State House, Banjul, 3^rd April 2018 – President Adama Barrow had briefings from Higher Education, Basic and Secondary Education and Information ministries on activities related to  the implementation of the  National Development Plan 2018-2021.

Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education gave an overview of the school going age based on the lasted census figures of 2013 and elaborated on the efforts to align gender disparities and rural urban divide by reducing access to schools from 3 kilometers to 2 kilometers.  The other issues raised in the presentation included quality of education and retention of girls to complete the cycle of basic and secondary education.

The Higher Education ministry focused on scholarship awards at tertiary institutions, regional distribution of Centers of Excellence and prioritising professional specialisation.  It gave priority to capacity development and Institutional strengthening such as transforming The Gambia College and Management Development Institute –MDI to universities.  Technical Vocational Education training is decentralized at the regions.  The Higher Education Ministry also has plans to work with the private sector on the needed skills.  It took innovative steps to fund higher education.

The Ministry of Information and Communication technology outlined it strategies with targeted timeframes to enhance e-government, Cyber security and liberalise the international gateway. It also reported on progress on a National Information and Communication Policy and strategy.

President Barrow commended the ministries and urged them to improve.  He added that the NDP is the guide to all government sectors and they should work to achieve its targets through innovative means.

The group presentations were followed by comments and contributions on the state of alignment of the sectoral policies and plans in line with the NDP.  It also provided opportunity to monitor the coordination of sectoral activities on cross cutting issues and cabinet decisions.

The three briefing sessions were witnessed by Vice President, Fatoumata Jallow-Tambajang, Secretary General, Habib Drammeh and technical staff from the Office of the President and the Ministries. The Secretary to Cabinet, Ebrima Ceesay moderated the meeting.

I welcome the increment in transport allowances for the civil servants in the 2018 budget. This is long overdue as there has been no increment in salaries which are the poorest in the sub-region. Salaries in the Gambia are so low that it is virtually impossible for someone to live a decent life with it. Perhaps this is one of the reasons why we see corruption seemingly on the increase.

Thus, when it was announced in the 2018 budget that there will be an increment in the transport allowances, civil servants received it with joy and some form of contentment. However, the distribution is very unjust and should be revisited. According to the current distribution format, civil servants of Grade One through to Grade Nine receive a transport allowance of D1500 (one thousand five hundred dalasis); those in Grade Ten receive an amount of D2000 (two thousand dalasis). Directors, deputy permanent secretaries, permanent secretaries receive D8500 and D10, 000 (ten thousand dalasis) respectively.

One can see that this is far from being just and equitable. One can understand that there cannot be equality as the responsibilities vary very much from one civil servant to the other, but there can – and has to be – equity in the increment. Transport is transport whether one is an ordinary civil servant of Grade Three or a deputy permanent secretary of Garde Twelve, they both use the same means of transportation. They pay the same fares if they don’t have a car or buy the same amount of fuel if they do.

It is unfathomable therefore that there is a three hundred and twenty-five percent difference between those in Grade One to Nine and those categorized as directors, deputy permanent secretaries and permanent secretaries. For instance, we know that some senior masters in schools and principals are in Grade Twelve, but they do not enjoy what those categorized as directors, DDPSs and PSs enjoy. All these are civil servants and their work is as important to the nation as the work of the others. Why then do some civil servants receive two thousand and others receive eight thousand dalasis? This is a form of injustice that has to be addressed immediately!

No nation can develop without the input of the ordinary workers. It is the ordinary workers that generate the income of the nation, generate the goods and services to be utilized by the citizens and thus, they deserve to enjoy the fruit of their labour to the fullest. The top officials cannot – should not – be allowed to formulate policies which are only for their own benefits to the detriment of the common man. It is high time we recognized the contribution of these people and treat them equitably, if not equally. The alternative is a recipe for instability. As it is said, peace is not the absence of violence but the presence of justice. If we want peace, we must ensure justice and fairness!

Have a Good Day Mr President…

Tha Scribbler Bah

A concerned Citizen

The National Assembly Member for Serekunda West, Madi Ceesay, has vowed to initiate summoning of the Gambia government before the national assembly if it fails to immediately launch an independent inquiry into the awarding of the country’s national documents to Semlex.

“My position in the whole saga is that the government should have a private inquiry into the awarding of the contract. But if they insist that they will not comply, I can rely on the national assembly executive powers on section 77 subsection 4 to summon the ministry responsible,” he told journalists recently at his Manjai residence.

By Tal Kopan, CNN

CNN’s Laura Koran contributed to this report

Police Public Relations Officer, Superintendent David Kujabi has confirmed the arrest of a man in his mid twenties allegedly caught with a gun at a local hotel Thursday night.

The man whose identity is yet to be disclosed was arrested by police after his backpack carrying the said gun was searched.

The police PRO could not tell The Fatu Network if the man has any security background. “Investigations are still going on, we are not able to provide information as at now” The Police PRO said.

Superintendent Kujabi could not also tell us the type of gun the man had and if it was loaded or not. He could not also confirm to us if the man was planning on booking a room at the said hotel or not.

The man was found at Djembe Hotel, where the commission probing into the financial dealings of former Jammeh Jammeh and his associates is currently being held.

Meanwhile, an observer told The Fatu Network that the police did a great job in searching and arresting the man. He commended them for a great job.

By World News Daily Report

A 36-year-old woman from Michigan has made a crashing entrance into the Guinness Book of World Records yesterday at the Harper University Hospital by giving birth to her 14th child all born from different fathers.

According to the internationally recognized authority on the cataloging and verification of world records, Anita Sullivan has just become the first woman in recorded history to conceive children with more than thirteen different men.

“I’m extremely proud to have broken a World Record,” Ms. Sullivan told reporters. “My mother always told me that I was lazy and worthless, and that I would never accomplish anything in my life. Now, I’ve shown everyone that she was wrong, and that I can even be the best in the world when I put my mind to something. In fact, I’ve just accomplished something that no one had done before!”

Anita Sullivan says she’s been unlucky with relationships in the past, but she believes that this time she may have found the man of her life.

“I’m good at having babies, but I’m really awful when it comes to picking the fathers of my children,” says the young woman. “This time, however, I think I’ve learned from my past mistakes. Ramón isn’t like all the jerks I’ve dated before. We’ve been together for almost a year and a half, and I really believe it could work between us.”

Ms. Sullivan’s thirteen other children were all present at the hospital to meet their new sibling. They were all extremely proud to hear that their mother had broken a Guinness World Record, and posed happily for the 2017 edition of the book.

After their meeting with Ms. Sullivan, the representatives of Guinness opened a second investigation concerning the record for the number of child support pensions received by one person.

The Detroit native is already the beneficiary of pensions paid by 11 different men and is implicated in two other custody cases which should proceed before the family court over the next two months.

The investigation should be over by the month of March 2016 and Guinness will then be able to tell if Ms. Sullivan holds a second World Record or not.

By Arfang M.S. Camara

The Gambia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) led by its President, Prince Adetokunbo Kayode SAN.

The MOU is aimed at encouraging, promoting and facilitating trade cooperation among the business communities of The Gambia and Nigeria. The President of the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) visited the Gambia at the invitation of the Gambia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI)

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Chief Executive Officer of The Gambia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), Alieu Secka said the invitation is to establish a practical framework for the development of stronger trade relationship between the Gambia and Nigeria, and to set forth the procedures of cooperation, which he said can enhance the implementation of reciprocal trade objectives.

For his part, President of the Abuja Chamber of Commerce Prince Adetokunbo SAN, used the occasion to address the Nigerian banking and business community in Banjul, during which he stressed the importance of more business activities between countries in the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) sub-regions, saying it would help lift the people out of poverty.

While exchanging views with the GCCI CEO and its council members, Prince Kayode stressed the need for all of Africa to key into the new Continental Trade Free Zone (CTFZ), Africa free trade agreement in order to expand intra African businesses.

He pointed out that the new dispensation will mark a turning point in the way they do business among themselves.

“A vast market such as Africa’s should be harnessed for the overall benefit of our business communities in our respective countries,” he said.

Under the agreement, it is expected that both parties shall coordinate their activities in order to establish and expand a trade network, facilitate business opportunities, collaborate in logistics matters, assist each other in organizing or participating in trade fairs, exhibitions, conference, seminars and other similar activities in particular in areas like tourism, education, oil and gas, construction, agriculture and technology.

By Fatou Sowe

Words in the streets within the urban settlements of the Gambia has it that the prices of basic commodities such as rice, cooking oil and vegetables are on the increase. As a result, this reporter went out and about the gauge people’s reaction on the issue.

At Serekunda market, Isatou Faal a housewife, has this to say.

“I understand that the whole world is experiencing hardship and the Gambia is no exception, however the hight cost of living for my family is gradually becoming difficult as a result of this issue. I urge the government to do something because Ramadan is approaching and if this continues my husband would find it difficult to make ends meet for the family.”

For her part, Ramatoulie Bah a vendor at Sinchu Alhagie said she is a petty trader through which she meets her financial needs and that of her young family.

“ I have been in business for more than 5 years but my experience this year is not encouraging because not only are imported goods expensive, but vegetables that are cultivated in the country are sometimes more expensive than the imported ones.

Alieu Jeng a shop owner in the Coastal Road market revealed that it is normal for the prices of goods to go up mostly at this time of the year and such has become a trend in the past years.

“In my opinion I think those complaining are the lazy ones who expect government to feed them. I urge people especially the youths to work rather than blaming the government or businessmen for their failure to work and earn a living.”

By Musa Bah

The fact that ID cards have not been issued in over a year in the Gambia is a problem that sheds bad light on the government of the Gambia. Firstly, it represents a sort of a hangover from the very high dosage of ineptitude and corruption that was forced down our throats by the previous government. The fact that the contracts that were signed by the government with Semlex were certainly not good for the country suggests that someone simply wanted to benefit from such contracts at the detriment of the nation.

Then, this same government – because they had been made to believe that Pristine Company was better for the country (and perhaps someone would have benefitted hugely) – made them sign another one with them (Pristine). This led to a court case being filed against Government of the Gambia for breach of contract.

The contract signed with Pristine Company stated, among other things, that it will last for five years. During these five years, they were supposed to train personnel from the Gambia Immigration Department so that at the end of the period, those officers will take over from them. Apparently, they were not training anyone and in fact, our Immigration officers were not allowed anywhere near the printing facility. This shows that both Pristine Company and the Immigration Department failed to serve the interest of the Gambian people.

Pristine Company cannot – should not – sign a contract that they will train Gambians and then refuse to do so. The Immigration Department also failed inasmuch as they would have known after a year or two that their officers were not getting the training. They should have raised the alarms early in the game. But, they didn’t, or so it seems. Someone has got to answer for this.

Now, the new Government is stuck in between Semlex who have a valid contract, they say; and Pristine Company, who reportedly have our data and are unwilling to release it to be used by someone else. This is ridiculous! Meanwhile, Gambians are going around with no ID Cards. This is a woeful failure on the part of our governments – both past and present.

It was learnt during the investigation for this writeup that there are people within the Immigration Department who have the expertise to produce this ID Card much like how the Gambia Police Force are issuing the Drivers’ License on their own. Besides, if a foreign company produces these national documents, it means they have all our information at their disposal and who knows what can happen to it (or the country) in this age of hackers, black and white? It is high time we started depending on our little expertise and resources rather than always looking outwards for our needs.

How can a whole government be unable to issue national documents for a whole year or more? When we vote a government into office, it is with the understanding that they will do any, and all thing necessary to ensure that they give us the best goods and services. The issuing of National ID Cards has very serious security implications and should be handled with extreme care, caution and due diligence.

Government must step up and find a way of solving this problem once and for all, for all.

#ForTheHomeland

By Sana Sarr

This video of “Yayi Ministerre”, a famous “promoter”, known for advertising various products on television, has been making the rounds on social media. The woman has advertised everything – butter, mayonnaise, mobile phone companies – she has done it all. She’s even advertised competing brands of the same commodity. As a result, those familiar with her were not really surprised that she would treat our naive head of state as a commodity to gain favors. You can’t knock her for her hustle. What i found revealing, comical and tragic, all at the same time, was that the glaring ridiculousness was obvious to almost everyone who has heard it, except the one and only target of the “419” scam. First suggested by the look of appreciation on his face, and later confirmed by his response, we see that President Adama Barrow aka Prophet Moses aka Prophet Adama aka “The Chosen One”, gobbled it all up – hook, line and sinker. Rather than get angry at him, I felt sorry for him for his inability to catch the following clues in the video.

1. None of the people in the background could even bear to look directly at the two having a conversation. They’re all aware of what’s going on, but could not do much to stop it, so they sat there and tried to pretend that it was some fairytale taking place in a fictional time and place they weren’t a part of.

1. Notice guy in white, behind Yayi Ministerre. Dude is trying so hard to maintain a straight face, but you can tell he’s dying with laughter. Already suffocated by the smell of BS, he’s thinking “Merr bii mor Muna mewe!”

1. The man in black is so embarrassed that he covers his face with his hand… or was he trying to shield his face from getting hit with all the bullsh*t flying around?

1. The ladies sitting the at back are giggling and having a funny conversation as they listen, probably saying, “Maybe we should tell him he’s fit enough to play for Arsenal and he’ll buy it.”

1. The only time anyone in the picture showed approval was when “the chosen one” stated that Gambia will never have another dictator. Dr. Isatou Touray finally had an opportunity to reveal what was going on in her head the entire time. She nodded so hard that Isatou Njie Saidy would have been jealous of her had that been Yaya Jammeh speaking. “You can buy into this nonsense all you want but you best not believe we’ll sit by and watch you become a dictator. I’ll be the first one to strangle you with my head tie!” – is what Dr. Touray’s nods said!

1. This one is not so obvious from the images in the video but it should not be lost to anyone familiar with our culture and the relationship between praise-singers and the ones they praise. It’s quite common for leaders to be praised, but the praise-singers take the time to learn about them and speak highly of their parents and their lineage. They speak of how you come from a long line of praiseworthy people. The fact that Yayi Ministerre chose to fabricate praises based only on the names of the COLLEAGUES of “The Chosen One”, rather than his FAMILY, says a lot. It can be seen as a suggestion that she could not be bothered to take the time to go learn about his family, or that she did her research and concluded that his family are not worthy of her praise. Either proposition would have been demeaning to most in the culture, if only they realized it.

1. Also lost in the video is the fact that at the time it was recorded, the nation’s doctors were still on a sit-down strike. Since he took office over a year ago, our president has not had time to visit any schools or hospitals, but he has had time to take a stroll to the market to shop for some catfish, and time to sit down to be serenaded in fabrications of blasphemous proportions.

The Takeaway

It’s obvious that the man is naive and gullible. While we can laugh and crack jokes about this on a personal level for him, it’s sobering to remember the huge responsibility and power in the position he holds. If little Yayi Ministerre, cooking up simplistic cock and bull stories is appreciated for building him castles in the air with nothing but a bunch of Arabic names, it’s worrisome to imagine how easily our “chosen one” can be manipulated by professional con artists, seasoned businessmen and experienced diplomats at the detriment of The Gambia.

With his response, it’s obvious that our president has actually started to believe that he is indeed “the chosen one”, who, as he reminded us, was chosen by God almighty Himself, and “in less than 3 months,” HE (not the Gambian voters), “removed a dictator of 22 years.” This delusion was started by none other than his “political father”, Lawyer Darboe, when, at a Town Hall meeting in NYC, he likened Barrow to Prophet Moses delivering the Jews to the promised land. Now “Moses” has grown wings to fly and you can rest assured that Gambians like Yayi Ministerre will continue to provide fodder to feed the ego. As the Mandinka saying goes “Niyae la mbiroo kuluu, jang naa beh moe boye la, asee folow boye” …. Or the Wolof saying “lu waaye rendi, sa loho lai naacha.” I hope we all take heed and do what we can to tame candle before it turns into an inferno!

“Doff ken duko neh yaa morm hewe bi. Dangkore neh chi nga borka.”
You don’t tell a lunatic that he owns the party. You tell him he’s just an invitee. – Olof Njie

Police in Gunjur have invited Dr Amadou Scattred Janneh, a human rights activist and leader of The Liberal Alliance Party, for questioning.Dr. Janneh is expected to report to the Police station Thursday, March, 29 at 10am.

Over the week youths and activists in Gunjur led by Dr Janneh removed a waste pipe being used by the Chinese fishmeal processing factory, Golden Lead. The pipe is said to be pumping waste into the sea at Gunjur Beach.

When Fatu Network contacted Dr Janneh, he confirmed his invitation by the police in his home town, Gunjur.

‘ The invitation is in connection with Golden Lead factory pipe removal.’

The Fatu Network will keep you updated.

Press Release:  Government Spokesperson Clarifies On Semlex, Other Issues

28^TH March 2018

Due to consistent inaccurate media reports brought to the attention of the Spokesperson of The Government of The Gambia, the Minister of Information and Communications Technology wishes to clarify that:

Ministry of Justice

Further to news reports that the Semlex Contract was aborted, the Minister of Justice and Attorney General has confirmed that the contract between the Government of The Gambia and Semlex has not been aborted.

As indicated by the Spokesperson of the Government of The Gambia during the last press conference, the company was invited by the Government of The Gambia for a re-negotiation and review of some of the provisions in the existing contract.

These negotiations have been concluded and plans are underway for the implementation of the Biometric Identity Cards to start soon.

Ministry of Transport, Works and Infrastructure

The Ministry of Transport, Works and Infrastructure project funds for the Basse-Fatoto-Koina and the Basse and Fatoto bridge projects totaling US$75 million is a grant and not a loan, as reported.

Ministry of Interior

The Ministry of Interior has expressed concern over the frequency in the use of weapons to commit crimes, theft and burglaries as such, the Ministry of Interior wishes to inform the General Public that the Gambia Police Force will, with immediate effect and within the ambit of the laws of The Gambia use all powers vested in it to combat violent crimes.

The Ministry of Interior also calls on Gambians to compliment the Government of The Gambia’s efforts to reduce crime by cooperating with and sharing relevant information with the Police, where and when necessary.

Foreign Affairs and Gambians Abroad

Further to the statements of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad (MoFA) television appearance on the stance of the Government of The Gambia on the deportation of Gambians from the United States of America, last Friday, March 23, the Spokesperson would like to reiterate that all sovereign states have the right to determine who comes in and or stays in their countries

The Government of The Gambia further urges Gambians resident in other countries to regularize their immigration status and, to strive to respect the laws of the countries they live in.

For further information, please contact:

Demba A. Jawo

Minister of Information and Communications Infrastructure

Spokesperson of The Government of The Gambia

Tel: (220) 4378000                

Email: [email protected]