President Barrow confirms Fatoumata Tambajang as Vice-President. Madame Tambajang’s appointment makes her the 2nd Female VP in The Gambia. Congratulations Ma!
President Barrow Appoints Vice President
His Excellency the President of the Republic, of The Gambia Mr. Adama Barrow, acting under the provisions of Sections 70(1) and 70(3) of the Constitution of the Republic of The Gambia has appointed Mrs. Fatoumata Jallow-Tambajang as Vice President and Minister for Women’s Affairs with effect from 8th September, 2017.
Mrs Tambajang has been overseeing the post of Vice President since President Barrow came to office.
Gambia Energy Minister reacts to African Petroleum’s litigation threat
Fafa Sanyang, minister of energy and petroleum, has reacted to African Petroleum’s decision to take its dispute with the Gambia Government to court.
According to reports, African Petroleum Corp, a Norwegian-listed company, said on Monday that it “plans to go to court to resolve its dispute with Gambia” government, after the government “stripped it of its rights” to explore for oil in two offshore areas.
Speaking yesterday in an interview with The Point, Energy minister Fafa Sanyang said this is the second time the petroleum company had threatened to sue The Gambia to court for extending their license.
The first threat to do so was in 2013, according to the minister.
“Our position is very clear: they did not fulfil their work obligation as agreed; their license expired in September last year, and they asked for an extension which was not approved,” the minister explained.
“It was agreed if they did not drill the blocks and there was no exploration their licence would not be renewed, and that was the case,” he added.
“We are not afraid about their threat to take us to court; we are on the right track,” he concluded.
Source: Point Newspaper
Lorry Crashed Into A Herd Of Cows, killing six
By Omar Wally
On the afternoon of Thursday, September 7, a Lorry coming from Brikama ran in to a herd of cattle between the villages of Serrekundading and Mandinaba, killing six leaving scores wounded.
Last week a similar incident happened in Mandinaba village, when a Truck loaded with goods rammed the village mosque, destroyed the minaret killing 17 cattle.
An eyewitness said the caused of the accident was as a result of speeding.
The exact accident scene is a designated cattle crossing point with signs erected, as can be seen in these photos, says Amadou Jallow, a journalist and resident of Mandinaba village.
Jallow said on Thursday August 31, a day before the Muslim feast of Tobaski, a similar accident happened involving a Truck which ran into the Mandinaba mosque and caused collateral damages.
In Thursday’s accident, one of the cows was killed with an unborn calf.
“The driver was coming at a very high speed, in fact when he hit the cattle, he couldn’t brake for more than 1 kilometer, ” said an eye witness.
A representative from The West Coast Region cattle owners association who visited the scene said they are not going to let the matter go-off like that.
“ It was a clear act of irresponsibility, every driver knows this place is a designated cattle crossing point and he refused to slow down when he saw the cattle crossing.”
Repairing the Past. Building The Future. Lessons of the Janneh Commission
The easiest thing any current government can do is to unravel or condemn or reverse the decisions, the actions and inactions of the previous government. We had seen this when Yaya Jammeh took over in 1994 and set up several commissions of enquiry to expose and lambast the ousted PPP government. Currently we are also seeing how US Pres. Donald Trump spares no effort to disparage the Obama Administration as an American disaster as he reverses each and every decision of that government. Therefore the fact that the Barrow Administration has set up a commission of enquiry to expose the corruption of Yaya Jammeh and the APRC regime is not new.
That notwithstanding the need to expose the wrongs of the past is a necessary step in repairing the society in order to build a more durable future. Therefore the Janneh Commission is indeed a welcome move. The testimonies that are emerging so far are indeed perplexing. But indeed the fact that these ungodly and unpatriotic decisions and actions were conceived and carried out by fellow Gambians under the auspices of Yaya Jammeh and APRC must not be a surprise to any Gambian. That Yaya Jammeh was corrupt who lacks any iota of conscience is as clear as midday sun. We all knew that it was our sovereign public resources that Yaya Jammeh was splashing like a child playing with seawater.
What we did not know in detail was how he was doing it and with who, when and where. Thus this commission is helping us to realize how Yaya Jammeh abused entrusted power against the very people that borrowed him such power. It also exposes the role and contribution of fellow Gambians as public officers in paralyzing their own society. As Bob Marley noted, these so-called technocrats had sold their soul in order to gain the world created by Yaya Jammeh – albeit a world without lasting foundations and strong pillars. Today the Commission has exposed them as citizens that are no more fit to be entrusted with the public good.
While we are getting to now understand how dictatorships are made and maintained, what we need to be more concerned about though is how do we therefore prevent another dictatorship. By now Gambians must realize that indeed the Government in any society can either be the greatest tool for public good or it can also be the greatest tool for evil. The Commission is helping citizens to understand the inner workings of Government and how public servants abuse power. Behind all the grandeur of officialdom, citizens must now see that public officers are, after all mere men and women who are sometimes the most immoral, untrustworthy and unpatriotic!
Therefore civil servants must realize that despite the power and secrecy inside government, ultimately there is no security so long as one is engaged in acts that are detrimental to the public interest. Sooner or later, another government will come which most likely will also expose the doings of the previous regime. Hence all public servants must be vigilant by first familiarizing themselves with the laws, institutions and regulations in order to ensure that no president or superior officer causes you to do what is not right. Hence all public servants must review themselves in the kind of decisions and actions they take in the course of their job.
With that in mind, one begins to one wonder whether in fact we are learning enough lessons given the current state of affairs. For example, nine months after assuming office, Barrow has refused to appoint a vice president. Yet public officers have accepted to call Mrs. Fatoumatta Tambajang the ‘Overseer’ of the Office of the Vice President. The title and position, ‘Overseer’ is non-existent in our laws hence it is illegal. Yet just as how Momodou Sabally, Sanna Jarju and Co accepted to withdraw huge sums of money on behalf of Yaya Jammeh even when they knew that such action was outside of official and legal channels, today also we have seen how public officials agree to an illegal title by Pres. Barrow by calling a person, “Overseer of the Office of the Vice President”. They all know that there is no law in the Gambia that supports this title or position.
Secondly, parliamentarians have each been provided a vehicle that is said to be obtained through the “president’s personal efforts”. Yet they all know that by law the president has no authority or means to make such an offer. But once again ministers and parliamentarians accept these vehicles without bothering to ask the fundamental questions to ensure that the rule of law is upheld. What then is the difference between them and Momodou Sabally, Sanna Jarju & Co when all of them have accepted to allow the disregard of the rule of law? Is it that Speaker Mariam Denton and Minister Hamat Bah are not aware of the Janneh Commission? Do they want another future government to come over just to expose their actions or inactions at variance with the law?
Similarly we have also seen the Ministry of Interior rent a building for millions of dalasi annually without going through any public tender or GPPA, not to mention the necessity of such a decision. Yet Minister Fatty knows that in future there will be another commission to determine the way and manner he took the decision to house the ministry in a rented private building. Are we learning lessons from the Janneh Commission?
Therefore the examples of what is happening today that reflects what had happened in the past are too many to list. We need to remind Barrow that to expose Yaya Jammeh is the cheapest thing to do. The real task is to build the future based on solid and sound policies, evidence-based choices and participatory decision making processes that are in line with the rule of law. The task before Barrow is not merely to expose Yaya Jammeh and APRC, but rather to learn from those wrongdoings of the past in order to bring about system change to never allow those anomalies to surface in our country again.
There is no point to show us how Yaya Jammeh was rotten which we already know only for us to continue to thread on the same path as Jammeh. When Jammeh spoke of ‘transparency, accountability and probity’ we had thought that he understood where we came from and where we need to go as a nation. Twenty-two years down the line, he ended up taking us further down the bottomless pit.
Today, Barrow also speaks of his belief in the ‘democratic principle’ yet we have seen him fly to Mecca to fulfill a personal religious matter, while the country faces flashfloods and dire economic challenges. Even if the Saudi Government freely provided the hajj package, Barrow must understand that we elected him to address our needs and concerns first and not to satisfy a personal religious affair. There is absolutely no reason or urgency for this pilgrimage at this time of his leadership.
The Janneh Commission is a lesson for not only public servants but also for all Gambians. After all, we were the ones who celebrated these Yaya Jammeh cronies by crowning them patrons of our community associations, musical shows and gala dinners. Are we going to sit by again to allow another bunch of politicians and public servants to abuse and misuse our power and resources to our detriment? Future commissions of enquiry will tell.
God Bless The Gambia.
Madi Jobarteh
President Barrow maintains name post Hajj
Fajara, 7 September 2017
The President of the Republic of The Gambia, His Excellency Adama Barrow extends profound gratitude to the general public for the warm welcome accorded to him and his delegation on their return from performing the Pilgrimage in the Holy city of Mecca.
The Office of the President wishes to take this opportunity to inform the general public that His Excellency the President does not intend to adopt the title of Alhaji following the completion of the Hajj rites. Therefore, he should continue to be addressed as His Excellency Adama Barrow as inscribed on the official portrait.
His Excellency the President, conveys sincere prayers for Allah subhanna Wa Ta’ allah to shower His infinite blessings and guidance to the government and the people of The Gambia.
UTG HOLDS GENERAL ORIENTATION
By Jainaba Sonko
The highest learning institution in The Gambia held its general orientation on September 6, 2017 at the UTG Law school auditorium.
Addressing the students on behalf of the vice chancellor, Professor Francis Sarr welcomed and congratulated the new students.
“You have now joined a community of scholars” professor Sarr said. He reminded the students that their secondary school learning process has come to an end.
He promised that the university administration will invest its time to provide all needs in different forms, he further lamented that the UTG, doesn’t admit students base on geography or ethnicity.
Speaking to students, Dr Ismalia Ceesay a lecturer at the UTG, stressed that there is a gap between senior school education and university education, because the Gambia’s education system doesn’t prepare students for university education. He called on the students to abide by university rules and regulations.
The vice president of UTGSU, Fanta Fofana, told the new students that they belong to different schools but there is one school every student belongs to and that is the school of unionism. She further congratulated the new students and stressed that, out of all applicants just 65% were admitted “I hope that you make good use of this opportunity” Miss. Fofana said.
Photo credit: Jex Photography
Tambajang to be sworn-in as Gambia’s VP
By Alieu Ceesay
After eight months without a Vice President, President Adama Barrow is set to swear-in Madam Fatoumata Tambajang as The Gambia’s Vice President soon, a credible source has told The Fatu Network.
According to our source, Tambajang, who is overseeing the Vice Presidency position is now cleared and everything is set for her to be sworn-in soon.
This will bring the issue of the vacant Vice Presidency to rest after Gambians waited over eight months to have one.
Many criticized the government for not appointing one, saying the position was reserved for only one person. This came after the lawmakers removed the age limit, which now qualifies her to be appointed.
The Fatu Network has been sounding the opinions of people on the issue.
Alasan Bah, a Gambian and native of Jarra Soma welcomes the decision to finally appoint a Vice President.
“It is a good decision taken by the government to appoint a Vice President which has been long overdue.
Ebrima Gaye, a driver said the appointment should have come a long time ago, he however welcome the decision to finally get one.
“I just cannot comprehend why it took the president this long to appoint a Vice President because there are so many people fit for the position.”
Just like many, Mariama Ndure, a petty trader at Serrekunda market welcomes the development, while wishing the would-be Vice President well.
“I am hoping to see the Vice President support the president to realize his goal,” she said in the local Wolof dialect.
For Isatou Jallow, a Gambian, had the believed that there was a Vice President, not knowing that Tambajang was just overseeing.
“I never knew but it is better late than never. It is good we have a Vice President.”
Gov’t Will Rebuild Kaur Acting VP tells flood victims
By Omar Wally
Fatoumata Jallow- Tambajang, the acting Vice President and Minister for Women Affairs has told flood victims that The Gambia government under the leadership of President Adama Barrow, is ready and committed to help rebuild Kaur with the participation of the people.
Madam Jallow Tambajang, accompanied by Ministers and other government officials, visited Kaur town which was affected by floods. The purpose of the visit was to access the level of destruction and to show solidarity to flood victims.
She said they have looked at some of damages caused by the flash floods adding that it is really in a bad shape. “President Barrow is very concerned, he has exercised lot of patience and leadership.”
The acting vice president disclosed that they bought food and none food items for the community and handed over cash to the flood victims.
The delegation also visited Kuntaur.
How Gambia Was Named ‘Smiling Coast of Africa’
By Yunus S Saliu
The Gambia is one of the most sought-after tourism destinations in Africa. Destination Gambia is a small country with 1.8 million people but with lots of investments and tourism potentials.
With its tourism opportunities and potentials, Dr Taleb El Rufai, the Secretary General of United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) on his visit to the destination in February 2012 during an interview stated that “tourism is the oil that the Gambia does not have, but the tourism potentials that need to be exploited should be used and utilized for the good of the country and it can bring thousands of new jobs, income, stable economy and foster good harmony with people around the world.”
To make the country visible and known to the world over three decades ago as a tourist destination, Sheik Tejan Nyang, Head of the Institute of Tourism and Travel of The Gambia and former Director General of the then Gambia Tourism Authority said The Gambia was named the ‘Smiling Coast of Africa’ by the Bradford Group led by Mira Barman.
He narrated that in 1979/1980 the then Gambia Tourism Authority management thought of the necessity to have an office in New York to promote the destination throughout the United States of America, “though it was too expensive to have an office in States then,” he lamented. They were lucky to have a group called Bradford Group led by a very committed and experienced woman, Mira Barman, who had passion for The Gambia and loved Gambians, with her team of good people. She suggested that there is need to have a slogan for the country.
Suddenly, they came up with an ideal words ‘The Gambia – The Smiling Coast.’ Attention was paid to this as the group called the attention of everyone to the map of Africa taken into consideration The Gambia position in the map with the river cutting across and this was described as a Smile on the Face of West Africa.
So far it becomes a brand name which other names and slogans still cannot supersede. The Smiling Coast of Africa still remains very fitting and it gives a better description to the country and people of the destination
HELLO MR PRESIDENT..Defending The Indefensible
Many a time, African governments have been known to be on the defensive. Sometimes, they even try to defend the indefensible. When governments falter, the best thing to do is to eat the humble pie and learn to rectify the error. You see, Mr President, as long as one does not accept one’s mistakes, one is very unlikely to make amends.
Of late, there have been a series of blunders from your government. When democracy and rights’ activists point this out, many run to defend these mostly indefensible errors. This is not the way forward. We must learn to accept when we err; for, it is only God that is infallible.
For instance, a few months ago there was a huge brouhaha when it was announced that you donated vehicles to Gambia Radio and television Services. Many Gambians raised concerns that the announcement was not properly done as it showed some patriarchal tendency on the part of the president.
Recently, it was again announced that through ‘the president’s personal efforts’ the National Assembly Members were given vehicles for use. Again, people raised concerns. Of late, the rights’ activists have lamented the lack of attention from government on the disaster that occurred in Kuntawur [or its late gesture].
In all these and other instances, there have been people who have consistently risen to defend your government. This is not what we expected. We expected a country that will be united in demanding for the right thing. A country which promotes the asking of the right questions so that together, we move this country forward.
What this says is that we need to be educated [and I mean the right type of] civic education. Government has the first responsibility to educate the society on political issues. As I said earlier, we need the National Council for Civic Education to step up their work so that they can educate people like me on our roles and responsibilities; but also on our rights.
In fact, I have called for this type of education to be introduced early in our school system so that by the time someone completes senior school, you have a fairly good idea about nation building. This will help people participate in the debates for nation building and not just being blind supporters of political parties. This is one way of building an informed citizenry.
When you reacted positively on the issue of the appointment of Madam Fatoumatta Jallow Tambajang as vice president, and again on the resignation of Justice Minister Tambedu, we all hailed you as someone who listens to his people; but some of your people are almost always defensive. Let us remember that we all have the same destination: a better, more prosperous, more open and a more democratic Gambia.
Have a Good Day Mr President….
Tha Scribbler Bah
A Concerned Citizen
Gambians in Leeds, United Kingdom organized a two day football tournament and get-together
Saturday 2nd and Sunday 3rd September 2017 witnessed a fantastic fun filled weekend get–together in Leeds United Kingdom where Gambians of all works of life got together with other migrant communities. The events kicked off with a football tournament amongst the migrant communities of the Gambia, Somalia, Sudan and the northeastern African country of Eritrea on Saturday the 2nd. This was followed by a grand barbecue and a football match on Sunday the 3rd of September 2017.
In opening the tournament on Saturday, Leeds City councillor of Burmantofts and Richmond Hill ward, Cllr Asghar Khan commended the organisers of the tournament and encouraged fair play. He also urged the communities to denounce violence against women especially the
menace of grooming of vulnerable girls that is tearing communities apart. He advised the communities present to go back to their communities and spread the word of peace, love and good neighborliness.
The teams that took part were the Gambia, Sudan, Somalia team 1 and 2 and Eritrea team 1 and 2. The tournament ended with the Gambia being knocked out by Eritrea team 1 on the second round with an unfortunate goal scored by accident. Somalia team 1 emerged the winners of the trophy with Eritrea team 2 ending the tourney at second place. The Gambia was however awarded a medal for “Fair Play”; characteristic of Gambians around the world.
Collecting the medal on behalf of the Gambian team, the team captain, Sanna Samateh had this to say: “This is a great day and it gives me the honor and pleasure to collect this medal on behalf of the team”.
The events continued on Sunday the 3rd of September with a grand barbecue and a football match amongst Gambians, organized by The Gambia Welfare Society in Leeds. This event showed Gambians from all tribes and regions; Greater Banjul, West Coast, LRR, NBR, CRR
and URR, showcasing their talents and skills.
Speaking at the event, the chairperson of the Gambia Welfare Society, Bampha Jaiteh, said that the matches were not about winning and scoring goals but rather promoting community cohesion and brotherhood amongst Gambians living in Leeds.
He regretted that the programs did not include our womenfolk but hoped that future events will cater for our wonderful ladies. When questioned on the achievements of the society since its inception over ten years ago, he had this to say: “The Society’s achievements are multifaceted and numerous, but a synopsis of the achievements are, organisation and arrangements of venues for Eid prayers so that we as Gambians can pray together and seek each other’s forgiveness, organisation of weekly football matches for children aged between 9 and 17. This is to ensure that we inculcate good citizenship and behavior in our children and to also keep them off the streets and from bad influences.
Other achievements include the organisation of annual Quranic recitation and Gaamo during Ramadan, the financing of repatriation cost of deceased Gambians in Leeds to name a few.
“To be honest, I cannot name all the achievements but I am proud to say that this society is here for all Gambians regardless of tribe, dialect or political inclination and affiliation”. Bampha added
Another executive member, Sheriffo Sawo expressed delight that at last, we found a “winning formula”. This he said is what has been lacking for over ten years since the Gambia Welfare Society has been formed. He urged Gambians to continue lending a hand to the society and take up voluntary executive positions. Other speakers at the barbecue expressed
similar sentiments and urged every Gambian in Leeds to commit to the society for the welfare of all Gambians in Leeds.
After eating meat like they have never seen before, the Baddibunkas could hardly walk back to their cars and it was agreed that football sessions will be organized weekly, on Saturdays for children and Sundays for adults with barbecue and football match on the last Sunday of each month.
By Nuha Ceesay
September 2017
South Africa vs. Senegal World Cup qualifier to be replayed in November
The Bureau for the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers ordered a replay of the qualification match between South Africa and Senegal held on 12 November 2016. This decision follows the confirmation of the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) to uphold the lifetime ban of match referee, Jospeh Lamptey, for match manipulation, the ruling imposed by the FIFA Disciplinary and Appeal Committees. The match will be replayed within the November 2017 international window, with the exact date to be confirmed in due course.
As stated in the FIFA World Cup regulations, this decision shall come into effect immediately but shall be subject to confirmation by the Organising Committee for FIFA Competitions at its next meeting, scheduled for 14 September.
Via FIFA
Central Bank Official Reveals 22 Bank Accounts Under The Office Of The Former President
Principal Banking Officer of The Central Bank, Karamo Jawara has said that the Office of the former President Yahya Jammeh has opened twenty-two 22 bank accounts at the Central Bank of The Gambia.
“There are 22 bank accounts under the Office of the former President,” Karamo Jawara disclosed.
Jawara added that some of the accounts were dormant while mentioning the International Gateway Account, Special Project Fund Vision 2016 Account, National Youth Development Account, Green Industries Account, Fish Landing Account, Office of the First Lady Dollar and Dalasi Accounts, MOP Petroleum Account, SABC Engagement Account and Special Security Account among the list of active accounts.
He started with the International Gateway Account mentioning the names of Mr. Momodou Sabally, former Secretary General and Nuha Touray, former Secretary to Cabinet as signatories to the account saying the account was a directive from the Office of the President. He added that signatories to the accounts were later changed to Abdoulie Sallah, Lamin Nyabally, Dr. Kalilu Bayo and Isatou Auber.
Jawara revealed the sum of US$ 610,000 US Dollars as the first transactions in 2013.
The change of signatories and the letter of opening the International Gateway Account were admitted and marked as exhibits.
The Central Bank’s Principal Banking Officer further disclosed that the total amount deposited into the accounts was $5, 421, 732.98 Million US Dollars while a total of $5, 421, 440.61 Million US Dollars was withdrawn leaving a balance of $292.00 Hundred US Dollars.
The US Dollar Bank Statement of the International Gateway was admitted and marked as exhibit.
Most of the withdrawals were authorized by Momodou Sabally and Nuha Touray. Sana Jarju, former Chief of Protocol and Buba I Demba were among the recipients of several thousand of dollars on behalf of Sabally and Touray from the Central Bank.
It was reported to the commission that the former Governor of Central Bank has approved the payment of D10 Million Dalasi to Sana Jarju, former Chief of Protocol on behalf of Momodou Sabally through a telephone conversation, saying altogether a total of D36 Million was paid without any formal documentation.
“Anyone who calls you by telephone to lend money without formal documentation is not institutional but it is name lending,” Commissioner Bai Mass Saine interjected.
Commissioner Saine stressed that the former Secretary General, Momodou Sabally who was one time director of budget knows about banking process but was deliberately bypassing the rules which the central bank official admitted.
“What is the procedure to lend money to the government,” he asked.
Principal Banking Officer of the Central Bank said the Ministry of Finance is the right procedure.
When asked whether the payments without formal documentation went to government coffers: “I won’t be able to tell whether it went to the government.”
The sum of $132, 669. 24 US Dollars was authorised by Momodou Sabally, former Secretary General and Nuha Touray, former Secretary to Cabinet for the New Africa Magazine’s feature on The Gambia in July 2014. The payment was made to the Barclays Bank. They further authorized the payment of $220, 000 US Dollars to purchased VIP carpets for the Office of the President in Rabat, Morocco.
Meanwhile, the former President Yahya Jammeh was the sole signatory to Special Project Fund Vision 2016. It was opened in 2014. The total deposits were $45,194,083.05 US Dollars while a total of $45,171, 420.05 US Dollars was withdrawn between the period 2013–2014.
“There were 123 withdrawals authorized by the former president,” Karamo Jawara asserted. Jawara explained that the Director of National Treasury was the one who wrote a request to open the account.
Meanwhile, the former president has authorized the withdrawal of so many millions of dollars that were received by Alagie Ousman Ceesay and Sana Jarju both were Chief of Protocol Officers at the Office of the former President.
Retired Lt. Col Gano Says GAF’s Professionalism Averted Bloodbath During Gambia’s Political Impasse
By Omar Wally
Retired Lieutenant Colonel Lamin Gano, has said that The Gambia Armed Forces’ professionalism averted bloodbath during the political impasse in The Gambia.
Gano said 99.9 percent of soldiers joined Gambia Armed Forces (GAF) to serve the country, that was what they have been doing during Jammeh’s time.
He added that during the transition period, they all folded their hands, that was why Gambia didn’t plunge into bloodbath; it was as a result of the professionalism of the Armed Forces.
“All Gambians owe gratitude to that 99.9 percent of GAF and we need to thank them for the restraint.”
Gano who served in The Gambia Armed Forces for 16 years until his retirement in 2013 said he has so much pride, respect and admiration for the serving members of the force.
Gano, a one time Army PRO and Aide de Camp to former President Jammeh, said personnel of The Gambia Armed Forces are among the most professional military you can ever find. ” I have been saying it on my blog and I will continue to say it.”
Gano who now sets up a private security company Frontline Security Services Ltd noted that GAF had a Commander in Chief whose behavior was unfortunate.
However, members of the Armed Forces are professional and can compete with every single military in Africa Gano noted.
New Gamtel Coach Saul Kuyateh Speaks
By Alieu Ceesay
GAMCEL’s Newly Signed Coach, Sulayman Kuyateh has spoken to The Fatu Network about his plans to overhaul the current Gamtel side. Saul Kuyateh, who resigned from his home club, Brikama United before the end of last season said he intends to relieve some players and bring in new players.
Saul Kuyateh signed a 2 year contract with the telecom giants and would be officially unveiled on Saturday at midday at the Gamtel Head Office.
“I am talking to players that I want them to join me and the respond has been positive,” he told this medium but would not disclosed the players.
“I am going to work according to regulations of the team.” Kuyateh, who was also linked to Real De Banjul said, he had never spoken to Real
Gambia’s Top League Side Inks 2-year Contract with Qelemex
by Alieu Ceesay
The Football Federation (FF) Cup title holders, Hawks Football Club signed a 2-year contract agreement with Qelemex, a jersey producing company.
The company will provide jerseys to the club in all categories come the next 2017/2018 league season. Sadibou Kamaso, the Secretary General of Hawks Football Club explained that Qelemex is based in Barcelona, Spain and the deal seeks to benefit both parities.
According to him, the process leading to the official signing of the contract has been ongoing as both parties scrutinized the agreement document. Hawks won the FF Cup after 7-6 win over Real De Banjul, following an entertaining 1-1 draw at the Independence Stadium in Bakau in June.
“We want something good for the team and that is why we have gone into this agreement” With a Football House, a Team Bus and a website, the first division side, Hawks has produced many players who are playing outside the country.
The Minister of Fisheries, James Gomez is the President of Hawks Football Club. On the team’s participation in the upcoming CAF Confederation Cup Qualifiers, Kamaso confirmed that Hawks Football Club would compete in the continental qualifiers.
Sheik Tejan Nyang, Others Named Top 100 Tourism Personalities in West Africa
By Yunus S Saliu
In recognition of their immense contribution to the development of the tourism sector not only in destination Gambia but beyond, Sheik Tijan Nyang –Head, Institute of Travel and Tourism of The Gambia, Honorable Fatou Mass Jobe Njie former Minister of Tourism and Culture, Fumeke Palmer-Sarr – Head, Eco-bank Business Service Banjul, Prof (Dr) Adama Ndiaye, Ecotourism Holiday Club Kairaba – Toubacouta and Bunama Njie –General Manager, Senegambia Beach Hotel have been named among the Top 100 Tourism Personalities in West Africa.
The recognition and award ceremony for these 100 most influential people in West Africa Tourism sector will take place during the 13th edition of Akwaaba African Travel Market slated for 11th September 2017 in Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos Nigeria.
In a reaction to this development, one of the named Gambians 100 most influential people, Sheik Tejan Nyang, Head of the School for the Institute of Travel and Tourism of The Gambia (ITTOG) congratulated all the nominees for this prestigious award.
Nyang who is filled with joy, thanked the organizers of Akwaaba African Travel Market for the recognition. He said this is a great sign that The Gambia is not lacking behind in term of tourism development.
He affirmed that the recognition of Gambians for this award is as a result of the development made over the years coupled with the good policy at the sector which he said has put the country forward.
Among one of the reasons he is happy for this award he said, is because more Gambians were named and it has signified that Gambians can handle any position in the tourism industry which has to be recognized by the government.
In brief, Sheik Tejan Nyang is the head of the school for the Institute of Travel and Tourism of The Gambia. He has served in various key positions in the industry both home and abroad.
Over the years, he has been a key figure in the foundation of Tourism Concern; Association of Small Scale Enterprise in Tourism (ASSET), international Centre of Responsible Tourism, and West Africa.
lso was the coordinator of The Gambia’s Tourism Development Master Plan Study. He is also a founder of West African Tours a leading Tour operations Company in The Gambia and also a key resource figure in ECOWAS as he chairs three technical committees which include Hotel Classification committee and THC 6 on tourism standards coordinated and funded by UNIDO.
HELLO MR PRESIDENT…Electricity Supply and Potable Water
No form of development can take place in the absence of a constant, clean and uninterrupted supply of potable water.
Even the United Nations recognises this as a basic fundamental human right. The provision of potable water is so vital that it affects all sections of human life.
If people lack potable water for an extended period of time, the consequences can be very dire indeed. The first casualty of this horrendous problem will be the health of the population. The transfer of communicable diseases will ravage the country and further stretch our already beleaguered health sector. This in turn will batter our depleted economy and will result in the skyrocketing of goods and services.
With a sick population, the workforce which is the engine of the economy will dwindle fast and, God help us all if our economy is unable – and it is certainly not robust at present – to withstand any further lashing from an inflated medical bill from our hospitals. Let’s face it, without potable water nothing can be achieved. It is not an exaggeration to say that water is life. Nothing can be achieved in the absence of clean and potable water.
Yet, for the past few days, if not weeks, the constant lack of water supply has assailed many parts of the country. The National Water and Electricity Company (NAWEC) seems unable to solve their seemingly perennial problem of supplying water and electricity constantly. What is being done about this?
Gambians are tired of the same old story of Generator Number Six, Five, Three or that there was a linkage in Brikama, Bundung or other places which is making it impossible for them to provide us with water and electricity. It is time government takes serious action to solve these problems once and for all.
The Gambia is such a small country that it is unfathomable that our government cannot even provide this basic need. Isn’t it time that the government started looking for other solutions as far as the same old system has repeatedly failed us?
It is futile trying to do something the same way for fifty-two years with no result and we are still adamant and persistently repeating the same method. It is time to start thinking outside the box!
We need water and electricity ASAP!
Have a Good Day Mr President….
Tha Scribbler Bah
A Concerned Citizen
Political Patronage A ‘Cultural Heritage’ In the Gambia “KU BOKA C GETA GEE NAN C MEOW MEE”
Part 2
Alagi Yorro Jallow
Patronage has long been associated with politicians and political parties. It appears that this is certainly holding up, especially regarding the recent appointments of the loyalists, surrogates, cyber-warriors, and militants of the Tactical Alliance Government of President Adama Barrow in anticipation of and preparation for the next Presidential and General Elections in either 2019 or 2021 respectively.
Political patronage or spoils system jobs are used by certain politicians who, after winning an election, give government jobs within the civil service and diplomatic service, award mega contracts, and issue diplomatic and service passports to supporters, friends, and relatives as a reward for working toward victory and as an incentive to keep working for these politicians to retain their office.
The appointment of political party militants, surrogates, and supporters of the Tactical Alliance Government of President Barrow, including those who are specialists in social political blotting, media fundamentalism, and political propaganda, is the unstated declaration of the opening of the 2019 or 2021 Presidential and General Elections. Since most Gambians do not pay attention to the political trends, they are easily startled and surprised by these things, including those that have done nothing to unfollow their ‘fixed’ laws and timing.
Political patronage rewards party loyalists and militants with attractive, high paying jobs in both the civil service and the diplomatic service. However, most of these appointees are recruited for an exercise or job they know nothing about or have any competency or experience in. Ordinarily, they will not be told what they are being recruited to do and most will not discern this at all but overall job description, job specification and terms of employment will be centered around political propaganda and reward.
These political party loyalists or militants are recruited under a contract of MADR (mutually assured destructive ‘reaction’), for 2019 or 2021 electoral and political scheming! Similarly, because of NCFA (no clear future ambition) and PFAA (possible future appointment as an aide), they will (in anticipation and aspiring anticipation for those who do not enjoy patronage yet) work round the clock – dig, fight, and drag anyone into the mud – to receive similar ‘rewards’.
In the next few weeks and months, these appointees will be handed down scripts that are not really in consonance with their designations. For instance, they will rove social media platforms to mob and unleash cyber militancy or act as bullies against those who dare take to ‘contrarian escapades’. It will be a big show. Other opposition politicians and activists will suffer rebukes and literary mortal combat. The sudden surge in the temperature of social media weather recently is a signal of the new vigor.
But this is not the concern. The most important note to take out of it is that it marks, officially or unofficially, the opening of the 2019 or 2021 political campaign in preparation for the Presidential and General Elections. African politics, elections for the next General Elections, starts right after the victory speech: the transition committee, first appointments, and setting up of cabinets. Aides, surrogates, foot-soldiers, and political pit bulls are ‘remembered’ as deserving ‘reward’, which ordinarily comes around this time.
Because these natural developments are not stated or written down, incumbents always beat their opposition in terms of preparation. By the time the opposition gets its senses and starts, incumbents have already dominated the political machinery to the exclusion of almost everyone.
Most Gambian politicians do not play politics according to the rules of the game. Political space is narrowed to those who have no business in politics. Politicians across party affiliations and divides are appealing to the other party in power. Most do not play principled politics in the struggle to control, dominate, and exploit public office. Then, it is beyond speculation that the rewards after victory are usually based on political loyalty, commitment, and patronage! It goes without saying that those that made heavy sacrifices are left out.