By Fatou Camara II

Fish is becoming more and more expensive in The Gambia pushing families to the brink regarding their daily nutritional needs.

From the Greater Banjul Area to the North Bank Region to other regions of the country, the reality is quite grim.

“The price at which fish wholesalers charge us for the fish is very unfavourable and this is why fish became unreasonably expensive in the market. They have doubled the prices of almost every type of fish,” Amie Jallow a fish retailer at Farafenni market tells The Fatu Network.

“The solution would be for them to sell the fish at a reasonable price so that we can get rid of this vagabond price on fish because it makes no sense at all.”

Her colleague Kani Touray says their hands are tied when it comes to pricing of fish.

“It is sad that our customers complain everyday about the fish, but what can we do?” she adds.

But a fish wholesaler Momodou Mboob who came to the market to collect his money from the women fish vendors says they are not to be blamed for the disturbing prices.

“We cannot be blamed for the escalating fish price in the market. There was a time when we would secure fish at a reasonable price but that is no longer the case. Go to Tanje fishing site and ask the fishermen the reason behind the unreasonable price of fish,” Mboob says.

Meanwhile, a fisherman at Tanje fishing landing site concedes to the price increase on fish but discloses fuel cost was driving it.

Alagie Jarju says: “The price of fish is the concern of all regardless of whom or what you are. It is expensive but I can tell you it’s not our fault.

“Fuel is the major problem, it is expensive and this is why our charge on fish had increased. Few years back I would spend D2000 on fuel for an entire day but now it’s doubled.”

National People’s Party will choose death over shame in the December presidential election, party leader President Adama Barrow has said.

Speaking to over 50 fomer MPs who visited State House to assure him of their support, the president said goats and sheep are presently in the same room hence the much talk.

The president said: “There is a lot of talk. All talk will end on December 5. What caused this much talk? It’s because the goats and the sheep are in the same room. It’s because of the afternoon rain but it will end on December 4. We’re not taking the elections lightly.

“This election is worth everything to us. Whatever we should do we will. If you’re going into a fight, you should cast your mind to two things: shame and death. If you get shamed, you should know you have been hit by something of which you must die. The agony lives with you. So you rather choose death over shame. So we (NPP) will take death and not shame.”

The president has now become the second contender to throw the gauntlet to his opponents after UDP leader Darboe.

Darboe last month told The Fatu Network he has what it takes to defeat President Barrow and that he will be declared president-elect on December 5.

President Adama Barrow has reacted to claims by his critics he goes about sleeping while on the job.

Critics have continued to say the president dozes off even while he is standing, with some suggesting he is suffering from a medical condition.

But the president said while meeting with over 50 former MPs: “You know they ridicule me that I’m a president who sleeps.

“But a sleeping president has built Banjul and Hakalang, and Niani and Saloum, and Sandu and he is sleeping. So whenever he wakes up, you will also flee this country. But it’s all because of hypocrisy.”

MP Omar Ceesay has reacted to the non-selection of ‘Dou Sanno and co’ into the NPP national executive where he said it was a clear manifestation of their inability to man executive positions in NPP.

Ceesay who is a top GDC member wrote today: “The incapability of the officious advisers who are most often than not expressing adulatory language to President Barrow is finally exposed.

“The so-called political elites serving as advisers to President Barrow should now remain mute as they are not considered first, second, or third choice in the NPP’s national executive members. Or could it be that they will contest in forthcoming parliamentary election?

“It would surprise one to know that these are the so-called advisers claiming to be in charge of the political directives of the President. Or could it be that they are battling to occupy the position of the deputy party leader?

“One may be baffling the advisers politically, as politicians who recently joined the NPP are prioritized and given positions in the executive while Dou and the Co. are not. Or could it be that they sacrificed their positions to maintain the new members in the party?

“The failure to accommodate adviser Dou Sanno and his compatriots in the recently structured executive in the party is a clear manifestation of their inability to man executive positions in the party. Or could it be that they will be overseeing the executive?

“Dou and his acquaintance should challenge the selection of the executive and prove the public wrong by handling positions in the executive. Or could it be that they want to quit the party for good? The calamity within the NPP could lead to fragmentation among members.”

Dr. Mamadou Tangara, has held an audience with the ambassador of China Ma Jianchun in his office in Banjul.

Ambassador Ma was at the Foreign Ministry to present his country’s proposed initiative on partnership for Africa’s development within the context of the United Nations Security Council, the foreign ministry said.

According to the ministry, the initiative would be launched during China’s presidency of the United Nations Security Council and it is meant to support Africa’s development and post-COVID reconstruction.

“During her one month presidency for the month of May, China would use its presidency to call on the international community to support Africa in areas such as trade and investment, environmental protection, debt relief, food security, wealth accumulation, agriculture, agro-industry, sustainable development, infrastructure, energy and transport, scientific and technical cooperation, digitalisation and industrialisation.

“The initiative was presented to Foreign Minister Dr. Mamadou Tangara during a diplomatic demarche by Ambassador Ma and his team. Honourable Minister warmly welcomed Ambassador Ma and used the opportunity to extend heartfelt felicitations to his Chinese counterpart His Excellency Wang Yi,” the foreign ministry said in a news release.

The release added: “Minister Tangara hailed the initiative and expressed the commitment of the Government of The Gambia in strengthening bilateral cooperation with the People’s Republic of China for the mutual benefit of Africa and China. He described China as a dependable and reliable partner that always supports its partners in times of need.  The new initiative, the Honourable Minister indicated, would be crucial in boosting economic recovery efforts in the aftermath of COVID-19 pandemic that brought the world economy to its knees. The Honourable Minister said Africa and China would take stock of the framework that encompasses Forum for China – Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in its next meeting in Dakar, Senegal.

“Minister Tangara recalled that since the outbreak started, the Government of China firmly supported Africa in fighting the pandemic. He added that this is evident with the multiple batches of medical supplies and anti-pandemic experience shared with African medical practitioners in containing the pandemic. He congratulated the People’s Republic of China for its victory against the pandemic.

“For his part, Ambassador Ma commended the Government of The Gambia and assured that China would continue to support the development needs of Africa and The Gambia in particular. He said greater cooperation would be done during the forthcoming Forum on China – Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) meeting due to be held in Dakar.”

Ahmad Gitteh has shot back at his critics who have been basking in news of his exclusion in the NPP national executive.

Gitteh said in a reaction today: “To the oppositions and adversaries that are making noise about my exclusion in the executive NPP, well I was in a political party where in fact most of you knew my participation before the formation of NPP.

“You never knew me in any official role but an ordinary member. I was very determined, serious and active participant. That’s me. You need to do a bit of search about me and content.

“NPP is my party. Some of us are very proud that we have built a party with less than the number of executives of some other parties and within two years we grew so large that even Gitteh that everybody talks about in the party does not need to have an official role for the party to function effectively and successfully.

“I would have felt terribly bitter, sad, disappointed and despaired if you had come to my Facebook wall to tell me that “YOUR PARTY CANNOT EVEN PRODUCE ENOUGH PEOPLE TO FILL YOUR EXECUTIVE POSITIONS “. Democracy and politics are purely based on NUMBERS and that you all will agree NPP has.

“I am a proud comrade and founder of NPP. The Baraka in the party is limitless and Inshaa-Allah we shall bring the trophy back home on December 4th 2021.

“Congratulations to this great executive team. You have our utmost respect and full support and we are available at all times should you need any assistance from us. We must continue with this positive mass movement to dreamland.”

US-based Alhassan Darboe today went home with a master’s degree in communication from Arizona State University.

Darboe had been pursuing the top academic echelon for the past two years. He has now gotten to the mountain top.

He reacted: “Despite a very busy life as a realtor and actor, pursuing higher education has never been more important to me. A true testimony that whatever a man believes and pursues with commitment and confidence, he can achieve.

“Throughout this journey, I have had a lot of support from friends and family. And for that, I am very grateful. So far beyond this modest tribute, I owe them much more. I send you all every word of appreciation, and with it, a kiss of gratitude and love.

National People’s Party has finally put together its national executive with President Adama Barrow emerging as secretary general and party leader while Vice President Dr Isatou Touray is appointed to assist Dembo By-Force Bojang as deputy national president and national president respectively.

According to a list seen by The Fatu Network, NPP appointed up to 20 people into its national executive where Mambanyick Njie was handed the role of administrative secretary and Saikou Bah as his deputy.

Elsewhere, Lamin Queen Jammeh got the role of spokesperson to be assisted by Seedy Njie.

The party also appointed a national campaign manager in Lamin Cham while Maimuna Baldeh got the nod for national women’s mobilizer. Her deputy is Kaddy Fofana.

Others who make up the NPP executive include Minister Musa Drammeh (national treasurer); FaboU Sanneh (national organising secretary); Kebba Madi Bojang (national youth president); MP Fatoumatta Jawara (national female youth president); Ramatoulie Bah (deputy national female youth president); Suku Singhateh (social and fund raising chairman); Momodou Bojang (deputy social and fund raising chairman); Kaw Barry (deputy national treasurer); Lamin K Saidy (deputy national youth president); Maimuna Ceesay (diaspora secretary); and Lamin Jawara (deputy diaspora).

National People’s Party on Sunday warned its supporters against politics of insults insisting they ran counter to the party’s principles.

In a statement signed by new party spokesperson Lamin SI Jammeh, NPP said: “The leadership of the National People’s Party (NPP) has learned with utter disappointment and dismay that some people who claim to be supporters of our great party are engaged in constant and unabated vitriolic attacks on some Party officials, Members and other Gambians on social media platforms.

“The Party wishes to make it abundantly clear that it does not subscribe to politics of insults, character assassination, mudslinging, hate and or tribalism.

“Therefore, those engaged in such behaviours must desist from it forthwith as they are against the core values and principles on which the National People’s Party is founded.

“Since its establishment in December 2019, the party’s leadership has tasked itself to transform and change the political landscape of the country from politics of personality attacks, triviality, insults and character assassination to politics of good and sound policies, ideas and programmes as part of a broader agenda to transform the country to an economic super power in line with the tenets of democracy and principles of good governance.

“The Party also reminds all its members and supporters to uphold and demonstrate highest standards of political maturity and decency and exercise restraint even in a situation where one is on the receiving end of the harshest of criticisms and violent verbal attack.

“The Party enjoins all to jealously safeguard and be guided by the tenets of democracy, political pluralism and maturity, tolerance and respect for divergent views and opinions necessary in a democratic society.  The government of President Adama Barrow ushered in a new Gambia where civil liberties and personal freedoms are assured. Therefore, all party supporters are urged to uphold the mantra that “politics is about contest of progressive ideas on how to improve the livelihoods and conditions of the citizenry for this generation and generations yet unborn and not the opposite.”

“Whilst we renew our fervent hope and commitment to this country and to deepen the democratic gains, the Party unequivocally condemns such behaviours and all NPP members and supporters are urged to adopt civil and polite language in their political discourse.”

By Sarjo Brito

Two women security cameras caught shoplifting at a store in Serrekunda have been arrested by police.

The Fatu Network this week broke the news of two women wearing veils and the Muslim Abaya dress entering a family store and stealing a bag containing money.

On Sunday, police issued a statement that the suspects have been arrested.

Police said: “Following shocking media reports of a viral CCTV footage of two veiled women shoplifting in a clothing store at Serrekunda market, the Inspector General’s Office hereby informs the public that there is a breakthrough. The suspects have now been identified and arrested.

“On Saturday 1st May 2021, Police received a complaint that over D200,000 was stolen from a garment shop at Serrekunda market. The complainant alleged that CCTV surveillance captured two unidentified women in veil believed to be the suspects. Police swiftly opened up an investigation into the matter.

“Preliminary investigations revealed the two  veiled suspects to be Kumba Secka and Mai Baldeh. During investigations, Police also recovered some One Hundred and Twenty Eight Thousand Fifty Dalasis ( D128, 050. 00) and several new clothes bought by the duo probably from the stolen money.

“They are currently helping Police in their ongoing investigations to recover the rest of the stolen items.

“The public is further informed that appropriate actions will follow in accordance with the Laws of The Gambia.

“The Inspector General of Police urges people to desist from stealing and all forms of crime particularly as we draw closer to the Koriteh feast.

“Meanwhile, Police detectives and patrol officers are deployed all over and any individual found wanting will be prosecuted.

“The IGP wishes to convey his gratitude to the general public for the show of solidarity in solving crime.”

Police announced they are investigating a false information case in the matter of one Muhammad Darboe, a Bissau Guinean following a false complaint to police that he was kidnapped and robbed by individuals in a taxi.

Police said: “According to the complainant, On Thursday 29th April 2021 at 19: 30 hrs, he hired a Taxi at the Giboroh border post to the Banjul Airport to board a Dubai-bound flight. Darboe alleged that the taxi driver drove to an unknown location around  Kuloro quarry where he was violently robbed of 1, 500, 000 CFA, his Bissau Guinean Passport, Visa card, ID card, and a mobile phone. He also alleged injuries as a result of the violent robbery, he suffered from his alleged assailants.

“Preliminary investigations revealed, the complainant did not pass through any of the official borders in The Gambia as alleged. Also, investigators visited the alleged crime scene but no evidence linking to the crime was discovered. Curiously, even the flight manifest to Morocco found in his possession doesn’t even bear his name.

“Further investigations revealed that he actually stole money from his father in Guinea Bissau on the pretext of traveling to Europe through the back way. The stolen money has been entrusted to someone in The Gambia (name withheld). Police investigators are making efforts to recover the stolen money.

“The IGP’s office wishes to strongly advice the public to desist from spreading false information about imaginary crimes that never happened. Any individual found wanting of such will be investigated and prosecuted in accordance with the Laws.

“Similarly, online newspapers and bloggers are urged to verify facts relating to crimes in The Gambia and desist from spreading false information intended to cause panic and fear among the public. The cooperation and understanding of the public is highly solicited.”

Police have arrested three people for allegedly being in possession of cannabis.

The men were arrested on April 28 on the Sukuta-Jabang highway after their red Mercedes Benz C-Class, with registration number BJL 6693 T was intercepted. They were arrested by Police Intervention Unit’s VIP Platoon.

“Quantities of suspected drugs were found in the vehicle resulting to the arrest of three suspects namely: Alieu Jarju, Ousman Jatta and Mamodou Jallow.

“They are handed over to the Drug Law Enforcement Agency for necessary actions,” police said.

Amie Bajo’s kidney transplant in India is on track after a fundraiser set up in her name raised nearly one million dalasis.

The Fatu Network advised the 21-year-old to set up a fundraiser after she was led to the outlet’s office by her colleagues at the university.

Her fundraiser has now raised nearly one million dalasis of the 1.2 million dalasis nearly for her to undergo kidney transplant in India.

The Fatu Network understands businessman Abubakary Jawara donated D100,000 while Arab Gambia Islamic Bank donated D75,000.

Amie is still seeking support and anyone who wishes to help save the life of the young girl can reach out to her family or colleagues at the university.

Eight Gambians stranded in Niger return home safely through the International Organisation for Migration.

Their return was under IOM’s Assisted Voluntary Return and Reintegration (AVRR) program.

Upon arrival, the returnees were screened for any vulnerabilities, including medical needs amidst the pandemic, IOM said in an update on its official Facebook page.

GDC national youth president MC Cham Jnr has been left unimpressed by former MPs meeting with President Barrow.

Suku Singhateh on Saturday led over 50 former MPs to State House who all assured the president of their support.

But MC Cham Jnr said: “Some of those former APRC MP’s and Governors can’t mobilise their own household. These are people who lost credibility in the eye of the public were fooling President Barrow just to gain income and recognition.

“They were just being carried along by Jammeh. Wait and see Gambians are not fools Gambians will vote for merit and competent leader to steer the affairs by rescuing us from this sinking boat.

“Some of these so-called former MPs serve only one term and the other term they got rejected by their own people even Jammeh lost in their various constituencies.

“What an irony, it’s a sign of sinking boat where people with no genuine ideas to convince people to vote for Barrow.”

The board of directors of GAMWORKS has announced the appointment of Omar Gaye as the new director general of GAMWORKS.

Gaye took over from Ebrima Cham who left his position after having reached the statutory retirement age. His appointment took effect on Saturday May 1.

Gaye served as the Technical Director of GAMWORKS, from February 2004 up to the time of his elevation to the position of Director General.

Mr. Gaye has therefore been pivotal to the success of the Agency over the last 17 years, a statement said.

It added: “The Board is confident that Mr. Omar Gaye can manage the affairs of GAMWORKS and build on the successes of his predecessor. The Board of Directors take this opportunity to congratulate Mr. Gaye on his appointment and wish him well in his new position.

“In the same vein, the Board sincerely thank Mr. Ebrima Cham, for his outstanding leadership of GAMWORKS and his immense contribution towards the success of the Agency in the infrastructural development of The Gambia. During his 17 years tenure, Mr. Ebrima Cham served GAMWORKS with distinction and professionalism.

“GAMWORKS was incorporated as Company Limited by Guarantee in 1993, as an autonomous and not-for-profit Agency to manage public works, by the Government of The Gambia with the assistance of the World Bank. The Subscribers and Board of Directors of GAMWORKS are drawn from five associations, namely: the Gambia Bar Association (GBA), the Gambia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), The Association of Non-Governmental Organisations (TANGO), the Gambian Association of Local Government Authorities (GALGA), and the National Youth Council (NYC).

“The mandate of the Agency is to implement development projects, in an efficient and expeditious manner, on behalf the Government and our Development Partners. The Agency has also been implementing projects funded entirely from the Gambia Government National Budget, or by Public Enterprises and Public Institutions. The activities of the Agency encompass the management of projects, especially in the area of civil works and infrastructure, such as roads, carparks, markets, public buildings, offices, schools, resource centres, public amenities, health centres, sanitation, drainage, electricity and water supply.

“The Agency is also involved in the rehabilitation and upgrading of existing buildings, and the procurement of goods and services. Employment creation, capacity building for local government authorities and the construction industry, are also important objectives of GAMWORKS. The agency has a track record for its professional and successful management of major public works as well as impactful projects for local authorities that have significant social impact.”

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) on Friday said that some 340 migrants have been rescued off the coast of Libya.

“Some 340 refugees and migrants have been returned today to Tripoli by Libyan Coast Guard,” UNHCR tweeted.

“UNHCR and IRC (International Rescue Committee) provided urgent medical and humanitarian assistance to all survivors before being taken to detention,” UNHCR said.

Libya has become a preferred point of departure for thousands of immigrants who attempt to cross the Mediterranean Sea to reach European shores.

According to the International Organization for Migration, more than 6,000 illegal migrants have been rescued off the Libyan coast so far this year, including women and children.

Rescued migrants end up in overcrowded reception centers across Libya, despite repeated international calls to close those centers. (CGTN Africa)

Suku Singhateh has led a delegation of more than 50 former MPs to State House where they met President Adama Barrow and assured him of their love and loyalty.

NPP lion Seedy Njie shared a statement with The Fatu Network.

It read: “His Excellency PRESIDENT Adama Barrow today Saturday 1st May 2021 received in audience over fifty former National Assembly Members and Governors during the APRC government in State House.

“The delegation led by their President Hon. Abdoulie Suku Singhateh were at the Presidency to express their loyalty and support to His Excellency President Adama Barrow and the organisation’s resolve to mount a formidable team for his re-election on December 4th 2021.

“Hon Adama Cham, Hon Foday Lang Sarr, Hon Musa Badjie, Lamin Queen Jammeh, Majanko Samusa , Karamo Jadama,  Dembo Byforce Bodjang and Hon Suku Singhateh who chaired the meeting all assured President Barrow of their readiness to campaign vigorously for His re-election in the December Presidential Election. The team highlighted gains in democracy,  good governance and the mammoth infrastructural development ushered in by the Barrow’s administration as development oriented politics and call on all Gambians to rally behind President Barrow and to massively vote for the NPP. The experienced consortium furrher asserted that the primary goal of their group is to compliment and collaborate with the National People’s Party for an unprecedented election victory for President Barrow.

“In his address, His Excellency President Adama Barrow welcome the initiative and commended them for their steadfast and resolute in supporting him. The event according to the President is historic citing the vast experience acquired by the veterans politician will undoubtedly add value to his party’s political trajectory. He assured them of his support and urge them to continue to work as a team and to collaborate with all NPP structures to mount an all out campaign team that will stand the test of time. The group also presented their work plan to the President and they are set to embark on a nationwide tour.”

NPP journalist Alagie Bambo Lem said ‘it’s not me’ as he reacted to an audio message where a man is heard threatening to put drugs in UDP leader Ousainou Darboe’s car.

“You think we care? To take drugs and put it inside Ousainou’s car is easy. If you think you own Gambia you will know. Useless people,” a man which appears to be Lem said in an audio message that The Fatu Network listened to.

The Fatu Network understands UDP people are planning to go to police to lodge a complaint against Lem.

Lem declined to comment on the audio but said he listened to it and that it was not him.