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As Nigeria’s Buhari 74 Declares his Intention to Run , Gambia Waits for Barrow to come clear

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As Nigeria’s Buhari 74 Declares his Intention to Run , Gambia Waits for Barrow to come clear

The news has just emerged; that Nigeria’s 74 year old president will be seeking a second term in office. He has held his cards to his chest for as long as he could, and this forced the Nigerian rumor mill to go on overdrive.
Obasanjo, also a former Nigerian head of state, and a previous ally of Buhari was the latest in a row of senior officials who have asked the septuagenarian to call it quits.

It can be recalled that, only last year, Buhari spent three months in a UK hospital, treating an undisclosed illness. Many have called for his resignation during that prolonged illness.

His APC party extolled his achievement of defeating the Boko Haram terrorist group, and his fight against corruption, and they believe he is still the people’s choice.

While Gambians await President Barrow to break his silence, it’s important to take note that Africans have more in common than differences. Is it to be three or five years? Will the president be contesting, and under which banner? Look to what Buhari does, for a near accurate guess of what Barrow will do.

It’s certainly interesting times ahead.

Commonwealth faults Gambia’s poor communication efforts

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Commonwealth faults Gambia’s poor communication efforts

A Commonwealth mission to The Gambia has faulted the efforts of the Gambia government in effectively communicating the challenges it faces to the public.
This is disclosed by a report on The Gambia, which will receive its public release on 16 April 2018 at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in London.

The report made available to this medium in advance cited:
“By January 2017 overwhelming power had been centralised in the Office of the President. The Barrow Administration has taken action to decentralising decision making. The Office of the President has not been successful, in effectively communicating with the Gambian population the challenges faced by the government, and its successes. Additionally, the security arrangements around the President have caused some resentment among the security services and reinforced the impression of foreign influence and a detached President.

“The current government deserves credit for a significant move towards a collaborative cabinet system of government. A priority has been given by the Office of the President, and the Secretary-General and Head of the Civil Service, Dawda Fadera [now Habib Drammeh], to decentralising, and in the President’s words ‘decentralize’ government away from the State House.

Ministers now make the big decisions related to their portfolios and then bring these to the fortnightly cabinet meetings. One Minister did confirm there had not been a cabinet meeting for a month prior to our visit, but in the main the system appears to be working. Of concern is the lack of gender balance within the cabinet, only four of the 18 ministers are women. With women making up more than half the population this is not sufficiently representative.”

Source: Standard Newspaper

BREAKING: UTG Law Student Currently Detained At Serekunda Police

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BREAKING: UTG Law Student Currently Detained At Serekunda Police

Reports reaching The Fatu Network has it that a UTG law student is currently detained at the Serekunda Police Station.

Our sources tell us that the student, Alieu Gako, who is also a teacher, was beaten and detained by security officers after he was found using his phone to take pictures of a police patrol car around Latrikunda. Mr. Gako was initially taken to Kololi Police Station before being transferred to Serekunda Police Station.

Students of the UTG, including the Law Student Association, have started gathering at the police station.

Meanwhile, The Fatu Network has contacted the Police PRO, Superintendent Kujabi and he promised to get back to us soon.

This story is developing and will be updated shortly.

Gunman Robs Jah Oil Petrol Station In Brikama

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Gunman Robs Jah Oil Petrol Station In Brikama

A man armed with an AK47 gun has attacked the offices of Jah Oil Brikama Petrol Station and went away with almost D2 Millions Dalasi sources say.

According to eyewitnesses at the petrol station, the man who was allegedly armed with an AK47 gun came to the station around midday and entered the office demanding money from the Sales Manager.

“He fired shots in the office,” Pa Kuyateh said.

Kuyateh who works at the petrol station said the gunman took off with three days sales money from Friday to Monday. He said the man was firing shots in the air scaring everyone to death. He added that the money stolen includes Gambian Dalasi, CFA and Euros among others.

Another source at the petrol station said the Gambian currency taken was over D800, 000 Dalasi.

The gunman after taking the money ran to a nearby mechanics shop shooting live bullets in the air scaring the people who ran for their lives. He allegedly took a car from the garage and headed towards Brikama/Serrekunda Highway. He was reportedly pursued by the security officers.

The Police Spokesperson, Superintendent David Kujabi has confirmed the report but said the matter is under investigation.

Stray Bullet Kills Woman At Brikama Firing Range

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Stray Bullet Kills Woman At Brikama Firing Range

Information reaching the Fatu Network has reported the death of one Fatou Manneh who was killed by a stray bullet at the Lance Corporal Bojang Firing Range in Brikama.

The unfortunate incident reportedly took place on Thursday, April, 5. The woman was rushed to the Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital (EFSTH) in Banjul but could not survive the injuries caused by the live bullets.

Major Lamin K Sanyang, Gambia Armed Forces (GAF) Spokesperson has confirmed the story saying the incident happened during a live firing military exercise. He added that the incident was very unfortunate and deeply regrettable. Major Sanyang posited that standard measures were taken to prevent such kind of incidents by sending press releases on the national broadcaster, GRTS and the Brikama Community Radio.

“It was an unfortunate incident,” Army PRO Sanyang said. “The woman happened to be at the wrong place at the wrong time,” he added. The military is going to launch an investigation on the matter.

Photo Credit: Ebrima Baldeh’s Facebook page

The Billboard That Has Gambians Talking

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The Billboard That Has Gambians Talking

Gambians woke up to this billboard and they cannot be more divided over anything quite like it. The police, true to their pledge for a new, reinvigorated Police force, posted numbers on the billboards, for people to call and report any suspected police corruption.

The reception has been mixed. Whereas others have praised the police, for some it cannot be more ridiculous than this. They see it as insulting and humiliating to the dignity of the police Force. “I cannot believe the IGP is doing this to his people.” One angry observer vented.

However, there’s a section of the populace who welcome the move, and see it as a step in the right direction. It seems everyone has an opinion.

What is yours?

Gambia’s Fatou Bensouda adds her Voice to Recent Escalations in The Israel Palestine Conflict

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Gambia’s Fatou Bensouda adds her Voice to Recent Escalations in The Israel Palestine Conflict

Gambia’s Fatou Bensouda adds her Voice to Recent Escalations in The Israel Palestine Conflict
The prosecutor of the International Criminal Court, (ICC) Fatou Bensouda called for an end to the violence in the Gaza Strip. Recently, up to twenty nine Palestinians have been shot by Israeli officials.

She is yet to open a case on the current case but has warned that “any new alleged crime committed in the context of the situation in Palestine may be subjected to my office’s scrutiny.”
In 2015, the ICC did open preliminary investigations into alleged crimes committed in Palestine, following it’s admission in the Court. Israel is not a member.

Bensouda promised to “record any instance of incitement or resort to unlawful force” by either side.
A preliminary examination is the earliest phase of a case at the ICC. In it, the prosecutor gathers information and studies whether crimes may have been committed, that reach the level of gravity required to open a formal investigation, and whether the court would have jurisdiction.

Bensouda is on the much coveted Time Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People. Arguably, this makes her the most powerful Gambian woman.

How To Get Good Grades

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How To Get Good Grades

Omar Drammeh

Seminole High School, FL

Dear Editor,

I will appreciate if you can please publish this piece, my peers may find it useful.

How to get good grades. (Opinion)

I would want to start this by stating that I am different from your common person. I rather listen to my judgement than that of others. I do not mean to be brash, but that is the truth.

I recommend getting ready for our atemporal time together. Now, when I was in Gambia, I did not remember getting grades at all; but in America, it is different. America is based on grades. To get good grades, a person must make sacrifices. This is what I was once told: “work now play later or play now then work later.”

I took this to heart and got a new mindset: finish what you are given. This is for parents with children around the world. To get good grades, a person must realize that things get difficult, and always will.

Miyamoto Musashi once wrote: “It may seem difficult at first, but everything is difficult at first.”

I believe that anyone can get good grades if they are obstinate about it. People must realize that the amount of time they put in is what they get in return. You cannot expect to turn in work that is not complete and get a good grade for it. If you are not ready to spend hours working, you will never truly realize the feeling of being accomplished.

If you know you are going to go to school for a while, why not just do better? I take my time when I work, there is no hurry.

Teachers should not have to teach students proper etiquette. If teachers have to work hard for students, then it is only logical for students to return the favor. I know that this is not an actual explanation on how to get good grades, but this is how I do it.

Everyone is different, and there are plenty of different ways to get good grades. I keep a mindset the whole time. One reason why people cannot get good grades is peer pressure. People feel the need to be like someone. It is fatuous to be bad. 

When I decide that I want to be like somebody, I think of morals and a conscience first. I myself have not reached the best that I can do. There is always a way to do better. I hardly even believe in the word “perfect.”

In order to get good grades people must think before getting affected by peer pressure, make sacrifices, and respect the people older than them. 

HELLO MR PRESIDENT… Has the Government Lost Control of Security…?

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HELLO MR PRESIDENT… Has the Government Lost Control of Security…?

In the past month alone, there have been reports of people being arrested with guns; and numerous murders reported in the country. Also, there have been several daylight robberies (some break-ins and others, highway attacks). This is becoming a menace and needs your urgent attention.

Last week, an American friend who is interested in the welfare of the Gambia spoke to me about her concerns over the security situation. She reported that she witnessed an attack on the Bertil Harding Highway where gunmen forcefully seized belongings of people in a vehicle and got away with it. Unacceptable!

According to my sources, these happenings have become common occurrences in the rural areas. Sometime ago, the attacks were happening in provincial Gambia. These came to a halt (or so it seemed) when the police arrested a gang in their hideaway. However, it seems now that the attacks have moved to the urban areas.

Mr President, the rate of murders in the country is alarming and the police are not equipped enough to deal with it. It is important that something urgent and decisive be done to ensure that the general public who voted you into office are assured of a solution to these increasing problems. Nothing is worse than having your loved one murdered and then not knowing whether or not the culprit will be found or not.

The government has to come up with a way to arrest these murderers and bring them to justice. We must give the security forces the training they need, and the equipment required to investigate and close cases quicker. That will also mean giving the police the needed funds. This is what will give reassurance to the public.
Another very important aspect of this solution, Mr President, is the short-term confidence that the general public needs to have in you and your government. The citizenry voted you into office and gave you all what you need to deliver. When therefore murders become common occurrence, it is expected that you come out and speak to the nation and reassure the people. Since these killings started, the public hasn’t heard from you or your Minister of the Interior.

As I have said before, the primary duty of a government is the protection of its citizens. This means that the government is responsible for providing security of the person and property of the people. That also includes giving assurances to the people periodically. It is essential for you to speak to the nation on this issue.
People are losing confidence in your government’s ability to ensure security; and you can’t afford not to have the confidence of the people who voted you into office.
Have a Good Day Mr President…

Tha Scribbler Bah
A Concerned Citizen

Sierra Leone’s APC Find Themselves in the Position of the Gambia’s APRC

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Sierra Leone’s APC Find Themselves in the Position of the Gambia’s APRC

Around the continent, there has been a spate of upsets in elections. Africans are voting out incumbents. Senegal, Nigeria, Ghana, Liberia, Gambia. They all have ushered in new governments in the past few years. It was the turn of Sierra Leone last week, and true to custom, the similarities with events in other African countries is twin like.

As in The Gambia before it, the party of the incumbent complained of voter fraud and its dragging the matter to court. The new president has been sworn in, and curfew has been observed in many places, including Makeni and Magburaka.

Police and civilians have all been treated of gunshot wounds, according to hospital sources. The Reuters correspondent in Freetown, Fofana described the transition laws in Sierra Leone as “chaotic and jungly.”

Gambians would recall, after the elections last year, when Yankuba Colley went to the American Embassy and other foreign bodies to report harassment of APRC supporters. The outgoing APC have asked to meet the new president, Mada Bio, on the attacks their supporters are enduring.

Africa, it seems, has more in common than differences.

Mama Kandeh Attacks the Coalition Government

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Mama Kandeh Attacks the Coalition Government

In one of his most scathing attacks on the Barrow government, Mama Kandeh, the party leader for GDC accused them of lying to the people. At a rally in Nawleru, North Bank Region, he labeled his opponents as “hungry, angry people.”

“All of them are busy building houses; I do not know whether, prior to coming into office, they were all renting.” Mama drummed on the abuse of public funds by government officials.

On the recurrent question of where he gets his funding from, he shouted out to his party faithful. “It’s none of their business. I do not owe any obligation to them, as they have not given me money for safekeeping.
To rapturous applause, he promised the people of Nawleru fifty bags of cement, a PA system for the masjid, and a milling machine.

Mamma, like other party leaders are canvassing votes for their councilors in the upcoming municipal elections.

The PRO of ECOMIG Forces speaks to The Fatu Network

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The PRO of ECOMIG Forces speaks to The Fatu Network

The Public Relations Officer of the ECOWAS military intervention in the Gambia, Commander Michael A. Larpi has stated that everything they do in the Gambia is part of their intervention mandate and that ECOWAS is monitoring them.

He clarified that it is not part of their mandate to interfere in the functions and responsibilities of The Gambian security forces, adding that the relationship between them and the Gambia Armed Forces is cordial. The GAF hosts them in Fajara, and they’re pleased with their hospitality.

Commander Michael A. Larpi said these words in an interview with Fatu Network, during the Senegalese ECOMIG soldier’s independence celebration at their headquarters in Fajara. Quizzed further, he aired that most of their operations is jointly conducted with the Gambia Armed Forces. “The Gambia is a sovereign nation. Both the Armed Forces and the police are working very well and our intervention in the country has not taken away their functions and responsibilities, nor interfered with them, but rather we do joint operations with them”

When asked about the duration of their stay in the country, the PRO answered that they have a mandate, and that ECOWAS has the power to extend or call it off.

“We the soldiers in the mission cannot determine when we should leave, but I believe that ECOWAS monitors progress and decisions would be based on what they advise.According to him, ECOMIG has not been given the responsibility to reform the Gambia Army, and he insisted that anything they did was in conjunction. He finally said that the ECOMIIG troops are not sponsored by The Gambia government.

Commander Larpi is Ghanaian, and he was a journalist before he joined the army.

As We Mourn Winnie Mandela, We Celebrate a Heroine You Probably Never Heard Of

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As We Mourn Winnie Mandela, We Celebrate a Heroine You Probably Never Heard Of

Africa has always had its female heroes, some were celebrated, others less so, but the tenacity of the African woman is as old as the hills. Today, we introduce Queen Nzinga.

She lived in the 17th century, in the region of what can now be identified as Angola. It was a time when the British and French were marauding for slaves. The Portuguese wouldn’t be left out. They had the whole of Brazil to supply, so they advanced deeper into Nzinga’s territory, at a time when she was only a girl.

When Nzinga’s father died, the throne passed on to her brother, Ngola Mbandi. Unfortunately, he was as weak as his sister was strong. He lost battle after another, and the Portuguese encroachment became even more pronounced. He was highly suspicious of his sister, but Nzinga wasn’t to be sidelined. She made her first remarkable achievement when she represented the kingdom in negotiations with the Portuguese.

The Governor, Mr De Sousa approached that meeting with disdain. He didn’t even offer the queen a seat, while he sat on a high chair. Queen Nzinga sidestepped the mat and asked her servants to go down on all fours, then she climbed on their backs. With one move, she set the stage in her favour, demonstrating loyalty from her subjects, the kind that Mr. Sousa could only dream of. She left that meeting having secured very favourable terms and conditions.

It is believed that Queen Nzinga learned her astuteness from her father. How do you engage with your daughters? Who are the Queen Nzingas of The Gambia?

HELLO MR PRESIDENT… The Poor Ferry Services Amount to Marginalization of the People of the North Bank region…

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HELLO MR PRESIDENT… The Poor Ferry Services Amount to Marginalization of the People of the North Bank region…

HELLO MR PRESIDENT…

The Poor Ferry Services Amount to Marginalization of the People of the North Bank region…
As I have said before, the Gambia Ports Authority is the worst service provider in this country. The Authority has repeatedly failed, woefully for that matter, to offer satisfactory services to the people of the country. The people of North Bank Region are almost cut-off from the rest of the country and find it very difficult to come to Banjul. This is a form of injustices which is harming the economy of the nation.
Last week, I traveled to the provinces and while returning, I spent more than two hours just to reach Banjul from Barra – a distance not more than four miles. This was because the ferry was not plying the sea. The only reason given by officials of the GPA is that there was low tide and that the ferry will not be able to dock safely. So, I had to join the boats like hundreds of others in the same ilk.

Now, I read in the local newspapers yesterday that because of this problem of low tide, the schedule of the ferries will change for the next week or so. According to the new schedule, the first ferry from Banjul will now leave at five thirty in the morning while the one from Barra will leave at six o’clock. Then the ferries will be out of service till 18:45. This means that during the whole day, people will be packed there without having the chance to cross, safely. The only option will be to board the rickety boats which is really not safe.

Mr President, this is not a new problem. It has been here for the past fifty-two or so years. All three government since independence have failed the people of the North Bank Region as if they are a separate country all together. No one from any other region in the Gambia suffers as much as the people of North Bank Region just to come to Banjul or the Kombos. Naturally, Banjul being the capital city of the nation – with most government services not decentralized – people from all the regions regularly have to come to the city for one reason or the other. The time being wasted by the people of the NBR just to come to Banjul could have been used productively to make money which will benefit the country.

It Is unfathomable that the Ports Authority bought these ferries without doing a feasibility study to understand what they need in order to operate efficiently. If this was done, they would have known that work needed to be done at the landing areas to ensure that whether there is low or high tide, the ferries will still be able to berth. Had Gambia Ports Authority properly managed the amount of money they collect from passengers and vehicles every day, they would have solved this problem long time ago.

As it stands, what we observe in the operations of the Authority points to either one of two things: ineptitude or economic mismanagement. If the Authority cannot run the ferries efficiently, a separate entity called Gambia Ferry Service should be created. This will be independent of the Ports Authority. Or, it could be placed under another government agency. Both these options failing, there should be a probe into the activities of the Ports Authority and the leadership sacked if found wanting. The people of North Bank Region are part and parcel of the country and should not be left behind in the development process.
Something needs to be done, and fast!
Have a Good day Mr President…
Tha Scribbler Bah
A Concerned Citizen

This Letter Will Make You Cry: The Late Winnie’s letter to Her Late, Ex Husband

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This Letter Will Make You Cry: The Late Winnie’s letter to Her Late, Ex Husband

My Husband,

I can only hope that the guards do not completely destroy this letter. I have recently been released from Pretoria central prison. They called me a terrorist Nelson; I was only doing my job, and speaking on behalf of the ANC. They kept me in solitary confinement for a year, but I never stopped thinking about you and our girls each day while I was in there. I knew that the girls were safe away at boarding school, but still I constantly worried about you. In prison, they treated me like an animal Nelson, they tortured and humiliated me. Those first few days are the worst in anyone’s life—that uncertainty, that insecurity. The whole thing is calculated to destroy you. [I was] not in touch with anybody. And in those days all I had in the cell was a sanitary bucket, a plastic bottle which could contain only about three glasses of water, and a mug. The days and nights became so long I found I was talking to myself. [My] body [became] sore, because [I was] not used to sleeping on cement. I know that your conditions at Robben Island are not much better, but my days in jail only made me stronger.

I want to fight Nelson; I want to free our people from the this government. The police continue to harass me all the time. Each day, I wonder if I will be able to return home to see our girls. Nelson, your daughters live in fear each day. They have already lost the presence of their father; they cannot lose me as well. Even though Zindzi is a year younger than Zezani, she has really taken over my role as the mother of the house.

Our girls have your heart, especially Zindzi, she talks about wanting to bring about change, and fight for your freedom and for our people. I don’t know how our girls have continued to be so strong, especially while both of us were locked away. They no longer allow me to continue my duties as a social worker, so I am only focused on my role in the ANC. My love, we are so lucky to be blessed with friends and neighbors who are helping us during this difficult time. How do the police expect me to feed our girls with no income? I am just thankful for the help from our people.

Nelson, I have had such little time to love you. But our love has survived all these years of separation so far. I long for you all the time. When I do get to have visits with you, I can only touch your hand. I want to kiss you; I want to be able to converse with you without hearing the white guards shout “Politics” to cut off our conversations. I want to watch you be a father to our children. But most of all Nelson I want to fight. I want to hurt these people, the filth and disgust that they have put us and our people through. They must pay for everything that they have done. You were right when you said “I had married trouble,” because trouble is what I am going to give them. I will continue to fight each day for our people.

Until I see you again my love,

Winnie

Yet Another Murder In The Gambia!

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Yet Another Murder In The Gambia!

Baboucarr Faal, 24, has handed himself to the Bakau Police Station after allegedly stabbing 28 year old Cherno Jammeh to death. The incident happened Thursday 4th April, between the hours of 10am-12pm in Bakau.

When Fatu Network contacted Superintendent David Kujabi, Police Public Relation officer, he confirmed the story, saying the suspect and deceased were molding blocks when a quarrel ensued between them. ‘The deceased, running from the assailant tried to scale the fence, when the attacker caught up with him.

Baboucarr is currently helping the police with their investigations. We’ll keep you updated with this story.

Armed Forces Mounts Investigations Into Mysterious Death Of a Soldier

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Armed Forces Mounts Investigations Into Mysterious Death Of a Soldier

By Omar Wally

The Gambia Armed Forces, has launched an investigation into the death of a soldier whose body was found dumped in a well in Madiyana village.

Major Lamin K. Sanyang, Gambia Armed Forces, spokesperson told The Fatu Network, that the body of Corporal Baboucarr SM Bah, was discovered on Wednesday, April 4, 2018.

Armed Forces spokesperson disclosed that the remains of Bah was taken to Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital in Banjul, adding that they have started investigations in to the matter.

The Fatu Network will keep an eye on this developing story.

Gambia College Students Complain of Deplorable Conditions on Campus

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Gambia College Students Complain of Deplorable Conditions on Campus

The college students have once again raised concerns over the poor dormitory conditions at the Brikama Campus.

“There is scarcity of mattresses at the dormitory, yet we pay the college for these services” He cried.

Students are deducted D50 Dalasi from monthly stipends of only D400 Dalasi. They complained of bed bugs and

Overcrowding, citing that up to three people share small rooms at times.

The students whined about the terrible conditions their toilets are in. Apparently, the plumbing has major issues

and it has not been fixed since. There are serious hygiene concerns.

The lady in charge of dormitories, Madame Colley, could not be reached for comment.

The CEO of GCCI blames the former President for the Bad State of Gambian Businesses

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The CEO of GCCI blames the former President for the Bad State of Gambian Businesses

By Arfang Camara

The Chief Executive Officer of The Gambia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), Alieu Secka has stated that businesses in the country have been hindered by the 22 years of dictatorship. Mr. Secka was speaking during an interview with Fatu Network at his office in Bijilo, on Thursday.

The GCCI CEO stated though, that we have come a long way since, that the environment is now more conducive to business. He harped that the signs of progress he’s seeing is an indicator of major milestones for Gambian businesses in the very near future.

According to him, one of the more apparent signs of achievements is the disappearance of fear, which means people can operate openly without apprehensions of reprisals. He however cited that a major challenge facing businesses in the country is the issue of taxation. He commended the government for the recent reduction of VAT on essential commodities including rice.

“There are still many challenges and key among them is the energy crisis.” He spoke on their mandate, and clarified that they do not receive any funding from government.

“The work we do benefits every business, big or small, because we advocate and represent businesses on a day-to-day basis, receiving investors, inquiries, meeting stakeholders and international organizations.” His great pride and satisfaction is to see businesses grow from one level to the other.

The Million Dollar Question the Ministry of Tourism Needs to Answer

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The Million Dollar Question the Ministry of Tourism Needs to Answer

The honourable minister of tourism has had many gaffes since the beginning of the year. The ministry of foreign affairs has been busy, trying to undo the damage he has made on a couple of occasions. First, it was “You Senegalese talk too much,” and a quick apology was aired, to appease our neighbours, even before they lodge a formal complaint.

Hot on the heels of that was the “If you want sex, go to Thailand.” The Thai foreign ministry raised issues with their Gambian equal, and the department had to publish another apology!

However, the ministry which should be taking issues with the Minister of Tourism is the one for Trade, Industry and Employment. The small businesses which depend on tourism have been deeply affected with the reintroduction of the All Inclusive Package. This allows the tourist to travel without any need for money, as all expenses to be incurred on holiday are taken care of by the tour operator.

As a result, the businesses in the Tourism Development Area have become dormant. Lamenting on the terrible state of their yield this season, Bakary, a taxi driver cried. “We take loans in the off season and pay when the tourist season begins, this year we’re still taking loans when the season has all but finished.”

A female vendor submitted that she pays her children’s school fees from gains made in this period, but business has been so bad she has not been able to save anything. Other small business holders in the TDA highlighted similar concerns. It can be recalled that the All Inclusive Package, after its introduction was quashed by the former president for this very reason. When money is paid, straight to the hoteliers, even the government does not benefit.

The minister of Tourism in a previous interview insists the holiday package is here to stay, as it is gaining ground around the world. In light of the harm it causes the tourism industry in The Gambia, we wonder why we have to put up with it!

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