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ALMAMI TAAL FIRING: Jobarteh Demands Explanation from Presidency

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By Lamin Njie

The country director of Westminster Foundation Madi Jobarteh has called for an explanation into the sacking of Almami Taal as the legal officer at the Organisation of Islamic Conference national secretariat.

Taal was last week sacked as legal adviser to the secretariat in a letter that came from the Office of the President. The UDP spokesperson has vowed to challenge his termination.

Commenting on the top legal mind’s sack on his Facebook page, Jobarteh said “whoever sacked Almami Taal from the OIC Secretariat owe Gambians a truthful, direct and urgent explanation.”

“The authority to hire and fire is not a personal tool but a legal responsibility that must be backed by fact, law and conscience. Legal authority must not be abused. This is why we voted for change!” Jobarteh said.

Ex-VP Tambajang Says She was Fired Over a ‘Letter’

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By Lamin Njie

Former vice president Fatoumatta Jallow Tambajang has said she was fired from her cabinet post over a letter that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs claim was written by her.

Fatoumatta Jallow Tambajang was sacked as the vice president of The Gambia in 2018 by President Adama Barrow during a major cabinet reshuffle which also saw the axing of three ministers.

And speaking for the first time on why she was fired, the country’s former Number 2 said some people at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs schemed against her. Vice President Ousainou Darboe was the Minister of Foreign Affairs at the time of her firing.

“I am happy that His Excellency President Barrow has known the truth. He stood by the truth, and he has invited me on the 16th of August. We spoke about the letter and it was never a letter I wrote,” Jallow-Tambajang exclusively told Gambia Times at the weekend.

Jallow Tambajang was accused of writing a letter to the United Nation to pressure President Barrow to hand power over to her after three years but the former vice president says it was a fabrication.

According to Jallow Tambajang, she never wrote a letter to the UN but rather to the United Nations Environment Programme – for a Gambian seeking for a job at that agency.

“I want to clarify this to the nation that this letter of recommendation I sent to UNEP through the Foreign Affairs was tampered with, recommendations removed and replaced with a note that I knew nothing about. I investigated what went wrong and discovered the truth and those involved in it, but HE President Barrow knew this,” she said.

The former vice president says she has forgiven all those who have wronged her.

“People have fabricated lies against me, but I forgive them. I know those who fabricated those lies, but I have forgiven them as Muslims,” she said.

Top US Businesswoman to Arrive in Gambia on Friday

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By Lamin Njie

A top US businesswoman Anita E Hawkins will arrive in The Gambia on Friday January 4 on a ten-day visit during which she will meet with women and children in the country.

Mrs Anita, an American lifestyle expert extraordinaire and entrepreneur, has announced plans to support children and victims of domestic violence in The Gambia.

She will visit The Gambia between January 4 and January 13, 2019, in which she will first attend the GLAMU master class event which is geared towards training women how to take care of their skin, apply their own makeup, and most importantly help them boost their confidence.

Mrs Anita will then use the rest of her Gambia visit to meet with various institutions, women and children groups. She also plans to visit the SOS Children’s Village in Bakoteh where she will interact with children of the orphanage.

Who is Anita E Hawkins?

Anita grew up in Gary, Indiana, where her entrepreneurial spirit took flight when she was still in her teens. Upon inheriting her grandmother’s hair salon, Anita did what very few young women at her age would have had the insight and resolve to do…she worked it! After getting her cosmetology license, Anita grew her clientele by operating both in the salon and going house to house servicing clients who were unable to travel to her location. This was to be the first of many successful business ventures for the tiny young woman with big dreams—dreams she would manage to accomplish in spite of having her childhood and youthful innocence shattered at an early age. Anita was molested for a period of years beginning in the 2nd grade. This unimaginable violation sent her down a devastating path of promiscuity and self-doubt that resulted in teen pregnancy and her becoming a ward of the state after being disowned by her father. Ultimately, Anita was tasked with the incredible challenge of building a life for herself and her infant son all by the age of fifteen. It was the love and generosity of a family friend who took Anita in and cared for her son free of charge. This enabled her to continue her high school education and begin to build a life for herself and her son.

By 2000, Anita was married. She and her husband, former MLB pitcher LaTroy Hawkins moved to Frisco, TX where they had a daughter. There she launched Trokar Industries, LLC. Since its inception, Trokar has acquired a number of land developments around the state of Texas. It has also celebrated a tremendous victory as a result of D.R. Horton purchasing a parcel of land from Trokar for 1.53 million dollars.

After being diagnosed with a rare blood disorder, Anita decided it was time to make some lifestyle changes of her own. Her love of healthy eating and exercise led to her acquisition of the Fresh Healthy Café franchise master designation for the Dallas/Ft. Worth area. She operated the franchise under Lady Eloise, LLC. Restaurant ownership had always been a desire for the mother of two; thus, after doing a great deal of research, she decided upon the Fresh Healthy Café brand because of the company’s commitment to its values. These values mirrored her own philosophies and with that purchased the Master Franchise for the DFW Metroplex. Her tenacity and business savviness has not gone without notice. Anita has been recognized by the National Association of Professional Women for Outstanding Excellence and Dedication to Her Profession and the Advancement of Women, and she was recognized as one of the National Association of Distinguished Professionals’ prestigious Women of Distinction. She was also identified by 10 Shades of Success as one of Dallas’ Most Successful Women. 10 Shades of Success further asked her to serve as Key Note Speaker for its awards banquet.

Anita is as abundant in beauty as she is in business know-how. As a model, model coach and spokesperson, Anita has walked the runway in a number of high fashion events including MegaFest, Designer’s Rack at Neiman Marcus, LA Fashion Week, NY Fashion Week, & Philly Fashion Week. She graced the cover of Curvy Connect Magazine (CCM) and was featured in a dazzling seven-page editorial spread. CCM rightfully dubbed Anita “The One to Watch!” Anita has also been featured on Dallas’ CW 33, FOX 4, Good Morning Texas, Dallas High Life TV on the UA Network, Saigon Network’s The Chau Show, the nationally syndicated morning television show Eye Opener, KRNB 105.7, K104 FM, Heaven 97, KRLD Talk Radio’s CEO Spotlight, Street Speaker Radio and The Andy Brown Online Happy Hour. Additionally, she has engaged in editorial features provided the The Dallas Morning News, The Dallas Weekly, Southern Dallas County Magazine, Pose Magazine, Garbed in Modesty Magazine and Texas Metro News.  Anita has further participated in the panel discussion “Turning Passion into Profit” during the Full Figured Fashion Week in New York. In 2016, she was named Duchess of the Krewe de Etoiles Gala Masquerade Ball Royal Court, and she and her husband were selected King and Queen for the Dallas Chapter of Continental Societies Annual Naw’lins Mardi Gras Jam. Anita has also served as a judge for DFW Teen Fashion Week and a panelist for the JBolin Fashion Bootcamp: The Power of Perseverance and Pumps, Passion and Purpose.

With her tremendous success, Anita has not forgotten the age-old proverb, “to whom much is given, much is required.”  Generous does not begin to describe the dedication and hands-on involvement with which Anita supports her many charitable affiliations. She walks for St. Jude Children’s Hospital and is one of the organization’s top individual and team fundraisers. She further serves as a member on the Frisco planning committee for the charity. Anita gathers and donates items throughout the year to Where are You? which benefits homeless children and their families in the Dallas area. She is also an ardent supporter of Minnie’s Food Pantry and has donated over $160,000 to the organization and its mission to feed the homeless. For her tireless efforts, Minnie’s presented Anita with the Community Service Award for her leadership and commitment to the organization. Annually, she and her husband sponsor the college education of a deserving student to the school of their choice through the Jackie Robinson Foundation. Anita launched the Find One Reason to Smile campaign benefiting survivors of domestic abuse. The first recipient, Dallas’ Women Called Moses Outreach Center, where Anita sits on the Board of Directors, received over $16,000 from Find One Reason to Smile to aid their mission of assisting women and their children to escape the vicious cycle of domestic abuse. Anita also regularly volunteers for and contributes to The Source of Hope. One of their many community events includes providing free meals, haircuts and shaves to the homeless on the fourth Saturday of every month. Anita loves putting her salon and barber skills to work for those in need! Anita also received the President’s Philanthropy Award from Women of Wealth, and she was recognized by Rae’s Hope for her Outstanding Support. She has also served as a panelist for the Inaugural Mother Daughter Tea benefitting Parenting with a Purpose, and she was the Honorary Chair of Stepping Out of Homelessness.

Destined for greatness and not slowing down any time soon, Anita has added yet another title to her already impressive repertoire…Author. Anita chronicles her rise from the depths of abuse, anger and despair to triumph, self-love and success in her debut novel The Storm After The Storm. Today, Anita E. Hawkins is both self-assured and selfless. She has overcome the harshest of circumstances to become a successful Businesswoman, Lifestyle Expert and Fashionista while giving back to those in need. Most importantly, she is a dedicated wife and mother for her family. CCM said it best, Anita has definitely been the “One to Watch” and will be for many years to come!

Mai Fatty Speaks after Special Adviser Naming

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By Lamin Njie

Mai Ahmad Fatty has said the Gambia Moral Congress will not cultivate conflict with any political leader, organisation or support any group against the other.

“GMC and my leadership will NOT, and will NEVER be party to any situation that would either slow our Party’s upward growth, or the potential to subordinate national interests in favour of personal interests,” the GMC leader said in the statement posted on his official Facebook page on Tuesday.

Mr Fatty who was speaking for the first time since his appointment by President Adama Barrow as his special adviser said “we believe it is possible to advance a political aspiration without destroying personal relations, and we will not use a political advantage to undermine national interests.”

“GMC STANDS for The Gambia; we will remain loyal to The Gambia and her citizens, and be faithful to the destiny of Africa. We know that our future is more superior to anything made available at the present, but we must begin to work harder today, to make The Gambia potentially the best country on earth, and supporting each other in the process,” Fatty said.

“Also, we will not permit partisan flavour to cloud our vision for a better Gambia or put us on a confrontational path with anyone in government or outside, to satisfy those who have a different agenda.”

Fatty, a lawyer by profession, was appointed special adviser on Monday. It comes almost a year since he was removed as Minister of the Interior of The Gambia.

Mr Fatty in his statement to Gambians on Tuesday also said his party “will support our government in the realisation of the national development goals as enshrined in the NDP – a blue print that contains our thinking from concept stage during my tenure as Minister of Interior.”

“Therefore, srengthning all mechanisms that would achieve the success of a Document we helped create over a year ago, would be our priority, and I urge all GMC supporters and Gambians in general, to take ownership of the NDP, and participate in its implementation,” he said.

“Consequently, we will stand fully with President Barrow and his government in efforts to fulfil the goals of the NDP, with maximum commitment and seriousness.”

Full Text of President Barrow’s New Year Message

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Fellow Gambians,

Friends of The Gambia,

Distinguished Listener and Viewers,

The wheel of another year has come full cycle, as today marks the end of 2018. In view of all the successes registered in the year, it is with pride, satisfaction and appreciation that I dedicate this message to all of you.

Reflecting on the past, 2017 was a historic year in the annals of this country. It marked the crucial turning point in the history of The Gambia and a welcome change of government. It was the year that, together, we won the battle against dictatorship, tyranny and fear. Furthermore, it was the year we laid the foundation for a truly democratic government.

Unfortunately, 2017 had bleak undertones. We came face-to-face with the realities of the economy; uncovered how the national wealth was plundered; and, sadly, discovered the nature and extent of the horrible crimes that were committed against the citizens of this country. The revelations and facts were terrible.

With much relief, 2018 will be remembered in the years ahead as the year we broke down barriers and unlocked the doors to success, progress and development. It has been a year of success, inspiration, renewed optimism and hope. The result is that we have been inspired to believe in ourselves and build confidence to run the affairs of this nation. We are convinced that, acting together, we can achieve whatever tasks and targets we set ourselves.

The whole world has opened up to The Gambia, and we have been re-admitted as respectable and dignified members of the comity of nations. The diplomatic relations and renewed friendships established, or mutually deepened with other countries and organisations, such as the European Union and the Commonwealth, are clear examples.

With consolation, the economy that made us nervous, has now been revived – thanks, most especially, to the European Union for spearheading the Brussels meeting in May of this year. Of course, we will ever remain grateful to all other international organisations and friends who have stood by us.

Distinguished Listeners and viewers,

It is obvious that realistic plans with clear goals, targets, indicators and strategies are essential for national development. In this light, the launch of the 2018 – 2021 National Development Plan was another key achievement of the year. To cite a few more examples, other achievements registered during the year include the Legislative and Local Government Elections; the setting up of three important commissions; namely: the Constitution Review Commission, the Truth Reconciliation and Reparation Commission and the Commission on the activities of the former President.

I am proud to mention, briefly, the successful reforms also initiated by my government. These embrace the security sector, the civil service and the law reforms. The list goes on and on. Based on tangible evidence that cannot be contested, it is conclusive that 2018 has been a year of tremendous success for the Government and People of The Gambia. I congratulate all citizens and our friends on these accomplishments.

Fellow Gambians,

Distinguished listeners and Viewers,

Life cannot be rosy all the time. Quite naturally, therefore, 2018 had its dark side. The Faraba Bantang and Busumbala incidents, as well as the standoff at the Social Security, Housing and Finance Corporation, are regrettable examples. In spite of the complexity of the challenges that emerged during the year, the right approach was adopted and appropriate action taken in each case.

I hope that the lessons learnt in the process will prevent the occurrence of such events.

The change of government last year sparked off a lot of political agitation and activity, which continue to gain momentum in the country. This is part of democracy. Nevertheless, the debates and discourses that underlie political activities should be decent, constructive, positively productive and unifying. This cannot be attained in the absence of discipline, proper education and orientation, maintaining the rule of law and respect for one another.

In a young democracy, such as ours, politics should be handled with tack and caution. In these circumstances, there is need for national unity to ensure that there are no cracks that enemies of the state can exploit.

Distinguished Listeners and Viewers,

The end of any year serves as a reminder of the importance of time in relation to how it drifts away unnoticed; how we grow older; yet, how more mature and wise we become. It reminds us of the urgency to attend to unfinished business and to rededicate ourselves to our duties and responsibilities.

Time and tide wait for no one. As a result, we must not fail to shoulder our responsibilities promptly. It is particularly unrealistic if we fail due to negligence, laziness, indifference, passivity or any other vice that deters progress. Let us be forward-looking, innovative, genuine and steadfast in order to realise greater achievements.

This is the right moment to make resolutions for the coming year so that we can be more productive as a nation. Accordingly, I propose that we resolve that each passing minute, hour, day, week and month of the year will be spent most usefully, most wisely and most productively so that we can accomplish as much as feasible.

I advise all institutions to update their Action Plans, and devise ways of addressing the bottlenecks encountered during the year. Success begins with proper planning.

Fellow Gambians,

There has been a lot of talk about citizenship, rights and entitlements. This is lawful; but, citizenship is not only about fighting for rights and a share of the national cake.

More importantly, citizenship is about belonging to a nation and contributing to the creation, development and expansion of the national cake. In real terms, the national cake is the national wealth, with everything that goes with it.

Like democracy, the national wealth is the creation of all citizens, out of the contributions of all citizens and for all citizens to enjoy. As it is a responsibility to defend one’s rights, so is it a responsibility to build and protect the national wealth. Successful nations have demonstrated this quite amply. Their human resource base has been at the core of their development. Where natural resources did not exist, they used their brains to fetch them from wherever they could. As the human resource of this country, our collective challenge is to develop the country through our natural and acquired endowments. Ultimately, instead of struggling to search for greener pastures elsewhere, other nationals should struggle to come and live in The Gambia.

The youth, in particular, have a future here, and we invite and urge them to stay put and work with us.   

On the issue of crime and security, let us support the Security Services, and provide community support systems for them. This can be done if all citizens stand firm against crime, especially against illegal drugs, robbery, murder and corruption. Our development and happiness depend on the degree of our freedom, peace, stability and ability to attain our noble goals. The more we are committed to these noble values, the more we succeed. Let the security, peace and unity of the people come first before any other considerations. This is what good citizenship and selflessness entail.  

Our successes in 2017 and 2018 provide sufficient evidence and assurances of better days to come. At the current rate of development, every Gambian should be encouraged to stand by my government, be sincere to the nation and do the utmost to repel all agents of disunity, evil and backwardness.

Fellow Gambians,

Friends of The Gambia,

Distinguished listeners and viewers,

It is evident that we must have lost dear ones during the year – be they family, friends, neighbours, colleagues or other close associates. Some of us may have had bitter experiences or encountered difficulties. Therefore, I extend my condolences and prayers to all bereaved families. For all those in difficulty, I pray that ease comes your way. May 2019 be much better, much more peaceful and much more fulfilling than 2018 for every one of us.

Wishing all of us, together, brighter days and a more productive and prosperous year ahead, I pray that the Almighty God continues to bless the nation, bless our efforts and grant us perpetual success through His divine help.

I wish you all a very happy, peaceful and prosperous 2019.

2018 Had its Ups, Downs – Barrow

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By Lamin Njie

President Adama Barrow has said that the gains made by his government in the past two years provide enough evidence and assurances of better days to come.

In a New Year message to Gambians on Monday, President Barrow offering a blunt review of the achievements and challenges the country experienced in 2018 said every Gambian should be encouraged to stand by his government for greater development.

“Our successes in 2017 and 2018 provide sufficient evidence and assurances of better days to come. At the current rate of development, every Gambian should be encouraged to stand by my government, be sincere to the nation and do the utmost to repel all agents of disunity, evil and backwardness,” Barrow said.

“With much relief, 2018 will be remembered in the years ahead as the year we broke down barriers and unlocked the doors to success, progress and development. It has been a year of success, inspiration, renewed optimism and hope. The result is that we have been inspired to believe in ourselves and build confidence to run the affairs of this nation. We are convinced that, acting together, we can achieve whatever tasks and targets we set ourselves.”

On the achievements, the President said the economy has been revived thanks to friends and international organisations.

“With consolation, the economy that made us nervous, has now been revived – thanks, most especially, to the European Union for spearheading the Brussels meeting in May of this year. Of course, we will ever remain grateful to all other international organisations and friends who have stood by us,” Barrow said.

“It is obvious that realistic plans with clear goals, targets, indicators and strategies are essential for national development. In this light, the launch of the 2018 – 2021 National Development Plan was another key achievement of the year. To cite a few more examples, other achievements registered during the year include the Legislative and Local Government Elections; the setting up of three important commissions; namely: the Constitution Review Commission, the Truth Reconciliation and Reparation Commission and the Commission on the activities of the former President.”

The Gambia in 2018 registered some negative strides, a fact that was highlighted in President Barrow’s speech.

The President said: “Life cannot be rosy all the time. Quite naturally, therefore, 2018 had its dark side. The Faraba Bantang and Busumbala incidents, as well as the standoff at the Social Security, Housing and Finance Corporation, are regrettable examples.

“In spite of the complexity of the challenges that emerged during the year, the right approach was adopted and appropriate action taken in each case. I hope that the lessons learnt in the process will prevent the occurrence of such events.”

NEW YEAR: Barrow Declares Tuesday Public Holiday

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President Adama Barrow has declared Tuesday January 1, 2019 as a public holiday throughout the country in observance of the advent of the New Year.

“The Public is hereby informed that the President of the Republic and Commander-In-Chief of The Gambia Armed Forces, His Excellency Adama Barrow, acting under section 76 of the 1997 Constitution of Republic of The Gambia, is pleased to declare Tuesday 1st January 2018, as a Public Holiday throughout The Gambia, in observance of the advent of the New Year,” a terse statement signed by the President’s press secretary Amie Bojang Sissoho on Monday said.    

“On behalf of the First Family, the government and the people of The Gambia, the President wishes everyone a happy and prosperous 2019!” 

BREAKING: Musa Suso Bounces Back

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By Lamin Njie

President Adama Barrow has appointed Musa Suso as the new deputy governor of West Coast Region.

Suso was appointed to the post on Monday after the tapping of Siaka Jatta as President Barrow’s new political adviser.

The appointment of the Sukuta native comes 11 months after President Barrow reversed his appointment as special adviser on youth matters.

Suso, a former National Assembly Member, was named by President Barrow in February as his adviser on youth affairs – a move that faced severe criticism from Gambians. The president later wilted and revoked his appointment.

BREAKING: Barrow Names Mai Fatty as New Special Adviser

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By Lamin Njie

President Adama Barrow has appointed Mai Ahmad Fatty as his new special adviser.

The leader of the Gambia Moral Congress was named special adviser on Monday, as President Barrow effects a major rejig of his inner circle.

Fatty’s appointment comes 12 months after he was removed as Minister of Interior of The Gambia.

He is now returning to the government to serve as special adviser to the President.

A special adviser works directly for the president and helps advise the President on various state matters.

BREAKING: Barrow Appoints Siaka Jatta as New Political Adviser

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By Lamin Njie

President Adama Barrow has named Siaka Jatta as his new political adviser.

Jatta replaces Yusupha Cham who was fired from the post last Friday.

Cham, a senior member of the United Democratic Party, was sacked days after another top member of the United Democratic Party Almami Taal lost his job at the Organisation of Islamic Conference national secretariat. Taal’s termination was contained in a letter that emanated from the presidency.

The new political adviser to the President Siaka Jatta was until the time of his appointment the deputy governor of West Coast Region.

On the Festive Season and Related Matters: Epistle to my Bishop

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I salute you, Most Reverend, Catholic Bishop of Banjul: Grace and Peace to you!

Indeed I remain excited and jubilant about your ordination as the first Gambian Catholic Bishop. I just cannot stop celebrating this great feat especially for the fact that you are indeed my brother from Lamin and my senior at our alma mater St. Peter’s Technical High School. 

My prayer for you remains long life, Divine guidance and protection. For what else could I pray for you? My good old mother always taught me in Mandinka proverb that you don’t pray for an elephant to be big because it is the nature of elephants to be huge, you only pray for the elephant to live long. So may you live long our Holy Bishop for success shall be yours.

The purpose of this epistle is to send my season’s greetings to you and your flock. Given the subtle attacks of the secular fundamentalists on our common Abrahamic religious practices I shall not just call this “season’s greetings”. Like I proclaimed in a recent Facebook post “forget about happy #holidays; it’s #Christmas that we are celebrating!” Indeed Sheikh Hamza Yusuf is right: “the world’s 1.8 billion Muslims are members of the Abrahamic family and the Quran commands us to respect the other family members, to protect them when threatened, and to honour them when safe. We have a shared faith in all of the biblical prophets, the Messianic reality of Jesus, and his virgin birth, not to mention a belief in the afterlife of final judgement with its rewards and retributions.”

So ours is a great family numbering in the billions and spread all over the world. And I do hope and pray that those who do not want to recognise or appreciate religion or religious symbolism, would at least be honest and fair enough to live their professed democratic ethos to “live and let live”.

Most Reverend, my dear senior brother, in view of the foregoing premises, shall we not, as Muslims and Christians, come together on a common platform to create a rampart against the current onslaught of the secular fundamentalists against religion and religious practice. They may be coming with a thousand and one subterfuges and other beguiling decoys but the true aim of the secularists is to gradually but effectively remove religion from our lives. Therefore, it is our collective duty to protect the heritage of the arch-prophet Abraham. The battle may be tough but victory shall be for us because verily the Light of God will always prevail over the forces of darkness.

And as they read this epistle that is addressed to you, and not them, their counter arguments would be the occasional abuses of religion and inter-faith imbroglios; forgetting that the greatest atrocities in human history were committed not in the name of religion but irreligious people with secular motivations occasionally dressed in religious robes. And should they bring the argument of inter-faith conflagrations, then shall we not show them the inspiring example of The Gambia. Forget about the little blemish caused by our former President’s unilateral declaration of The Gambia as an Islamic Republic; this was his personal ambition and as for his motivations, even his closest ministers and personal friends I spoke to on this matter had no clue as to what was going on in the man’s head at the time. But if you look back at the aftermath of that declaration and what preceded it, any honest human being would admit that there was no real change in the status quo. Gambians seem to be hardwired for religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence based on mutual respect.

So The Gambia was, and remains, an oasis of religious tolerance and harmony in the desert of bigotry and intolerance that is our modern world.

My prayer is that we as a nation do not take our inter-faith harmony for granted but to work on it and cultivate it so that it doesn’t atrophy but grows and blooms for harvest and export world-wide.

In parting, Most Reverend, I wish to let you know that I have been revising my Bible Knowledge notes from High school of late. (And God bless Father David Jimoh Jarju who taught me Bible studies at O Levels in the 90s). I am deeply fascinated with the story of the Lord’s Anointed in the first book of Samuel. The same story deeply engages my mind when I read the Quranic version of it towards the end of the second chapter, Surah Baqarah, verses 246-252. 

Indeed Allah is right as He asserts at the end of His narration of our common heritage, the story of Prophet Joseph, in the 12th Chapter of the Quran: “There was certainly in their stories a lesson for those of understanding. Never was the Qur’an a narration invented, but a confirmation of what was before it and a detailed explanation of all things and guidance and mercy for a people who believe.”

In the story of King Saul, I see a great similitude with the current happenings in our own promised land, the Smiling Coast. Am I wrong, Monsignor?

While looking forward to a response from you, once again, I wish you a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year .

Momodou Sabally

The Gambia’s Pen

BREAKING: Barrow Fires Political Adviser Cham

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By Lamin Njie

President Adama Barrow has removed Yusupha Cham as his political adviser, sources close to the presidency have told The Fatu Network.

Mr Cham, a top member of the United Democratic Party, was fired from the post last Friday. The presidency is set to make an announcement of his replacement.

Cham’s removal comes after another top member of the United Democratic Party Almami Taal lost his job at the Organisation of Islamic Conference national secretariat. Taal’s termination was contained in a letter that emanated from the presidency.

Ex-UDP Member Papa Njie Picked as New PPP Leader

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By Lamin Njie

The People’s Progressive Party has elected a former member of the United Democratic Papa Njie as its new leader.

Njie was picked as the party’s leader on Sunday as the curtains fell on PPP’s two-day national congress.

The former governing party’s elective congress, which began on Saturday, was attended by over 500 party delegates.

Njie emerged as the new leader of the party after defeating former vice president Bakary Bunja Darboe in a vote held on Sunday. Njie polled 272 votes while Darboe polled 227 votes.

The 49-year-old’s emergence comes as he continues to face criticism over his inconsistent behavior as a politician. He was once a member of the United Democratic Party but left the party after he lost his bid to be the party’s mayoral candidate in the 2018 local government elections. Critics have since described him as an opportunist.

But in his acceptance speech on Sunday, Njie said his victory is historic for the party.

“I want to inform you that the work has just started. I want to inform you also that PPP doesn’t know tribe. What PPP knows is a work-oriented person,” Njie told cheering crowds at YMCA grounds in Kanifing.

“For me I’m a Gambian before anything else and whoever supports PPP should see Gambia before PPP and work…”

UDP’s Taal Vows to Challenge OIC Firing

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By Omar Wally

The legal officer of the Organisation of Islamic Conference national secretariat Almami Fanding Taal has said he will contest his firing from the secretariat.

Taal stated this while confirming his termination by the government to The Fatu Network on Sunday.

Almami Fandi Taal who is the spokesperson of United Democratic Party was last week sacked as legal adviser at OIC secretariat. The development was contained in a termination letter signed by one Mr Kanyi for secretary general and head of the civil service.

It is not known why he has been axed but sources close to The Fatu Network say the development may be due to his recent harsh reviews of the government.  

According to Taal, he has two years contract with OIC arguing that it was only the OIC that could terminate him.

1,207 New HIV/AIDS Infections in Gambia in 2018 – GAMNAS

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The Gambia Network of Aids Support Society has said that it has discovered a total of 1,207 new cases of HIV infections among Gambians in 2018.

The group made this revelation during a recent press conference held at its office in in Churchill Town.

GAMNAS officials described the number as a call for concern and added that the rate of the infection in the country could cause havoc if measures are not taken.

However, International Treatment Preparedness Coalition has been launched in the country to increase access to antiretroviral therapy for people living with HIV.

It  covers at least eleven West African countries including The Gambia, Guinea Bissau, Benin, Ghana, Liberia, Mali, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Cote d’ voire, Guinea, and Togo.

The project aims to formalize and expand existing community treatment observatories to all focus countries, create a regional treatment observatory and build the capacity of the eleven national people living with HIV networks to do treatment monitoring.

Samba Sey, program manager at GAMNAS, said: “The project is targeting key population in the country and that key population they are the youth for this HIV infection because we see to it that they are the people that more vulnerable to HIV infection.”

He said the key barriers to HIV prevention are stigma and discrimination which he noted discourages many people from taking the test.

He said: “Unfortunately many barriers to HIV prevention remain stigma and discrimination still deters people from taking an HIV test. Access to confidential HIV test is still a concern many people still get tested after becoming ill symptomatic.” 

He further described HIV testing as essential for expanding treatment to ensuring that people living with HIV can live healthy and productive life.

‘NO MORE EXCESSES’: Sowe Vows to Build a Different Secret Service

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The director general of State Intelligence Service has said the government remains committing to building an intelligence agency that is accepted by all Gambians.

“Today part of our reforms is to have the public institution in the name of the SIS that is accepted, that is trusted, that is recognize, that is not scary to the people, that is commanding the confidence of the people,” Ousman Sowe told journalists at a press conference held at the SIS headquarters in Banjul on Friday.

State Intelligence Service once named National Intelligence Agency is the intelligence agency of The Gambia responsible for gathering intelligence. However, the agency has a distressed past due to its complicity in the atrocities committed by the immediate past government. The government of President Adama Barrow has promised to rehabilitate the agency.

Mr Sowe said: “[Our objective is] to have an intelligence service of national character, an intelligent service that everyone can look at and say, ‘yes, that is state intelligence’. [An intelligence agency] that is devoid of tribe, is devoid of biases, is devoid of nepotism, is devoid of all those ills that are unhelpful…”  

According to him, the agency has come up with a new mantra, ‘no more excesses.’

“Our task is to reform restructure, reshape, reengineer and reposition the intelligence service in helping and meeting the national security needs of this country both home and abroad,” he said.

GDC Formed to Counter Tribalism – Kandeh

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By Lamin Njie

The leader of opposition Gambia Democratic Congress Mamma Kandeh has said that his party was formed to fight tribalism.

Mamma Kandeh said this Saturday as hundreds of delegates met in Basse Upper River Region to pick a new leadership for GDC. It was the first time the party was holding an elective congress since its formation two years ago.

According to Mr Kandeh, “the GDC came to trample down tribalism and champion peace in our homeland.”

“As we came to champion peace, we envisage to have a happy nation, enjoy high standards of effective governance. The party was built to foster a culture of respect for the fundamental human rights and freedom with a highly skilled and motivated workforce,” the GDC leader told delegates.

“The part focuses on strong democratic foundations that promote popular and multi-party contest for power thus enabling the people to have and to make choice of their leadership.”  

You Are a Stranger in UDP, Dou Sanno Replies Almami Taal

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By Lamin Njie

Deputy political adviser to President Adama Barrow Dou Sanno has said that the spokesperson of the United Democratic Party Almami Taal cannot know him because he is a stranger in the party.

UDP spokesperson Taal had in a recent media encounter sarcastically asked, ‘who is Dou Sanno?’

Reacting to Mr Taal’s comments during an exclusive interview with The Fatu Network, Mr Sanno who continues to face the full fury of some members of the United Democratic Party over his part in the President Barrow Youth for National Development said Mr Taal is a stranger who will not be able to know him.

“I will not be able to respond to Almami Taal. He will not be able to know me. A stranger who entered a compound can only ask the homeowner and it’s the homeowner who will introduce his spouses to him,” Sanno said.

“If the homeowner didn’t introduce his spouses to him, the stranger will not be able to know them. He is a stranger who entered newly and that’s why he will not be able to know me.”

Mr Sanno said “we greet each other all the time and he calls me Dou.”

“So I don’t know why a question like that came out of his mouth.  But when the time comes, I will thrash that out with him. He may not know me but UDP [members] know Dou and Alhamdoulillahi Rabbil Alameen,” he said.

Ex-VP Darboe Announces PPP Leadership Bid

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By Lamin Njie

A former vice president of The Gambia Bakary Bunja Darboe has announced he would run for the office of secretary general of the People’s Progressive Party, PPP.

“I’m among those who have asked members of the party to consider. If they feel satisfied by my qualities, I am ready to lead the party and make sure the work that’s required is done,” Bakary Bunja Darboe told journalists at a press conference held in Fajara on Thursday.

“It’s not just me maybe others are also vying for the position. And it’s not a problem at all for others to vie. That’s what the law sanctions and that’s what the party’s rules say.” 

Mr Darboe, 72, is an economist who served as vice president of The Gambia between 1982 to 1992.

His announcement comes as the People’s Progressive Party braces for its national congress which will take place on Saturday December 29. It’s the first time the party will hold such a high-profile event since it was kicked out of power in 1994.

Mr Darboe sets his sights on the PPP top job at a time when the party’s interim leader Omar Jallow said it was time for younger people to assume their rightful positions in the party.

His decision to run for the office of party leader runs counter to Mr Jallow’s comments – a former agriculture minister who has made his intention known that he will not be vying for the position of party leader.

ALCOHOL: Brewers Slam Gambia Gov’t over 75% Tax Rise

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By Lamin Njie

Brewers in The Gambia have hit out at the government over its decision to impose new taxes on alcoholic beverages.

The Gambia government through the Ministry of Finance last week announced a 75% tax rise on wine and beer – a policy that has started to elicit bitter criticism from which the brewer community.

A senior official at Banjul Breweries Ltd told The Fatu Network the move is ill-advised.

“Excise hike from 10% to 75% is found in no country in the whole of Africa. This will have a negative impact on the beverage manufacturing industry and the economy,” the senior official said on the condition of anonymity.

The Gambia government says the move will which also affect sugary drinks is to shore up the country’s revenue.

However, brewers are contending that the move if anything will shrink tax revenue from alcoholic beverages by almost 50%.

“Tax contributions by Banjul Breweries Ltd in 2017 was a whopping 120 million dalasis and is expected to contribute and increase from 120 million to about 150 million as tax to government for year ending 31st December 2018 at the current rate of 10% excise and 15% of VAT,” the senior Banjul Breweries official said.

“The increase excise tax for 2019 will therefore lead to a reduction in volume sales by 40 to 45% and this will leave the company with no option but to reduce the staff number from 150 to 95.”

The Gambia government’s new policy will also likely have an impact on the tourism industry as beverage sales by hotels are expected to drop by 25%.

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