By Omar Wally

The founder of Fandema Theater and Film Production has called on Gambians to partner, support and recognize The Gambian Movie Industry. Sheikh Omar Sawaneh, an actor, director, script writer and film producer made these remarks on Tuesday, during an exclusive interview with The Fatu Network.

Sawaneh who said he has always been passionate about acting since school days started his acting career in 2007, and has been in most of the movies produced by Ghanians and Nigerians in the Gambia. “When I say support, it is not just financial support but moral support and recognition of our efforts” he said.

Sawaneh’s Fandem Theater and Film Production last month got twelve nominations and received eleven awards from the Special Movie Awards during their event last weekend. The awards include, best Director, best Costume Design and best Indigenous Movies.

He expressed delight and described the awards as long overdue. “Gambians have been in the film industry for a long time and there has never been a platform like the Special Movie Award to celebrate the creative art.”

The awards he said means a lot adding that it’s portraying The Gambian movie industry to the world. It is through this that people get to know that Gambia has film makers and actors that can march international standard said Sawaneh. “The award is promoting us, because whatever you do, if people don’t know about you, they won’t know what you can do.”

Sawaneh who received best leading actor award last year said when he did his movie “In Ya Face,” two months ago, location was a problem.

“Even for Gambians to allow us use their premises and cars most people didn’t allow it.”

He said when you watch movies on the channels, the houses and beautiful cars used are not owned by film makers, they are either rented or someone offered them to the actors for use.

“We want Gambians to support and give us facilities to showcase our talent. Gambians can do a lot, if our films are played in flights and tv channels, that means we are on track, so all we need is support.”

If we produce movies he added people should buy them and not pirate them, because buying means supporting us.

Sawaneh who wrote and staged the dramas during EU’s Access to Justice Legal Campaign, emphasized the need and importance of using performing art as it is the fastest way in creating awareness.

He added that even though EU’s Access to Justice project has ended, many people are still watching the dramas produced on dispute resolution and justice mechanisms portraying institutions such as Alternative Dispute Resolution Secretariat, National Agency For Legal Aid (NALA) and Female Lawyers Association of The Gambia (FLAG).

He commended the National Council for Civic Education (NCCE) as the main implementing partners of the project and the entire EU Access To Justice team for the trust and confidence bestowed on him.

By Fatou Sowe

The director of finance of the Social Security and Housing Finance Corporation [SSHFC] Abdoulie Cham, has unveiled to the Janneh Commission the debts owed by parastatals and some companies to the SSHFC which amounts to billions.

Cham revealed that such parastatals and companies are The Gambia Radio And Television Services[GRTS], Gambia Groundnut Corporation [GGC], Kanilai Group International [KGI] among other institutions.

According to Cham, KGI owes the corporation D1.7 Billion, GRTS owes over D37million while the GGC owes over D222 Million as loans given out under instructions from the office of the former president.

Cham also told the commission that the corporation has spent $4,500,000 for the purchase of state aircraft as well as the numerous debts owed to them by the office of the former president.

Cham indicated that it was promised that the monies will be repaid after series of engagement and correspondence but the reply they received from the parastatals was that they are not responsible for the debts rather the loan was given to them through a directive from the office of the former president.

He said that these monies were withdrawn from three various accounts ranging from the national providence fund among other accounts.

Cham is asked to reappear on a later date to furnish the commission with more documents such as audit reports among others.

By Fatou Sowe

“We are at a cross road and a society in dilemma, it is time for some critical decisions. We want accountability and at the same time we do not want it to divide us further and jeopardize our peace and stability.”

These were the words of the attorney general and minister of justice at the opening ceremony of a two-day training on transitional justice targeting national stakeholders in the country’s transitional justice process.

AG Abubacarr Tambadou said, restructuring of the judiciary in terms of personnel, training and infrastructure becomes necessary, likewise the security forces which were mostly perceived to be at the center of most violations of human rights in the past 22years.

He disclosed that as an outcome of the national consultative meetings on TRRC there was an overwhelming support and consensus on the need to speedily establish the TRRC as most Gambians believed it is a tool to serve in reconciling the nation.

“Most Gambians also outlined that the Commissioners through the truth commission should be Gambian Nationals of Proven integrity.” He continued.

Tambadou urged the media to expand the frontiers of its outreach, as Transitional Justice has multifaceted dimensions and one important component is outreach. “We need to engage the general populace to achieved the transformation we desire.” He added.

He further stated that he expects that the knowledge and skills that will be acquired during the training will broaden the understanding of the participants on the concept of transitional justice.

He finally revealed that they want to put victims at the center of the transitional justice process to restore their dignity and provide reparations against the background of the realities of our fragile economy.

Briard Luc the deputy head of mission of the French Embassy and others experts in transitional justice also spoke at the ceremony.

The mayor of the city of Banjul has declared his intention to contest for mayoral elections, slated for April 2018.

In an interview with The Point at his office yesterday, Mayor Abdoulie Bah said, he seeks to be re-elected into office to serve a second-term to enable him complete his works in the city of Banjul.

Mayor Bah, who won elections five years ago on an independent ticket, outlined a series of projects he has undertaken to change the state of the country’s capital city- Banjul. “In the future most of the feeder-roads in Banjul will be interlocked as a lot of the city’s streets in the city were once interlocked. When I took office, I developed most of the streets,” Mayor Bah said.

Some of the roads being constructed under his leadership would even have to be controlled, Mayor Bah said, arguing that upon completion, such roads will require some form of control to avoid heavy vehicles plying the roads. This is necessary for their durability, he said, adding that it will continue to provide good road network facility for the residents of Banjul.

The mayor, who disclosed that the city council is also working on the lighting system of the capital city, said they have already planned to change it into led-lighting system, particularly the street lights.

The street lights take a whooping D500, 000 monthly payments for electricity bills, which he described as unsustainable. “From Mile 4 to the State House is over 300 street lights, with each consuming some 350 Watts. This excludes the inner side of Banjul.

“I believe that the solution for Banjul is led-lighting, through which a pole will consume about 120 to 130 Watts. This means if we pay D600, 000 per month, we will end up paying less than D150, 000 or D200, 000,” the mayor said. The balance can be used offset the council’s debts and salvage Banjul from its financial heavy loans, he said.

“The amount compound owners are paying to BCC cannot salvage Banjul and we should know that nobody will come from outside to develop our nation for us, but rather it is us who should do it,” he remarked.

Bah further disclosed that D35 Million post rainy season roads construction project has been budgeted, earmarked for the continuation of road construction works within Banjul.

On the city’s sewage, Mr. Bah said, they have halted the maintenance of the system and made recommendations for the construction of another. However, he said, they have experienced a setback from the engineers, whom he said, had “failed us.”

Bah is convinced that his work over the past four years is “a clear manifestation” that victory is his, boasting that what he accomplished in four years, no other mayor had done it in the history of the council since in the 60s.

Source: Point Newspaper

By Fatou Sowe

Captain Sulayman Jammeh of the third infantry battalion of the Gambia Armed Forces and formerly office assistant to General Saul Badjie, Monday gave evidence at the Janneh Commission with regard to a transaction he was involved in.

Jammeh told the commission that he served the GAF for 18 years and that from 2003 to December 2016 was stationed at the state house.

According to him, in April 2016 while Jammeh was on “meet the people’s tour”, he received instructions from General Badjie to go to the Central Bank governor and collect a payment of $500, 000 on behalf of the former president.

He said it was on a Friday which was not an official working day for the government which he said could be the reason he did not receive the whole amount.” I was given $200, 000 because the CBG was out of dollars”. He added

Jammeh narrated that he was also instructed to deliver the cash to the resident of former President which he did and the cash was handed over to one Sergeant Bojang alias Obama.

He outlined that in the payment request it was stated that the directive was from former president but he was directed by Gen. Badjie and not former President Jammeh.

By Omar Wally

Abdoulie Sanneh, an 18 year old, lost his life after a fight with his 14 year old brother in Pirang Village, Kombo East.

Assistant Superintendent, Foday Conta, Police public relations officer, said the incident happened Thursday, September, 21 2017, when the siblings were returning from the farm with their cattle.

“Upon arrival at home the elder brother asked his younger brother to fetch water for the cattle to drink but the younger brother was reluctant, saying he was going to Islamic School.”

Police spokesman said they ended up fighting and the junior brother was beaten. In retaliation Police PRO added, the junior brother took a heavy stick and hit his brother on his neck.

“ The elder brother collapsed and was rushed to the hospital but was later discharged. He later passed away at their home on September, 22.”

Assistant Superintendent Conta, disclosed that the accused is currently held at the Police headquarters in Banjul under the child welfare unit. “ The matter is under investigation by the serious crime unit” he added.

By Omar Wally

One Abdoulie Njie, a herdsman at Sabi village, Upper River Region, has been arrested and placed under custody for allegedly chopping off the head of a woman.

Explaining the incident to The Fatu Network, Assistant Superintendent Foday Conta, Police spokesman, said on September 29, the accused was coming from the farm and met a boy who is said to be the son of one Jonfolo Camara.

“The accused claimed that the boy insulted him, then he took a cutlass and threatened to chop off his head.” PRO: The boy ran into his home and the accused followed him .

“ When the boy’s mother Jonfolo intervened, the accused told her, I wish your husband was here, I will cut off his head, but since he is not here, I will cut off your son’s head and hand it to you.”

PRO noted that the lady pleaded with the accused to forgive his son. When she attempted to throw her wrapper on the floor seeking forgiveness, the accused hit her head with a cutlass.

“ She was rushed to Sabi health center and later referred to Basse Major Health Center, where she is currently receiving treatment.”

PRO Conta said the office of Inspector General of Police, hereby calls on the general public to avoid taking the law into their own hands.

“Whatever the situation is, inform the police first rather than taking the law into your own hands.”

by Alieu Ceesay

A displeased Chairman of the National Sports Council, George Gomez has told The Fatu Network that he felt annoyed and disrespected by the Minister of Youth and Sports, Henry Gomez, who is reported to have appointed a new chairman for the Council.

“I have not been officially notified but only read it on the standard Newspaper on Thursday. I was surprised and disappointed because I got a letter appointing me [as chairman] for two years. And I took the appointment after discussions with the ministry and I was convinced to take it up considering my record in sports development,” he told this reporter from the United Kingdom.

Gomez, who is currently in the United Kingdom said professionalism, dictates that a courtesy should have been given to him with an official letter written to him.

“Courtesy dictates that they should write to me but until now as I am speaking to you they have not written to me.”

Gomez was appointed chairman of the Council by Minister Henry Gomez.

The seasoned sports administrator said he had attempted to reach the Minister of Youth and Sports, Henry Gomez but could not reach him on the matter upon reading it on the media.

The former GNOC and GFF football administrator said he had made plans for Minister Gomez to be in UK to meet up with officials of Kits Aid, Premier League sides Chelsea and Manchester United and Commonwealth Games Federation as well to discuss possible partnership for the development of sports.

Since his appointment, George Gomez has appointed sports ambassadors in several countries who will help popularize and raise funds for the development of Gambian sports.

On the Senegambia Run, which he conceived few months ago, Gomez said the Run will be the second longest run in the world. “In my five year development plan which I presented to President Barrow, I suggested many things and one thing which is very close to my heart is the establishment of a Sports Institute for Training where we can train our youth, athletes, administrators and journalists to have professional certification.”

Gomez reminded the public that Sports Council should not be used to fight a cause, but is here for development. “I don’t used the sports council to fight and the infighting in our sports must be stopped.”

The Standard Newspaper last week reported that Mr Borri Darboe was appointed the newly chairman of the National Sports Council.

In an Interview with the Standard Newspaper, Darboe reacted to his appointment saying, “I am very humbled by the trust bestowed on me and I take it as a big challenge which I am also ready to execute to the best of my ability.”

Darboe assured all sports associations, officials and athletes that his coming is an opportunity for a new beginning in terms of confidence, reconciliation and dedication for sports and sportsmen and women.

Omar A Jallow alias OJ, Secretary General of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) and Minister of Agriculture has hailed the role Halifa Sallah played at the inter-party committee which was established in 2006.

Sallah who is the Secretary General of the People Democratic Organization for Independence and Socialism PDOIS and National Assembly Member for Serrekunda has played a huge role in ending the 22 years of dictatorship in the Gambia.

“He volunteered his service, energy and resources to make sure we arrive at this historic decision,” Minister OJ said.

The seasoned politician made these remarks after Halifa Sallah was selected as chairman to represent the ruling Coalition member parties while the former Majority Leader Fabakary Tombong Jatta was selected as co chairman to represent the opposition APRC and GDC parties.

OJ has commended Sallah’s role since the inception of the inter- party committee in 2006.

The inter-party committee was first established in 2006, after the intervention of the former Nigerian President Obasanjo to resolve the arrest of the defunct opposition leaders of NADD.

The committee consisting of nine political parties registered with the Independent Electoral Commission met to review the content of the MoU to spell out the way forward.

Briefing the press at the Election House on Saturday, Halifa Sallah said all parties have agreed to work out the modalities regarding the selection of a chairman and co chairman on a one year term. Sallah said among the tasks of the committee is to establish civic education teams comprising all parties to raise awareness. It will further work to resolve challenges of the next electoral cycle including the demands of the diaspora enfranchisement.

“The inter- party committee will act as a complaint handling body where party members can file complaints for redress,” Halifa Sallah asserted.

Anthony Robert Secka of the Independent Electoral Commission commended the moved, saying it will enhance their work.

Meanwhile, Fabakary Tombong Jatta delegated Sidi Njie to represent him at the meeting.

The Minister of Health and Human Services of the US Tom Price has just resigned. He resigned because of an outcry at the huge cost of his travels and the mode of travel. He prefers chartered flights or military transport. Within 5 months he incurred 1 million US dollars to the American taxpayer.

We were promised our newly elected President and National Assembly would do a total overhaul of the AFPRC (Jammeh) system “root and branch” — not cook up one failed substitute after another.

We were promised good healthcare and education policies!

We were promised fiscal responsibility and spending cuts — not spending hikes that have sent our national debt soaring over billions!

We were promised a new national constitution!

We were promised employment opportunities for youth and women!

We were promised things would be different this time!

We were told The Swamp’s days were numbered!

But the “Do-Nothing UDP-Led National Assembly” headed by scaredy-cat House Speaker, Mariam Denton and Majority Leader Kebba K. Barrow has so far delivered…

Virtually nothing.

Folks, no matter how you slice it, 2016 was a LOUD-AND-CLEAR message from the Gambian people that we’re FED UP with the status quo in Banjul!

Yet, The Swamp (tactical alliance) apparently thinks its “safe” to go back to the Yaya Jammeh old games — and you and I won’t notice!

It’s up to you and me to prove them WRONG, WRONG, WRONG.

If we don’t, we could miss one of the best opportunities we’ve had in years to bring our country back from the brink of another totalitarian rule.

But the good news is, after the entire political world was turned upside down in 2016, politicians from all parties are still incredibly wary of the power of grassroots patriots like you and I.

So folks, it’s time to show the “Tactical Alliance” and its National Assembly that you and I mean business.

It’s time to show them they can either KEEP THEIR PROMISES or find new jobs.

As you’ll see, I’m urging the “Tactical Alliance” and Members of Parliament to KEEP THEIR PROMISES TO:

-Produce a National Development Plan: Long overdue. House members must put pressure on the executive to produce and table the national development plan without delay.

-Do a total overhaul of the APRC System! We still have so many corrupt and dishonest Jammeh loyalists manning top civil service positions. This is flat-out UNACCEPTABLE!

-Cut government spending. The unnecessary travels of ministers and other government officials is worrisome! Top civil servants are hunting for per diems like no man’s business! It’s time for National Assembly to finally CUT SPENDING!

-New Constitution. Without a new constitution, we’re still living under a dictatorial regime. Take it or leave it but that’s the holy truth. We must depart from the Jammeh era of doing business. All bad laws must be repeal ASAP. Parliament and Justice Ministry must get to work and deliver us one soonest!

-Create Jobs: We need the parliament to pass bills that would bring jobs to the country’s frustrated youth and women.

There’s absolutely nothing I want more right now than to BREAK through the Big Government bubble and light a grassroots fire under this National Assembly.

But I’m counting on you to help speak truth to power!

Gambians, the only way you and I don’t miss the opportunities we have in front of us today are if Members of Parliament understand their days are numbered if they don’t deliver.

#TheMovementLives
#StayWoke

Sincerely,
Yankuba Senghore
Concern Citizen

Muhammed Bazzi, a Lebanese multimillionaire and business associate of the former president was ordered to surrender the bank accounts of his business, Euro Africa Group that was exclusively engaged in the importation of fuel to The Gambia.

The Lebanese business tycoon was making a second reappearance before the commission of inquiry probing into the financial activities of the former President Yahya Jammeh and his close associates at the Djembe Beach Hotel, Kololi.

Bazzi alleged that he owns 55 percent of the company while the remaining shares belongs to Amadou Samba, a Gambian business tycoon and close associate of the former Gambian president, Yahya Jammeh.

Euro Africa Group established in 2004, was appointed by the Gambian authorities as an exclusive agent of fuel importation in the country. This appointment by the then authorities was seen by the commission as monopoly but the witness has a different view. His arguments was that they were only importing fuel but does not determine the pump prices at the stations. He was ordered to provide the agreement they had with the Ministry of Finance.

Bazzi denied the former president has shares at Euro Africa Group  but when asked to explain payment of substantial amounts to the personal bank accounts of the former president, he said the payments were a part of their social corporate responsibility to build mosques, hospitals and girls education among others.

Lawyer Amie Bensouda put to him that the Euro Africa Group has paid D240 Million Dalasi to the personal bank account of the former president at the Trust Bank.

“I am not aware of this,” Muhammed Bazzi said.

It was further disclosed that the same company paid $2.5 Million US Dollars to the accounts of Jammeh Foundation for Peace at the Trust Bankin 2013.

“I will check and come back,” he replied.

Bazzi told the commission that the company was paying dividends but it stopped between 2009 to 2014 that compelled the commission to ordered him to provide the company’s bank accounts and payment of dividends at his next appearance.

The Lebanese business tycoon was further told to submit the records of equipment left by the Carnegie Mining Company taken over by his mining company, GAMICO.

He denied his company’s involvement in exporting mineral sand left at the seaport by the Carnegie Mining Company.

“There was no stockpile of mineral sand at the seaport,” he asserted.

The Lebanese business tycoon further denied the sale of white sand while pointing fingers at the former President, Geology and Brikama Area Council. He tendered some supporting documents. It was admitted and marked as exhibits.

“We were engaged in the sale of mineral sand,” he added.

Bazzi also denied setting up two factories to separate the raw sand from the mineral in China.

When asked about the appointment of Tony Ghattas as Managing Director of APAM by the former president, Mr Bazzi said he advised him not to take the job because it would create problems for him.

Meanwhile, the Country Director of Gambia Milling Corporation, Abdoulie Tambaedou, Managing Director of Gambia Ports Authority and Ebrima Sallah, Managing Director of Trust Bank testified before the commission.

MD Sallah revealed the various accounts of the former president and one account belonging to his son Muhammed Jammeh.

When asked about a piece of land belonging to The Gambia Ports Authority and leased to Gambia Milling Corporation, Ports MD Tambaedou said he was not aware of the issue.

The Minister of Information, Communication and Infrastructure has lamented that the current electricity outages in the country is ‘a phenomenon experienced by all Gambians.’

Honorable DA Jawo holding his usual monthly press briefing Wednesday at the Ministry said in the last few weeks and days, power outages have become more frequent than ever that makes the situation deserves some explanation. This he said “the frequent outages that we are experiencing is a phenomenon that every Gambian is facing daily.”

On consultation with other Minister together with the Management of NAWEC for an explanation, causes and when Gambians can expect and enjoy stable and reliable power supply, he said he was made to understand that the frequent power outages are being caused by ongoing maintenance on some of the generators. He added “this is resulting in extensive load-shedding due to inadequate power supply to meet the demand.”

More so, he continued, the crux of the problem is that Nawec has been working with aged and obsolete equipment, some of which are almost 30 years old.

According to him “The Gambia acquired some of these second-hand generators as decommissioned equipment from other parts of the world three decades ago.”

He gave a breakdown of the generators saying out of four generators in operation at the Kotu Power Station, only three are now operational, the remaining one he said is faulty and is currently shut down for maintenance due to mechanical fault.

At the Brikama Power Station, he explained that out of six generators there only four are operational. This is because of their scheduled maintenance periods though one of the two non-functioning generators is expected to be back in operation as soon as possible.

The Minister, prior to the questions and answers session of the briefing, touched other area of developments in the country during the past month.

Among the new developments are the Kuntaur flood assistance effort to the people of the entire area as the Vice President was accompanied by a high-powered delegation to the area, the Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission; the inauguration of the Security Sector Reform Project; Janneh Commission currently investigating the financial activities of former President Yahya Jammeh; Diplomatic Induction and on President Barrow and some other members of the government’s pilgrimage to perform Hajj.

On his part, the Minister of Information, Communication and Infrastructure spoke about his recent visit to Freetown as special envoy of President Barrow to commiserate with the government of the Sierra Leone, following the deadly mudslides that claimed over 1000 lives in the month of August.

He also touched on President Adama Barrow’s address at the 72^nd Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York and the signing of five new treaties – Abolition of the Death Penalty as part of the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights; International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers, and Members of their families; International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance; United Nations Convention on Transparency in Treaty-Based Investor-State Arbitration and the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons.