Baba Fatajo, Managing Director of the National Water and Electricity Company (NAWEC) said during a press conference on Thursday that the country’s embattled electricity problem would be solved by the end of year.

“We will have 24 hours electricity within the entire country by the end of the year,” NAWEC Managing Director Fatajo said.

MD Fatajo made these remarks at a press briefing held at the company’s Headquarters in Kanifing.

The NAWEC Managing Director told members of the press that the company is pretty much comfortable with its power generation, particularly the electrification of communities within the Greater Banjul. He also spoke about the OMVG rural electricity expansion project which imcludes the Kiangs, saying the projects will be completed by next year.

“Within the next one week the entire North Bank will have 24 hours electricity,” he added.

MD Fatajo went further to explain how the country’s energy sector would benefit from the pledges made at the Donor Conference held last month at Brussels.

“The outlook looks very promising,” he told journalists.

He outlined plans to install another transmission from Kaolack to supply electricity to the country.

When asked about the cost, he said the expenses are cheaper than the amount they were spending at rural Gambia. He added that the biggest challenge facing the company is the supply of water to urban settlements such as Brusubi, Brufut and Bijilo among others.

“A contractor is already mobilized who is doing a survey,” he said

The NAWEC boss answering a question said the rural water project is not under the purview of his company but the Ministry of Water Resources.

Meanwhile, the MD made it clear that the OMVG project has no environmental costs.

Following announcement of the establishment of a Gambia Police Force (GPF) Radio station, many cynics expressed dismay, condemnation and doubts over its necessity.

Here is a bit on why POLISO FM is needed. The establishment of POLISO FM is in a bid to further strengthen our responsibility of protection of life and property, maintenance of law and ensuring peace and security. GPF has a daunting task of ensuring internal security and garnering community support and partnership will be a sure way of achieving its responsibilities.

Community Policing is one instrument through which GPF has been able to maintain law and order. However, for any successful community policing initiative, communication is essential and having a radio station of its own will help foster communication and dialogue between the police and the public.

Furthermore, police has a lot of information to share with the public on crime, general security, personal security, advocacy for peaceful co-existence and many other issues that would ensure cheaper and more effective crime prevention measures. POLISO FM is set to inform and create awareness of the public on crime and safety.

It will seek to promote a collective will to respect and maintenance of law and order for a peaceful Gambia. It will also seek to promote Democratic and Intelligence led Policing through proactive measures that involve the general public. Furthermore, it will seek to break the negative notion of police being the enemy.

As to whether police has the capacity to run a radio station, I am proud to note that it does. GPF boasts of more than 120 university graduates in various fields. We have experts and professionals in different areas with long standing experience which could be of great value to the public.

Furthermore, personnel attached at the radio station will receive training and mentoring from Mediamatic which setting up the place. POLISO FM, will operate in accordance with the media laws of The Gambia and would respect and promote the good values of responsible media practices.

POLISO FM, is for the good of all peace loving people and we enjoin all the help make it a success.

PRESS RELEASE

1. The Gambia Armed Forces has observed with concern the practice of some media outlets publishing pictures of retired or ex-members of the Gambia Armed Forces (GAF) wearing military regalia in a manner that misrepresents this noble institution.

2. The use of these pictures, which often appear as part of the main or front page headline and/or story gives a misleading and confusing interpretation of the position of GAF to the general public. The high command of GAF wishes to state unequivocally that the Gambia Armed Forces is an apolitical institution and is not involved in any partisan politics neither is it affiliated with any political party in this country.

3. In view of the foregoing, the kind indulgence of the media is craved to ensure that future publications particularly those on partisan politics and involving former members of the Gambia Armed Forces do not bear any regalia of this institution.

4. While we look forward to your usual cooperation on this matter, please disseminate this for the information of the general public.

LAMIN K. SANYANG

Major

for the Chief of Defence Staff

The Members of the Constitutional Review Commission (CRC) held their inaugural meeting on Tuesday, 5^thJune 2018 at the Ministry of Justice Conference Room in Banjul. In his welcome and introductory remarks, the Chairperson of the CRC Justice Cherno Sulayman Jallow, QC commended members for accepting to serve on the Commission and expressed optimism in the accomplishment of the task assigned to the CRC.

The Commission, he reiterated, has the responsibility to review the 1997 Constitution, seek the opinions of the Gambian public through consultations, make appropriate proposals and draft a proper Constitution that will stand the test of time.

The members discussed a wide range of issues related to logistics, such as the establishment of the Secretariat, development of a work plan for the CRC, mapping out a communication strategy, modalities for public consultations with various stakeholders as well as other relevant aspects that will enrich the process to make it inclusive for all layers of the society.

The meeting is the first in a series of meetings that will be held by the CRC. It will be recalled that the eleven members of the Constitutional Review Commission were sworn into office on Monday 4^thJune at State House by President Adama Barrow.The members are drawn from different professional backgrounds and experience.

KMC Press Release

Following the inauguration and commencement of our term in office, the first 10 days has been challenging and eventful.

The following key milestones have been achieved:

1. The Mayor signed an GMD85 million contract with GAMWORKS for the development of 2 key roads in the KMC, Bundung Maternity Ward and the new KMC Council Building. This is a 90% matching grant funded by the OPEC Fund for International Development and made possible by the hard work of the previous interim management.

2. The first steps into the institutional audit, human resource and capacity review as well as organizational reform of KMC has been commenced. To this end the Council has established a Finance Committee and an Establishment and Appointment Committee made up of experts in finance, law, public sector governance and Human Resources.

Over the next few months we will report on the outcomes.

3. Council members have commenced a direct study into the key revenue generating areas – licence fees, market duties and property rates to explore practical solutions of accounting for this revenue while removing leakages.

4. Nominated members are being reviewed for established of all remaining Council Committees.

5. The Board of Directors of the Bakoteh Fish Market has been reconstituted of non-partisan and qualified members that have the ability to turn around this vital institution.

6. All contracts, agreements, MOU’s and official correspondences have been suspended pending further review. Going forward all new agreements should now be approved by the Mayor. This will ensure that Council engagements are synchronized and consistent with Council policy instead of proliferation of agreements of which the Council may not even be aware.

7. Pending the outcome of the reorganization, all expenditure and procurement must now be approved by the Mayor. This has immediately impacted the high expenditure cost recorded daily.

8. New hiring of staff has been suspended pending the outcome of the review and reorganization.

9. Council sittings are now scheduled twice a month and sitting allowances have been discounted.

Information reaching The Fatu Network has it that The Gambia Telecommunication Company (GAMTEL) is facing serious financial leakages at the International Gateway due to rampant fraud calls happening within and outside the country.

According to reliable sources, the International Gateway is compromised due to the lack of adequate equipment to curtail fraud calls. It is said that the Company is currently using a Huawei Switch, which is a local platform that cannot fully monitor certain international calls as it lacks required sophisticated gadgets.

“It is not sophisticated like Alcatel and Tata,” a GAMTEL source said.

“A lot of fraud calls are diverting the Switch causing revenue loss to the nation,” he added.

It is alleged that a Telecom Company known as Liquid Solutions partnering with a Gambian Businessman is at the centre of the controversy as it took over the International Gateway from the MGI Company. Some senior government officials are accused of having connections with this company.

Sources within GAMTEL further raised concerns about the possibility of handing over the Company’s Fibre Backbone to the Public Utility Regulatory Authority (PURA) to share with Private GSM Operators.

“This is where GAMTEL is making money,” a source said.

At the reception of the ACE Building, this reporter saw the MOICI Permanent Secretary and QCell Proprietor among others coming from a meeting.

Kebba Bojang, Director responsible for the International Gateway confirmed the fraud calls but said it is a global phenomenon.

“It is not only a Gambian problem,” Director Bojang said.

Bojang, explained that the culprits are using Sim Cards of different operators in a particular cell phone or boxes known as a sim box that could take about hundred sim cards to facilitate calls from outside the country. The international calls  are then directed to sim boxes to connect the calls with local numbers.

“Unfortunately, we do not have adequate equipment to curtail the fraud after MGI left,” he added.

He calls on the government to invest on the International Gateway by putting on the right equipment.

“If the government feels they are losing lot of revenues then they need to invest on the right equipment,” Bojang stated.

“We have never benefitted from the Gateway,” he noted.

Mr Bojang said fraud has increasingly become a major challenge in the new dispensation which was not the case under dictatorship when security would crackdown on suspects and take them to court.

“We will compromise our national security if the company falls in the hands of foreigners.”

Bojang told The Fatu Network that he was not aware of the alleged proposals to share the Fibre Backbone with Private GSM Operators.

“If that happens it will be very disappointing.”

He argued that GAMTEL should be a resource generating institution for the country provided that the new government is willing to invest.

Meanwhile, reports of growing anger and dissatisfaction amongst the staff of GAMTEL/Gamcel on the suspension of the Company’s Managing Director by the Office of the President (OP) is filtering out. There are reports of possible sit down strikes.

“There are people at State House who are misleading the Presidency,” a source told The Fatu Network.

The disgruntled staffs are calling for the immediate reinstatement of the Managing Director.

Mr Susso, Managing Director of GAMTEL was suspended based on directives from the Office of the President in relations to an alleged ‘investigation’ launched on the MGI Company. But, it is said that the suspension is a witch hunt.

Dear Fatou:

Recently, our dear mother -land continues to makes headlines throughout the world, particularly when it was announced that The Gambia is to gain at least 1.45 billion Euros from her donors. This developing story sparks debate both off and online which continues dominating most political discussions not only in the country but in the sub region. In my last article, I echoed the opinion expressed by those who raised concern: is foreign aid truly making a difference in terms of economic growth and good governance in Africa? Though everyone is at liberty to reach their own conclusion, in support of my argument, let me highlight the following:

First of all, let me make it absolutely clear; ifsomeone actually asks me, does The Gambia really need foreign aid?  My answer will be YES, the country really needs aid in order to boost her fragile economy which is essential in fixing its broken institutions as well as paying off its foreign debts but of courseat the expense of our independence and sovereignty.

Apparently, what the disciples of foreign aid fail to realise is this; there are always strings attached to it, which means any country dependent on foreign aid might be sleep walking back into the colonial era. Don’t you recognise that basically, the majority of civic laws guiding morality in third world countries including rules and regulations dictating poor economies were often designed to serve the dollar givers?

My fellow citizens let’s be honest with ourselves; our dependency on foreign aid won’t do much to improve our economy, particularly tackling poverty and illiteracy. The Gambia’s economy belongs to the categories which I often describe as a “transit base economy“ meaning that the significant proportion of our GDP, together with dollar aid, are going back into the pockets of foreigners who control 90%  of the import and export business in the country.

A common proverb comes to mind – do not feed the animal, because by feeding them, they would lack ability to hunt for themselves! Equally, African dependency on aid is killing her spirit of self- reliance which is hampering creative thinking in the continent.

One alternative to foreign aid can include these measures :  creation of social entrepreneurship in order to empower people with skills and talent; and in addition to that, government ought to financially support small businesses and profoundly prioritise health sectors as well as subsidising farmers in agriculture to ensure that food security is guaranteed for all Gambians.

Furthermore, the current education system in the country is not fit for purpose. Most children leaving school lack the ability to read or write.Consequently, educational reforms which will establish institutions providing quality education for childrenallowing them to harness their intelligence and self-esteem are urgently needed.

Quality education would subsequently enable children to be more work ethic conscious and be more creative thinkers which are crucial for economicself-reliance and financial independence.

In my opinion, these will dramatically reduce the number of Africans, especially youths in The Gambia, aiming to reach Europe using the BACK WAY, hoping for greener pastures. Equipping future generations with quality education would approximately cut 90% of our future dependence on foreign aid.

YAYA SILLAH

Tunisia’s World Cup football team has apparently found an ingenious way to fight fatigue as they fast for the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.

In friendly matches against Portugal then Turkey, goalkeeper Mouez Hassen appeared to feign injury at sundown, when the fast comes to an end.

As he lay on the pitch receiving medical treatment, his teammates rushed to the sidelines to drink water and snack on dates.

And it produced immediate results.

Down 2-1 to European champions Portugal, Tunisia rebounded six minutes after Hassen’s injury break by scoring an equaliser and ended the match 2-2.

Days later against Turkey, Hassen stopped play by lying on his back.

Again, his teammates ate dates and drank water provided to them by waiting coaching staff. That match also ended 2-2.

Image copyrightTÉLÉVISION TUNISIENNE 1

Image copyrightTÉLÉVISION TUNISIENNE 1

Footage of that incident has been shared by a Tunisian football fan account. The story has entertained many in the country.

Pundits in Tunisia were quick to note the timing of the goalkeeper’s injuries in the second half of both matches – in the 58th and 47th minutes of play respectively.

This coincided with the time of sunset, which is when Iftar – the breaking of the fast usually with dates and water – begins for Muslims observing Ramadan.

The Tunisian football federation has yet to comment on the timing of the two injury breaks.

But goalkeeper Hassen tweeted: “I was hurt, bruv” along with laughing emojis, in response to fellow footballer Chaker Alhadhur’s jokey comment: “It’s all right now, we know you were pretending.”

All eyes will be on Tunisia’s goalkeeper when the team plays its next friendly against Spain on 9 June.

The North Africans’ first World Cup match takes place against England on 18 June, by which point Ramadan will be over.

Image copyrightAFP

What is Ramadan?

During Ramadan, Muslims are required to abstain from food, liquids and intimacy between sunrise and sunset.

The aim is to increase spirituality and religious observance through longer prayers and self-control, as Ramadan is seen as an opportunity to replenish one’s spirituality.

The intention to fast must be made every day before dawn. The intention or “niyyah” may be made during the night before going to sleep or it can also be made at the time of “suhoor” or pre-dawn meal.

It is acceptable not to fast during Ramadan if you are pregnant, have a physical or mental illness, are elderly, experiencing severe thirst or hunger, travelling, or if your life is threatened should you not break the fast.

Source: BBC

By Omar Wally

Director General of West African Health Organization, has said that The ECOWAS region has suffered chains of diseases and outbreaks such as Lassa Fever, Rift Valley Fever, Yellow Fever, Dengue Fever, Ebola and others in recent times as well as Non Communicable Diseases that claims dozens of lives each year.

Professor Stanley Okolo, made these remarks Monday (4th June 2018) at the opening of the 19th Ordinary Assembly of ECOAWS Health Ministers underway in the Gambia. ‘All these brought to the fore the urgent need for us to strengthen our health systems as well as our surveillance, preparedness and response capacities.’

According to Professor Okolo, the 47th Ordinary Session of the Authority of ECOWAS Heads of States and Governments decided to establish the ECOWAS Regional Centre for Surveillance and Disease Control (RCSDC) with headquarters’ in Abuja, Nigeria.

Prof Okoli, however, said more work needs to be done to make the center fully operational to enable it play its full role in epidemics prevention, preparedness, detection and response in the region.  ‘In the coming months, we will resume the process of filling the remaining positions at the RCSDC and we are keen to attract competent West Africans to support our disease control agenda.’

He said ensuring optimal health of the people in ECOWAS region is a permanent challenge in the face of recurring epidemic and endemic diseases. ‘At West Africa Health Organization, we will not relent on our efforts to surmount this challenge.’  He added that their role is to develop, promote and lead ECOWAS health agenda across the 15 member states and he had the opportunity to discuss the issues with the Ministers of Health of Benin, Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, The Gambia, Mali, Niger, Nigeria and Togo during his courtesy call on them.

Adama Barrow, President of the Republic of The Gambia said on Monday that two terms for the Office of the President should be entrenched in the Constitution.

“A two term for all Heads of State should be entrenched in the Constitution,” President Barrow said.

Barrow, made these statements during the swearing-in ceremony of members of the Constitutional Review Commission at State House in Banjul.

The Constitutional Review Commission has 11 members headed by Chairman Cherno Sulayman Jallow. The members are Hawa Sisay Sabally, Janet Ramatoulie Sallah Njie, Fatoumatta Jallow, Amie Joof Cole, Salimatou Touray, Gaye Sowe, Lamin S Camara, Yankuba Dibba, Dr Melville O George and Yankuba Manjang.

President Barrow in his keynote address emphasized the importance of having a well prepared Constitution that protects the fundamental rights and freedom of all Gambians regardless of ethnic, religious and political affiliation. He added that the former regime has consolidated power to an individual which he said should not be the case in new Gambia.

“This is an important task,” Barrow said.

“The Constitution should be build on nationalism” he added.

The Gambian leader expressed trust and respect for the newly sworn members of the Constitutional Review Commission.

The Gambia’s Chief Justice, Hassan B Jallow explained that the 1997 Constitution needs serious amendments.

“It is important to have a consultation with Gambians,” Chief Justice Jallow said.

“Its a difficult and challenging task,” he added.

Abubacarr Tambadou, Attorney General and Minister of Justice commended the members, saying the time has come to do more work than talking.

“The Constitution should reflect the true aspirations of The Gambian people,” Justice Minister Tambadou said.

“It should be an immortal Constitution,” he stated.

The Constitutional Review Commission Chair, Cherno Sulayman Jallow reaffirmed his commitment to work for the interest of the Gambian people.

“The team and I will perform our duties with consent in accordance to the law,” Chairman Jallow pointed out.

Jallow went further to justify the establishment of the Committee, saying the 1997 Constitution was tampered several times by the former regime.

As required by the U.S. Congress, the United States Department of State released the 2017 International Religious Freedom Report on May 29, acknowledging the commitment of the government of The Gambia towards religious freedom and tolerance.  Selected excerpts of that report follow.

In January 2017, President Adama Barrow announced the country’s return to a secular republic as prescribed in the constitution, overturning a decree by former President Yahya Jammeh that proclaimed the country an Islamic state.  On several occasions, President Barrow stressed the need for continued religious freedom and tolerance, and in February 2017, he appointed a special advisor to the president for religious and traditional affairs.  The President called for continued religious tolerance between Christians and Muslims in the region on various occasions, such as during a meeting with Archbishop Benjamin Ndiaye of Dakar in August 2017.  President Barrow also linked religious freedom and tolerance to investor confidence.  During official events and ceremonies, it was customary to begin with both Muslim and Christian prayers.  In May 2017, Minister of Agriculture Omar Jallow spoke at the 41st Jalsa Salana (Annual Convention) of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at (community) and promised full government protection of that community.

The Gambian constitution provides for the freedom of religious choice, as long as doing so does not impinge on the rights of others or the national interest.  It prohibits religious discrimination, establishment of a state religion, and formation of political parties based on religious affiliation.

Interfaith marriage remained common and accepted. There were continued tensions between the majority Sunni Muslim community and the Ahmadiyya Muslim community. The Supreme Islamic Council (SIC), a religious council tasked with providing Islamic religious guidance, continued to state that the Ahmadiyya community did not belong to Islam, and it did not include members of the community in its events and activities. Ahmadi Muslims stated they were part of Islam and thus should be fully integrated within the Muslim community. The government largely did not become involved in the disagreement between the two communities.

At the embassy’s annual iftar in June, the Ambassador urged government officials and religious leaders to safeguard religious freedom and tolerance and to continue being open to different views and beliefs.  The Ambassador encouraged Sunni and Ahmadi Muslims to practice restraint and tolerance and to allow one another to coexist in mutual respect and acceptance.  Embassy officials met representatives of the Ahmadiyya community and the SIC on numerous occasions and expressed hope for continued peace and tolerance.

The full report, including The Gambia country narrative, can be found online at: https://www.state.gov/j/drl/rls/irf/religiousfreedom/#wrapper