By Lamin Njie

President Adama Barrow has been harshly criticized for comparing former president Yahya Jammeh 22 years rule to South Africa’s apartheid.

President Barrow had reportedly said in a GRTS exclusive that rainbow nation South Africa’s apartheid is ‘more painful’ than Jammeh’s two decades dictatorship. His comments have angered a section of Gambians among them some victims of Jammeh.

Germany-based Gambian Musa Bala Darboe in an open letter on Facebook on Monday said he was ‘disgusted’ that the President was playing their pains down.

“This is the highest of insensitivity. How much is painful to those who lost their family, friends and loved ones in the most brutal manners?,” Darboe said.

Darboe who is married to the daughter of the murdered UDP youth leader Solo Sandeng said he forgives the President’s ‘ignorance’ “but I must educate you on the cases you have compared our 22 years of brutality with.”

He said: “Firstly, the apartheid in South Africa was racial problem. The colonial white occupation against the indigenous black Africans. However, both sides committed gross human rights violations.

“Secondly, the Sierra Leone war has experienced the involvement of all fractions in gross human rights violations. Just like South Africa, more than 50% of the population were taking part in the senselessness. In The Gambia, less than 1% of the population committed the brutality for damn 22years.

“Mr., no lost of life is more painful than the other. For you to say South Africa and Sierra Leone brutalities were more painful than ours shows how necessary your impeachment has became.”

Plain-spoken US-based Gambian political commentator Coach-Pasamba Jow chipping in said “President Barrow has become a big disappointment.”

“His actions have demonstratively shown a man who has become overly insensitive to plight of the victims of Jammeh’s rule. If Barrow has his way, not a single perpetrator of these gross violations of rights will be held to account. Gambians must open their eyes to this travesty,” Jow commented on Darboe’s Facebook post.

Another Gambian, Citizen Jarju, said: “I listened to him and I can read the level of joy and satisfaction in him face, it shows you the guy has no damn care about victims. Left with him, all these commissions will stop. He doesn’t care about them anymore. Truth and justice leads to reconciliation. This guy has no sympathy. He heard South Africa and apartheid but he has not read any literature about that conflict. He was just insulting the victims.”

By Lamin Njie

Ousainou Darboe has said that nothing will stop the United Democratic Party from forming the next government.

The UDP leader stated this on Saturday while declaring open the party’s national youth congress. The United Democratic Party youth wing on Saturday held a congress in Gunjur, Kombo South to pick a new national executive.

Mr Darboe said: “Nothing will stop the UDP from forming the next government or at least from influencing the next government. Well, wrestlers are getting many and it’s possible coalitions will be formed. But to you UDP youths, I want to task you…

“There will be women’s congress too because the party belongs to the youths and women. UDP’s target is not 51 percent, more than 51 percent. That should be UDP’s target for the next election and you have to start working for that now.”

Justice Minister Abubacarr Tambadou has called on Gambians on social media to play a more responsible role in the country’s rebuilding process.

Tambadou gave the call in Banjul on Sunday during the opening of the 2019 legal year.

He said: “It is an honour and privilege to serve one’s country and democracy gives you no right to insult or abuse those who do or their parents. It is unacceptable even by the standards of our own cultural norms and values.

“We welcome criticism because it makes us provide better service to you and it is unavoidable in public office, but criticism can and should be constructive and healthy.

“If we do not stop the unjustified personal and disparaging attacks on those holding public office, we risk depriving our country of its fullest potential. I say this because I have had instances when I have approached some competent, decent and honest individuals for work, and after consulting with their families, they turned down the offers simply because they felt that working in public office in The Gambia these days exposes them and their family members to disrespect and unnecessary ridicule on social media. So this has to stop!”

There are palpable fears in Japan of an imminent earthquake following the recent sightings of a rare serpent-like sea creature which in Japanese tradition is thought to be a harbinger of natural disasters.

“This is no doubt evidence of a precursor to an earthquake,” wrote one Twitter user following two separate discoveries of “oarfish” off the north-coast prefecture of Toyama earlier this week.

“And if it is in the Nankai Trough, it might be a huge quake,” they said, according to the South China Morning Post.

Photos posted on Instagram showed one of the two deep-sea dwellers — which reportedly measured 10.5 and 13 feet, respectively.

One was found on the shore of Toyama Bay and the other got caught in a fishing net near the port of Imizu. According to Japanese legend, the fish will purposely rise to the surface and beach themselves whenever they believe trouble’s on the way.

Residents have reported their presence before the arrivals of tsunamis and earthquakes in the past — including the 2011 Fukushima quake.

However, experts have said not to worry.

“The link to reports of seismic activity goes back many, many years, but there is no scientific evidence of a connection so I don’t think people need to worry,” explained Hiroyuki Motomura, a professor of ichthyology at Kagoshima University who spoke to the Morning Post.

“I believe these fish tend to rise to the surface when their physical condition is poor, rising on water currents, which is why they are so often dead when they are found,” he said.

Still, the sightings weren’t sitting so well with social media users this week.

“What is going on under Toyama Bay?” tweeted one concerned Japanese resident.

“Is something happening deep in the sea?” another asked.

Many on Japan’s 5-Channel chat site were reportedly referring to the oarfish — which translates to “Messenger from the Sea God’s Palace” — as a “warning” sign.

“There is no scientific evidence at all for the theory that oarfish appear around big quakes. But we cannot 100 percent deny the possibility.

“It could be that global warming might have an impact on the appearance of oarfish or a reason we’re just not aware of,” Uozu Aquarium keeper Kazusa Saiba, said while speaking to CNN. (Vanguard)

By Lamin Njie

Former Interior Minister MA Bah has said that President Adama Barrow has a right to seek another term in office.

Mr Bah speaking to Star FM in an exclusive interview said it is up to President Barrow to seek re-election in 2021.

“He has the right. He’s a Gambian. He has every right if he wants to go for a second term. [It] is up to him,” Bah, a former army general, said.

Bah who is also a former deputy leader of opposition APRC also told Star FM “Barrow is my president, [he] is our president.”

“I must say this here clearly that I support Barrow 100 percent. He’s my president. I have nothing to do other than to support the president and his agenda for national development,” he said.

Clive Swift has died aged 82.

The actor died on Friday morning after a short illness, a representative confirmed.

Best known for playing the long suffering Richard Bucket in BBC series Keeping Up Appearances, Clive graced our screens from 1971 to 2017.

The classically trained actor’s first appearance on the small screen came in the BBC adaptation of The Barchester Chronicles. In December 2007 he starred in a Doctor Who Christmas special as Mr Copper alongside Kylie Minogue.

His final screen outing came in 2017, starring as Felix Hope in Midsomer Murders. Swift also played the adoptive father of King Arthur in John Boorman’s 1981 film Excalibur.

He was married to novelist Margaret Drabble between 1960 and 1975 and father to daughter Rebecca, who died in April 2017, Adam, an academic and Joe Swift, a TV gardener.

Known for versatility in his decade-spanning career, Swift’s most famous role was starring alongside opposite Patricia Routledge in much-loved sitcom Keeping Up Appearances.

Speaking about how he approached the role of hen-pecked husband Richard, Swift said: “The first thing I decided was if Richard was a really meek and submissive person, in a way there was no conflict.

“Because he’d be just a bit of fluff for Hyacinth. So the first thing I had to do, as far as the writer allowed me, was to fight back – to protest. I know I used to lose 98 per cent of the time and there was no conflict really but I had to put up a show or otherwise it’s simply not interesting.”

The talented actor was an original member of the Royal Shakespeare Company before finding fame on TV where he became a familiar face to millions.

Richard said: “I could walk the street unrecognised, but all that changed with Keeping Up Appearances… That show is the only proper money I’ve earned, because it was a global success and it’s given me a good pension that I might never have had.”

The classic sitcom became one of the BBC’s biggest exports of the last four decades – purchased 992 times by stations around the world – cropping up in countries from Australia to Nigeria.

Asked to explained the show’s enormous success, creator Roy Clarke said: “Perhaps our very Britishness is something they can have a good laugh at. Let’s be fair, we’re not beyond a chuckle at what we see as their national oddities.”

The BBC paid tribute to Swift after it was revealed that he had passed away on Friday.

Shane Allen, controller of BBC Comedy, said in a statement: “Clive was a very highly regarded character actor with a long and distinguished career. His role as Richard Bucket brought huge audiences and great affection in one of the all-time classic sitcoms. Thoughts are with close friends and loved ones at this sad time.” (Mirror)

By State House Media

Her Excellency, First lady Fatoumatta Bah-Barrow on Friday called for concerted efforts from all and sundry in the fight against the deadly disease, Meningitis.

The First Lady made the remarks as she presided over the launching of the Catch-up Meningitis A vaccine and immunization campaign, which was held at the Governor’s Residence in Brikama, West Coast Region.

The Meningitis A campaign seeks to increase the levels of national immunity among people under twenty-nine years of age, who are the most vulnerable groups of society. The nationwide campaign will last for a period of 7days.

First Lady Barrow in her statement lamented the devastating consequences of Meningitis on communities, families, and individuals while hailing the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare for including Meningitis A vaccination in the list of thirteen vaccines that children benefit from.

“With such a positive step, I am confident that the government will continue to provide necessary political will and support, in ensuring that we stand firmly by our partners for further progress and development in the area of health.” She added.

The First Lady urged parents and caregivers to take advantage of the campaign to ensure that all children aged from one to seven years are vaccinated against the disease.

The Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Isatou Touray called on parents and caregivers to grab the opportunity the government has provided and get the children vaccinated.

Other speakers including the UNICEF country representative stressed the importance of the campaign while calling on the participation of all and sundry.

The First Lady administered the first vaccination and declared the campaign launched.

By Lamin Njie

President Adama Barrow has said that it is every Gambian’s responsibility to shun divisive politics and tactics.

The President stated this on Saturday while presiding over the 11th convocation ceremony of the University of The Gambia. Over 600 students on Saturday converged at QCity to take part in the graduation ceremony which officially marked the end of their academic odyssey at the country’s biggest learning institute.

President Barrow speaking at the event said he believed the overall goal of acquiring a degree is to help transform society using the knowledge and skills acquired from university education.

“Therefore, the burning question in the hearts and minds of all graduands today should be, ‘What constructive change will I bring to this Nation and the world at large now that I have earned this new qualification?’,” the president said.

“You are no doubt the potential experts, future leaders and next generation of solution providers in various aspects of national life.  I therefore challenge you individually and collectively to do everything possible to contribute your quota in building a strong nation that can stand high and be proud among the community of Nations.”

Saturday’s convocation ceremony was themed, ‘Citizen Participation in Nation Building in The New Gambia.’ The president said it “simply means a constructive process of engaging all citizens in building social cohesion, economic prosperity, and political stability in an inclusive and democratic way.”

“Government and its structures and all citizens have a stake in and a duty to actively and effectively participate and improve the process of nation building. In other words, all hands must be on deck to bring about the desired changes,” Mr Barrow said.

Speaking further, President Barrow the moment was also a good time that Gambians remind themselves of their collective responsibilities.

“We must defend our hard earned democracy.  As citizen we must have that strong spirit of nationalism and citizenship, love and defend our country and sacrifice personal interests for the common good at all times,” the president said.

“In short, it is the responsibility of every Gambian in the New Gambia to: respect, support and defend the Constitution and its ideals; promote, participate in and defend democratic processes; respect the rights, beliefs and opinions of others and to live in unity and harmony; render selfless national service when and where required; participate fully in local community activities and issues with a view to improving    people’s well-being; work conscientiously in whatever position we find ourselves and give necessary support to government institutions and agencies in the maintenance of law and order, peace and stability; sustain our hard earned democracy by holding government accountable to protect and preserve common wealth and public properties; and shun divisive politics and tactics and respect the country’s economic policies, avoid all acts of sabotage and dishonesty; and pay our taxes and support government execute its programmes.”

The United States has imposed visa restrictions on Ghana following the government’s refusal to accept Ghanaian nationals deported from the US back into the country.

“Ghana has failed to live up to its obligations under international law to accept the return of its nationals ordered removed from the United States,” Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen said in the statement on Thursday.

“The United States routinely cooperates with foreign governments in documenting and accepting US citizens when asked, as appropriate, as do the majority of countries in the world, but Ghana has failed to do so in this case.”

Nielsen said the Secretary of State Mike Pompeo had instructed consular officers in Ghana to stop issuing some categories of visas to applicants.

The DHS statement did not specify the categories of applicants affected by the sanctions.

Without an appropriate response from the Ghanaian government, the visa restrictions could extend to a broader population.

“We hope the Ghanaian government will work with us to reconcile these deficiencies quickly,” Nielsen said.

CNN was not immediately able to reach the Ghanaian government for comment.

Three hundred and seven people from Ghana were slated for deportation from the United States in 2017; another 243 Ghanaian nationals were due to be repatriated last year, according to a report released by the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Countries with visa sanctions had higher deportation rates when compared to previous years, the report said.

The United States imposed similar sanctions on Eritrea, Guinea, and Sierra Leone in 2017. (CNN)

Former members of President Yahya Jammeh’s killer squad, the Junglers, have acquired new identities with kingpin Sanna Manjang now called Yaya Badgie, The Standard has learned.
Manjang, indicted for several murders and torture by Gambian authorities, has been based in Guinea Bissau since fleeing The Gambia following the defeat of Jammeh at the polls in 2016.

In 2018, a report tracking the activities of 21 Junglers in Bissau was submitted to the Gambian authorities in Banjul.

The report stated that Manjang has now left his Bissau Bairro Militar residence and moved into a more luxurious house but did not give location.

“They seem conveniently settled and they are now receiving visitations from spouses, relatives and friends from The Gambia and elsewhere,” the report stated.

The report also claimed sometimes the transactions of the Junglers were facilitated by the Bissau officials who provided them sanctuary.

The 21 Junglers named are Bora Colley, Sanna Manjang, Nuha Badgie, Michael Jatta, Bakary Bojang, Nfansu Nyabally, Lamin Bojang, Sulayman Badgie (Sambu), Momodou ‘Rambo’ Jarju, Ouman Sanyang, Nfamara Badgie, Ousainou Jarju, Yaya Jarju, Abdoulie Bojang, Amadou Jatta, Musa Sanyang, Amadou Badgie, Malick Manka, Ousman Badgie, Abba Jatta now called ‘Abdou Sanneh’ and Musa Badgie.
According to the report, On 17 April 2017, Bora Colley left Bissau by Air Maroc for Dubai. On 3 July 2017, General Sulayman Badgie arrived from Equatorial Guinea through Guinea Conakry and had a meeting with the Junglers.

On 1 August 2017, Bora Colley returned to Bissau from Dubai with a new Gambian passport he has acquired.

On 24 January 2018, former President Jammeh placed a call and spoke with Bora Colley, Nuha Badgie and Sanna Manjang.

Meanwhile, the report also highlighted the tenure of the 8km square land in Gabu region of Guinea Bissau in a village called Madina, which was given to Jammeh in 2014 and is overseen by businessman Mamadou Selieu Diallo.

Commenting on this report, an intelligence and security analyst speaking on condition of anonymity, observed: “If anything, the report has shed light on the fact that as far as security of the state is concerned, we are not out of the woods yet.”
He said although the SIS “might be on top of its game”, they “cannot afford to bat an eye; they must look at the belly of the beast in the eye 24/7”.

The SIS authorities were not available for immediate comment on the matter by the time we went to press last night. (Standard newspaper)

By Lamin Njie

The opposition APRC on Friday said a member of the party has been arrested by the police.

APRC deputy spokesperson Dodou Jah told The Fatu Network that Omar Touray was arrested on Thursday. It’s the second time the former councillorship candidate for Gunjur ward is arrested.

In June 2018, Mr Touray spent days in custody after a video of him insulting President Adama Barrow and Ousainou Darboe emerged on social media. He was taken to court but later pardoned by the president.

Meanwhile The Fatu Network contacted the spokesman of the Gambia Police Force Lamin Njie via telephone for comment but couldn’t get hold of him.

By Lamin Njie

The Minister of Information and Communication Infrastructure has said that cabinet has approved a plan to plant reporters of Gambia Radio and Television Services in the various government ministries.

President Adama Barrow on Thursday presided over a cabinet meeting which discussed various issues among them communication and civil service reform.

Ebrima Sillah said in a outcome statement shortly after the meeting that, “cabinet deliberated on a paper on the Civil Service Reform Programme 2018 – 2027.”

“The cabinet paper presented by His Excellency the Vice President and Minister of Women’s Affairs identified a number of challenges and constraints that need to be addressed to accelerate the Civil Service Reform Programme. These concerns and challenges include: proliferation of public sector entities with overlap of roles and functions; low remuneration and incentives for civil servants; gaps in discipline and ethical standards; lack of universal application performance management; and ad how and inadequate capacity building,” Sillah said.

According to Minister Sillah, the civil service reform programme will be implemented in two phases.

“The first phase will involve institutional rationalization and consolidation to attract, retain and motivate optimal numbers of technical and professional personnel into the Civil Service as well institutionalize meritocracy, due process and professionalism in personnel administration,” he said.

“The second phase involve the reengineering and transformation in the Civil Service to consolidate and sustain the results from phase 1 to transform the public service to be the employer of choice for skilled and inspired professionals and technical personnel.”

The second paper presented before cabinet was on the ratification of the international solar alliance framework agreement by the Hon Minister of Petroleum and Energy,” Sillah said.

“Cabinet was informed that the International Solar Alliance (ISA) was launched by Narendra Modi, the Prime Minister of India and Francois Hollande, the former President of France,” he said.

“The International Solar Alliance (ISA) framework treaty has already been ratified by 44 countries around the World. The Gambia has already put in place a roadmap to use viable alternative sources of energy particularly renewable energy to reduce the country’s over dependence heavy fuel oils which are deemed as harmful to the environment.”

According to Sillah, The Gambia’s membership in the international solar alliance is expected to give the country access to bilateral and multilateral organizations and other stakeholders that can make a positive contribution to assist and help achieve the common goals of increasing the use of solar energy in meeting the country’s energy needs.

The information minister also said cabinet was also briefed on an ECOWAS Regional Electricity Access Project presented by the Hon Minister of Petrolum and Energy.

“This project is a World Bank Programme to develop an ECOWAS Regional Electricity Access with the objective to increase grid Electricity in selected ECOWAS countries,” he said.

“As part of this project, an amount of $66 million is proposed as grant for The Gambia to increase electricity access in peri-urban and rural areas covering localities within a 100km radius of the Soma and Brikama OMVG substations in The Gambia.”

The third paper presented before cabinet was to enforce section 37 (1) and (2) of The Gambia Postal Services Act 2005,” he said.

“This paper was presented by the Minister of Information and Communication Infrastructure. The Postal Services Act 2005 gives Gampost exclusivity of conveying all letters weighing 2kilograms and below. The Ministry of Information and Communication Infrastructure is now demanding that GAMPOST be given exclusivity for all letter mails weighing from 0 – 4 kilograms instead of 2kilograms. Cabinet has endorsed the proposal which aims to support state corporation to embrace new technologies and applications for improved service delivery,” he said.

“Cabinet also approved a proposal by the Minister of Information and Communication Infrastructure to place GRTS reporters in every Ministry to enhance the visibility of and the factual reporting on government activities.”

By State House Media

Her Excellency, First Lady Fatoumatta Bah-Barrow on Wednesday 30^th January, 2019, presided over the launching of Nsaa Keno: Nutrition and Protection for Children on the Move project at Jarra Soma, Lower River Region.

The project seeks to strengthen regional and local government structures, provide an opportunity for all people to understand the rights of children, and the need for their protection. Additionally, it is designed to provide adequate nutrition to maximize the potential of children in the country.

In her statement, the First lady described the launching as opportunity for government and stakeholders to fulfill their commitment to upholding Children’s rights. She said in her new role as a champion of the Children on the Move initiative, she would continue advocating for the implementation of enacted legislation and policies that protects the rights of children.

‘’I will continue working with Civil Society Organizations and the UN system in The Gambia to reach out to communities and families in a bid to increase awareness on how to ensure and maintain the best interest of the child at all times’’, she stressed.

First lady Barrow commended the Italian government, through its Ambassador, and the UN system in The Gambia, particularly UNICEF and UNDP, for supporting such a project.For her part, the Governor of Lower River Region, Fatou Jammeh Touray said the Nsa Kenno project will provide better social services to the taxpayers and make decentralization a smooth process.

The UN Resident Coordinator, Seraphine Wakana highlighted the leading role UN plays in pushing the agenda of the government, particularly the National Development Plan, while stating that the project is aimed at reducing malnutrition among children and discouraging migration through creating opportunities. The Italian Ambassador to Senegal, Francesco Paalo Vanier said children issues are as important to Italy as it is to Gambia. He said the fight against child malnutrition is breaking away from poverty.

The event was punctuated by cultural performances by women group in the Soma.

The Gambia Press Union on Thursday said it learnt with delight the move by the Government of The Gambia to lift national education levy on the print media.

According to a press release by the union, on Monday November 26, 2018, the Minister for Finance and Economic Affairs, Mr Mambury Njie, told the National Assembly that all print media houses in the country are now exempt from the payment of the National Education and Technical Levy effective 2019.

“The GPU welcomes this announcement as a major boost towards the promotion of an enabling environment for vibrant media industry. The Union applauds the Newspaper Publishers Association for their constructive engagement with the government on the issue,” the union said.

The press release continued: “The media in The Gambia is constrained by undue tax burden. Media houses are required to pay a number of tax levies, including education tax, newspaper sales tax, advertising sales tax and income/value added tax. Heavy import duty is placed on printing materials.

“The Union has consistently pointed out that the tax regime on media was imposed out of censorial motive. It has been particularly used by the former government to restrain the growth of the press and suppress dissent.”

The GPU President, Mr Sheriff Bojang Jr., said: “By imposing heavy tax and other financial burdens, the government ensured that the newspapers have limited capacity to expand production, hire more competent staff and award improved remuneration.”

He added: “We welcome exemption as an important first steps toward removing the economic stranglehold of the media. Of course, we could do better by doing a more comprehensive review of the tax regime as it applies to media.”

The Gambia Press Union has constantly been advocating for the review of the country’s tax regime as it applies to media. On May 3, 2017 – barely three months after the inauguration of the new government – the Union submitted to the government a Position Paper on Freedom of Expression, which among others calls for review of the tax regime.

By Lamin Njie

Former secretary general Momodou Sabally on Thursday took a swipe at the chairman of the Constitutional Review Commission for saying that Gambians have lost faith in government.

CRC chairman Cherno Jallow told journalists at a press conference on Wednesday that “it is an understatement to say that Gambians generally have lost faith in government – and that is any government.” His comments have drawn him flaks.

Former secretary general and head of the civil service Momodou Sabally tackling Mr Jallow in a letter titled, ‘On Faith in Government and Related Matters: Epistle to the Chairman, CRC,’ wrote: “My Lord, Most Respected Justice of our Supreme Court,

“I submit the following address to you with respect. The submission is in relation to your recent statement that “Gambians generally have lost faith in government”. You were quick to diffuse the inherent innuendo in that statement by generalising that utterance but the accusation and insidious condemnation in that flagrant statement is just too obvious.

“I wish I could have submitted to you a more genial address but you have confirmed my suspicions about you and your ilk who have been trusted and thrusted unto our national governance re-calibration process despite the fact that you have turned your back on this country virtually pretending that there was no country called The Gambian during the last two decades. My angst about such attitude against our country was amply presented in my essay entitled “The Great Retreat”.

“But if you have been given an opportunity to come and serve despite your past nonchalance about our nation, the least you can do is to think and act in a manner that is fair, honest and sincere.

“Indeed, I have been suspicious about the inner intentions of a lot of the “new comers” on the scene. And by “new comers” I do not refer to those who were in active opposition to the past status quo, for they have all earned my respect even if I may have been on the opposite end of the political spectrum. By new comers, I refer to those who were either sitting on the fence or completely took a break/retreat from national affairs, totally giving up on our country because of one man.

“Your case has been a bit more sanguine because I heard some very positive personal testimonies about your integrity and sense of fair play; but your statement which I read on the Fatu Network practically condemning our government is definitely uncalled for and I deem it an attack on our governance framework that could be detrimental to the progress we yearn for in our new democracy-building project.

“But why should I be surprised that such a statement is coming from your end? Truly the way and manner you and your team have been conducting the constitutional review process has gotten many independent observers concerned/worried about the outcome of your work.

“Your series of ‘bantaba’ meetings that is loosely coordinated and conducted with “leading questions/questionnaires” has given some of us the impression that those at the helm of the Constitutional Review Commission just might have their own predetermined outcomes for our envisaged new constitution and are proceeding in a determined way to ensure that their preferred outcome is served on the national menu in such a careful way that the hungry innocent public would have no choice but to take what they are served.

“In view of the foregoing and knowing the vested interests already lined up, the concerned voices referred to above now fear a potential brexit-type situation in our upcoming referendum. Will you lead us to such a terrible situation?

“My Lord, the main challenge your commission is facing is communication. The messages coming from your consultation process have been incongruent and sometimes out right misleading. For instance your statement that “Gambians do not trust the educated class” is at odds with the general message we have received from your end about what level of academic qualification should be a requirement for those aspiring to become President. Or is this a case of your own biases and prejudice overriding the general views of the public you have consulted?

“Lest I lose track, my Lord, let me zero in on my refutation of your thesis/verdict on the relationship between our government and the governed.

“If you surmise that the people have lost faith in government, are you not the face and body of that government? You have toured the country in a black Pajero with a vanity number plate and what do you think? Don’t you know that the very way and manner you presented yourself to the people (especially the rural folks) has made them to view you as part and parcel of that government you are talking about? If you can come in as chairman of a 2-year commission and get yourself a brand new Pajero worth roughly D3million; what moral authority do you have to re-echo the public’s supposed lack of faith in government, knowing very well that some of those misinterpreted grievances is about the non-judicious use of public resources?

“There is information out in the public that you and your team at CRC are to embark on an overseas tour supposedly to consult Gambians abroad at a huge cost to the tax payer. Didn’t we have enough Gambians from the diaspora on vacation here from November to date? Couldn’t  you and your team have gathered a statistically significant sample from these visitors to consult them on the constitution? The proposed trip is what we call in classic government parlance “per diem mongering”. If you and your team, the current ubiquitous face of government, are so intent on a cash splurge at a time when budget concerns are critical in The Gambia, why wouldn’t the people ‘lose faith’ in government?

“My Lord, I take exception to your accusation-cum-verdict, and submit that The Gambian people still have faith in their government, imperfect as that government may be. And truly there is no perfect government in this world; not even the ones you were serving prior to your current role in the very government you have just condemned.

“The recent Afro Barometer survey, came out with very interesting conclusions and any fair-minded analyser of the outcome of that survey would definitely disagree with your observations coming out from your costly ‘raba-raba ’ CRC consultation tour. The broad outcome of the said survey showed that Gambians have faith in their government despite qualms about some governance issues. Your duty is to help us to a get a document that would improve our governance infrastructure, not to go on a negative PR campaign to undo what we have as at now.

“I do hope, my Lord, you would consider my address with a view to review your verdict  on our government, and make a new ruling to absolve the government of your previous indictment.

“I submit the foregoing, with due respect, and therefore, I rest my case.”

Meanwhile the head of communication at the CRC Sainey Marenah told The Fatu Network editor on Thursday the CRC chairman was ‘misquoted’ by the online news media and that they were preparing a statement.

By State House Media

His Excellency, President Adama Barrow told the visiting Interior Minister of Spain that any progressive discussion on migration between the Kingdom of Spain, and the European Union in general, must take into account domestic socio-economic challenges facing The Gambia and other African countries as a whole.

President Barrow made the remarks during a courtesy call with the Minister of Interior of the Kingdom of Spain at the State House in Banjul. The high ranking Spanish official is in the country to discuss and strengthen bilateral relations with his Gambian counterpart – the Minister of Interior, Hon. Ebrima Mballow, who accompanied them to the State House.

The President said cooperation with European partners must include development strategies focused on building capacities to empower youths as well as strengthen the national economy for jobs creation in order to reduce exodus of youths and the risks cross-border criminal activities.

While stating that The Gambia has a long standing relations with the people and government of the Kingdom of Spain, the president said his government is committed to advancing the ties from strength to strength.

Following the closed-door discussion with the president, His Excellency, Mr. Fernando Grandea Marlaska Gomez spoke to the State House media corps reaffirming the position of the president on the migration debate: “We agreed that security should not be our only area of consideration… other social and economic areas are equally important to security. If we want to get a peaceful relations between Europe and Africa, we have to get into development”.

He added that Spain and The Gambia are going to work to improve the human resource base of Gambians, particularly security outfits in the areas civil protection, among others. He argued that fighting irregular migration networks is a common concern for both countries. And so are transnational criminal organizations such as narcotic networks.

The Minister maintained that everyone has the right to live anywhere they want. People should also be given the opportunity to live where they want, according to the diplomat. Therefore, Spain and The Gambia have to work together to be in equal partnership, he added.