The National Environment Agency, NEA in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Natural Resources, and the Ministry of Information will convene a press conference on Wednesday, May 10, to shed light on some of the enviromental considerations of public concern.

According to The NEA, the dialogue will center on issues surrounding the Golden Lead Factory in Gunjur, Agua Waste Treatment Center in Kotu and The Monkey Park Located in Senegambia.

Information reaching The Fatu Network has it that President Adama Barrow earns D2, 040, 000 Millions a year, ($46,000) a source at the Personnel Management Office disclosed.

It is reported that former president Yahya Jammeh’s salary was removed from the budget to hide it from the public.

The Fatu Network is privy to the salary scale of President Barrow’s executive including the Vice President and Cabinet Ministers with their per diem allowances for overseas travels and night allowances.

According to information gathered at the Personnel Management Office, the Vice President earns D562, 116. 00 Dalasi per annum ($12,500) while Cabinet Ministers earn D351, 996. 00 Dalasi per annum ($7,800)

According to documents privy to The Fatu Network, the per diem allowances for overseas travels and night allowances for local travels of the Vice President is pegged at £350 per day. The ones for the Secretary General, Ministers and Speaker of the National Assembly, Chairman PSC, Chairman National Planning Commission are pegged at £300 per day.

However, the Deputy Secretary General, Secretary to Cabinet, Chairman IEC, Ombudsman are pegged at £250 per day while Permanent Secretaries, Governor Central Bank, Director Generals, Chief Executives, Managing Directors, Ambassadors, Auditor General, NAMs, CDS, IGP, Director General NIA, Executive Director NDEA, Commissioner General and Chief of Protocol among others get £230 per day.

The officials on Grade 12 and below are pegged at £200 per day, Drivers and Orderlies get £130 per day, night allowances for all grades is D650. 00 per night.

It is reported that there is no per diem for the First Lady in the budget but the former and current First Ladies are getting per diems.

There is a Special Committee for Overseas Travels that screens overseas training with the exception of political delegates.

Meanwhile, there is growing concerns over the frequent overseas travels of government officials in the Barrow Administration.

The United States Department of State has recently released its 2017 Human Rights Report, recognizing that The Gambia’s democratic transfer of power has resulted in “significant positive changes in the human rights climate.”

The democratic transfer of power (in 2016) resulted in significant positive changes in the human rights climate. Among President Barrow’s first acts was the release of 171 prisoners from the state central prison, a majority of whom were political prisoners.  National Assembly members repealed the state of emergency declared by former president Jammeh during the political impasse a few days after Jammeh flew into exile on January 21.  The new administration made several significant efforts to create a more conducive environment for freedom of expression.  The Justice Department conceded that the country’s sedition law and some provisions (pertaining to criminal defamation and false publication on the internet) of the country’s internet law were unconstitutional.  The country previously enacted legislation making both female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C) and child marriage illegal, although deep-seated cultural norms made the full eradication of these practices difficult. Several nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) and government agencies actively publicized the newly introduced laws in local communities.

Proceedings continued against nine former officials of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) charged with the torture of protesters arrested in May and April 2016 and the subsequent killing of Solo Sandeng, an official of the UDP party; as of November their trials were underway. The government took steps towards establishing a Truth, Reconciliation, and Repatriations Commission (TRRC), led by the Ministry of Justice, to probe human rights abuses that occurred during President Jammeh’s administration. The National Assembly unanimously passed a bill in December that formally established the nine-member TRRC and outlined its composition, objectives, and functions. Also in December, the National Assembly passed a bill establishing an independent National Human Rights Commission.

The most significant human rights issues included: harsh and potentially life threatening prison conditions; arbitrary arrests; lack of accountability in cases involving violence against women, including rape and FGM/C; trafficking in persons; and child labor.

The government took steps to prosecute or punish some individuals who committed abuses.  Nevertheless, impunity and the lack of consistent enforcement remained problems.”

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

The Fatu Network has been reliably informed that some of the Presidential Advisers Appointed at the Office of the President (OP) such as the Security, Special and Youth Advisers alongside dozens of other Advisers at various Ministries are not captured in the government’s budget.

The Ministry of Interior is the latest to appoint a former Inspector General of Police (IGP) as Adviser to the Office of the Interior Minister.

According to sources at the Personnel Management Office (PMO) their salaries are not also captured in the government’s budget.

The PMO confirmed the appointments of only three Presidential Advisers and they are the Political, Religious and Business Advisers. The three advisers combined earn a basic salary of D887, 994.00 annually, which is a monthly salary of D24,666.5 for each of them.

“Nobody should be in the government system without his/her salary being in the budget,” a source told The Fatu Network.

“None of the Advisers to the Ministers are in the manpower budget,” he added.

Sources further revealed that most of the Advisers at the Office of the President including various ministries are using government vehicles, coupons and per diem among other benefits at the expense of poor tax payers.

“I don’t know who is paying their salaries,” he asked.

Recently, Mr Demba Ali Jawo, Minister of Information okayed the appointment of advisers at his monthly press briefing with local journalists. He said advisers facilitate weekly updates but does not explained whether the government is paying their salaries.

Meanwhile, the appointment of so many people in the Foreign Service without adequate resources was also raised as another concern.

By: Dawda Nenegalleh Jallow

When Jammeh arrested Lawyer Ousainou Darboe and some of his party members, most Gambians blamed Jammeh because it was termed as a political strategy to eliminate the UDP. Later that year, coalition of political parties were formed to run against Jammeh.

During their campaign, they promised to restore DEMOCRACY, work according to the RULE OF LAW and respect HUMAN RIGHTS. After one year in office, why is the Barrow government arresting youths for protesting to save their environment?

• Where is the democracy that they were preaching during the 2016 presential campaign?

– If arresting Lawyer Ousainou Darboe and co was wrong, is it right to arrest these Gungur youths?

This government only allows people to say things in their favour but if anyone says anything that’s not in their favour, they use the police to intimidate him/her. If anything is wrong during Jammeh’s era, it should be wrong in Barrow’s era too.

We don’t need any explanations. Just release the Gunjur youths as they’re exercising their rights the way Ousainou and co were doing in 2016. Let this government not be wolves in sheep clothing.

#ReleaseTheGunjurYouths

The President of the Republic, His Excellency Adama Barrow, will receive in audience members of the National U-20 Football Team at State House in Banjul, on Friday, 11th May 2018, at 6:30 PM.

The young Scorpions were crowned winners of the 2018 WAFU Cup of Nations, following a spectacular performance in Liberia. Not only were they the only unbeaten side of the tournament, they defeated the host nation to clinch the title.

In view of this, the President, although on official leave, has deemed it appropriate to personally convey his joy and congratulations to the boys on their stunning victory.

Accredited Media are invited to attend and they MUSTconfirm their attendance by 12:00 p.m. on Thursday, 10 May 2018.

By David Kujabi, Police PRO

Three Senegalese nationals are in police custody for robbery with violence. Abdoulie Saine aged 25, Modou Faye 27, and Ousman Sarr 27 were arrested after they robbed a police officer at the SerreKunda market during the hours of 01:30 to 02:00 AM.

According to the victim, Corporal Lamin Darboe a traffic officer attached at the SerreKunda Traffic Annex, he was on night duty and his brother come to pay him a visit at the station where they chatted until around 01:15AM when his brother wanted to go home. Cpl. Darboe saw him off to the car park where he boarded a taxi (town trip) to go home.

“I was walking back to the police station when after I passed the baobab tree near the Trust Bank building I noticed three men following closely behind me. One of them walked past me and I noted that he was holding a beer bottle which he broke and stood facing me, blocking my way. I asked him to allow me to go on but he refused and instead made to strike me with the broken bottle. I tried to seal off the blow with my left arm and sustained a cut on the thumb, while I struck him in the face with my right hand. Then another held me around the neck from behind and the third one joined in and they wrestled me to the ground. Knowing that I was overpowered, I stopped struggling and let them rob me of D1750, 00 and a simple TECNO mobile phone. They then kicked me several times before they leave”, Cpl Darboe narrated.

He furthered added that after they left him helpless, he got up and rushed to the PIU officers on night patrol duty around the Serrekunda black market where he reported his ordeal.

He was assigned a personnel and they hired a taxi and pursued the assailants and arrested two of them somewhere around Dippa Kunda.

The task force was dispatched in search of the third suspect who was subsequently arrested around Jaiteh Kunda Street. His mobile phone and D650,00 were recovered from them.

The United States Embassy in The Gambia congratulates the seven young Gambians selected for the 2018 Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders.

The Fellows are Mariama Barry, Aziz Bala Gaye, Awa Sinyan, Hassan Y. Jallow, Mbassey Manneh, Teslima Jallow and Anna Jaiteh.  They were selected from among almost 400 Gambians who applied for this year’s Fellowship.

These young leaders are among 700 selected from across Africa through a rigorous application process for this year’s program. They represent The Gambia’s diverse society and were all chosen for their community service, leadership, and contributions to the country’s progress.

The Gambian Fellows participated in an orientation session at the U.S. embassy on Thursday, May 3^rd.  Ambassador C. Patricia Alsup congratulated them, conveyed her best wishes that the program would have a profound impact on their lives, and urged them to apply their experience to serving their communities when they return.

The Fellows were also joined by alumni from the 2017 cohort who shared firsthand experiences and useful tips for a successful experience. They will leave Banjul for the United States next month for a six-week program at universities throughout the United States.  Please watch our social media platforms for their serialized individual introductions.

Six Gunjur youths have been arrested and charged with incitement of crime Police Spokesperson, Suprintendent, David Kujabi told The Fatu Network.

The six according to Kujabi were part of a group that dropped off a letter at the Gunjur Police Station stating plans to go on a protest against Golden Lead Company, a Chinese Fish Meal Factory which they say is polluting their environment.

Kujabi added that the police advised that the letter be taken to the police headquarters in Banjul where protests letters are issued but the group insisted on dropping it off in Gunjur where they want to hold the protest.

“They insisted saying that whether they receive a permit or not, they will go ahead with their protest” Suprintendent Kujabi said.

The Police spokesperson disclosed that Ousman Jawo, one of those arrested was found with suspected cannabis. A Gambian American who is currently on vacation is The Gambia is said to be part of those arrested.

Tukulor Sey, a Gambian activist based in The United States said the youths arrested went to the beach and read a statement condemning Golden Lead for the degradation of their environment.

“They live in Gunjur and have a right to express disgust for this. One is a US citizen who was not even part of this protest (Lamin Jammeh). The environmentalists in Gunjur refuse to be intimidated” She concluded.

Meanwhile, all the six youths arrested are currently detained at the Gunjur Police Station.

By Omar Wally

The headless body of a toddler was found in Kotu in the early hours of Friday, near Apple Tree International School.

Superintendent David Kujabi, Police Spokesperson confirmed the incident saying the matter was reported to Police Friday morning. ‘ The body was found without a head attached to it.’ The Police spokesperson told The Fatu Network

Kujabi said the body was rushed to The Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital for post-Mortem.

‘From the look of things, it seems a bald wasn’t used when the toddler was being killed‘. He added.

Information reaching The Fatu Network has it that The Gambia Revenue Authority (GRA) has closed several skill training centers across the country on allegations of tax evasion.

According to sources, Sobeya and MJ Skill Training Centers are among a list of institutions closed by the country’s revenue authority based on alleged tax evasion due to political connections with the past regime under the former President Yahya Jammeh.

Some of these institutions offer skill training courses to hundreds of young Gambians on catering, hairdressing, pedicure and manicure among others.

The Fatu Network has contacted Mr Ousman Bah, the head of Corporate and Public Affairs of The Gambia Revenue Authority to shed light on the matter. He promised to call back after talking to the Task Force on the ground.

Meanwhile, Mr Bah has not called after several days.

The Young Journalists’ Association of The Gambia (YJAG) is pleased to associate itself with the rest of the world in commemorating World Press Freedom Day, 2018. We take this opportunity to congratulate all the media practitioners in the country particularly the young journalists on this important day.

As this is a moment of reflecting on the activities of journalists across the world, be it progress made or otherwise, YJAG would like to commend the government of the Gambia for the relative free environment for the press.

We note that the government expressed the will to repeal or amending draconian media laws that have been used to suppress freedom of the press and of expression for far too long.

This has resulted to the low performance of the media in its function of holding the government to account as killings, disappearing, torturing and fleeing of highly experienced journalists during a very oppressive regime became the order of the day.

However, despite the relative free environment for journalists under the present government, colonial laws as well as those enacted by the former government to suppress access to and dissemination of information remain in the legal books.
YJAG therefore, urge the government to quickly translate its verbal commitment to press freedom into action by repealing and replacing them with friendly laws that march the international standard.

YJAG is also calling on the Gambia government to quicken the investigations process of the cases involving some journalists who were victimized for carrying out their work.
We are particularly concern with the cases involving the late Deyda Hydara, co-founder of The Point Newspaper who was gunned down in 2004 as well as that of Chief Ebrima Manneh who was disappeared since 2006.

YJAG anticipates for the new Gambia that will respect freedom of the press and see media as a partner in development.

Equally, YJAG will take this opportunity to call on media administrations across the country to look into the welfare of young journalists. This includes addressing the problem of low pay and creating conducive working environment to enable them to work conveniently.

3 May 2018 – On World Press Freedom Day, PEN International-Gambia Center, calls for the repeal of criminal defamation and insult laws. Over 150 writers and NGOs from across the African continent have joined PEN’s calls by signing a PEN petition, led by African PEN Centres, calling onAfrican states to abolish criminal defamation and “insult” laws as a matter of urgency and to release writers and journalists who have been jailed under such charges.

Many governments in Africa retain criminal defamation laws that make it a crime to say, write or publish anything that they consider defamatory or insulting. The result is a restriction of freedom of expression, open debate, political criticism and media reporting.

The writers, who include among othersNgugi wa Thiong’o, Enoh Meyomesse, Abdelaziz Baraka Sakin, Ahdaf Soueif, and Ismaila Samba Traoré, have added their names to the petition highlighting their concerns about the use of defamation laws to silence critics:

‘As African writers, promoters of literature and advocates for freedom of expression, we are deeply concerned by the continued existencein the majority of African statesof colonial-era laws, which continue to treat defamation as a criminal offence. These laws are invariably used to silence writers, journalists and others, and often carry heavy penalties, including imprisonment and political disenfranchisement.’

The petition was drawn up in response to research carried out by PEN on the continued retention of such laws in Uganda, Zambia, South Africa and Sierra Leone and the impact of the repeal of criminal defamation laws in Ghana in 2001. The research culminated in a report,– Stifling Dissent, Impeding Accountability: Criminal Defamation Laws in Africa– which found that the threat of criminal sanctions deters media investigations into and reporting of issues governments consider sensitive, such as high-level corruption, official malpractice or law-breaking, leading to censorship, facilitating official secrecy and undermining accountability.

The petition was presented to the Pan African Parliament in March, as well as the Chairperson of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights on 27 April. Watch a short video to find out more about PEN’s campaign.

For more information please contact [email protected]

MAY 3, 2018

Today, May 3, 2018 on World Press Freedom Day, The Ministry of Information and Communications Infrastructure stands in solidarity with all Gambian journalists, the Gambia Press Union and all its affiliates.

MOICI would also use this opportunity to stand in solidarity with the family of the late veteran journalist Deyda Hydara, the family of Chief Ebrima Manneh and other journalists and media workers who were victims of state sponsored abuses, violations of human rights and excesses of State power.

On this 25^thanniversary of World press Freedom Day, we are pleased to note that The Gambia has gained 22 points on the Reporters Sans Frontiers World Press Freedom Index; and that during the year 2017 there were zero recorded abuses to the rights of journalists in The Gambia.

These positive developments have been registered, as the Government of The Gambia is aware that “New Gambia” will have no meaning when the media is oppressed and information suppressed.

The new trend of a more favorable media ranking is set to improve as the pattern goes in line with our vision to creating the enabling legal environment for the protection of journalists, media workers and media freedoms.

This Government has also started implementing decisions of the ECOWAS Community Court concerning journalists and is working towards the implementation of instructions on media law reforms.

We have been quite open, transparent and consultative about these processes and we will continue to demonstrate the political will to ensure media reforms in line with international standards.

On this day, MOICI would also reiterate its commitment to the Gambia Press Union and other media actors that beyond our work on media law reforms we will also continue to engage on:

• putting in place of a self-regulatory mechanism;
• the framework for the working conditions of Gambian journalists and media workers;
• engage on media literacy and continue to push for respect for human rights and freedom of expression; advocate that journalists remain at the forefront of combatting the dissemination of misleading information or disinformation; and
• support policies that seek to address gender bias and harassment particularly against women in the media

Demba Ali Jawo

Minister of Information and Communications Infrastructure

Spokesperson of The Government of The Gambia

Email: [email protected]

Tel: +220 437 8000

By Omar Waly

Major Lamin K. Sanyang, spokesperson for The Gambia Armed Forces, has refuted claims made by a member of The Gambia Armed Forces regarding issues he and his colleagues allegedly faced during the period of a training program in Saudi Arabia.

The military spokesperson described the claims as regrettable and shocking. Take a listen to his interview.

Gone are the days, when Rasta was the fashion of only bumsters, and musicians. This hairstyle, made popular around the world by Bob Marley, is now being spotted by white collared professionals everywhere. The Gambia is having her own share of progressive intellectuals spotting dreadlocks.

Sheriff Bojang, proprietor of Standard Newspaper was one such guy. Alieu Bah of Occupy Westfield wears his proudly. Ladies are freer in their choice of hairstyle, so in offices around town, the locks is worn by a growing number of female civil servants.

Nonetheless, it is still not the norm, as most people consign “Rastamen” to the field of arts and sports. This, to a large extent is till prevalent, as Pa Lamin’s first day in class would attest. On his maiden lecture, he made sure that he was the first in class and sat behind so everyone who walks in will be visible to him. Every single student who noticed him, thought he was mistaken to be sat where he was. They knew he wasn’t one of them, nor could he possibly be their lecturer. Imagine the shock when after an auditorium of three hundred students filled up, in walked the Rastaman, and stood in the position of the lecturer. His greeting went unanswered, as they tried to figure out if he was an impostor, or a joke. For a whole minute and more, you could hear a pin drop as he introduced himself as their lecturer for Business Studies.

“What!” Are you surprised I’m your lecturer looking like this?” That was when the whole class broke into laughter and joyful pandemonium which lasted another few minutes. They have since come around to the “Rastaman Lecturer,”
but around town, most people disregard him as they assume him to be your everyday “dread”. They couldn’t be more wrong.

Pa Lamin actually did his BSC in Business Management and Marketing at the very University he now lectures in, and graduated in 2004. He then went on to study at Murray State University in the United States where he graduated with a Masters Degree. He is also the CEO of Smiling Coast Tours.

As a host of Gambians return back to do their quota on national development, there’s bound to be a few more dreadlocked professionals in the mix. So when next you see a Rastaman in town, don’t forget that looks could be deceiving. No more stereotyping.

Manifesto 2018 – 2022

INTRODUCTION

Banjul – Since its founding has been the capital of The Gambia and the commercial gateway to the sub-region. It is the financial nerve center of our country’s economy. As such Banjul is the seat of supreme authority in The Gambia -be that Executive, Legislative, or Judiciary.  The city hosts the official headquarters of all three branches of government. Banjul is also home to our only seaport and most important historical national institutions from Antiquities, Education, Healthcare, and Maritime. Sadly, the current dilapidated condition of Banjul is nothing to be cheerful about. We in the UDP feel we can do much better!

As a successful entrepreneur – a businesswoman for that matter, I pledge to use my business experience particularly the entrepreneurial skills I have learnt and used over the years to help transform this once beautiful small city into a modern one all Gambians can be proud of again. I hope to do this by harnessing all the different resources available to us. We Banjulians must work with the government of President Barrow, Private Industry, and other relevant stakeholders -whether here or outside our shores to chart an innovative and feasible strategy to open a new chapter in the history of our beloved city.

In the 22 years of APRC rule, our city was almost turned into a ghost location – desolate, unsightly, neglected, and unlivable. Like many ordinary citizens, businesses and government institutions were abandoning the city for more livable and environmentally-friendly locations outside the island, leaving us with crumbling public infrastructure. To this day, most of our roads are pot-hole infested, our buildings generally dilapidated, and our sanitation or waste disposal system inadequate and ineffective. This is disheartening and shameful!

All candidates vying for the Mayoral seat in this election must have a very honest goal to rebuild this city. My goal is therefore -at the minimum, to restore our city’s lost glory and heritage as it was in the days when my late father Alhagi Malick Lowe served as Mayor of this remarkable city that used to be the melting pot of all Gambian cultures. At this critical period of our history, the people of Banjul must come together to find solutions to the daunting and existential challenges that confront our survival as the capital of this country. We must confront these challenges with every fiber of our being for the common good.

On that note, we must challenge Private Industry to use the ethical principles of Social Responsibility to do better, and to collaborate with us to find solutions to the many daunting hurdles confronting Banjul. As your Mayoress, I will work with all businesses and institutions in this city – private or public, I will work with the day trader in Banjul or the next person who comes on a day visit on a business trip – to make it an obligation to act responsibly for the betterment of Banjul and her people. Each must take this commitment seriously because a better, prosperous and model Banjul means a better and prosperous Gambia.

VISION- Sunu Halat

Empowering the people of Banjul and Gambians that do business in the city to achieve and enjoy economic prosperity in the Capital City. Provide sustainable growth by maintaining a clean and safe City, revitalize our parks, beaches, libraries, Community Centres, and to setup Skills and Business Incubation Centres to help train young people and the next generation of leaders.

Our beloved city requires a total revamp that would attract people to do business. With a population of nearly 40000, our vision should be towards making sure this city becomes habitable and attractive for people to visit. Recent stories about poor sewage system and avoidable floods during the rainy season are all signs that this city needs to be revamped.

MISSION – Legaye Jotna

To lead a historic march to the seat of Mayor of Banjul by harnessing the support of every Banjulian particularly the women and youths that would bring about the much-needed change that will enhance the lives of the people of our capital city. It is our sincere commitment to make Banjul a shining example for all by bringing together people from diverse sectors, background, and political perspectives, even if the only thing they have in common is the cardinal belief that Banjul belongs to all, and her development is a collective endeavor.

Fifty-three years after independence and currently hosting its third President, Banjul has less than forty thousand inhabitants, but a high percentage of that population are youths.  As a result, much work is needed to prepare and stage Banjul for future generations to come. I believe it will take leadership, vision, and a committed individual with capacity to be at the helm of office to ensure Banjul does not fall short of its potential.

I Rohey Lowe also believe that I have the ideas, the vision, the commitment, and the leadership qualities to make Banjul become the best Capital city in West Africa, and likewise to ensure Banjulians – especially the most disadvantaged like the women and youth to have access to their fair share of available economic opportunities.

Given the multitude of challenges faced by Banjul, and consequently Banjulians, it will take a committed individual, and a holistic approach to tackle these myriad issues which is why I have laid out some plans to take up the challenge.

Banjul City Council under my leadership will be an all-inclusive but accountable – people focus agenda-driven environment where priority to attempt and resolve problems faced by Banjulians shall be high on our agenda.  Our unique location has made Banjul a center of business attraction and my plan to tap into this Competitive Advantage has the potential to yield big dividends.  My major, (but not exhaustive) areas of focus to bring Economic development to Banjul are as follows:

YOUTH EMPOWERMENT-XALEL DAI MAGGA

The youth population in Banjul is relatively large, dynamic and does constitute the most important segment of our resource base. It is therefore our commitment to pursue every opportunity available to us, and in collaboration with the GOTG, to provide directly, or incentivize independent skills training institutions to provide training for our youths to acquire skills in Business and Finance, Computers and Information Technology, Carpentry, Auto Mechanics, Metal work, Welding, Masonry, construction, and other Vocational skills. Those who excel in High and Secondary schools will benefit from scholarship programs. My office will setup a Community Service Program that will be aimed at helping disadvantaged youngsters. Through Our “BANJUL for ALL” approach, we will endeavor to help find opportunities by initiating the following:

1. We will focus and place priority on helping school dropouts regardless of cause. We will setup mentorship programs for students pursuing vocational training programs at skills training centers and help them with job placement once they satisfactorily complete their programs.
2. We will coordinate with local schools and businesses to start job mentoring programs for our youth. We will explore and find opportunities where youths can enroll to become teachers or other desired professions
3. We will initiate or assist in existing support and or counseling services for youth in their communities
4. Endeavor to sponsor, find sponsorship, or co-sponsor computer clubs for youths without access to computers to reduce the digital divide.

With a well-trained and skilled workforce, Banjul youths will be able to network with their counterparts in the sub region, the continent and the world at large for mutually-beneficial business and other opportunities.

WOMEN EMPOWERMENT- JIGAIN NII BANJUL

Women are key contributors to the Banjul economy.  They are involved at all levels in both the private and public sectors. Women are a major driving force in the private sector. They are the backbone of private sector businesses ranging from street vendors, market retail, to medium-size business enterprises.  In the public sector, women hold many important positions of responsibility both at the city level and nationally.  The Banjul public sector woman occupies a vital space where she works to make crucial decisions in the existing social and professional environment thus creating an all-new paradigm while advancing her own career at the same time. My vision is to work hard, and hand-in-hand with my beloved sisters to improve the status of the Gambian woman in the public workforce as well as in the business community.  I will work with Ward Councilors to pass legislation at the City Council to ensure:

• Women get equal pay for equal work in both the public and the private sectors;
• An increased rate of female participation in educational and other training programs, as well as in formal sector employment;
• The creation of incentives for the informal sector which employs most of the female labor force;
• The number of Maternity Leave days with full pay for pregnant and lactating mothers in the work force is maximized.
• In collaboration with other private sector actors like Reliance Financial services, create a women’s credit Union to help small businesses access loans and startup capital.

A vibrant Banjul sitting at the mouth of the Gambia River which empties into the Atlantic Ocean can immensely benefit from spoils of the river in the forms of fishing and other aquatic activities.  The Banjul woman will be empowered to actively engage in the fishing industry not only for subsistence purposes, but to be key players in commercial fishing including the fish export business.  The goal is to have ambitious Banjul business women working in tandem with inspired Banjul youth for profitable business ventures that will create employment. Given the challenges in the fishing industry due to the high number of fishing licenses historically issued to non-Gambians, we will work with the government to put in place a new system that will protect the interest of our citizens and allow Banjulians to reap gainfully from the fishing industry. We will work for the Banjul fishing community to secure assistance in acquiring appropriate commercial fishing equipment and gear ranging from boats to nets. We will also endeavor to build supporting structures like ice storage facilities, and a modern fish market to help our fishermen and vendors sell to both local and outside customers.

HEALTHCARE-WER GU YARAM

The maintenance or restoration of the health of the body and mind remains a pivotal pillar in the livelihood of all people.  Providing better healthcare and a sustainable system is a key responsibility and remains one area among others that citizens look up to their national government for effective delivery. Whilst the task to ensure better healthcare service for the people is huge and complex in nature, and that the responsibility thereof lies primarily with the national government, City government participation can be of immense help.  Banjul is home to the country’s main healthcare facility (EFSH) which provides outpatient services and major operations for patients across the country. The Mayor’s office will engage key institutions and the community we serve to contribute in the following ways to ensure a cleaner and healthier environment for our people;

1. Collaborate with the Ministry of Health so that the children of Banjul will get proper medical attention especially for required immunizations and the taking of common preventive childhood medications like drafts commonly known as NANDAL
2. To introduce a proper Birth Record system in the City with strong follow-up scheme that will ensure all children reaching school age, are traced and enrolled in school.
3. Support our hospital and clinics that are within the city by networking with our twin cities overseas for assistance and idea-sharing.
4. To engage the central government to initiate a complete overhaul of the sewer and drainage system in Banjul to help curb and prevent stagnant water-borne diseases – a major source of general ill-health and the chronically high incidence of malaria in the city.
5. We will embark on sensitization campaigns on how to keep our city clean by educating ourselves on proper sanitary practices and waste disposal.
6. To ensure that Council allocates disposal bins all over the city to prioritize refuse collection

MUNICIPAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE FUNCTION

Garbage collection in public places will be carried out effectively under my administration especially at the market where consumables are sold. We will build enough toilets and pipe-borne water taps. We will also increase concrete vendor slabs to accommodate vendors who otherwise display their goods on the ground.

Administratively, for the market to operate effectively, we will revisit the composition of the Market Committee and the role they play in overseeing the day to day operations of the market.

The Committee will be an independent body elected by a congress comprising of members of the various sub-committees representing the market vendors.  We will set in place such practices that will help in:

• Banjul becoming a clean and safe city for all to work, live, learn, and do business in.
• Assuring the provision of clean and safe drinking water
• Prevention of flooding and storm water runoff
• Introduction of green ways- by planting trees and rehabilitating our roads in the Capital city and sprucing up our beaches for leisure and recreation.
• Introducing a modern and effective revenue collection system with best accounting practices
• Innovative municipal business tax breaks
• Trash and recycle collection and disposal
• Revitalizing our historic roots to encourage tourism

To make the city of Banjul environmentally friendly, we will do everything possible to minimize the amount of accidents and pollution caused by container-trucks coming in and out of the city.

Pollution is a health hazard that must be dealt with but only through regulation in line with the Local Government Act and the support of the police. To this end, we will carry out negotiations between Council, the community and truckers for an optimal solution.

In relation to infrastructure, we will continue the process of engaging Central Government to rehabilitate major roads in Banjul. At the same time, Council will put requisite effort in improving the quality of feeder roads especially those that have completely eroded.

SPORTS – NDAM YI CI TAGGAT YARAM

Council will pay needed attention to the importance of sports and its socio-economic impact which is ever-increasing. We cannot over-emphasize the effects sports have on health and social cohesion. If given the chance, Sports will be further integrated in our urban lifestyle under my watch. We will work on having a clear and robust sports policy at the municipal level. This policy will center on devising ways of continuously upgrading sports facilities in the city and their maintenance. Council will revisit the Secondary School Sports issue with the aim of playing an active role in organizing and sponsoring competitions in this category.

The council will work with all the Banjul Sports Committee in providing the necessary financial and moral support towards developing sports in the capital. A specific budget will be catered for the local Nawettan competition and all other recognized sporting activities.

EDUCATION

Education is a vital component of any meaningful development agenda. Banjul cannot recover from its current condition without building a viable and robust education system. Banjul City council under my leadership will partner with the ministry of education with the help from public and private business enterprises to look into our current dissolute educational institutions with the objective of finding a solution to give an immediate facelift to our schools. A simple walk from Gambia Senior Secondary School to St’ Augustine’s, St’ Joseph’s through Crab Island Junior Secondary school is all that is needed to see firsthand the kind of disservice and negligence done to those learning institutions during the past 22 years of the last government. They have become an eye-sore to the general public. But things will change! Under my leadership, the city will prioritize the revitalization of our school systems to the standard of envy within the country and outside. We have no other option but invest and reverse the current trend; it is unsustainable!  The future of this great city lies on us to ensure that our children receive the best education. Consequently, we cannot achieve this monumental objective without investing.

Here is what I intend to do to ameliorate this current situation:

1. During the first three months of my administration, I will constitute a Task Force to be duped “The Race for Excellence Begins in our Learning Institutions.” the members of which SHALL all be residents of this City, and it will consist of five individuals. Those selected to be in this committee will have characters beyond reproach and will have the vision to do for our children more and even much better than our parents did for us.

1. The Task Force will work with the Ministry of Education to map out a workable strategy to rebuild all the schools in the capital.
2. The Task Force will reach out to both Public and Private Institutions to take part in the development of the schools through the fulfillment of their corporate social responsibility objectives.
3. They will have the mandate to work with all the school administrators in Banjul from Kindergarten to Tertiary institutions to brainstorm in finding lasting and progressive solution to the current problem. We believe that if we all work together, put ideas together and focus on the development of our children and their learning environment we will undoubtedly produce future leaders capable of running the affairs of this city and the country at large.
4. In the spirit of investing in our children for a better city, my administration will create a scholarship program to sponsor the most outstanding students from Junior Secondary School through undergraduate level. The modalities of this scheme will be worked out by the task force. We have to look into the totality of a child to be able to respond to his/her needs as productively as possible. The purpose of this scholarship scheme will be to motivate achievers by encouraging learning and scholarship for the future of Banjul depends on them.

My administration will encourage an open-door policy of ideas where citizens are encouraged to contribute whatever resources they may have to uplift the image of this great city. We would allow them to freely engage the counsel on all matters affecting the city be it Education, Health, Infrastructure, Job creation, Women and Youth empowerment etc. We will also engage the great sons and daughters of Banjul to see how best they can invest in developing the city, Banjulians like Tapha Njie can be encouraged to invest in affordable housing projects in Banjul for civil servants and others with business interest in Banjul, this will help revitalise both infrastructure and social engagement in Banjul.

INFRASTRUCTURE, REFUSE COLLECTION AND DRAINAGE SYSTEM

Drainage, refuse collection and general infrastructure maintenance is a key priority area in Banjul, with the rains approaching it is important that efforts are made both short and long term to address these key issues. We will work with central government, key developmental institutions and investment partners to tackle the issue of drainage, street lights, refuse collection and facelift of key infrastructure. We will do the following:

1. immediately task engineers to do a feasibility study on the drainage system that would present an informed and well costed project proposal for Gamworks, UN and other key investors to help in this area.
2. we will empower our councillors to set up teams at ward level to organise cleaning and community sensitisation programs to help with waste disposal, rates payments etc.
3. set up a steering committee towards ensuring the cleansing services are managed by Banjulians with the full participation from the dedicated youths.

ACCOUNTABILITY AND GOOD GOVERNANCE

After 22 years of neglect from the APRC, the situation in Banjul requires a sincere and committed response from any person elected as Mayor or Mayoress. My election to the post of Mayoress will always be regarded as a social contract between myself and the people of Banjul. It is for these reasons that I make the following pledge in the areas of accountability and good governance:

• I will operate an Open-Door Policy by making sure that there are quarterly meetings with representatives of the Ward Development Committees.
• I will publish annual report to list out the activities of the council andhighlight all forthcoming programmes.
• In this era of Information Technology, the Banjul City Council will have a user-friendly website to ensure the easy dissemination of information
• I will establish an effective complaints bureau charged with the task of receiving reports from the electorate about poor delivery of services
• I will make sure that there is regular audit to show the effective utilization of the council’s financial status.
• All elected officials will be required to declare their assets before assuming office.
• I will maintain a Zero tolerance for corruption and maladministration by setting up a hotline for Banjulians to alert authorities about any unlawful activities.

CONCLUSION

Since my election to the office of Mayoress is one of a social contract with the electorate of Banjul, I do not intend to tolerate, entertain and anticipate a honeymoon period. Instead, it would be one of which requires immediate positive response to the prevailing circumstances affecting the people of Banjul. Therefore, the first order of business if I am fortunate to be elected will be to undertake a comprehensive independent assessment of the city’s finances to accurately establish the city’s tax base, revenue streams and expenditures. This is important because in order to address the very urgent needs of the city, we have to have a good and verified understanding of our resource position, and where we find leakages we cement them immediately and reform our entire operational structure to better deliver services and serve our community.

Secondly, on the same theme of the assessment and stabilization of our finances , I will  on my first day in office engage the central government and specifically the Ministry of finance on the urgent need for the settlement of property tax liabilities of the central government that alone stands in excess of D7million as well as press for GRA to return the truck garage back to the city which Banjul had always operated and is an important revenue stream generating millions that the city can better utilize . I will make a similar case for the NRA to let the city regain its billboard advertisement to help defray the monthly D1.5million electricity bill from Nawec a large portion of which is from the expensive street lights from Denton Bridge to State house.

The third priority will be to address the utterly unacceptable sewage and sanitation condition of the city. I will work with the newly elected council to designate the situation a “Public hazard” and mobilize resources to purchase new trucks, solicit private sector support to work with residents at the ward and home level to ensure garbage is appropriately collected and disposed off as an urgent short term measure while we draw up a longer term waste management strategy that would be built on sustainable, modern and efficient planning and operation.

The fourth priority for me as mayor will be centered on helping the youth and women get education, skills training, jobs and entrepreneurship opportunities. A modern city has to have a job base for its residents and as home to the nation’s commercial hub and central government, I intend to engage both the private sector and government in specific ways to ensure our people have the requisite skill sets to compete for and get jobs as well as create their own businesses and those already in business to grow and hire more people.

To this end, I solemnly make this pledge that my candidature for the office of Mayoress is primarily geared towards contributing towards the redevelopment of this once unique and special city of The Gambia