed insects, reptiles, bacteria and also cause diseases or health complications.

Mr Njie debunked the rumour that the exercise is a political tool, saying that it is mainly to clean the city and protect people’s health and wellbeing.

Dr Ahmadou Lamin Samateh, Minister of Health, also encouraged people to engage in frequent cleansing exercises to prevent diseases like Malaria, diarrhea and many more, especially in the rainy season.

By Sainabou Sambou

Serekunda market vendors have reacted to the used of waste car tires to roast cowhides.

This comes after the recent arrest of eight people allegedly caught roasting cowhides using waste car tires.

Cow Kanda, as it is commonly called in the Gambia is used in the cooking of some Gambian delicacies. The processed cowhide is sold in local markets for onward distribution.

Speaking to The Fatu Network, Musu Meita Manneh, a vendor at Serekunda Market expressed dissatisfactions over the act, saying that such an act can cause damage to people’s health and wellbeing.

“Burning car tires can cause serious health problems to people who inhale its smoke. We are worried. We have also heard that some people use disposed gallons and other waste rubber materials to roast cowhides. If people are now using car tires it simply means they want to kill people,” she lamented.

She called on government to inspect food stuffs entering the country and food items processed or produced in-country to better protect the health of people.

Fatoumatta Camara, a fish vendor, raised concerns over the used of waste car tires in the roasting of cowhides, saying that cow hides should be banned in the country.

“Before now, we don’t know “cow Kanda” in The Gambia. It was not part of our cooking condiments. Now that such practice has been reported in its preparation, it should not be sold in our markets,” she voiced.

Mama Taal, a vendor who sells vegetable, said waste tires should not be used to roast cowhides because it is something consumed by people.

“If car tires are burnt, it can cause harm to people’s health. There are lot of diseases affecting people because of the types of food they eat,” she said.

She said government should take strict measures to ensure that people are protected, adding that the Food Safety and Quality Authority should constantly monitor people selling food stuffs.

According to health experts, burning of tires and other plastic items cause cancer, breathing disorder and other health problems.

By: Haddy Ceesay

On 15th December 2020, The Gambia Police Force in Collaboration with Cattle Farmers Association declared an operation to ensure that no stray farm animals are found roaming in the streets within the Greater Banjul Area.

Recently, people have been complaining about the challenges posed by uncontrolled livestock animals, especially cows, pigs, goats and sheep roaming the streets.

Speaking to The Fatu Network, Sheikh Njang, said he has been a victim of the damage caused by uncontrolled livestock and therefore called on livestock owners to restrain their animals from causing damage to plantations and other properties.

“These uncontrolled livestock always come from the International Trypanotolerance Centre (ITC) and cross the main road. This is not safe at all. Most times they cause accidents. These animals always cause damage to our prosperities and if you happened to touch any of them, you might put yourself in trouble.”

He said that livestock and people should not live in the same environment.

Saul Jah gave an account of an accident he witnessed which he said was caused by roaming livestock.

He said that a car was waiting for the animals to cross the road, but a particular van driver thought a waiting motorbike was giving him a signal to cross. “The van driver crossed between the animals and the motorbike, causing the bike rider to sustain injuries,” he narrated.

Jah cited that such accidents, caused by roaming livestock, are frequent especially around Kerr Serign and Bijilo highway.

Samba Bah, a driver, urged colleague drivers to always be carefully on the road because the roaming animals mostly cross unnoticed.

“I am urging my colleague drivers to be careful when they are driving on the road. This is because these animals mostly cross the road unnoticed. We are not happy with how these animals roam in the streets; however, we don’t have any option. I am just urging all drivers to be careful,” he said.

Residents called on authorities and livestock owners to restrain the animals to prevent further harm on plantations and other properties and also the obstruction of traffic sometimes.

By: Dawda Baldeh

In a quest to bring tailors under one umbrella, Gambian tailors has formed their first ever union, Gambian Tailors Union, a body that will be responsible for the affairs of tailors across the country. The union’s main objective is to unite tailors and advocate for their rights and welfare.

Sulayman Cham, President of the union said the initiative is timely, adding that it will help to make things easy for tailors. As a union, he said they will start knocking on doors for support. “This is the first tailors union in the country and we should work hard to make sure it succeeds. This union is purely for tailors and it is mainly to improve our welfare in the country,” he said.

Mr. Cham noted that without unity, the union will not succeed. He described the role of tailors as significant. “Anywhere you go you will find a tailor. Tailors are the ones who sew all the clothes people wear,” he added.

Mr. Cham noted that government can only help tailors through the union, noting that tailors play a significant role in creating jobs which minimizes unemployment.

Zainab Manjang, the secretary general of the union highlighted the importance of forming the union. “We want to be united. We are now in a fashion world where everyone wants to look good,” she said.

She called on tailors to register with the union so that they can benefit.

She also called on women to learn skills to reduce dependency, adding that skills will help them to be self-independent. “We face lot of challenges in the tailoring business, especially when festivals approach.”

Ebrima Gaye, CEO of AKA Creation also welcomed the initiative adding that it will help them in many ways. Like many others Gaye is also optimistic that the Union will represent Tailors to ensure their rights are well advocate for.

The tailors described the formation of the union as a step in the right direction. They tasked the union’s executive to work with other stakeholders and oganizations to enhance supports for tailors in the country.

However, the President of the Union is expected to serve for a period of one year before an election is held.

By Ms. Ndéye Rose Sarr

Pregnancy and childbirth are meant to be beautiful experiences filled with incomparable excitement and immense joy, for women who choose motherhood. Unfortunately, this journey is a source of horror, pain, and abandonment for some 500,000 women globally who live with Obstetric Fistula.  Obstetric Fistula is one of the most severe childbirth injuries often resulting from prolonged and obstructed labour, and lack of access to timely and quality emergency obstetric care services before and during delivery.

Despite the absence of nationally representative data on the prevalence of Fistula in The Gambia, a 2020 Situational Analysis showed an estimated prevalence rate of between 0.46 to 2.05 per 1000 women. Based on these figures, the current national burden is estimated to be between 335 to 1052. However, being a condition, which relegates women to social isolation, abandonment by their spouses and families, mental health and psychosocial conditions and poverty, we are positive that the available data does not portray the complete picture of Obstetric Fistula existence in our communities. To give us all some food for thought, I would like to borrow the words of the renowned Gambian Urological Surgeon Dr. Abubacarr Jah, “a woman living with Obstetric Fistula today, represents someone who narrowly escaped maternal death.”

So really, what can we do collectively to make the eradication of Obstetric Fistula a reality in The Gambia by 2030 and ensure that every woman who chooses pregnancy and motherhood, is assured a healthy and safe birth?

We must challenge men in our communities to be fully engaged in the health and wellbeing of their families. They must be involved in ensuring the sexual and reproductive health of their spouses and we must collectively champion efforts to end the social stigma and discrimination perpetrated against women living with Obstetric Fistula.

We need to coordinate national interventions and guide efforts leading to the complete eradication of Obstetric Fistula in accordance with the 2018 resolution adopted by the Ministers of Health from the ECOWAS region. There is a need to develop and commit to the implementation of a National Strategy to Eliminate Obstetric Fistula in The Gambia. This strategy will be the blueprint for sustainable interventions to accelerate the realization of zero fistula cases in the Gambia by 2030.

We must also strengthen The Gambia’s health system to first give access to quality antenatal care, family planning and deliver when necessary unlimited and uninterrupted Comprehensive Emergency Obstetric and Neonatal Care (CEmONC). This should be coupled with the availability of adequate maternal lifesaving drugs and equipment in health facilities across the country. There is also a need to build the human capacity of health care workers particularly by investing in the training of adequate midwives and improving on the quality of care everywhere.

Finally, given that Obstetric Fistula has been linked to harmful cultural practices such as Female Genital Mutilation and Child Marriage, it is time to ask ourselves, why do we hold on to cultural practices which have proven to negatively impact the health and wellbeing of women and girls and set us back in our development endeavours? We must create an environment where the health, dignity and bodily autonomy of women and girls are guaranteed and where we nurture positive cultural practices and abandon what is deemed harmful.

One woman living with Obstetric Fistula is one woman too many. We can make The Gambia one of the first countries within the West and Central African Region to eradicate Obstetric Fistula, if we center the experiences and needs of women and girls in our interventions. It is possible!

UNFPA stands ready to support The Gambia in this endeavour. We are aiming for a Gambia, where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth safe and every young person’s potential is fulfilled.

About the author:

Ms. Ndéye Rose Sarr is UNFPA Country Representative in The Gambia

By: Jankey Touray

Nanneh Frade Gomez, country representative for Global Homes for Medical Mission (GHOMM), has threatened to sue the Gambian government for stepping into a land which the court had ruled to be hers.

“I don’t know what authority the president has to come and perform such an action, but let’s see if he himself will be in contempt because if the president without our invitation, he will be trespassing. We will make sure we take him to court and file contempt proceeding against him because nobody is above the law.”

Gomez in a press briefing held at the former Anti-Crime unite in Bijilo said that the government plans to lay a foundation for a said multimillion-dollar OIC Hotel in July 2022, which she claimed would be contempt of court.

She claimed that President Adama Barrow’s meeting with Dr Gabou Mendy at State House disclosed that $87,000,000.00 was received by the President from a foreign investor to build a 5 Star Hotel for the OIC three-day Conference after which the property would diminish to the said investor.

“Whoever they give it to let the person go and find out what to do. As I am talking to you, the land belongs to the organization (Global HOMM) and nobody has any right or anything to do on this land. Anything that is done here should be under our approval otherwise it is illegal, and you would be charged with contempt of court order.”

She outlined that the OIC Secretary in a press conference on Monday 20^th June 2022, the same day the high court dismissed the State application, responded to journalists that the land is fully owned by the state and has been given to a private investor whom they approved a purposed settlement agreement on Monday, April 12th 2021.

She added that the court has ruled in favour of Home of Medical Mission that they are the sole owners of the land and that they have won two court cases on the said ownership in which the state filed a case to terminate the judgement, that the court ruled out and reinforced the previous ruling that it belongs to them.

By: Muhammed Lamin Drammeh 

Alhagie Mamadi Kurang, the founder and CEO of Jolof Tutors and former parliamentary candidate in Niamina East has said that the price of fertilizer in The Gambia will increase poverty levels in the country, decrease income, lower standards of living and hike food prices.

He said that fertilizer remains one of the key components in successful farming, noting that the price by the government to sell it is expensive and will yield bad results.

“For Farmers, 187% increase in fertilizer price will mean lower inputs, decreased in income, a lower standard of living and an increase in poverty levels. It will certainly lead to increasing in food prices in the coming year due to lower outputs.”

Last week, The Gambia government announced that it has reduced the price of fertilizer from D2500 to D2000. This came after farmers raised concerns over the cost of the price of fertilizer.

However, Kurang, who wanted to contest against President Adama Barrow in the run-up to 2021 presidential election before later backing PDOIS, told The Fatu Network that the government never reduced the price but said it was increased from D700 to D2000 from last year.

He narrated that the fertilizer price will remain inflated by 187% from last year.

According to him, The Gambia government should have done everything possible to offer fertilizer to farmers at affordable prices.

He said he visited Niamina Kudang almost every week after he lost in the April parliamentary elections, reiterating that farmers are faced with unprecedented challenges.  He outlined that aside from the price of fertilizer, farmers are having additional challenges.

“They are concerned about the cost of seedlings (peanut) which has also increased by 100% from last year. Another major challenge they are facing is a lack of mechanized equipment for ploughing such as tractors.”

According to him, the cost of ploughing has gone up so far by at least 50%, and even that, accessing tractors is still difficult.

Alhagie Mamadi Kurang further told TFN that farmers in Niamina East are worried about the future in terms of being able to achieve expected outcomes and being able to feed their families.

By Jankey Touray

The ongoing OIC Gambia road is alleged to have caused floods among natives of Bertil Harding highway in the coastal road locality.

The project which is expected to be completed in fourteen (14) months as the work is in progress has made life difficult for people around that area.

Mahmoud Kanteh, a tailor and an occupant, said they find it difficult as the water does not flow freely. Water from the market and other residents are settles at their gate, adding that this was the first rain and the whole area is covered with stagnant water.

“I also work at night and with the poor condition of the road, drivers increase fare from the coastal road to the turntable,” said Kandeh.

He claimed that drivers increase fare at night to Fifty Dalasis, an amount which he described as costly for some of them.

Ablie Sanneh, a car mechanic, said they are experiencing lots of drawbacks on the side road provided for drivers to pass through.

“If there is heavy rain, the whole place is filled with water. The cars find it difficult to pass,’ said Sanneh.

Sanneh said the cars they repair are mostly packed outside, and with the side road, all the cars get dirty after being washed and that some cars could spoil again.

Ousman Jarju, a passenger whose vehicle got stock, said the poor condition of the road makes traveling tough for them.

‘Our car got stuck in the mud because there were holes and thick water on the road and the driver tried to make a turn to the main highway,’ Jarju explained.

He pleaded with the government to fasten the work and urged citizens to exercise patience.

By: Sainabou Sambou 

Mamadou Bah, Director General (DG) of the Food Safety and Quality Authority (FSQA) has in an interview with West Coast Radio’s Coffee Time program on Wednesday 22 June 2022 said they received an information that some people were roasting cowhides, commonly known as “cow Canda” using waste or used car tires.

He added that they immediately went on a joint operation with the police and were able to apprehend the alleged perpetrators on the act, confirming that eight people were arrested, including six females and two males while one escaped.

The operation and arrest were carried out in Abuko, behind the abattoir in Kombo North.

He said they are still on a joint operation with the police, noting that the eight persons will be investigated and prosecuted.

“The suspects are under police custody and the police will charge them on Section 28 and Section 37 of our act [Food Safety and Quality Authority Act]. I hope that they will be charged and prosecuted,” he said.

Mr. Bah disclosed that car tires are very dangerous and that the smoke from burning tires is harmful to people’s health.

He further disclosed that they will take some samples and process them to know the level of toxic implications they have on smoked cowhides.

“Maybe it is not only happening in Abuko. It might be happening else where, so we will continue to be on the lookout as part of our surveillance system and we will find more information about the issue,” he said.

He reiterated that the eight people are under police custody, saying that they will help the police with more information to know the other people engaging in such act.

By Sanna Jallow

The Gambia Lawn Tennis Association has commenced a five-day training for tennis players and coaches. The training focuses on improving their participation at both national and international levels.

The five-day training is designed to give tennis players and coaches the opportunity to interact with Louis De Sousa who is a tennis consultant from the International Tennis Federation.

Saul Frazer, the President of the Gambia Lawn Tennis Association said when they took up the new board, they felt it was necessary to start from the ground as it came to their notice that the Gambia is banned from the international arena for almost 9 years, including the Confederation of African Tennis and the International Tennis Federation (ITF).

“We cannot renew our International Tennis Federation membership if we Can’t renew the confederation for African tennis and we have a way forward to renew our membership,” he explained.

Mr Frazer stated that the main objective of bringing Mr De Sousa for the training is to help them assess the facilities on the ground and for him to give advice and guidance on the way forward.

“We want to build tennis in the Gambia from the grassroots level and get people to play tennis, especially the young ones because it will be an alternative for them, the Gambia is a nation of sport but not everybody can play football”, he said.

He assured the tennis players that this will not be the only training they will have but they will keep on bringing trainers that have more experience in tennis to help them develop their games.

Luis De Sousa, a Tennis Consultant at the International Tennis Federation said he was invited by the President of the Gambia Tennis Association for a five-day training to see how they can develop tennis in the Gambia.

“I am going to train the tennis players and coaches too to see how we can corporate. The players are improving,” he said.

Julius Freeman, Vice President of the Gambia Lawn Tennis Association said the training is to help them identify the best tennis players in the country and also guide the coaches to improve their performance.

“We will also train the tennis coaches to see how we can improve their knowledge of tennis and the skills they did not have before”, he mentioned.

Yankuba Dramneh, a tennis coach with over two decades of experience in playing tennis, said the training is significant as it will enhance their better performance in tennis.

“It has been a very long time since we have a session like this with a tennis consultant”, he said.

By: Dawda Baldeh

Yankuba Dibba, Chief Executive Officer of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Gambia Secretariat told journalists at a press briefing on Monday 20 June 2022 that the date and month for hosting of the biggest Islamic heads of state and government summit which is schedule for this year is yet to be confirmed, disclosing that the date can only come from all member states.

Mr. Dibba disclosed that three quarter of the OIC projects are funded by the Saudi government and also updated the public about the funding of the OIC Gambia projects.

“The fifty kilometer urban roads projects at a cost of $50m is entirely funded by Saudi. The $10.2m VVIP presidential lounge at the airport is 100% funded by Saudi. Water and electricity which is at a cost of $32.5m is totally t is funded by Saudi, but the Bertil Harding project of $79m is co-funded by the Arab Development Bank. There are also the equity funds, Islamic development fund and Gambia government,” he told journalists after having a close-door meeting with the new Saudi Ambassador.

Following the OIC Secretary General’s visit last week, Mr. Dibba said Gambia will undoubtedly host the summit. However, the OIC CEO referenced the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine war as features that where never highlighted in any development plan but noted that they have badly delayed the progress in some of the OIC projects as the materials used are imported from those countries.

Asked about the date and month for the summit, he said, “Naturally, this is an issue for the entire member states. OIC is a structure comprising 57 countries that have to be part of any decision with regards to date,” he added.

Speaking further, the OIC CEO denied the ongoing rumor that Gambia will not host the Summit as proposed before. “What is no doubt is that Gambia will host the summit following the OIC Secretary General’s visit in the Gambia, adding that dates are flexible in the sense that they can be discussed. But we all know the world situation. Things can dramatically change for example, we were not expecting the Covid-19 and the Russia-Ukraine war all these are possible factors that were not planned for,” he said.

The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), which is the world’s biggest Islamic summit with 57 member states, was postponed in the Gambia in 2019 due to delay in work progress.

By: Sarjo Brito

A joint operation by officials of the Food Safety and Quality Authority of The Gambia and the Police on Tuesday 21^st June 2022 has led to the arrest of eight individuals behind the central abattoir in Abuko for allegedly using waste car tires to smoke cowhides, locally known as ‘cowcanda’.

The Food Safety and Quality Authority said it acted on a tipoff after a concerned consumer reported the unhealthy food preparation method which allegedly has been ongoing for some time now, exposing consumers to toxic chemicals that can cause serious health problems.

‘’Two men and six women are currently in police custody for allegedly using tires to smoke cowhides, otherwise called “cow canda” in our local dialects. The accused persons were arrested in an early morning raid while in the act at a deserted place behind the slaughterhouse in Abuko, on Tuesday 21st June 2022’’ – FSQA

Cow canda, as it is commonly called in the Gambia is used in the cooking of some Gambian delicacies like the famous okra and spinach stews. The processed cowhide is sold in local markets for onward distribution.

According to research, car tires contain numerous chemicals that are not only toxic but are also likely human carcinogens.

While the story is still developing, the Food Safety and Quality Authority says “efforts are already underway to issue corrective measures which will serve as a deterrent to the alleged offenders.”

FSQA in a statement reiterated the organization’s unalloyed resolve to clamp down on non-compliant food business operators in the country.

President Adama Barrow has today 21^st June 2022 received the Letters of Credence of three more ambassadors to The Gambia at various ceremonies held at the State House in Banjul.

The first to present his Letters of Credence to the President was the Ambassador from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, His Excellency Saad A. Alnofai. President Barrow welcomed the new Ambassador to The Gambia and extended his best wishes to the King and the People of Saudi Arabia. He acknowledged the strong ties and the support Saudi Arabia has accorded him and his Government such as the hosting of the OIC Summit in The Gambia.

“I thank the Government of Saudi Arabia and His Royal Highness, the King, for funding and supporting the fundraising for The Gambia to host the OIC Summit. We have the best collaboration for hosting the OIC, and I look forward to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia opening an embassy in The Gambia,” said President Barrow.

President Barrow cited the plan to have Gambian workers in Saudi Arabia as an opportunity to further strengthen the relation between the two countries. He also applauded the reopening of the Hajj this year following its halting during the COVID pandemic. Ambassador Alnofai said The Gambia and Saudi Arabia have a long-standing relation and partnership in the international arena. He added that the two countries share a similar vision for peace in the world.

The second ambassador to present her Letters of Credence to President Barrow is the representative of South Africa, Her Excellency, Ms. Bongiwe Qwabe. The President urged the Ambassador to utilise the values of “strong leadership, commitment, and solidarity” associated with women leaders to improve trade between South Africa and The Gambia, an opportunity the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) has provided. He also extended salutations and special gratitude to President Ramaphosa and thanked him for the cordial relationship.

Ambassador Qwabe applauded The Gambia’s peaceful democratic transition since the election in 2016. She said the Gambian experience serves as an inspiration to other countries in Africa. Ambassador Qwabe said The Gambia and South Africa have an opportunity to build on their relation making use of the AfCFTA.

The final presentation for the day was by the Swiss Ambassador to The Gambia, His Excellency Andrea Semadeni, President Barrow was optimistic about the renewal of agreements between the two countries and urged the Ambassador to work on further strengthening the long-standing relations.  He expressed appreciation for having The Gambia on the Human Rights Council in Geneva and expects the support and collaboration to go to higher heights.

Ambassador Semadeni on his part said he hopes to strengthen the relation between the two countries during his tenure to a mutually beneficial one. He said Switzerland have had a long-standing relation with The Gambia, having recognised the country immediately after it became independent.

The President had earlier received other diplomats from some countries in the sub region and beyond.

By: Dawda Baldeh

The National Pharmaceutical Services at the Ministry of Health with support from partners and stakeholders held a day-long validation exercise for its National Medicine Policy 2022-2025 at Kairaba Hotel in Senegambia on Tuesday, 21st June 2022.

The policy document is expected serve as a basic for driving health sector priorities and planning as a good resource allocation process and all other related pharmaceutical policies among others.

According to the WHO, access to medical products and technologies is one of the six building blocks of a health system.

In his opening remarks, Babanding Sabally, Director of Pharmaceutical Service underscored the significance of the document, adding that its validation is timely. “Access to health is a fundamental human right. However, access to health cannot be fulfilled without the availability of essential medicines,” he emphasized. He further disclosed that medicines, health supplies and vaccines are often the second largest expenditure in public budget.

The National Medicines Policy (NMP) aims to contribute to the attainment of quality health services for the population of The Gambia through ensuring the continuous availability, accessibility and affordability to the essential medicines. “A weak Pharmaceutical sector cannot support quality health delivery system,” Mr. Sabally said.

He used the opportunity to thank their partners for the continuous support, adding that the ministry and partners are committed to providing quality health service delivery to the people.

Dr. Ahmed Lamin Samateh, Minister of Health, said over the years the pharmaceutical sector has registered significant achievements, citing the enactment of Pharmacy Council Act 2014 and Medicines and Related Products Act 2014 as examples which led to the establishment and functioning of the Medicine Control Agency and The Pharmacy Council of The Gambia in 2016.

“A significant success also registered by the Ministry of Health through the Pharmaceutical sector is the shift in policy in the procurement of Pharmaceuticals from single sourcing to international competitive bidding,” he said. “The policy will provide a new direction for the Health sector development,” Dr. Samateh added.

The World Health Organization country representative, Dr. Desta Turineh, said they are pleased that the country has walked through the difficult moment of the pandemic in developing a robust National Medicine Policy.

He reiterated WHO’s continuous partnership with the Ministry of Health to provide efficient and quality health care service delivery to the people. “WHO has been supporting the process of the policy and we are planning to work with the Directorate of Pharmaceutical Services in foreseeing the essential medicine list which will be use to guide the insurance scheme and benefit package,” he said.

The National Medicine Policy validation forum was attended by the Minister of Health, Dr. Ahmad Lamin Samateh, WHO country representative Dr. Desta Turineh, senior officials at the ministry of Health and Partners who both expressed optimism that the document will assist the ministry and partners in ensuring quality health care service delivery which is expected to be reviewed and validated in 2025.

By: Hadram Hydara

Hon. Modou Lamin Bah, United Democratic Party’s National Assembly Member (NAM) for Banjul North has said his house was the target of an arson attack by an unknown individual in the early hours of Monday, June 20^th 2022.

Speaking exclusively to The Fatu Network, the UDP NAM said someone had attempted to set ablaze his Tobacco Road residence in Banjul when his wife and children were fast asleep while he was “making the best use of his time reading.”

“Someone wanted to set my house on fire. This actually happened around the hours of 2 am to 3 am in the early hours of Monday the 20^th of June at my residence in Tobacco, Banjul North Constituency. What happened was I was in the other room making good use of my time in terms of reading some of the things I was researching when my wife was in the master bedroom and then suddenly knock on my door and said they are trying to set the house on fire and that is how I rushed to see what was going on but before I could get there the individual had already left.”

Speaking on what happened after the individual fled the scene, Hon. Bah said he and his wife decided not to go back to sleep and waited for daybreak.

“Because the electricity was going on and off my wife decided to open the windows so that they get access to fresh air. In the morning we saw that the individual was trying to burn the wire gauze on the windows.”

Pressed on whether he or his wife had seen the face of the individual or whether he might have any clue of who it was, Hon. Bah answered in the negative.

“To be honest, neither me nor my wife saw the face of the person because it was very dark. What my wife saw was a figure in the dark holding fire and attempting to set the house on fire. The person succeeded in burning parts of the wire gauze.”

Asked if he has reported the incidents to the police and whether he or his family were hurt and if the incident caused any property damages, the NAM said:

“Yes, we immediately did report the matter to the police in the morning. My wife went to the police and the police also gave us all the support we needed by coming over to the house to do their investigations, where they took pictures of the burnt wire gauze. Nobody was hurt and there were no property damages.”

Quizzed on whether as a National Assembly Member he was not given any personal security, Honourable Bah seized the opportunity to call on both the Standing Committee on Defense and Security and the Standing Committee on Privileges and Ethics at the National Assembly to work on providing NAMs with personal securities.

“We are not given personal security and I want to seize the important opportunity to urge the select Committee on Defense and Security and also the Standing Committee on Privileges and Ethics to work on providing security for all National Assembly Members because this is very important. As Honourable members of this country, it is high time for us to be very secure. After all, our security is the security of the people because we are here to represent and to add as oversight officials for the nation and this is fundamental as NAMs to be provided with security so that we can be able to do our work comfortably.”