University of Washington (UW) is among the most reputable universities in the world. It is ranked 25^th in the world by Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2018.  It embraces people from all cultures and nationalities.

Professor Jennifer Lenga-Long, Associate Director, Graduate Program in Sustainable International Development, University of Washington School of Law, Dr. Dana Raigrodski Lecturer & Director, General LL.M. Program and Executive Director, Global Affairs, University of Washington School of Law and other staff of the Law School have helped secure funding for a Gambian student who was struggling to finance his University Education.

The said student is Bubacarr Drammeh, a former State Counsel and a graduate of the University of The Gambia. When contacted, he had this to say:

“I thank Allah for the blessing. I am excited and grateful to the entire staff of the Law School. My sincere gratitude to Professor Jennifer Lenga-Long, Dr. Dana Raigrodski, Dr. Melissa Kane, Aaron and Olivia for everything they’ve done for me. Thank you! Having said that, I know my family and entire community are really excited and have a lot of expectations.  I am aware of their expectations. I always tell myself that to whom much is given, much is expected. I solicit your prayers for a successful journey.”

By Fatou Sowe

Ousman Jobarteh the deputy managing director of the Gambia Ports Authority has told the commission of inquiry that an outstanding amount of over D6 Million is due and liable to be paid to the GPA by the Kanilai Family Farms.

He said in March 2009, Kanilai Family Farm had a loaded ship of over ten thousand Metric tons of cement and 50% waiver was accorded by GPA management and the outstanding balance KFF owed to GPA on this consignment is D1,523,589. While the second one was in October 2012 and the outstanding balance is D5,296,454.64.

According to him, waivers were granted to each of these consignments and the stance of the GPA is that KFF should pay these amounts they owed to the Ports.

He said waivers are based on tariffs and is purely a commercial transaction and it’s not within the mandate of the board but in these two transactions it was the Managing Director ML Gibba who used his prerogative.

While continuing his testimony, Jobarteh said the documents of one of the transactions with the Youth Development Enterprise (YDE) couldn’t be traced. However, he added that the only thing he found was minutes of meeting by GPA Board of Directors but promise to furnish the Commission with the documents as soon as they lay their hands on them.

He revealed that he can remember the Gambia Government instituting a legal suit against the Youth Development Enterprise (YDE) and documents were submitted in respect to that suit. He said the late Baba Jobe used to go to the Ports to deal with YDE matters.

According to Mr. Jobarteh, in 2007 they received executive directives from the office of the president for the payments of air tickets for the visiting delegates of Ms. Black Beauty Pageant, USA and the sum of $305, 280 which was signed by Dr. Njogu Bah, the then Secretary General. He added that a sum of $1800 was paid to each of the 162 (one hundred sixty-two) delegates and the amount was paid based on the information they received in a letter and the payment was made through a bank transfer to Inter-world Exchange Corporation.

He said on the January 26, 2011, they received another directive from the office of the president for the extension of a land belonging to GPA to the International Milling Corporation and the land was allocated and physically handed over to the said corporation and they constructed on that land.

Mr. Jobarteh disclosed that the sum of D18, 464,850 was the agreement for the compensation of the land by the said Corporation but they failed to honor the agreement despite writing several letters to the Managing Director, Muhammed Bazi.

When asked why they did not sue the corporation to recover the money, Jobarteh responded that he cannot answer that question.

by Alieu Ceesay

The France-based GloSports Company Sporting Director has told journalists that they do not know the whereabouts of Bombada Striker Mustapha Drammeh who absconded while on trials with French Ligue 1 side Rennes.

Drammeh’s trial with the French Ligue 1 was facilitated by GloSports, an internationally recognized France-based sports company, which made its presence in the country few months ago.

GloSports is a company that engages in marketing of footballers and further help in the promotion and development of football in the countries they are present. It has branches across many countries around the globe.

Speaking at a press conference on Monday evening, Sporting Director Kelefa Sanneh, said, they know nothing about the whereabouts of Mustapha since his unceremonious disappearance.

“We have no idea why he has absconded.”

According to him, the company will continue to operate but will come up with strict measures to avoid the reoccurrence of such.

“One person’s [Drammeh] issue should not affect the rest of the players. We are here to support the country’s football.” Sanneh told reporters that, there was an agreement between GloSports and Drammeh, which was signed and the company will follow the matter to the latter.

The former Secretary to Cabinet, Mr. Nuha Touray has made stunning revelations at the commission of inquiry set up to look into the financial activities of the former President Yahya Jammeh and his close associates at the Djembe Beach Hotel, Kololi.

Touray made synopsis of his employment in the civil service from 1988 where he rose through the ranks to the post of Deputy Permanent Secretary, Permanent Secretary and Secretary to Cabinet until his recent appointment to the ECOWAS Commission Secretariat as Assistant to Edward Singhateh, Vice President of the ECOWAS Commission in Abuja, Nigeria.

“I had a problem with former president when he accused me of destroying a file that could be used against the former petroleum officials,” former Cabinet Secretary Nuha Touray said.

He added: “I was put behind bar.”

Touray told the commission that the charges preferred against him were dropped by the new government.

The former Secretary to Cabinet has served under five Secretary Generals, Dr. Njogu L. Bah, Momodou Sabally, Abdoulie Sallah, Lamin Nyabally, Dr. Kalilu Bayo and Sulayman Samba.

He was asked about the former heads of the Republican National Guard and the State Guards which he said were General Saul Badjie and Brigadier General Ansumana Tamba respectively, saying the functions of Republican National Guards transcends the State Guards.

When asked to revealed the close associates of the former president he declined saying he preferred to provide a list rather than verbal due to the nature of society while the Lead Counsel, Mrs. Amie Bensouda insisted that the close associates of the former president is not a matter of confidentiality.

He was asked to name the civilian associates of the former president. He mentioned the names of Muhammed Bazzi, Nicolae Euzainu, Tony Ghattas, Tibu Camara, former First Lady Zeinab Jammeh’s brother- in-law, Abubacarr  Souma, former First Lady’s brother and businessman Amadou Samba.

Touray explained the business interests of the close associates starting with Muhammed Bazzi, Proprietor of Euro Africa Group.

Nicolae Euzainu he said was a former Gambian Ambassador to Monaco and France, Proprietor of Ocean Bay Hotel among others.

Tony Ghattas, was the Chief Executive Office of APAM.

He said he does not know the business interests of Tibu Camara, former First Lady’s brother in-law.

Mr. Touray handed over the confidential business letter of Muhammed Bazzi from the Office of the former President which was admitted and marked as exhibits.

He mentioned former President Yahya Jammeh’s business interests which includes the Kanilai Family Farm, Kanilai Family Garage, Kanilai Bakery and Green Industries among the few he knew.

When asked about the former president’s assets he mentioned the Dunes Hotel around the Palma Rima Hotel. He reported that the property was purchased from the Gambia National Petroleum Corporation GNPC Account at the Guaranty Trust Bank. He submitted the transaction documents signed by the former president.

The copy of minutes between the former Secretary General Momodou Sabally and former President Yahya Jammeh in respect to the purchase of the said hotel was admitted and marked as exhibits.

Nuha Touray told the commission that the persons responsible of the former president’s assets were within the military circle.

Meanwhile, the former Secretary to Cabinet outlined his responsibilities from taking minutes during cabinet meetings and deputizing for the Secretary General among others. He confirmed being a co signatory to accounts which he said should not be the case.

“I did not have a choice,” he interjected.

Touray went further to mentioned Dr. Kalilu Bayo, former Secretary General who refused to signed a document to become signatory to an account but was forced by the former president to sign.

“Ordinarily, Secretary to the Cabinet should not be a signatory to accounts,” he added.

The minutes of Dr. Kalilu Bayo’s refusal to signed a document to become signatory to account was admitted and marked as exhibit.

He was questioned about the withdrawal of $610,000 US Dollars from the Accounts of the International Gateway authorized by Momodou Sabally and himself.

He explained it was an instruction from the former president to himself and Momodou Sabally. He presented a letter of instruction to the Governor of the Central Bank and a minute from the former Secretary General Sabally to former President Jammeh.

Meanwhile, the documents were admitted and marked as exhibits.

By Alieu Ceesay

Residents in the Greater Banjul Area (GBA) of The Gambia are now experiencing longer periods of electricity blackout and water shortage every day for the past week. This left people complaining about the unbearable condition, which is negatively effecting many businesses and households.

Some areas do not have electricity and water for long hours.

Ebrima Jabbi, a resident of Bundung Borehole complained bitterly about the poor electricity supply. “We want NAWEC to improve the electricity supply because the situation is embarrassing.”

Jarai Jallow, a resident of Tallinding lamented that they do stay long hours without water. “For how long do we have to live under such?”, she queried, while urging the Barrow Government to intervene.

Burama Dibba, a resident of Serrekunda decried the poor situation of power supply and urged NAWEC to rise up and address the issue.

Earlier this year, NAWEC officials said generation capacity was below the demand of the people. They said power generation is a difficult business and needs lot of resources.

The power utility company officials also admitted that the current power situation in the country is bad but they were doing everything possible to make sure they cope with the demand in electricity supply. However, that is yet to be achieved as the situation remains the same.

I write to express great disappointment in the baseless manner EYE Africa tv reported the direct comments of Mariam B Secka , Deputy Party Leader and Deputy Secretary General of the UDP at the recent outreach events with the youths of Banjul.

Mrs Secka’s direct statements where that she was proud to be associated with the coalition government as the principal representative along with Honorable Alagi S. Darboe who signed on behalf of the UDP the agreement stipulating the candidate selection process for the coalition.

That agreement is separate and distinct from the coalition MOU drafting of which was assigned to committees set up by the constituent members of the coalition.

Because by the time the candidate selection process was concluded the election period had started in earnest , the committees never had the chance to complete their task of putting together the MOU for the parties to consider and approve . This is the document to which Mr Ousainou Darboe made reference in an interview with Fatu radio some weeks ago and that remains true to this day. There is no complete and signed coalition MOU document .

Therefore Eyeafrica’s attempt at conflating Mrs Secka’s clear and straightforward statement of what she signed with a separate document that Mr Darboe referenced and subjectively draw their own conclusions violates the ethics of journalism and what they presented as news was erroneous editorializing.

If they assume Mrs Secka in her Banjul statement was referring to a coalition MOU , then it follows logic that they demand to see a copy of the coalition MOU and broadcast it to their viewers.

Additionally if they want to take an editorial position that as a broadcaster they will on their own substitute the Agreement on candidate selection document for the proposed MOU that is still pending , they should also broadcast that to their viewers . But if they wish to report only the facts as they exist, the UDP ‘s position is that there is no coalition MOU that has been signed by the constituent members as of now.

The UDP is committed to the letter and spirit of the candidate selection process agreement it has signed with its partners and is doing its utmost best in serving the Gambian people and pursuing a very ambitious democracy consolidation agenda in collaboration with all the democratic forces in this new Gambia .

Pa Malick Shyngle Nyassi

Head of Media,Publicity & Communication unit.

United Democratic Party (UDP)

By Alieu Ceesay

A close buddy to the former Gambian President Yahya Jammeh is still yet to handover to the new executive of The Gambia Wrestling Association.

The Matarr Jarju-led executive was dissolved by the National Sports Council before a new executive was elected in February to steer the affairs of the traditional sport.

The former executive is supposed to handover to the Serign Modou Faye-led executive today, Sunday, September 10 2017.

According to the current secretary general of GWA, Kawsu Jammeh, the former Secretary General Habibou Nyassi has asked to be excuse until Saturday September 16, 2017 for a handing over.

This, he said, is because the former president Matarr Jarju and former PRO Matarr Saine are out of town.

Matarr Jarju used to run most of Jammeh’s errands during his rule. SG Jammeh said they would honor the request, but warned that action would be taken against them if they fail to handover next Saturday.

When contacted by The Fatu Network, this is what Habibou Nyassi said: “Any inconvenience cause to any wrestling stakeholder is regrettable. But God willing, we will hand over next Saturday. I can’t tell where Matarr Jarju is because he only told me he is out of town.”

by Alieu Ceesay

The remains of the late opposition activist Solo Sandeng is in Dakar for forensic identification, The Fatu Network has learnt.

“His body has been moved from the hospital” a source told this medium. The source added that it is for identification purposes as his case is already in court.

Solo Sandeng’s body was discovered by the Police in March after he died in custody during former President Yahya Jammeh’s rule.

Sandeng led a peaceful opposition march for electoral reforms on April 14, 2016, but died in detention due to torture shortly after his arrest by security agents.

His body was said to be found near the settlement of Tanji, approximately 33Km from the city of Banjul.

The police discovered the burial site based on information gathered from the detained NIA officials, who worked under the then dictator, Yahya Jammeh.

Meanwhile, the bodies of the exhumed December 30 freedom fighters are still at the hospital in Banjul.

Fafa Sanyang, minister of energy and petroleum, has reacted to African Petroleum’s decision to take its dispute with the Gambia Government to court.

According to reports, African Petroleum Corp, a Norwegian-listed company, said on Monday that it “plans to go to court to resolve its dispute with Gambia” government, after the government “stripped it of its rights” to explore for oil in two offshore areas.

Speaking yesterday in an interview with The Point, Energy minister Fafa Sanyang said this is the second time the petroleum company had threatened to sue The Gambia to court for extending their license.

The first threat to do so was in 2013, according to the minister.

“Our position is very clear: they did not fulfil their work obligation as agreed; their license expired in September last year, and they asked for an extension which was not approved,” the minister explained.

“It was agreed if they did not drill the blocks and there was no exploration their licence would not be renewed, and that was the case,” he added.

“We are not afraid about their threat to take us to court; we are on the right track,” he concluded.

Source: Point Newspaper

Fajara, 7 September 2017

The President of the Republic of The Gambia, His Excellency Adama Barrow extends profound gratitude to the general public for the warm welcome accorded to him and his delegation on their return from performing the Pilgrimage in the Holy city of Mecca.

The Office of the President wishes to take this opportunity to inform the general public that His Excellency the President does not intend to adopt the title of Alhaji following the completion of the Hajj rites. Therefore, he should continue to be addressed as His Excellency Adama Barrow as inscribed on the official portrait.

His Excellency the President, conveys sincere prayers for Allah subhanna Wa Ta’ allah to shower His infinite blessings and guidance to the government and the people of The Gambia.

By Jainaba Sonko

The highest learning institution in The Gambia held its general orientation on September 6, 2017 at the UTG Law school auditorium.

Addressing the students on behalf of the vice chancellor, Professor Francis Sarr welcomed and congratulated the new students.

“You have now joined a community of scholars” professor Sarr said. He reminded the students that their secondary school learning process has come to an end.

He promised that the university administration will invest its time to provide all needs in different forms, he further lamented that the UTG, doesn’t admit students base on geography or ethnicity.

Speaking to students, Dr Ismalia Ceesay a lecturer at the UTG, stressed that there is a gap between senior school education and university education, because the Gambia’s education system doesn’t prepare students for university education. He called on the students to abide by university rules and regulations.

The vice president of UTGSU, Fanta Fofana, told the new students that they belong to different schools but there is one school every student belongs to and that is the school of unionism. She further congratulated the new students and stressed that, out of all applicants just 65% were admitted “I hope that you make good use of this opportunity” Miss. Fofana said.

Photo credit: Jex Photography

By Alieu Ceesay

After eight months without a Vice President, President Adama Barrow is set to swear-in Madam Fatoumata Tambajang as The Gambia’s Vice President soon, a credible source has told The Fatu Network.

According to our source, Tambajang, who is overseeing the Vice Presidency position is now cleared and everything is set for her to be sworn-in soon.

This will bring the issue of the vacant Vice Presidency to rest after Gambians waited over eight months to have one.

Many criticized the government for not appointing one, saying the position was reserved for only one person. This came after the lawmakers removed the age limit, which now qualifies her to be appointed.

The Fatu Network has been sounding the opinions of people on the issue.

Alasan Bah, a Gambian and native of Jarra Soma welcomes the decision to finally appoint a Vice President.

“It is a good decision taken by the government to appoint a Vice President which has been long overdue.

Ebrima Gaye, a driver said the appointment should have come a long time ago, he however welcome the decision to finally get one.

“I just cannot comprehend why it took the president this long to appoint a Vice President because there are so many people fit for the position.”

Just like many, Mariama Ndure, a petty trader at Serrekunda market welcomes the development, while wishing the would-be Vice President well.

“I am hoping to see the Vice President support the president to realize his goal,” she said in the local Wolof dialect.

For Isatou Jallow, a Gambian, had the believed that there was a Vice President, not knowing that Tambajang was just overseeing.

“I never knew but it is better late than never. It is good we have a Vice President.”