By Lamin Njie
One case of the deadly coronavirus has been confirmed in The Gambia, health minister Dr Ahmadou Samateh said moments ago.
More follows…
All schools set to close and mass gatherings off: Barrow announces suspension of all public gatherings as he also orders shutting of all schools
By Adama Makasuba
President Adama Barrow has announced a ban on on all public gatherings and ordered the shutting down of all schools across the country, in an huge effort to prevent coronavirus coming into the country.
“This suspension includes all international and local conferences, workshops and seminars to be hosted in The Gambia. All schools, including universities, madrassas and daras or majlis will be closed from Wednesday, 18th March 2020 for 21 days,” the president said in an address to the nation on Tuesday.
The president added: “Furthermore, all other public gatherings in whatever form, including lumos (open markets) and Gamos are immediately suspended for three weeks.
“The suspension period will be subject to review as we get updates from the experts.”
According to the president, there was no reported case of any Coronavirus infection in The Gambia so far.
“However, the Government is not complacent. There are surveillance teams at all major entry points into the country, whether by air or land,” he said.
The announcements come as fear grows over the deadly infection that has shaken the whole world. At least 120 countries have been hit by the virus among them next-door neighbour Senegal.
Health ministry says Coronavirus test on two Indonesians proved negative
A Coronavirus test on two Indonesian nationals has prove negative, the ministry of health has said.
Palpable fear gripped the nation on Tuesday following reports two people suspected of having the virus came into the country from Indonesia. The reports said the two people had been isolated at MRC after they showed signs of coronavirus.
The ministry of health quickly reacted to the reports dismissing them as false.
The ministry is now saying Coronavirus test conducted on the two (2) suspected Indonesian Nationals proved negative.
“The Ministry of Health will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as and when necessary,” the ministry said in a statement.
GDC puts its political activities to one side over coronavirus
Gambia Democratic Congress said on Tuesday it has decided to suspend its political activities ‘until further notice’.
“This development is due to the COVID19 outbreak which is spreading around the world and has become a serious cause for concern for the entire world especially developing countries,” the party said in a statement.
It added: “Although The Gambia has not yet registered any confirmed case of COVID19, but greater efforts need to be done to keep the country safe from the virus.
“In this regard, The Gambia Democratic Congress party wishes to inform all members and the entire nation about the decision taken by the Central Executive Committee of the party to suspend all political activities until further notice.
“The planned political activities such as the procession on March 27th and the rallies that were scheduled for March 28th and 29th are all cancelled.
“We join the nation in prayers and solidarity in our collective drive to keep our country free from the Covid -19.”
Africell Holding completes strategic group reorganisation
Africell, the US-owned mobile network operator with more than 12 million customers in four African countries, is pleased to announce the completion of a significant group reorganisation.
The reorganisation involves the opening of a new London head office and the legal incorporation of Africell’s US-owned parent company in Jersey, a recognised international financial centre. The reorganisation is an important strategic step for Africell as it seeks to build on current operations and position itself for exciting opportunities in new markets.
Ziad Dalloul, founder and CEO of Africell, said: “The Group reorganisation is a significant moment for Africell. The changes enacted certify us as a company with bold growth plans, a thoroughly international perspective, and the highest standards of governance and compliance. Africell’s entrepreneurial culture drawn from Lebanon, where Africell was founded, still drives the business on, but our new London base gives a new platform from which we can deliver the next stage of our firm’s development”.
Ian Paterson, Chief Investment Officer of Africell, said: “Being headquartered in a dynamic hub like London and incorporated in a major international financial centre such as Jersey gives Africell superior access to investors and partners. It also improves the visibility – and achievability – of exciting new business opportunities, such as the fourth network license in Angola, for which Africell was recently invited to submit a proposal and which we are keen to pursue in partnership with the government of Angola”.
Africell provides fast, low-cost and reliable mobile network coverage and related technology services to millions of individuals, communities and businesses in four vibrant African countries: Sierra Leone, The Gambia, Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Uganda. In 2019 Africell executed a significant investment from the US International Development Finance Corporation (USIDFC, previously OPIC). The investment is a premium stamp of approval from one of the world’s highest quality institutions, proving the quality of Africell’s governance and strategy and giving the company the financial strength to deliver impactful growth in markets across Africa.
In addition to the completion of the group reorganisation, Africell is pleased to announce the appointment of Magase Mogale as the company’s Chief Legal Officer. Mogale, who will be based in London, previously served as Chief Legal Counsel for Lintel Capital, and will supervise Africell’s strict compliance standards and set policies designed to support the growth of the business in current and future markets.
Commenting on his appointment, Magase Mogale said: “Africell is a company with a strong track record, excellent growth prospects, clear social and economic development impact and an admirable culture. I look forward to contributing the company’s strategy and helping to maintain its exceedingly high standards of legal compliance and corporate governance”.
About Africell
Africell is an African mobile technology company with US ownership and UK-based management. Today, the company serves more than 12 million customers across its four markets.
Africell is a disruptor: keen to challenge inefficiencies, embrace fresh thinking and deliver innovative products and services which make a practical difference to ordinary people.
Our corporate social responsibility and positive community impact, as well as our entrepreneurial spirit and transparent business activities, make Africell the ideal mobile network provider for Africa’s future. (prnewswire)
SOURCE: Africell Holding
Darboe: Let’s stand and support gov’t to fight Corona
By Omar Wally
UDP leader Ousainou Darboe has called on Gambians to stand and support the government of The Gambia in its efforts to combat coronavirus.
“Gambians must all adhere to preventive measures put in place by the authorities; UDP will work with government to combat the spread of the virus and fully support and participate in any awareness campaign that government may embark on,” Darboe said at a news conference on Tuesday.
Darboe announced that UDP made arrangements for the installation by members of the party’s youth wing 16 hand washing stations in Greater Banjul Area to promote WHO’s #SAFEHANDS CHALLENGE.
Health ministry says report Gambia has two suspected cases of coronavirus is false
Coronavirus fear intensified after reports two people suspected of having the virus came into the country from Indonesia.
Reports emerged on Tuesday two people have been isolated at MRC after they showed signs of coronavirus.
The ministry of health is however dismissing the reports saying they are false.
The ministry said in a statement on its official Facebook page: “We hereby inform the public that this information is totally false, Misleading and taking out of context. It is in no way represent the view of Ministry of Health.
“The Director of Health and Education at the Ministry of Health made it categorically clear in his interview on GRTS Gambia This Morning, that the suspects in question do not meet COVID-19 Case Definition criteria.
“The Ministry of Health would like to inform the public that there is no need for panic or alarm.”
The Fatu Network Heroes Awards 2020 results in full
Hundreds of people on Saturday gathered at the Coco Ocean Hotel for the first The Fatu Network Heroes Awards. The hugely successful event highlighted individuals as well as organisations for their tireless and selfless work for their country and communities through their respective industries and initiatives.
Below are the results in full;
Categories
Man of the Year– Abubacarr Ba Tambadou
Woman of the Year– Gina Bass
Agricultural Leadership– Tresor Women Warriors
Education Prize for Excellence– Dr. Mam Yassin Sarr
Health Servant of the Year– Dr. Abubacarr Jagne
Green Award– Omar Malmo Sambou
Trailblazer– Madame Isatou Sanyang
Exemplary Youth– Gina Bass
Philanthropist– Yunus Hydara
Diaspora Engagement– Gambia Diaspora Health Initiative
Iconic Gambian (Posthumous) (These individuals were all given awards for their service and no voting/competition took place)
Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara
Ebria Solo Sandeng
Sise Jaha Sawaneh
Special Awards
Her Excellency Fatima Maada Bio for ‘Inspiring a Generation‘
Mr. Mustapha Njie for his ‘Service to the Youth‘
On the realities of our current situation: letter to my president (Part 2)
Good Morning Mr. President,
It has been a little over a week since I sent you my first epistle in this series. It is tough to maintain a weekly publication of essays but I had to get back to my keyboard because I made a #promise to write to you on a weekly basis and readers would expect to see my letters. Indeed the saying “a promise is a promise” is worth bearing in mind. We cannot accuse you of breaking your “3-years” promise and renege on our own promises.
I must commend you, Sir, for the moves your government has made since my first letter which was focused on the Coronavirus outbreak and the need for your government to up the game regarding this danger.
I have heard about the collaboration between your Tourism Ministry and the health authorities in a bid to keep our hotels safe. This is highly commendable; moreover, I have seen testimonies from people who have crossed the border into The Gambia by land and sea and they have testified that there is a lot of serious activity by our health authorise in screening and preparing people coming into the country and I must commend you for this.
Another important and commendable decision your government has taken is to declare a travel ban for public servants. This is good not only for our health but also the struggling national budget.
However, the timing of the travel ban is a bit suspect. The ban was declared only after you left with large delegation to Senegal (a country that has confirmed numerous cases of the Coronavirus) for a summit. Travelling with a delegation of 44 people into a country with confirmed cases of this deadly virus is not the smartest thing to do Your Excellency. Declaring a travel ban after you and your team received the hefty per diem allowances that come with such foreign trips could be tantamount to the situation described by the Mandinka proverb ‘ali nga tabaa bula; fulehwo bay daa’ (you are calling on people to stop using snuff while the snuff bottle is dangling in your own mouth).
Anyway, at least you have done something and we only hope that there will be no complacency in the implementation of the measures recommended by your government.
I commend you for all the moves made so far and pray that Allah strengthens your hand in the implementation of strategies to protect our country and her people from the menace of the Coronavirus.
But one more thing Mr. President: you would recall that I pleaded with you to suspend your activities upcountry that brought together crowds for your inauguration of projects. Your colleague across the border has just declared a ban on public gatherings for a month just to make sure the Senegalese people are safe. Media reports have revealed that “President Macky Sall on Saturday announced strict measures aimed at slowing the spread of coronavirus, including banning public gatherings, closing schools and cancelling April 4 Independence Day festivities.” Can you take a lesson from that Mr. President.
Your Excellency, I am not in anyway suggesting that your staff at the Presidency should rush to copy Macky Sall’s declaration verbatim and change the address to “State House, Banjul”; but I am sending a hint that, at the very least, you suspend all your activities that would create crowds and expose your own citizens to unwarranted danger.
God bless you Mr. President and may Allah bless and protect our dear country and all her citizens.
Yours,
In the Service of the Nation
Momodou Sabally
Former Presidential Affairs Minister, S.G and Head of the Civil Service
GDC condemns in ‘strongest’ terms the shooting and then abduction of Gambian by Senegal gendarmerie
By Lamin Njie
Gambia Democratic Congress has waded into the shooting and abduction of a Gambian by Senegalese gendarmerie.
Heavily armed Senegalese gendarmerie stormed the village on 7 March, shot Sulayman Trawally and then fled with him. Trawally is reportedly in a hospital in Tamba Counda.
GDC said in a statement over the weekend: “The relationship that has existed between The Gambia and Senegal over the years calls for a great deal of mutual respect for the sovereignty of each of the nations. Sulayman Trawally was shot and abducted in his own native home of The Gambia, by the Senegalese security forces who breached the security protocols by unduly entering the Gambian territory.
“According to reports, Sulayman Trawally is currently in Senegal at a Tamba Kunda hospital receiving medical attention, and may be charged to court in the Senegalese region. GDC is thus calling on the Senegalese government to return Sulayman Trawally back to his family and country for adequate treatment and in respect for the sovereign rights of the good people of The Gambia.
“As a consequence, while The Gambia Democratic Congress condemns this dastardly and unfriendly act perpetrated by the Senegalese security forces in the strongest terms, it is calling on the Gambian government to establish the truth of the matter and bring the culprits to justice and by extension take its full responsibilities in respect to upholding our sovereignty and protection of lives and properties of the citizens as its number one goal for the attainment of a peaceful Gambia.
“The GDC therefore, wishes to thank the Gambian media for their relentless efforts towards the fostering of informative and responsible journalism, and shall continue to remain in the service of the people of The Gambia.”
Teachers get their 7 million dalasis bringing end to bitter feud
By Adama Makasuba
The Gambia government has paid 7,200,000 dalasis to the account of Gambia Teachers Cooperative Credit Union to be used to settle the arrears Catholic Education Secretariat owed to 700 teachers.
The teachers last week launched a sit-down strike after Catholic Education Secretariat deducted their salaries and benefits. The deductions amounted to over seven million dalasis.
The government has now intervened by settling the arrears. It comes after Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education handed a subvention suspension to CES and went on to hand out one million dalalsis for the aggrieved teachers to be paid.
Meanwhile, speaking to The Fatu Network in an exclusive interview, Essa Sowe president of Gambia Teachers Union, said: “On Friday 13 of March precisely, government agreed to transfer 7, 200,000 million dalasis that was requested to the Gambia Teachers Cooperative Credit Union account.”
“And on Saturday 14, they were distributed to the relevant institutions, that is the Catholic Education Credit Union- Gambia Teachers Cooperative Credit Union and the main Union-Gambia’s Teachers Unions View,” he added.
“So presently what is happening from tomorrow, Catholic Secretariat Credit Union will now be distributing the money to various accounts,” Sowe said.
TRRC chairman Lamin J Sise reveals his investigation plans to end public hearings in seven months time
TRRC chairman Dr Lamin J Sise said today his probe intends to conclude its public hearings during the first week of October, 2020.
The TRRC began public hearings in January 2019 and it plans to end the exercise in October this year.
“The rest of the year will be devoted to preparation of the final report of the TRRC. As and when required, occasional public hearings may be convened,” Dr Sise said at the start of the 13th session.
He added: The evidence adduced before the Commission during the above-mentioned public hearings shows gross human rights violations against the Gambian people. During the last session, we also heard the gruesome accounts of the decapitation and dismemberment of the bodies of detainees to be fed to crocodiles at Jammeh’s residence in Kanilai.
“These wanton acts of barbarity defied all standards of human decency and constituted gross violations of the rights of not just the victims, their families, but also those of all Gambians.
“Since the TRRC’s public hearings began, the conscience of the nation is being repeatedly shocked by the revelations of sheer brutality meted out to victims. The revelations have also sparked a serious national conversation and soul-searching that seeks to understand just how such acts of barbarity could happen in this country.”
‘Prominent’ and ‘influential’ Basse citizens meet President Barrow as Gambian leader declares his aim is to deliver development that passes that of Jawara and Jammeh
President Adama Barrow has told a delegation from Basse that his intention is to deliver a development record that will surpass the 50-year record of the first and second Gambian Presidents put together, according to State House.
The delegation, comprising prominent and influential citizens of Basse were at the State House on Sunday, March 15, 2020 to pay a courtesy call on President Barrow and present to him a road map for the development of Basse and the Upper River Region as a whole.
State House said in a statement Sunday: “The delegation also presented the idea of the ongoing process to set up a group they called Basse Development Initiative, whose primary task is to develop among other things, a master plan for the development of Basse. Such a plan will cover a central market for Basse, roads infrastructure, youth empowerment and business development.
“In their view, this will provide a solid complement and support to President Barrow’s vision for the development of their region.
“For President Barrow, Basse and URR are his home region. Hence his aim is to build a legacy that will lift Basse from marginalisation to a commercial and business hub that will serve as an example to other regions in the country.”
State House then quoted President Barrow as saying: “What I am delivering to the URR within three years is already unprecedented in the fifty years’ history of independent Gambia. My aim is to deliver in ten years what former Presidents Jawara and Jammeh were not able to deliver during their period in office.”
The State House statement then continued: “As a student, he (President Barrow) recalled spending up to two hours at the Basse ferry crossing point, just to cross to the other side. When he was campaigning for presidency in 2016, it took him four hours to trek from Basse to Fatoto – a journey that would last just 30 minutes on a normal, standard road that is currently under construction.
“Now that he is President, a key priority for him is to uplift living conditions of the people in that remotest part of The Gambia through construction of key roads and bridges, schools and hospitals, among others.
“Under such a plan, Basse would benefit from a first class market complex in place of the one recently lost to inferno, a dry harbour, fuel storage facility and a four star hotel.
“As a metropolitan town, Basse is hub to trade from Conakry, Bamako, Bissau, Freetown and eastern Senegal. Hence such facilities, along with 24-hours electricity supply will turn the town into a city and make it ripe for industrial growth through commerce.
“To accomplish such a lofty ambition, President Barrow urges all to give his mandate the support it requires, especially the URR and Basse.
“Other speakers at the ceremony included Minster of Youth and Sports, Hadrammeh Sidibeh, Minister of Tourism and Culture, Hamat Bah; Mr. Modou Lamin Baldeh, Binta Baldeh, Fatou Kandeh, Hassan Jallow, Hamed Jago and Batchilly.”
Madi Jobarteh – Comment: Congratulations to The Heroes and Fatu Network!
Let me first of all appreciate the many Gambians who believe in me and the work I do to the point that they voted for me to be among the only four nominees for the ‘Man of the Year’ award.
For me it is a validation of my convictions and my work that this country deserves nothing other than the promotion and protection of each and every citizen’s human rights and dignity where the State upholds the values and standards of democracy and good governance. It is a recognition of my drive to ensure that transparency and accountability permeates throughout our State and society so that there will be social and economic justice for all. It is an appreciation for my contributions in holding the State as well as political parties, businesses and indeed every individual citizen including myself accountable.
I strongly hold that it is only through accountability can we ensure progress, peace and justice. Only accountability will make our public institutions efficient, effective and responsive to the needs and rights of citizens. It is only accountability that will make our leaders honest, open and productive. Without accountability no individual or society, organization or institution will progress. Therefore, I am utterly grateful to the individuals who nominated and voted for me. I shall remain eternally grateful. You have shown me that the path that I am on is the right path and rest assured I shall never veer off that path. Nyaato dorong!
On that note let me therefore congratulate Fatu Camara and her company, Fatu Network for this groundbreaking initiative. Indeed, private initiative has been at the root of development in any society at any time in history where freedom prevails. The envious Nobel Prize or the Grammy Award and the Golden Globe Awards as well as the Academy or Oscars Awards among other regional and international awards such as the Pulitzer Prize are all products of private initiatives. Hence this pioneering work by Fatu Network is in the right direction in recognizing and nurturing the culture of service, excellence and initiative within our society.
The Heroes Awards night was a great event. The ambiance was scintillating and electric! Period.
If I have to offer any suggestions for improvement, it will be to also have a special category for ‘Sports Personality of the Year’ which if need be can be separated into male and female. Also I would suggest future programs start pretty earlier with strict time management so that it does not spill over to the next day. Furthermore, I would suggest organizers invite various personalities from various sectors and regions of our State, business, academia and society to grace the occasion in order to make it truly national that is worthy of the weight and seriousness such events deserve.
Finally let me express my deep appreciation by congratulating Mr. Abubacarr Tambadou for clinging the maiden covetous award, ‘Man of the Year’. Indeed Mr. Tambadou has made significant contributions to our nation over the past three years as the Minister of Justice. Not only has he led the country to accede to major international conventions on human rights but he has also made the Gambia Government accept rulings of the ECOWAS Court on the violations meted out to our journalists and other citizens and making the Government to compensate them accordingly. The leadership he demonstrated in the creation of the Janneh Commission, the TRRC and the CRC as well as the unequivocal position he took about bringing the Despot Yaya Jammeh to justice as well as leading the efforts for the protection of the Rohingya of Myanmar before the world court are indeed efforts that worth commendation. For these and many other achievements I strongly hold that he deserves this award!
While I commend him profusely for this feat I am sure he will also take this achievement as a further challenge to respond to issues in this country even more strongly and uncompromisingly. For example, it is necessary to highlight that while he led the defense of the Rohingya Muslims against their own government for persecuting them he will also bear in mind that in the Gambia we also have a minority Muslim population, the Ahmadiyya who also face persecution from the society and they need his protection.
Similarly, the incidence of sexual harassment against our girls and women is widespread in the private and public sectors as well as in the wider society. Until today suspected rapists are working in our public offices without being held accountable. Overall the prevention, detection and prosecution for sexual violence, early marriage and FGM remain hopelessly low because law enforcement is weak. This needs his attention.
Furthermore, the tide against democratic norms and human rights violations is increasing and it is perpetrated by the Government he serves. The recent illegal arrest and detention of Three Years Jotna leaders and the blatant closure of Home Digital and King FM and the harassment of their journalists are legitimate issues that the Minster of Justice should have stopped even before they happened.
The incidence of police brutality and corruption are widespread. There have been several investigations announced for several incidents of police brutality and corruption by State agencies and officials yet no report ever comes out hence no accountability. As the Minister of Justice, he is the chief law enforcement officer in this country hence he must enforce the law without hesitation. Therefore, this award must trigger him further to ensure that all those dormant investigations are reignited so that Gambians get to know the outcome and he goes further to prosecute those public officials and security officers found to be liable.
Finally let me express similar appreciation to the other nominees of this category, namely Mayor Talib Bensouda and TRRC Lead Counsel Essa Mbye Faal. These are two gentlemen who equally deserve my personal vote. This is a healthy competition in which everyone is a winner! With this nomination I hope they will also continue on the path they tread.
I wish to commend the Mayor for the efforts he is taking to transform Kanifing Municipality into a decent place to live so that our citizens enjoy their long denied right to quality, affordable and accessible social services. Similarly, I have no doubts that Essa Faal will leave no stone unturned and spare no person in ensuring that truth, justice and accountability takes place as we seek to heal the nation.
Gambians, if you had thought these awards were a joke please I beseech you to change your perception. If they have not inspired you until now please let them serve as an inspiration and encouragement to realize that service to humanity is the highest demonstration of self esteem, faith and patriotism. Therefore, let us all rise up to this opportunity to double up our efforts in serving our society, promoting excellence and celebrating each other. Thank you Fatu Network!!!
For The Gambia Our Homeland
Coronavirus finally hits Gambia as Omar Colley reportedly tests positive for virus
By Lamin Njie
Gambia’s no-nonsense defender Omar Colley has tested positive for coronavirus, according to reports.
An Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano tweeted on Friday Omar Colley who plays for Sampdoria in Italy, tested positive for the killer virus alongside two other players.
Italy is one of the countries in the world whose coronavirus cases have been flying through the roof.
Al Jazeera reported on Thursday the country’s coronavirus death toll as of Wednesday 11 March jumped by 189 to 1,016, a rise of 23 percent.
The total number of cases in Italy, the European country hardest hit by the virus, rose to 15,113 from a previous 12,462, an increase of 21.7 percent, according to Al Jazeera.
Thousands of Gambians mostly citizens who travelled through the ‘back way’ currently live in Italy.
Coronavirus fear: Gambian in Germany says old woman claimed German doctors want to test their vaccine on African migrants
By Lamin Njie
A Gambian living in Germany has said an old German woman confided in his cousin doctors in Germany are planning to test their Coronavirus vaccine on African migrants, as fear over the deadly infections grows.
Coronavirus continues to tear through the world putting almost every country including The Gambia on the edge. The infection has claimed the lives of thousands since it first emerged in China in December last year.
A Gambian living in Germany has now told The Fatu Network a German woman told his cousin doctors there are planning to proceed with a test of their vaccine against the virus.
He said: “One old woman told my cousin that the doctors of Germany want to test their vaccine on African migrants.
“According to the woman, they (doctors) said our skin is very strong and they think it cannot affect black people.
“People (African migrants) should be very careful and should not do any vaccine when called by a doctor or receive a letter for medical check…”
The Fatu Network could not immediately get a German government official to comment on the issue.
CORONAVIRUS: Pata Saidykhan asks Kinteh to reject Barrow’s China ambassador job offer in hilarious comment
By Lamin Njie
US-based Pata Saidykhan has called on Masanneh Kinteh to reject his tapping by President Adama Barrow as The Gambia’s new ambassador to China.
President Barrow has appointed Mr Kinteh as the country’s new ambassador to China, State House said on Friday.
It comes two days after he was removed as the head of the country’s army. The Gambia now has a new army chief in Major General Yankuba Drammeh.
Pata Saidykhan reacting to Kinteh’s appointment as the country new top diplomat in China, said: “From being removed as the country top military man to be immediately redeployed to serve in China at a time the world is quarantining itself from the birthday hub of CORONAVIRUS. Masanneh Kinteh must have done something so horrible or President Barrow must definitely not like him. Why must it be a Jarranka?”
14-year-old boy dies at Quranic school in Basse as government vows action against any person found ‘culpable’
By Adama Makasuba
The Gambia government has vowed to punish anyone found culpable in the death of a 14-year-old boy at a Basse Koba Kunda Qur’anic memorisation centre last month.
Muhammed Jawara, who was a student of Ma’ahad Madarasa and Qur’anic memorisation centre, was mysteriously found dead on 7 February 2020. The police have since launched an investigation.
And in a statement, the ministry of basic and secondary education, said: “The public is hereby assured that any person find [found] culpable will be dealt with accordingly.”
According to the statement, a report is currently with the relevant and competent authorities for necessary actions to be taken.
“In line with our national and international obligations towards the promotion and protection of the rights of children, the Government of The Gambia continue to exercise zero tolerance for violence and abuse against children especially Corporal Punishment in schools,” the statement said.
It also assured that “the government has put in place strong Institutions and personnel to protect and safeguard children from all forms exploitation, violence and abuse.”
From ministers right down! Government bans overseas travel for ALL Gambia public officials as Coronavirus crisis rages
By Adama Makasuba
State House on Friday announced a sweeping ban on all overseas travel by public officials in an attempt to prevent the deadly Coronavirus from entering the country.
State House in a statement said “as part of the efforts to curb risks of spreading the Coronavirus, the Office of the Secretary General has sent out a circular informing all Ministers, Permanent Secretaries, Clerk of the National Assembly, Heads and Directors of Government Departments and Agencies, Managing Directors and Director Generals of Public Enterprises and Public Institutions, that all overseas travels by public officials are suspended with immediate effect, including those already issued with travel clearances.”
“The decision to suspend all overseas travels is due to the rapid spread of the Coronavirus (COVID 19) throughout the globe. The relevant government authorities are actively monitoring this global health menace and will advise Office of the President accordingly to review the suspension at the appropriate time,” the statement added.
Barrow taps Kinteh for ambassador job as army’s two most senior generals now move up the ladder
By Lamin Njie
President Adama Barrow has appointed Masanneh Kinteh as The Gambia’s ambassador to China, State House announced on Friday.
It comes two days after the president sacked him as the head of the army. His deputy was quickly tapped to replace him.
State House in a statement today said Major General Yankuba Drammeh has been appointed chief of defence staff.
The commander of the army Brigadier General Mamat Cham has been appointed deputy chief of defence staff, the statement added.