The skyrocketing prices of basic commodities is still a major concern amongst most Gambians even though the government has decided to cut taxes on imported goods such as rice, flour and cement among others.

Speaking at a consultation meeting held at the Alliance Franco, the National Assembly Member for Kantora, Honourable Billay G Tunkara said that the government is losing millions on tax reduction without it having any impact on the electorates.

“The government has lost more than D33 Million Dalasi from January to April,” Billay Tunkara said.

“The electorates still cannot feel the impact,” he added.

Honourable Tunkara said he is a member of the National Assembly Select Committee that is given the task to review the tax reduction policy with its impact on prices of basic commodities.

According to experts, the Gambia’s business sector is largely dominated by migrants or settlers since independence from the British Colonial rule.

Meanwhile, there are several calls for the government to engage the youth population on entrepreneurship.

State House, Banjul, 24 May 2018 –President Adama Barrow has called on international investors to take advantage of the limitless business and investment opportunities in The Gambia, announcing that the country is ready for business.

Addressing an International Business Forum, as part of the ongoing International Conference for The Gambia in Brussels, the President said that his government has gone far in addressing the inherited financial and economic management challenges that eroded investor confidence and seriously limited private sector investment and foreign direct investment inflow into The Gambia.

The regulatory environment has been reviewed to further enhance the already favorable investment environment that exists in The Gambia. The Public Procurement Act, the Gambia Investment and Export Promotion Agency -GIEPA Act, and the Income and Value Added Tax have been amended.

‘The GIEPA Act and Investment Policy provide adequate investment guarantee to investors. The Gambia is a member of several multilateral organizations that protect and safeguard international investment, such as the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency and the International Centre for the Settlement of International Disputes.’’ said President Barrow.

The Gambia leader also informed the gathering that the financial management reforms being spearheaded by his government are paying dividend. He reported that interest rates have started going down, while lending to the private sector is significantly improving. The president attributed these developments to the steps being taken by government to reform the unfavourable laws and reduce some taxes to spur investment.

President Barrow stressed that the private sector is a cardinal ally in his development agenda by emphasizing that his government recognizes the private sector as the engine of growth. In this regard, he said, strategies have been developed and aligned with the NDP to encourage the development of the Private sector through entrepreneurship, trade and industry. ‘’Recently, my government has launched the National Business Council to serve as the platform for continuous engagement with the private sector’’, the president announced.

As an expression of political will, the presidency will assume the chairmanship of the eminent national forum.  The Trade Minister, Dr. Isatou Touray officially closed the Business Forum.

On the fringes of the International Business forum, President Barrow met with the President of the European Parliament, Antonio Tajani. They discussed, among other things, Agriculture with focus on value addition, mechanized rice irrigation and agro-processing. The aim is to create jobs for the youth as well as grow the economy.

The National Assembly Member for Serrekunda, Honourable Halifa Sallah has called on Gambians to learn from the realities of the past to avoid any recurrence.

Hon. Sallah was one of the Guest Speakers at the National Stakeholders Consultation Meeting organised by the Victims’ Center with the support of The UK based Media Legal Defence Initiative (MLDI) and the US based National Endowment for Democracy (NED).

The Serrekunda NAM said Gambians have a duty to gather the lessons of the past to inform the government about what happened, not only to remember but prevent it from happening again.

“I remember the day Deyda Hydara lay dead in a pool of blood,” Halifa Sallah said.

He went further to recalled the trial of six Gambian journalist, Emil Touray, Pape Saine and Sam Sarr among others who were sentenced to Prison for saying the killers of Deyda Hydara should be brought to book.

“My heart sank when I visited them at the prisons saying to myself the people who called for justice are sent to prison while the perpetrators are walking free in the streets,” Hon. Sallah said.

“We have a duty to perform and if we fail history will indict us,” he added.

Madi Jobarteh of TANGO said Civil Society should be very vigilant in promoting freedom of speech which is the foundation of modern democracy. He also elaborated on the rights to freedom of expression and holding the government accountable.

“Without freedom of speech the citizens will be plunge into slavery,” Madi said.

The rights activist called on the Gambia Government to constitute the Freedom of Information Law which is also known as ‘sunshine laws’ that empower citizens to hold the government to account. He called on the Gambia civil society to re-examine and position itself to the right track.

Emil Touray, President of the Gambia Press Union (GPU) expressed happiness that the government has finally decided to honour the ECOWAS Court decision to compensate the families of Deyda Hydara, Chief Ebrima Manneh and Musa Saidykhan.

“Its a step in the right direction,” Emil Touray explained.

Touray went further to called on the government to repeal all the bad media laws in line with the African Charter.

Meanwhile, the family of Chief Ebrima Manneh acknowledged receiving half of the compensation which amounts to $50, 000 Dollars. The ECOWAS Court has ordered the compensation of $100, 000 Dollars to the families of Deyda Hydara, Chief Ebrima Manneh and Musa Saidykhan.

It has been reported today that 1.45 billion euros was pledged at the donors conference for The Gambia for the next three years. From the communique it is clear that the EU is not the main donor because they are only providing 140 million euros in grants, in addition to the 225 million euros they have already committed.

By Arfang M.S. Camara

The newly elected Mayoress of Banjul City Council, Rohey Malick Lowe has stated that in as much as she was elected on the United Democratic Party (UDP) ticket, she will be the mayoress of the people of Banjul.

She added that, Banjul City Council (BCC) will never again be an extended wing of any political party instead it belongs to the people of Banjul irrespective of their political affiliation or ideology.

Rohey Malick Lowe was speaking on Tuesday during her swearing in ceremony together with nine (9) elected councillors in Banjul. The program was held at the Atlantic Hotel in Banjul.

She further said that during her campaign she declared emphasis in her manifesto that election to the office of Mayor is one of a social contract between the candidate and the people of Banjul. After taking a solemn oath, the newly sworn Mayoress assured Banjulians of her intention to contribute towards the advancement of Banjul.

“I will bring back hope where there has been hopelessness and likewise bring back faith where there has been doubt. It is also without doubt that our beloved city requires urgent and frank discussion with regard to the development of Banjul in areas of infrastructure, women and youth empowerment among others.” She said

According to her, such development agenda can only be achieved within the powers laid down in the Local Government Act 2002, noting that she would collaborate with central government to advocate for more autonomy and resources so as to perform effectively as a council.

“Our revenue collection needs to be revisited as we are currently in conflict as to who collects what,” while calling on the support of all the Banjulians particularly the aspirants

She urged Banjulians to make best use of the opportunity to turn Banjul into a prosperous city by embracing the local slogan “Together we change our city for good”

She finally said that historic event making her swearing in will make her start on a good footing by getting ready to develop the Banjul City Council together with the new dispensation where justice, peace and freedom prevails.

The Anti Crime Unit (ACU) of the Kairaba Police Station led by Chief Superintendent Gorgie L Mboob have arrested three teenage boys involved in stealing CFA 7. 5 Million, $1, 100 Dollars and other valuables from a shop in Bakoteh.

The alleged culprits are Omar Mbye 18 from Latri Kunda, Kebba Gaye 19 and Modou Nyahateh 20 a year old respectively from Mbayen Village in the Central River Region CRR. They allegedly used car jags to break doors and windows of their victims.

There is another arrest of two individuals, Ousman Mballow and Sulayman Trawalley known as ‘Gun Man’ who exchanged cannabis for a motorbike.

It is the second biggest arrest by the police after the arrest of  51 people at the Serrekunda Police Station in 2018.

The Police Spokesperson, Superintendent David Kujabi in his press briefing described the arrest of the teenagers as mind blowing and very sad, saying its not their first time as they have once stolen money and went through the back way to Niger in 2016.

He added that the teens have been breaking cars, stores and homes selling valuables to Fishermen at Tanji and at the border at Karang.

“The question every well meaning Gambian should asked is why so many of our young people are involve in crimes,” Spokesperson Kujabi said.

“We do not want to breed a society of criminals but a responsible society,” he added.

Superintendent Kujabi has said the culprits would be taken to court before 72 hours elapsed.

Brussels, 22 May 2018

By David Kujabi

(Police PRO)

History was made on May 21, 2018 at the Gambia Police Headquarters when three Commissioners were promoted to the rank of Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG).

The three who are the first to ever put on the AIG rank were decorated at a ceremony graced by Mr. Bully Dibba Permanent Secretary Ministry of Interior, Inspector General of Police and Senior Police officers.

The recepients include CP Demba Sowe, CP Ebrima Bah and CP Abdoulie Sanyang.

The ceremony also marked the decoration of other personnel to senior ranks; eight to the Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP), one to the rank of Chief Superintendent of Police (SP) another to the rank of  Assistant Commissioner, and five to the rank of Commissioner.

In delivering his remarks, PS Dibba congratulated the newly promoted personnel and encouraged them to continue to maintain good leadership practice. He urged them to be courageous in their dealings and be ready to take full responsibility of their actions.

IGP Kinteh on his part told the newly decorated that the promotion is a new challenge and an added responsibility to their careers in devotion to the rule of Law.

“Considering the obligations, roles and responsibilities, new structure and reforms of the Gambia Police Force in ensuring and adherence to the rule of Law, it is no doubt that this promotion will strengthen the efforts towards a competent Police Force that would provide better services to the Gambian citizens” he said.

IGP Kinteh further added that, the Senior Officers being decorated are officers worthy of emulation by all other personnel as they are with the requisite skills and knowledge to strive and make the Force to grow.

He however cautioned that promotion is not for ornamentation but rather a great challenge particularly for the AIG ranks as it has been vacant for many years.

“This promotion is based on our belief in your commitment to service delivery in the overall quest for quality and more harmonious relationship with society for the interest of the nation,” he added.

Other speakers included Alhagie Mamour Jobe Deputy Inspector General of Police who did the welcome remarks and ASP Ebou Colley who delivered the vote of thanks.

Bismillah Rahman Raheem

Hon. Ministers, and in particular the Hon. Minister of Lands and Regional Government

Hon. Secretary General

Excellences and members of the diplomatic corps

Permanent Secretaries and heads of institutions

Councilors elect and Alkalolu

Distinguished guests,

I thank you all for gracing this occasion with your presence.

It has been a tough one year but we have seen it through to this moment by Allah’s grace. Alhamdulilah Rabilalamin.

This moment would not have been possible but for the hard work of some wonderful people. It would be impossible to name them all.

I would like to express my gratitude to all of them.

To my family and my friends, I thank you for your unwavering confidence in me; for your support and commitment.

I thank the United Democratic Party (UDP) for selecting me as their flagbearer and thereafter rallying behind me to this moment. In particular, I recognize my UDP campaign team for running a clean, structured and focused campaign, all chairmen and women and Yaiyi Compins.

I say a big thank you to all my well-wishers and supporters and all the residents of KM including all the Councilors elect, with whom I have the honour of beginning a new journey today.

Today marks the beginning of a new struggle. The struggle to deliver the dream for the development of a green and prosperous Kanifing Municipality.

After a hard and competitive election campaign, the expectations of the people for a better standard of living are enormous.

During our campaign, we visited thousands of homes, communities, markets and public spaces. I witnessed first-hand the poverty that plagues our communities and the hazardous and dilapidated conditions in which many people live.

From the Bakoteh dump site, to the garbage hills of Kotu Quarry. From the slums of Chube town and the eroded roads of Bundung, to the swamps of Talinding and Ebotown and Abuko.

Unemployment is rife, with limited or no access to basic services, exposure to fatal health hazards, and very poor or non-existent infrastructure.

I have seen and shared the reality of the majority of the residents of the KM.

These experiences have been very sobering. These experiences have strengthened my determination and resolve and served as a reminder of the reason why I decided to enter politics.

The residents of Kanifing Municipality deserve much better from their council. The people deserve to have a municipal council that is committed to addressing their basic needs. That is what councils are for in all successful countries.

MY ONE AND ONLY MOTIVATION IS TO GIVE THE NEXT 4 YEARS OF MY LIFE TO THE CITIZENS OF KANIFING.

While I cannot promise to turn the Kanifing Municipality into the perfect metropolis within this time. I can promise you the following:

• I shall turn the Council into a service oriented institution for all residents of KMC.
• This Institution and the office of the Lord Mayor shall no longer be a political bureau. Instead this office shall be a place of hard work where professionals come to serve the municipality and deliver much needed services to its people.
• I shall wake up every single day and give all my effort, determination and commitment towards this end.

The focus of the KMC under my direction as Chairman of the council will be to develop a sustainable municipality, that will spur growth, create opportunities and increase the standard of living of its residents in a responsible manner.

I am sure you are all familiar with my 5 point plan. It is an ambitious yet realistic plan that will require the collective support of the Council, the community and the Central Government.

In these three years and nine months we shall ensure that the municipality is well equipped with qualified, dedicated and a professional workforce. As a priority we will commence a human resource and capacity audit of all the Council’s administration, management and support staff to determine the capacity gaps to be filled to deliver on its promise.

We shall focus on the development of Council bye-laws and rebuild the audit, compliance and enforcement capacity of the Council.

Fundamentally, and key to my plan will be a substantial assessment of all revenue generating sectors and the adequacy of the current budget, collection mechanisms and financial accounting tools and procedures to drive towards fulfilling my 1 Billion Dalasi revenue target.

We shall focus on strengthening and ensuring that revenue is collected and accounted for in a transparent manner, thereby reducing leakages and increasing confidence of the residents in the Council.

As we embark on this struggle, we shall count on you, the community of Kanifing to work with us and support us, to criticize and question us, so that we can achieve this common dream of a KMC that works for each and every one of us.

Distinguished guests, Ladies and gentlemen.

I would like to take the opportunity to thank the outgoing Interim Chairman, Mr Bakary Jammeh and his management team for achieving so much in only 3 months. I have followed their progress keenly. During this short time in office they have been able to move the Council’s bank balance from an overdraft GMD5 million to over GMD8m in the bank. The interim management team paid up 80% of KMC’s contribution to substantial infrastructure projects, and reduced the Municipalities debt substantially.

Mr Jammeh and team, thank you for your commitment, dedication and service to the Municipality. We will build on the work that you started.

I would also like to thank the KMC staff for their hard work in making sure that today’s event is a success.

I would like to remind you that public service requires commitment and sacrifice. We must rededicate ourselves to the residents of this municipality; to provide for its needs and create a more conducive environment for living.

I look forward to working with all those who will work with me on that basis.

Honourable Minister of Local Government and Regional Administration. I look forward to working with your Ministry to build the capacity of the KMC into an autonomous municipality that is able to deliver effective services to its residents.

A Council that eases the burden of central government, and, is an effective partner for development.

Together, we will all work towards a better KMC.

Thank you. Ramadan Mubarak. Wa Salam.

By Arfang M.S. Camara

The chairman of Gambia Center for Victims of Human Rights Violations (GCVHRV), Sheriff Kijera, has said that the government of the Gambia is not owning up to their responsibility, adding that the Gambia cannot support its victims by depending entirely on foreign aid.

Kinteh said the government should pick up their responsibility by setting up the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRRC) commissioners and not leave it in the hands of UNDP or other international organisations to provide funding for the selection of commissioner for the TRRC.

Mr. Kijera was speaking Saturday during a policy dialogue series organised by Tango on the topic: restoring the human rights and dignity of victims: Empowering victims and survivors within the TRRC.

Kijera in his words added that “denomination of commissioners in the TRRC should be the responsibility of government. What is D1 million? Whatever process the government is in, they always out holding a basket begging for funds throughout the whole world.

” That is embarrassing for our country, we have been reduced to beggars and I think we need to change that status.” He said.

He mentioned that the Gambia cannot depend on foreign aid to provide justice for its people, adding that they should setup the pace so that others can come and help, saying that it should be part of their budget.

Mr. Kijera went on to ask questions about the D80 million budget to the Ministry of Justice, D900 million budget for the Office of The President, adding that people need to look at these things as far as allocation of budgets are concern

“The youths constitute 60% of the Gambian population and the youth budget which goes with sports amounted to D68 million. What can this budget do for the youth of this country, this will rather make them engage in dangerous trips or “Back-way”. He said

He called on the Gambia government to focus on the youth by allocating more budget for them, saying that all of these are human rights violation. He added that the government is not owning up to their responsibility and that alone is human rights violation.

According to him, the government depends on tax payer’s money and that money should be utilised effectively and wisely to educate, develop and create employment opportunities for citizens.

He added that victims have been left alone for a long time now, noting that the change in the country came from the victims themselves because each and every Gambian is a victim be it directly or indirectly

He added that being self-critical does not mean one is an opposition, noting that they have to criticize their own development agendas and programs so as to make things go right. He said that part of development one must accept to be criticized so that effective and meaningful development can take place.

In what was his toughest defense of the WBC light heavyweight title, Adonis Stevenson narrowly escaped defeat at the hands of the challenger, Badou Jack. In Stevenson’s own backyard, Jack put him through one of his hardest challenges to date in a twelve round fight that will be remembered for years ahead.

Round one was a friendly encounter, each fighter sizing the other. Stevenson looked strong in rounds two and three and he threw more punches.

Jack took over in round four as he ripped through the Superman’s defense. Stevenson became visibly tired as the younger Jack kept on a relentless pummeling, fighting on the inside, as well as controlling the jab.

In the 10th round, Jack took a body shot that had him crumbled and kept him inactive for much of the round. He threw everything in the 12th round, knocking Stevenson all over the ring. The fight went to the scorecard, which had two judges ruling 114 each. One judge had it in favour of Jack.

According to most pundits, the fight was Jack’s to win. If he’d have boxed hard in the early rounds, he’d have won on points, possibly force a knockout on the aging champ.

It remains to be seen if there’ll be a rematch. James Degale has said he’s willing to fight Jack again, following their fight which also ended in a draw.

The much hyped fight between the hard hitting Canadian, and The Gambia’s own, our Olympian Badou Jack is tonight. At the weigh in yesterday, in the Superman’s own backyard of Toronto, he promised victory by knockout.

“I’m ready for anything he brings. I’m going to win.”
Stevenson has the home advantage, and he’s also the more experienced of the two, especially in the light heavyweight division. This is his ninth defense of the title, which has seen him knockout guys like Dawson and Bellew.

This is Jack’s second fight at the weight, having made an easy meal of Britain’s Cleverly in his first fight at this category. When the two traded words at the weigh in, Jack promised to rip the belt from the reigning champ. “Tomorrow, we’ll have a new WBC champ in sha Allah.”

The fight will be aired on Skysports from 2:30 am. Gambia, pray for your son.

Human Rights Lawyer, Marion Volkmann has said that security officers who knew about the 2005 killings of 50 West African migrants are still working in the new government.

Ms Volkmann who worked on several Commission of Inquiry including the trial of Habre, former Chadian President told journalists at a press conference that the alleged officers refused to cooperate with the UN and the African investigations team but she did not revealed their names.

“Some of them are still serving in the security,” Marion Volkmann said.

The Human Rights Lawyer accused Gambian authorities of destroying evidences before the UN and African investigators when they arrived in the country.

“Yahya Jammeh was a prime suspect. We know the Junglers were involved but the instructions were given by him,” she said.

The renowned Lawyer strongly emphasized the need for a political will in the country to be able to gather more evidence from the security who were involved at the time.