No form of development can take place in the absence of a constant, clean and uninterrupted supply of potable water.

Even the United Nations recognises this as a basic fundamental human right. The provision of potable water is so vital that it affects all sections of human life.

If people lack potable water for an extended period of time, the consequences can be very dire indeed. The first casualty of this horrendous problem will be the health of the population. The transfer of communicable diseases will ravage the country and further stretch our already beleaguered health sector. This in turn will batter our depleted economy and will result in the skyrocketing of goods and services.

With a sick population, the workforce which is the engine of the economy will dwindle fast and, God help us all if our economy is unable – and it is certainly not robust at present – to withstand any further lashing from an inflated medical bill from our hospitals. Let’s face it, without potable water nothing can be achieved. It is not an exaggeration to say that water is life. Nothing can be achieved in the absence of clean and potable water.

Yet, for the past few days, if not weeks, the constant lack of water supply has assailed many parts of the country. The National Water and Electricity Company (NAWEC) seems unable to solve their seemingly perennial problem of supplying water and electricity constantly. What is being done about this?

Gambians are tired of the same old story of Generator Number Six, Five, Three or that there was a linkage in Brikama, Bundung  or other places which is making it impossible for them to provide us with water and electricity. It is time government takes serious action to solve these problems once and for all.

The Gambia is such a small country that it is unfathomable that our government cannot even provide this basic need. Isn’t it time that the government started looking for other solutions as far as the same old system has repeatedly failed us?

It is futile trying to do something the same way for fifty-two years with no result and we are still adamant and persistently repeating the same method. It is time to start thinking outside the box!

We need water and electricity ASAP!

Have a Good Day Mr President….

Tha Scribbler Bah

A Concerned Citizen

Part 2

Alagi Yorro Jallow

Patronage has long been associated with politicians and political parties. It appears that this is certainly holding up, especially regarding the recent appointments of the loyalists, surrogates, cyber-warriors, and militants of the Tactical Alliance Government of President Adama Barrow in anticipation of and preparation for the next Presidential and General Elections in either 2019 or 2021 respectively.

Political patronage or spoils system jobs are used by certain politicians who, after winning an election, give government jobs within the civil service and diplomatic service, award mega contracts, and issue diplomatic and service passports to supporters, friends, and relatives as a reward for working toward victory and as an incentive to keep working for these politicians to retain their office.

The appointment of political party militants, surrogates, and supporters of the Tactical Alliance Government of President Barrow, including those who are specialists in social political blotting, media fundamentalism, and political propaganda, is the unstated declaration of the opening of the 2019 or 2021 Presidential and General Elections. Since most Gambians do not pay attention to the political trends, they are easily startled and surprised by these things, including those that have done nothing to unfollow their ‘fixed’ laws and timing.

Political patronage rewards party loyalists and militants with attractive, high paying jobs in both the civil service and the diplomatic service. However, most of these appointees are recruited for an exercise or job they know nothing about or have any competency or experience in. Ordinarily, they will not be told what they are being recruited to do and most will not discern this at all but overall job description, job specification and terms of employment will be centered around political propaganda and reward.

These political party loyalists or militants are recruited under a contract of MADR (mutually assured destructive ‘reaction’), for 2019 or 2021 electoral and political scheming! Similarly, because of NCFA (no clear future ambition) and PFAA (possible future appointment as an aide), they will (in anticipation and aspiring anticipation for those who do not enjoy patronage yet) work round the clock – dig, fight, and drag anyone into the mud – to receive similar ‘rewards’.

In the next few weeks and months, these appointees will be handed down scripts that are not really in consonance with their designations. For instance, they will rove social media platforms to mob and unleash cyber militancy or act as bullies against those who dare take to ‘contrarian escapades’. It will be a big show. Other opposition politicians and activists will suffer rebukes and literary mortal combat. The sudden surge in the temperature of social media weather recently is a signal of the new vigor.

But this is not the concern. The most important note to take out of it is that it marks, officially or unofficially, the opening of the 2019 or 2021 political campaign in preparation for the Presidential and General Elections. African politics, elections for the next General Elections, starts right after the victory speech: the transition committee, first appointments, and setting up of cabinets. Aides, surrogates, foot-soldiers, and political pit bulls are ‘remembered’ as deserving ‘reward’, which ordinarily comes around this time.

Because these natural developments are not stated or written down, incumbents always beat their opposition in terms of preparation. By the time the opposition gets its senses and starts, incumbents have already dominated the political machinery to the exclusion of almost everyone.

Most Gambian politicians do not play politics according to the rules of the game. Political space is narrowed to those who have no business in politics. Politicians across party affiliations and divides are appealing to the other party in power. Most do not play principled politics in the struggle to control, dominate, and exploit public office. Then, it is beyond speculation that the rewards after victory are usually based on political loyalty, commitment, and patronage! It goes without saying that those that made heavy sacrifices are left out.

By Alieu Ceesay

Hooliganism is raring its ugly head in ‘Nawettan’ centers after a ‘Nawettan’ match between Campel Town of Serrekunda and Tigers of Kotu in Serrekunda West was called-off on Tuesday when an unidentified fan threw a stone at the linesman, Abbass Bah. The incident happened 24 minutes into the second period in the ongoing Serrekunda West ‘Nawettan’ season.

The Tigers took the lead in the first half before Campbel Town equalized in the second half.

There was only one female security officer at the game, something many believed is not right on the side of Committee. The committee is expected to sit over the matter.

By Omar Wally

President Adama Barrow should respect the constitution and appoint a Vice President, it is time for the country to have a full time Vice President says Mama Kandeh.

“Do they want to tell us that there is no qualified Gambian who is capable of being Vice President or is it that the position is reserved to suit the interest of an individual.”

The GDC leader made these remarks Tuesday, at a Press Briefing in Baobab Hotel, were he talked about issues such as, President Barrow’s swearing-in ceremony in Senegal by a private lawyer, which he frowned at, GDC’s denial of permits to hold rallies among other things.

Kandeh reminded the coalition government that 57 percent of Gambians didn’t vote for them adding that government should take lead by respecting the rule of law.

Kandeh said the Police have the right to denied Gambia Democratic Congress permit but it should be based on genuine  reasons.

“The problem I have, is calling GDC party militants and members to go to the police station to be screened before they can issue them permit, our militants and members are not criminals.”

He call on Barrow’s government to create a level playing field for all the political parties. He noted that calling for level playing field was the reason why the entire UDP executive were put in prison.

GDC leader disclosed that when they were returning from Basse on Monday, ECOMIG forces stopped their Trucks and asked them to offload the firewood and charcoal it was carrying. Is that the mission of the ECOMIC forces in The Gambia Kandeh asked.

By Alieu Ceesay

The minister of Youth and Sports, Henry Gomez has dissolved the National Youth Council Board of Governors.

No reason has been advanced by the Ministry for this decision, which has not been widely welcomed by the youth.

The Ministry said the decision is consistent with the National Youth Council Act 2000. Mustapha Kah, a youth expressed disappointment that the board of the National Youth Council has been dissolved without explanation by the Ministry of Youth and Sports. “This is a gross violation of the will of the youth.”

“It was the youth who voted them in and only the youth can change them. Political interference in our affairs must stop. It will not be condoned and I urge all young people to resist and stand up against this decision”, he added.

Bakary Badgie reacted:

“The Hon. Minister of Youth and Sports MUST be told that he does not have power under any law to dissolve the National Youth Council. Albeit it happened before unchallenged, he and those who advised him should know that democracy and rule of law is what this government is premised on unlike the former.”

According to him, with the exception of Chairperson and the Female Rep, the rest of official Council members are elected by young people in each region and thus reserve the power to remove them OR by a Presidential pronouncement for dissolution, which must be based on very good reasons such as proven failure to execute its mandate.

“The truth is, the Gambia’s young people and those interested in youth matters have been waiting patiently to hear from Minister Gomez on what his plan is moving forward. But for 6 months, nothing is heard from him on his Ministry’s plan – not a proper visit to youth structures neither a press conference like other Ministers did upon assuming their offices.

The least expected from him is this letter and I stand in solidarity with young people to call on him to rescind this decision and get to work for the development of our youth and sports.”

The Secretary General, Head of Civil Service and Minister of Presidential Affairs, Dawda Fadera is expected to appear before 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.

This revelation was made by the Lead Counsel of the Commission, Lawyer Amie Bensouda who was putting supplementary questions to the Permanent Secretary of the Personal Management Office, PMO.

Fadera who was the former Permanent Secretary at the Personal Management Office until his appointment as Secretary General by the new government under President Barrow was reportedly served with summon to appear before the commission to provide information to various questions some of which his successor has failed to provide to the commission.

It was not disclosed when Mr. Fadera would appear before the commission but he is expected to appear anytime to answer to pertinent matters of concern to the commission.

Lead Counsel Amie Bensouda told Mr. Pateh Jah, Permanent Secretary of the Personal Management Office, PMO to watch his attitude because he was summoned to help the commission with information.

Pateh Jah was summoned to the commission to explained the scholarships awarded to students by the Office of the former, President Yahya Jammeh.

He disclosed to the commission the policies they have in respect to awarding scholarships. He spoke about the centralized scholarship board. He also spoke about the committee approved by the Cabinet that includes the PMO and the Ministries of Higher and Basic Secondary Education.

Jah said the scholarship committee was managed by Cabinet.

“I don’t know the selection criteria of student qualified for scholarships at the Office of the President,” Pateh Jah said.

He added: “I cannot answer questions with regard to the way scholarships were awarded to beneficiaries at the Office of the President because I was an outsider”.

Jah mentioned 18 students that benefitted from scholarship from the Office of the former President, saying that 3 students were admitted in the Gambia while the rest went overseas. He said he extracted the list from the files at the Personal Management Office. He told the commission to get the full records from the Office of the President.

Lawyer Olimatou Danso asked him to provide the government’s training policies to the commission.

The extracted list of students sponsored by the former president were admitted and marked as exhibits.

Meanwhile, Mr. Jah who told the commission that he served 16 years in the civil service was asked to provide training policy, general order and financial instructions in his next appearance before the commission.

By Omar Wally

Mama Kandeh, leader of The Gambia Democratic Congress, Sunday donated 220 bags of rice to flood victims of Kuntaur village and D30,000 cash to students of the said village whose books were destroyed by the rains.

The donation is part of many goodwill gestures Kandeh has been extending to Gambians.

MC Cham JNr, GDC, National Youth Mobilizer said Kandeh is never tired of helping the poor and needy Gambians.

“Kandeh’s interest is to improve the livelihood of ordinary Gambians, he has been manifesting that in his everyday life.”

Cham said since the inception of Gambia Democratic Congress, one year ago, it has been extending helping hand to many Gambians.

” Kandeh is a great and ambitious leader and Gambians are now experiencing the different trend and style of politics.”

GDC National Youth Mobiliser, noted that Kandeh is proving support to all adding that politics is not just mere talk but it is about the development of the nation.

The Managing Directors of Access Bank, Guaranty Trust Bank and Trust Bank Gambia Limited have given testimonies to 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.

The three managing directors were summoned to the commission with regard to the Gambia National Petroleum Corporation GNPC Dalasi and Dollar Accounts at the said banks respectively.

Several bank statements, financial transactions and other relating documents were submitted to the commission of inquiry presided over by Lawyer Surahata Janneh.

Davit Aluko, Managing Director of Access Bank has confirmed two Dalasi and Dollar Accounts belonging to the Gambia National Petroleum Corporation GNPC.

Mr. Aluko was assisted at the commission by two senior staff of the bank.

He told the commission that the signatories to the Dalasi Accounts were Mr. Momodou Badjie, former Managing Director of GNPC, Mr. Fafa Sanyang, former Commissioner of Petroleum and Mr. Ebrima O Camara, former Permanent Secretary Office of the President.

The signatories to the Dollar Accounts were Yahya Jammeh, former President of the Gambia and Mr. Momodou Sabally, former Secretary General, Head of Civil Service and Minister for Presidential Affairs.

Mr. Aluko disclosed six transactions on the said accounts that involved hundreds of thousand dollars withdrawn or transferred to individual beneficiaries signed by the former President Yahya Jammeh and former Secretary Generals who worked with them particularly Dr. Kalilu Bayo.

Statements of dollar accounts, financial transactions and withdrawals were admitted and marked as exhibits.

The next witness to testify before the commission was Mr. Doyin Adegbulugbe, Managing Director of Skye Bank Gambia.

He was required to present statements of the dollar accounts.

“What was the first transaction of the former president after the change of signatories,” Lead Counsel Amie Bensouda asked.

The Skye Bank Managing Director revealed the withdrawal of $2 Million Dollars signed by the former president Yahya Jammeh and Mr. Momodou Sabally, former Secretary General in August 2013. He further revealed the withdrawal of $650,000.00, $450,000 and $150,000 dollars respectively. He also mentioned the transfers of $260,000, $250,000, and $200,000 among several hundreds of thousand dollars authorized by the former President Yahya Jammeh and Mr. Momodou Sabally.

The names of former Secretary Generals Lamin Nyabally and Dr. Kalilu Bayo were mentioned a few times as signatories. Sana Jarju, former chief of protocol was mentioned as the person who collected the monies.

Dozens of financial transactions in respect to the GNPC Dollar Accounts were submitted and marked as exhibits.

Meanwhile, Mr. Ebrima Sallah, Managing Director of Trust Bank Limited appeared earlier before the commission submitting statements of accounts including 2 US dollar and 3 Dalasi Accounts.

by Alieu Ceesay

The Gambia Football Team will leave for Ghana tonight where they will participate in the West Africa Football Union (WAFU) Cup of Nations.

The Gambia will play the opening game against the host Ghana on the 9 September, next Saturday. Team Coach Omar Sise has said that the boys are in good shape and high spirit.

“Our objective in the first place is to put up a team ready to challenge the hosts Ghana. That is what I based my selection on.” Sise, who guided The Gambia to final against host Senegal in the 2015 edition, is very confident that his team can go far in the tournament.

“Our next objective is to go very far in the tournament and be able to win the trophy. It’s difficult but I am with the belief that the boys can deliver to our expectations and make the country proud”.

By Alieu Ceesay

Farmers in Jarra, Lower River Region are positively impressed with this year’s cropping season and hopes are high that harvests would be good.

In an interview with The Fatu Network, farmers in the area are enthusiastically overwhelmed with the progress of their crops, particularly maize, millet and groundnut.

“This year promises to be a season with a difference compared to the previous years when the performance of my crops were below par. I’m expecting a bumper harvest this time around as my crops are doing extremely well,” Abdoulie Jobe, a farmer said.

Ebrima Dem was happy with the status quo when he told The Fatu that: “The rain pattern is very impressive and we’re hopeful that there would be a record high in this year’s productivity.”

However, despite the pre-harvest hopes, the farmers are concern for a good post-harvest trading season.

By Yunus S Saliu

Like other sectors, the tourism industry which has been one of the steady sector contributing to the Gambia GDP has recorded a drop of 26% in the last 2016/2017 tourism winter season.

According to the analysis, the arrival from January to May 2017 was 65,639 compared to 78,522 in 2016 of the same period.

This signifies a drop of 12,883 (-16%). In brief, the arrivals from UK, Sweden, Finland and Norway recorded large drops of 26%, 15%, 22% and 29% respectively. But, on the other hand, there is said to be an increase in other markets such as Germany, Belgium, Holland and Spain as they got increased by 7%, 63%, 4% and 5% respectively.

However, comparing to what was projected in 2017 – 88,626, total arrivals in 2017 recorded a drop of 26% and in terms of monthly arrivals, all the months with the exception of May declined in 2017 compared to the same period in 2016. More so, there was a significant drop for all the months in 2017 compared to the projected arrivals.

By Omar Wally

The Imam of Kanifing Estate Mosque, has said that truth is what is keeping the world, adding that a world without truthful people will be a disaster. “Therefore, truth should be told in our homes, mosques and at the National Assembly because without truth the nation will not move forward.”

Imam Saikou Janneh, made these remarks on Friday at Kanifing Estate Mosque, during his Eid summon.

He call on parents to discipline their children ,so that they can be good and responsible people in future. People often say the world has changed, but the world hasn’t change it is the people who changed said Imam Janneh.

“I was once told, Imams should stay away from politics, because politics is not meant for good people.” Janneh added:

The justification that the person gave was, if responsible people stay away from politics, the bad ones will take charge. ” I therefore agree that responsible people should take part in politics.”

Jeddah, Sunday, 4 September 2017

Gambian President, His Excellency, Adama Barrow was amongst the over two million Muslims from around the world who converged on the Holy land of Makkah to perform one of the five pillars of Islam this year.  He performed the last rites of the Hajj today at Makkah.   Earlier, in the morning, along with his delegation, he performed the last of the three Jamraat at Mina before leaving for the last Tawafu around the Kaaba in Makkah.

President Barrow congratulated  Gambian pilgrims for performing all their Hajj rites.  He delivered the message through the Gambian Amirul Hajj, Alhajie Ousman Jah who visited him at Mina.  President Barrow apologized on behalf of the committee for any shortcomings and urged Gambians to forgive each other, especially during this festive period of Eid.  The President commended King Salman of Saudi and his government for the security and facilities provided to his delegation and prayed for all to return home peacefully.

The Gambian Amirul Hajj, Alhajie Ousman Jah earlier during his visit briefed the President on the situation of the pilgrims, the processes, the new conditions and policies the Saudi set for the Hajj this year.  Mr Jah said despite the new conditions, The Gambia succeeded to have 1424 Gambians issued Hajj visas.  He also informed the President about some of the challenges they had regarding their stay in Mina and the efforts to avert such in the future.

Aside from performing the Hajj rituals at  Mina, Arafat and Muzdalifa, President Barrow made a courtesy call on the Sudanese President, Omar El Bashir  at his Arafat tent.  Some Kuwati officials who were also on Hajj also called on the Gambian President at the Royal  hotel in Mina.

On Saturday, President Barrow honored a Royal invitation from King Salman of Saudi Arabia for a Royal lunch at the Mina palace.   During the lunch, they discussed the importance of unity among the Muslim Ummah, and the role of Saudi Arabia as the headquarter of Islam.  President Barrow told the King that despite the size of The Gambia, it has over 90 percent Muslims and he would like to build on the relationship between the two countries.  The Gambian leader also met the Crown Prince of Saudi, Muhammad Bin Salman.

Among the Presidential delegation were his two wives, First Lady Fatou Bah and Lady Sarjo Mballow, Chief Justice, Hassan B Jallow, Foreign Affairs Minister, Honourable Ousianou Darbo, Interior Minister, Honourable Mai Ahmad Fatty and Tourism Minister, Honourable Hamat Bah. The Gambian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, His Excellency, Omar G Sallah and his staff were also among the Saudi delegation with the President.

President Barrow returns to Banjul on Wednesday, 6 September 2017.

By Omar Wally

The driver involved in an accident that destroyed Mandinaba mosque minaret may lose an eye, said an eye witness. Amadou Jallow, a journalist and resident of Mandinaba, said the truck was coming from Senegal and upon arrival at Mandinaba, the breaks failed and the steering wheel got locked.

“That driver lost control, knocked the mosque and the minaret fell on the truck which was carrying cattle.

According to Jallow, the villagers slaughtered four cattle but the remaining thirteen died on the spot.

“Thank God the women who sell at the road side were not present and the worshipers also left the mosque.” Jallow:

The driver and three others who were in the truck all sustained injuries, but the driver sustained more severe injuries, he may lose an eye due to the gravity of the accident The villagers Jallow added are soliciting support to rebuild the mosque.”