Alpha Robinson has turned down a new job offer by the Gambia government, according to a letter seen by The Fatu Network.

Mr Robinson was the managing director of National Water and Electricity Company but got sacked last July after just a little over a year in the role. No reason was given.

He was removed as head of NAWEC and quickly issued a spot in the foreign service.

However, in a letter to the permanent secretary at the Personnel Management Office on August 10, Mr Robinson turned down the offer of a job in the foreign service insisting it will not avail him the opportunity to have the impact he desires for The Gambia and Africa ‘given my professional background and experience’.

By Fatou Camara II

The ministry of health is contemplating plans to turn the largest health facility in Kanifing Municipality into a coronavirus treatment centre.

Top ministry of health official Dr Abdoulie Bittaye confirmed a plan is underway as more new cases of the deadly disease emerge.

“Yes it’s true, we are looking at converting the Kanifing Hospital into a treatment centre. This is because we are expecting a lot more cases,” the director of Health Services said.

A memo by administration of the hospital on Monday is seen telling staff of the move to turn the hospital into a coronavirus treatment centre. The move is expected to come into effect on Monday August 24.

The ministry of health has discovered 244 new cases of coronavirus taking cases recorded to 2,116.

The ministry of health newly conducted 725 tests and 244 came out positive. The new cases ranged between one and 94 years.

Imam Tafsir Gaye was laid to rest on Monday after passing away on Sunday. He was 84.

The Banjul-born Senegal and Egypt-trained imam was one of the nation’s top imams.

Hospital records seen by The Fatu Network show the foremost Islamic mind died of pneumonia.

Madi Jobarteh has tested positive for coronavirus, the rights activist and commentator confirmed on Monday.

Mr Jobarteh wrote on his Facebook page moments ago: “I’ve just tested positive for COVID 19. I am under self quarantine and seeking your best wishes! I have no symptoms at all!

“I am taking all necessary medication. Stay home. Wear masks. Sanitize! We shall conquer COVID 19.”

Talented journalist Mustapha K Darboe has resigned his role as vice president of the Gambia Press Union.

Mr Darboe had been the union’s vice president since September 2018. He resigned on Monday after his role at the union was thrown into controversy.

A group of journalists had insisted Mr Darboe was no longer qualified to serve in an executive role in the union since he was now a media chief. He is the man behind Malagen, an online publication.

Mr Darboe told The Fatu Network on Monday resigning was the right thing to do.

He said: “Not just because some of our members have raised concerns about my status but the reality is that even though there are some who disagreed with my position, I think the intent of that clause in the GPU constitution which says someone who owns a media house is not supposed be eligible, I think the intent of that is to avoid a situation like my case – even though it was two years down the line after being vice president is when I established a news website which you could call a media house even though I have not employed anyone.

“It’s also in the interest of unity. There are some factions whoa s insignificant as you can think they are but they are members of the union and where you have instances of dispute, of course as a leader you must also be responsible enough to see a reasonable course of action and take that.

“It’s been an amazing experience for me. If anything I think the most important thing is I have benefitted a lot in terms of experience, supervising administrative issues, dealing with people at the secretariat.”

A map has shown which roads are set to be constructed ahead of the OIC summit in The Gambia.

Twenty roads in the Greater Banjul have been identified for overhauling ahead of the major summit in 2022.

Last week, OICGambia announced it has in collaboration with the Ministry of Transport, Works and Infrastructure (MOTWI) and the National Roads Authority finalised the recruitment of PACE & GAMECS as the Consultant for the Design and Supervision of the 50Km Urban Roads Project that will be constructed.

“Under this contract, PACE & GAMECS, which is a joint venture between Saudi Arabian and Gambian engineering consultancy firms, will provide detailed designs, pre-tender, and pre-contract services for a period of 7 months. Additionally, the team will supervise, manage, and monitor the execution of the 14 months road construction project. The Joint Venture partnership shows the commitment to promoting local content in all the OIC Related projects in order to create employment and build local capacity,” OICGambia said in a statement.

It added: “The recruitment of PACE & GAMECS is the culmination of a very competitive process involving Six(6) sets of Saudi and Gambian engineering companies. Correspondingly, it marks the beginning of the pre-construction phase of the 20 strategic roads identified for construction across the Greater Banjul Area.

“Once completed, these key and strategic roads will decongest and reduce pressure on major highways, improve the urban outlook of the country as well as facilitate easy and fast movement of people, goods, and services in the country.

“OICGambia would like to reassure the public that it remains resolute in its commitment to delivering all the priority projects in a timely fashion, despite the challenges posed by the COVID19 pandemic. It would delight the public to know that the organization and its partners have put in place robust risk management measures in order to mitigate challenges posed by the virus outbreak and time factor.”

Citizens’ Alliance today called on the Gambia government to perfect efforts and evacuated tens of Gambian women stranded in Middle East.

Gambian women in Lebanon and elsewhere in the Middle East have raised the alarm they are suffering and want to return home.

Citizens’ Alliance today in a statement titled, ‘Gambian Women Stranded in The Middle East: Citizens’ Alliance Calls for Government to Bring Our Trafficked Sisters Home’, asked the government to facilitate the return of the distressed women.

The party said: “We are deeply troubled by the Gambia government’s inaction in addressing the dire conditions of hundreds of Gambian women stranded across several countries in the Middle East. Forced by the lack of opportunities at home, our sisters fell prey to human traffickers in The Gambia who lured them into Middle East countries with the promise of better paid Jobs to help their poor families. Unfortunately, a lot of confirmed reports of our Gambian sisters being enslaved to their employers, working for them without pay, being raped, jailed, or even killed have reached out to the Government of The Gambia for the past years.

“We are gravely concerned that up to now, the Government of The Gambia is doing little, if anything, to help bring these Gambian women back home. Freeing our Gambian sisters from slavery and harsh conditions of survival in the Middle East is paramount, especially considering the Global Pandemic of the coronavirus.

“According to the 2019 Trafficking in Persons Report, The Government of The Gambia does not fully meet the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking and is not making significant efforts to do so, resulting to The Gambia being downgraded to Tier 3.
“We demand that the Government of The Gambia immediately; activate all available diplomatic avenues and resources to spot, localize and identify all Gambian women purposely in the Middle East for labor; repatriate all our Gambian sisters stranded in every country of the Middle East wishing to come back home. The President’s Office, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the full weight of our diplomatic resources should leave no stones unturned to protect the lives and welfare of Gambians abroad; engage existing Humanitarian and Migration organizations, Inter-government organizations and Foreign Governments to help in bringing our sisters home; more seriously address human trafficking by increasing efforts to vigorously investigate, prosecute, and convict traffickers and dismantle its networks in The Gambia and strongly punish human traffickers operating in our country; [and] seriously address the challenge of youth’s unemployment and create a conducive environment for Gambian youths so they are no longer forced/lured into these perilous journeys by the desperation for opportunities.”

Parents have been asked by police to ensure their kids are not loitering or selling along the roads and markets.

Police in a statement on Sunday said: “Most of these are school going children and therefore expected to be staying at home protected from covid-19. This is the ultimate purpose for the closure of schools by the Ministry of Education.

“It is however sad to see many of these vulnerable children exposed to negative vices and societal ills with potential to harm their future. In certain instances they are even involved in Road Traffic Accidents along the highways.

“The general public particularly parents are strongly advised to ensure that children stay at home and not left loitering or selling along the roads and markets.

“Parents or guardians who are found negligent will be held accountable for failure to protect children from covid-19 and related dangers.”

The National Human Rights Commission has insisted discrimination of any type including one based on caste has no place in a civilised society, as it reacted to an incident in Garawol.

A group considered slaves in Garawol recently reportedly came under ill treatment after they conducted Eid prayers in the village. The act caused their imam to be fined in default to leave the village.

NHRC said today: “Discriminatory practices and incidences within identified communities in URR have come to the attention of the Commission which it finds abhorrent to the dignity and person of the affected people, who are commonly referred to by the derogatory term “slaves” mostly by those who regard themselves as ‘nobles’. The Commission, set up to protect the rights of all people in The Gambia, condemns in the strongest terms all acts of human rights violations and discrimination against the people affected. Discrimination of any type or nature, including one based on caste, has no place in a civilized society and certainly not in The Gambia where the 1997 Constitution accords every citizen and resident equal rights and protection and a free and dignified life.

“Since October 2019 to date, NHRC has conducted two fact-finding missions to the communities of Diabugu, Koina and Garawol which revealed the existence of the caste system in these communities and that of a long-standing traditional practice that subjects ‘slaves’ to tedious, and sometimes degrading, jobs for their ‘masters’ or ‘nobles’ In extreme cases, the affected group has reported physical attacks on some of their members. Following the 2019 fact-finding mission, NHRC reported its findings through its annual report and made recommendations to the National Assembly Standing Committee on Human Rights on medium- and long-term solutions to ending this issue.

“The NHRC requests the government to urgently set up a task force comprising of relevant stakeholders including the Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Lands and Regional Government, Ministry of Interior, representatives of the Supreme Islamic Council, the National Assembly Standing Committee on Human Rights and the NHRC to look into the current troubles in the area and to also examine and implement the recommendations proposed by the NHRC to the National Assembly Standing Committee on Human Rights.”

Foremost Imam Tafsir Gaye has died, according to sources close to his family. Imam Gaye died on Sunday.

Imam Gaye is a top Islamic leader from Banjul who served in the role of deputy chief Imam of Banjul.

Tributes have poured in for the Imam with the likes of Momodou Sabally leading in heaping praise on the imam.

Sabally said: “Banjul has lost a gem of a scholar, the Muslim Ummah has lost a citadel of wit and wisdom. And certainly I have lost an admired and much respected teacher.

“Imam Tafsirr Gaye served as a critical lighthouse in my journey of learning the Holy Quran.

“He was well endowed with intellectual depth and critical thinking skills.”

Sukai Bojang commented on the wall of the imam’s son, Aziz: “I had the honour of working with him whilst he served as the chairman of the ISESCO committee of the Gambia National Commission for UNESCO from 2002 to 2010.

“He was knowledgeable and brought in a new leash in the affairs of the committee. May his contribution to religion and community service be amply rewarded to him by the Almighty.”

The nation’s coronavirus cases have shot to 1,872 following the discovery of 183 new cases.

The ministry of health in its latest national situation report released on Sunday confirmed that 183 new cases registered, taking the total number of COVID-19 cases ever confirmed in the country to 1,872.

“This represents a 40% test positivity rate (183 out of 462 total tests performed),” the health ministry said adding “the median age of the new cases is 37 years (range: 1 to 86 years).”

Nine people died of coronavirus taking fatalities from the disease to 63, according to the ministry of health.

The ministry in situation report No. 120 said nine new COVID-19-related deaths have been recorded.

“Samples from all but one of the new fatalities were collected posthumously

“The median age at death of the new fatalities (6 males and 3 females) is 65 years (range: 42 to 86 years),” the health ministry said.

The Royal Commonwealth Ex-Services League has pushed back at suggestions funds meant for UK World War II veterans are being misappropriated.

World War II Veterans Association claimed this week there is little transparency in the manner millions of pounds in veterans funds are being managed.

A statement from the West Africa Project Officer of Royal Commonwealth Ex-Services League is however frowning at the clams; claims that have been reported by the media.

The statement said: “It was quoted that some £11 million has been provided for veterans by the British Government. The accurate account is that these funds are for a period of 5 years, April 2019 – March 2024, for 29 Commonwealth countries.  The Gambia is just one of the 29 countries. Funds are available to purchase a healthy diet of 2,400 calories per eligible beneficiary on a daily basis for those living in poverty.

“The individual payments from the UK Government Department for International Development are supplemented by charitable donations from RCEL. The grants are neither a pension nor a right. In order to reduce fraudulent claims strict governance and eligibility criteria are in place.

“Following verification in London, grants have been reaching eligible beneficiaries. Over 60% have been paid but the Programme for payments has been paused until the coronavirus situation in The Gambia improves.  The safety of our caseworkers and the veterans and widows is our priority.

“It was claimed that some individuals not closely related to veterans are benefitting.  This is untrue.  All eligible beneficiaries, either a veteran or one widow, have completed a rigorous assessment to ensure they meet eligibility criteria. Dependents or other relatives of the veteran are not eligible to apply and any claim could be considered fraudulent.

“Inaccurate and potentially libellous accusations against Pa Faal have been made.  It is unlawful to wrongly accuse an individual of something that is untrue. RCEL has previously explained to the families of veterans that only eligible veterans and the first widows who are living in poverty receive grants.  Family relatives are not eligible and any attempt to apply for funding is fraudulent. A public apology should be made to Pa Faal.

“It was quoted that there is no office for veterans or widows to visit.  This is correct.  The office of The Gambia Legion was previously located in the Ministry of Defence Headquarters until President Jammeh ordered them to vacate the premises.  They have not yet been allowed to return. The system has adapted to meet current circumstances and as veterans and widows become more aged and infirm home visits are made.  52 beneficiaries have been visited by RCEL caseworkers this year before coronavirus made it unsafe to do so.  Once it is safe to resume visits the remaining payments will be made. The safety of our caseworkers, veterans and widows is our priority.

“Ousman Jallow a Public Relations Officer stated there had been a lack of transparency and many were unaware of the support available to eligible beneficiaries.  This is inaccurate as RCEL caseworkers went to great lengths to publicise the programme. Radio advertisements were broadcast in 2019 at the beginning of the Programme.  Many reacted and made contact with The Gambia Legion.  Those who met the eligibility criteria were processed by Pa Faal to London for confirmation. Many new beneficiaries, who heard the radio advertisements are now in receipt of grants.

“The British High Commission has been quoted. The British High Commission is independent of the Programme but has been assisting RCEL for decades when asked to do so. The RCEL is grateful for the assistance.

“It was stated that a widow was asked to sign a form and then did not receive her grant. Signing a form is a part of the verification process which requires proof of life.  Once the caseworker has the form signed it is processed to London for verification.  Thereafter the grant is paid if the widow is eligible.  An application is not a guarantee of a grant being awarded.

“Further radio announcements were made. Currently the payments have
been halted due to coronavirus. Once it is safe to resume visits the remaining payments will be made. The safety of our caseworkers, veterans and widows is our priority.

“A veteran who took part in the media broadcast claimed not to have been paid is speaking an untruth. He has been identified by RCEL staff and has received, in recent years, 3 payments.  It is hoped that those making the unfounded allegations are not taking advantage of vulnerable people.

“As a general point, RCEL is at pains to be open and transparent. The Gambia Legion and caseworkers assist with verification and distribution of grants.  Significant governance procedures are in place to ensure that only eligible beneficiaries, verified by London, receive UK charitable donations.

“Close relatives and dependants are not eligible. Only an eligible veteran or following his death, one eligible widow may apply for a grant. If this eligible widow then dies no further grants are awarded to other widows. Children are not eligible to apply.

“The grant is a charitable donation and is neither a right nor a pension. It is clear that some groups or individuals are unaware and have not attempted to clarify these governance procedures.  This may suit them but it will not deter RCEL from ensuring the highest standards are achieved in order to ensure those fraudulently attempting to make a claim are not successful.”

The World War II Veterans’ Family Association has insisted there is ‘very’ little transparency in the allocations and distribution of millions of pounds in charitable funds meant for veterans that fought for the British crown in World War II.

Tens of Gambian soldiers served in the 81st West African Division of the Fourteenth Army in Burma during WWII. Most were however forced to fight in the war.

The British government however reciprocates the act by over the years mobilising and dispensing millions of pounds to veterans in about 29 countries including The Gambia.

But as part of celebrations marking this year’s V-J Day, marked August 15 each year, World War II Veterans’ Family Association, is saying there’s little transparency in how the funds are allocated.

The group said in a statement: “The World War II Veterans’ Family Association is indeed grateful to the British government and its citizens for providing “charitable support” committing about 1.8 million pounds to a fund over the years, in support of WW2 veterans and their families (especially widows) in 48 countries across the world including the Gambia. The fund we understand is being managed by the Royal Commonwealth Ex-services League(RCEL) in partnership with the Gambia Legion.

“The fund we understand is being managed by the Royal Commonwealth Ex-services League(RCEL) in partnership with the Gambia Legion.

“However, in the case of the Gambia, there is very little transparency in the allocations and distribution of this fund. The WW II veterans family association has discovered that those who are charged with running the affairs of the Gambia Legion and to manage the funds, have woefully failed in reaching out to the eligible beneficiaries as highlighted by the RCEL i.e ” Veterans who served the British Crown prior to their country gaining independence or one surviving eligible widow after the veteran has deceased and who are living in poverty”.

“The WW2 Veterans family Association comprising of widows, daughters, sons and grandchildren do understand and sincerely appreciate who and what the grant is meant for. However as siblings who lived and or still continue to live with and support the remaining veterans and their widows, we are calling on the RCEL and Gambia legion to reach out and work closely with the association so that the funds can reach the eligible veterans and their widows.

“As we celebrate V-J Day it is important to highlight that the majority of veterans and widows in The Gambia, until their death never knew that any such grant exists and had never benefited from it. The remaining few who are still alive are languishing in poverty and misery. This is a reality and the WW2 veterans family association have adequate proofs to back these assertions.

“In light of the above, we are calling on both the UK government ( through the British Embassy) and the Government of the Gambia (through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs) to take urgent action to address this undesirable situation and regularise a “decades long anomaly” so that our gallant soldiers and legends can be given the recognition and dignity they deserve. The WW2 Veterans’ family association will continue to research and document all relevant information pertaining to the WW II and the legacy and plight of WW II veterans of the Gambia. We request from henceforth to be involved in the coordination of the celebrations and commemorations of WW2 events in the Gambia as well as any benefits and support provided towards the welfare of World War II veterans ,their widows and families by extension.

“This association is established based on the need to contribute collectively towards raising awareness on the legacy and plight of WW II veterans of the Gambia and to advocate for fair compensation and reparations to WW II veterans and their families. All descendants of WW II Veterans who accepts the aims and objectives of the Association are eligible for membership.

“We wish to join the people of the world to celebrate V-J day and pray for the departed souls of our gallant veterans to rest in peace and hope that the few remaining veterans will be celebrated and accorded the honour and dignity that they deserve.”

By Fatou Camara II

Three people spent the night at Sibanor Police Station on Saturday after a tussle with police over face mask.

Alieu Gibba, Omar Gibba and Sadibou Bojang of Jalokoto in the Foni Berefet district allegedly fought with the police after the latter confronted them for not wearing face masks.

A witness told The Fatu Network: “The police were passing and saw the boys seating. They came and said we were not wearing mask so we told them that we are sitting in our homes.

“So they went and came back again and said they are going to arrest us because we were not wearing face mask, that we refused to the order.

“Then a fight ensued in which the police had to run off and leave their car behind. A reinforcement of PIU then came which lead to the arrest of three youths who were involved in fighting the police. They spent the night at the Sibanor Police but bailed out today.”

Gambia Alliance for National Unity leader Sheikh Tijan Hydara’s mother Aja Fatounding Jatta Hydara has died. She was 84.

Sources close to family told The Fatu Network Aja Fatounding died on Saturday August 15.

Aja Fatounding Jatta Hydara was the wife of respected late Islamic leader Sheriff Kebba Hydara of Brufut.

Four people have newly died of coronavirus, the ministry of health has said.

The deaths of three men and one woman have taken fatalities from the virus to 54.

Samples from all 4 (3 males and 1 female) were collected posthumously, the health ministry said on Saturday.

It comes as the ministry also said 66 new cases registered, taking the total number of COVID-19 cases ever confirmed in the country to 1,689.

About 30% of these are healthcare workers, it added.