All Stories – The Fatu Network

Spotlight: Omar Camara, Executive Director of Fact-Check Centre – The Gambia

Featured

Hadram Hydara

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March 26, 2023

Spotlight: Omar Camara, Executive Director of Fact-Check Centre – The Gambia

By: Muhammed Lamin Drammeh

Omar Camara, 28, who, on the 20th of August 2021, was inspired by his exposure to misinformation or information disorder, co-founded the Gambia’s first-ever fact-checking organization that works on countering information disorder and named it Fact Check Centre — The Gambia

Born in the Central River Region of the Gambia in Bansang, Omar ‘Saibou’ Camara is a passionate youth leader and an activist who has worked both in the government institution and civil society areas.

After some productive years as a youth activist and student leader, Omar Saibou was motivated to come up with a unique project when he was working at the Centre for Research and Policy Development. His desire, as a young person, was to come up with something unique that will play a hugely significant role in the affairs of the people.

“What gave birth to Fact-Check Centre – The Gambia was my exposure to the issue around fake news through a project when I was with the Centre for Research and Policy Development. There was a day when my boss shared with me an article. When I read through that, I discovered terminologies like fake news, so I conducted further research on fake news and fact-checking. That was the time I developed a concept through support from an organization in Nigeria that wanted to extend a project in the Gambia,” he explained.

Subsequently, Saibou began undergoing several pieces of training and engagement and then worked with them for six months, which furthered his exposure and broadened his horizon in fact-checking.

The lack of fact-checking organizations in the country had further fuelled the young Omar’s interest in coming up with the Fact Check Centre to counter misinformation that could shape public opinions.

“So, I decided to come up with this concept from a civil society perspective that will focus on countering disinformation. I invited a few friends on board to join me as a co-founder so that we could work around the organization. This was when the December 2021 presidential election was looming, so there was a need for an organization to counter misinformation.”

The Fact Check Centre – The Gambia then became a youth-led organization established with the primary aim of tackling information disorder in the Gambia and hate speeches.

Since its establishment in 2021, Saibou and his team have been conducting Fact Checking on public claims and by media houses. However, according to him, they only fact-check claims based on relevance and not every piece of information.

Despite the importance of his organization in the Gambia, Omar told The Fatu Network that they still face immeasurable challenges in accessing information from their sources. This, he uttered, is heavily hampering their efforts in checking facts on the information.

Misinformation and fake news have been an earnest problem that challenges the peaceful coexistence of people in a country. With everyone having access to social media to post whatever favours them, the dangers of giving out false information about public officials have caused hatred and hate speech in the Gambia. It has as well caused a loss of public trust in certain public officials and figures.

Just like corruption, false information or fake news is an insurmountable battle to fight against in the country with the presence of social media. Despite the seemingly impossible quest, Omar Saibou and his Fact Checkers are hell-bent on making sure that the Gambia is fake news free.

“As a young organization, what we want to accomplish is to see the Gambia free from information disorder by ensuring that we establish a strategic fact-checking initiative but also create awareness and launch advocacies to engage young people in how to protect themselves from being victims of misinformation.”

Saibou’s aspiration as the Executive Director of the Fact Check Centre – The Gambia is to expand his office to other neighbouring countries such as Senegal, Bissau and surrounding countries in a few years.

Pro. Raphael Nyarkotey Obu: Red palm oil lowers cholesterol, slows heart diseases

Health

Hadram Hydara

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March 24, 2023

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Pro. Raphael Nyarkotey Obu: Red palm oil lowers cholesterol, slows heart diseases

By Prof. Raphael Nyarkotey Obu

Study: Red Palm Oil Lowers Cholesterol, slows Heart diseases

When it comes to cooking oils, Palm oil appears to be controversial. Additionally, Palm oil should not be confused with palm kernel oil. Though both have their root from the same plant, palm kernel oil is extracted from the seed of the fruit. It provides different health benefits. Palm oil has a variety of medicinal uses in Africa as well. It was used as an antidote for poison, a cure for gonorrhoea, a natural laxative, a diuretic, and a treatment for headaches and skin infections. This article brings an objective analysis of Palm oil to settle the long-standing controversy.

Unrefined vs. refined palm oil

Unrefined palm oil is raw oil that is pressed directly from the palm plant. It’s reddish, with a distinct odour and flavour. This type is more often used in our traditional cooking. Refined palm oil goes through several processing steps to give it a neutral colour and flavour. It is used more widely in food manufacturing or for frying mass-produced foods.

Palm oil nutritional Profile

According to the US. Department of Agriculture, one tablespoon (14 grams) of palm oil contains approximately:

calories: 120
fat: 14 grams
saturated fat: 7 grams
monounsaturated fat: 5 grams
polyunsaturated fat: 1 gram
vitamin E: 14% of the Daily Value (DV)

The organization further explained that palm oil calories originate from fat. The fatty acid breakdown is approximately 50% saturated fatty acids, 40% monounsaturated fatty acids, and 10% polyunsaturated fatty acids.

On the other hand, a study by Tan et al. (2021) explained that red palm oil’s reddish-orange pigment emanates from antioxidants known as carotenoids, including beta carotene, which the body can convert into vitamin A.

Palm Oil, Scientific Benefits

Support Brain health

Palm oil is loaded with tocotrienols, a form of vitamin E which contains antioxidants that may support brain health.

One Animal and human study (Gopalan et al. 2014; Ibrahim et al. 2017) found that the tocotrienols in palm oil can help protect the delicate polyunsaturated fats in the brain, slow dementia progression, reduce the risk of stroke, and prevent the growth of brain lesions.

In the human study, Gopalan et al. (2014) conducted for 2 years involving 121 people with brain lesions, the group who took palm oil-derived tocotrienols twice a day remained stable, but for those who received a placebo, their lesions grow.

Furthermore, Ishmail et al (2020) conducted a review of 18 animal and test-tube studies and found that palm oil and palm oil tocotrienols support neuroprotective effects against cognitive decline.

Cholesterol-lowering, Heart health

Though some study results have been mixed, this oil largely appears to have beneficial effects on heart disease risk factors, including lowering LDL (bad) cholesterol and increasing HDL (good) cholesterol (Fattore et al.2011; Ismail et al.2018; Lucci et al.2016; Voon et al. 2015)

In the case of Fattore et al. (2011), the study involved a large analysis of 51 studies and found that total and LDL (bad) cholesterol levels were lower in people who consumed palm oil-rich diets than those who consumed diets high in trans fats or myristic and lauric acids.

Additionally, the case of Lucci et al. (2016) involved a 3-month randomized study from Columbia that examined the cholesterol-lowering ability of palm oil made from a hybrid of Elaeis guineensis and Elaeis oleifera trees.

In this study, people consumed either 25 mL (2 tablespoons) of olive oil or a hybrid palm oil daily. Based on a 15% drop in LDL (bad) cholesterol in both groups, researchers suggested this palm oil could be called “the tropical equivalent of olive oil”.

In a previous clinical trial, Zhang et al. (1997) also examined the effects of palm oil, soybean oil, peanut oil, and lard on cholesterol levels. The authors found that palm oil caused a 13.1 per cent decrease in bad LDL cholesterol and a 6.7 per cent drop in triglyceride levels in those with normal cholesterol.

Apart from Palm oil lowering your cholesterol levels, it also slows the progression of heart diseases. One clinical trial by Tomeo et al. (1995).

Examined the impacts of palm oil on heart disease for 18 months. They found that 28 per cent of people with heart disease who were treated with palm oil demonstrated improvement and 64 per cent remained stable. Equally, those in the placebo group also demonstrated improvement, however, 40 per cent of cases got worse.

This means that Palm oil is a heart-healthy fat and should be part of a diet plan to reduce the risk of coronary heart disease.

Enhanced vitamin A

One old study by McLaren (1999) and a recent review study by Tan et al. (2021) found that red palm oil enhances vitamin A status in people who are deficient or at risk of deficiency because it’s rich in carotenoids that the body can convert into vitamin A.

Another small study in 16 participants by Sommerburg et al. (2015) found that people with cystic fibrosis, a condition that makes it difficult to absorb fat-soluble vitamins, experienced an increase in vitamin A blood levels after taking two to three tablespoons of red palm oil daily for 8 weeks.

A previous clinical trial by Radhika et al. (2013) also found that Palm oil is mostly used as a supplement to help improve vitamin A status in those who are at risk for deficiency. This study emanated from the National Institute of Nutrition, Indian Council of Medical Research in India, for example, showed that treating pregnant women with red palm oil increased vitamin A levels for both women and their babies.

Another meta-analysis of nine high-quality studies by Dong 2017) found red palm oil supplementation to increase vitamin A levels in both children and adults.

Fights Oxidative stress

Pham-Huy et al. (2008) study found that Free radicals are highly reactive compounds that form in your body as a result of factors like stress, a poor diet, or exposure to pollutants and pesticides. These free radicals can be mitigated by Antioxidants and protect the cells. This can be done by using red palm oil which is high in beneficial antioxidants and has also been shown to reduce the inflammation and oxidative stress caused by free radicals.

For instance, one animal study by Varatharajan et al.(2013) in Malaysia examined the antioxidant activity of palm leaf extract (OPLE) in mice with diabetes. After just four weeks, OPLE was found to cause improvements in kidney dysfunction and fibrosis, two conditions commonly associated with diabetic neuropathy. Not only that but it was also found to decrease markers of oxidative stress and inflammation as well.

In case you want to use Palm oil for oxidative stress, Rachel, L(2018) article suggests you add plenty of other high-antioxidant foods, such as turmeric, ginger, dark chocolate, and pecans.

Supports Skin and Hair Health

Rachel, L (2018) explained that many people swear by using red palm oil for skin and claim that it can do everything from improving the appearance of scars to fighting off acne. This is because it’s rich in vitamin E, a nutrient that plays a central role in skin health.

This notwithstanding, one randomized controlled trial by Jaffary et al (2015) reported that taking vitamin E by mouth for four months significantly improved symptoms of atopic dermatitis (a condition that makes your skin red and itchy) compared to a placebo.

Another study by Keen and Hassan (2016) found that vitamin E may be useful in the treatment of wounds, pressure ulcers, and psoriasis.

Beoy et al.(2010) in 37 participants with hair loss found that taking tocotrienol for eight months increased the number of hairs by 34.5 per cent. Meanwhile, the placebo group saw a 0.1 per cent decrease in the number of hairs by the end of the study.

Palm Oil, Side effects, and Concerns

There have been so many controversies regarding the consumption of Palm oil on health status. Let me address this here:

One, as humans, we behave differently. Hence, from studies, consuming red palm oil is likely to have a different impact on the individual. The fact is that many studies found that palm oil can reduce cholesterol levels, while others have produced mixed results reporting that it can increase cholesterol concentrations for some individuals. I provide the studies on negative studies here:

Utarwuthipong et al. (2009)-controlled Clinical Trial published in the Journal of International Medical Research. Subjects were hypercholesterolaemia women (those with high levels of cholesterol in the blood). The study found a significant increase in these women consuming palm oil as compared to soybean oil (SBO), and rice bran oil (RBO)
Bautista et al. (2001)- Randomized Crossover Trial on Colombian diets published in European Journal of Clinical Nutrition. The subject was Twenty-eight healthy male students aged 20-34 years.
Tholstrup et al. (2011)- controlled double-blinded, randomized crossover Trial on 32 healthy men published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. This study found that as compared with the intake of olive oil, palm olein and lard increased total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol.
Xian et al. (2012) also found that reheated palm oil could increase arterial plaque, which may result in an increased risk of heart disease. Due to this, I advise, avoiding repeated reheating as it may decrease the oil’s antioxidant activity and lead to negative effects on health.

Though did not chance on any such studies on Africans, I advise you to use palm oil in moderation and use it in combination with other healthy fats in your diet.

Another concern is that most of the palm oil on the market today is heavily processed and oxidized for cooking purposes. Rachel, L (2018) explained that this method depletes palm oil of its health-promoting properties and can have negative impacts on health. Hence, I advise you to use unrefined and cold-pressed palm oil to avoid any adverse health effects.

Palm Oil vs. Coconut Oil

Let me use this medium to also settle this controversy between the two: The biggest differences lie in the composition of these two types of oils. The fact is that Coconut oil is higher in saturated fats and medium-chain triglycerides. On the other hand, palm oil is divided into nearly 50/50 between saturated and unsaturated fats, coconut oil is almost entirely made up of saturated fats. Coconut oil also contains beneficial compounds like lauric acid, which has been linked to a lower risk of heart disease and contains antimicrobial and antiviral properties.

When comparing red palm oil vs. coconut oil, however, both bring a different set of benefits and health-promoting properties to the table. Include both, along with other healthy sources of fat, in a well-balanced, nutrient-rich diet to promote better health.

Take Home

To studies there are numerous health benefits of palm oil including decreasing cholesterol levels, reducing oxidative stress, boosting brain health, slowing the progression of heart disease, increasing vitamin A status, and improving skin and hair health. Take notice of the negative aspect of reheating and reusing which possess a danger to our health. You can also derive the numerous benefits from Palm soup due to the tocotrienols, a form of vitamin E that has strong antioxidant properties that may improve brain health.

The writer is a Professor of Naturopathic Healthcare, President, Nyarkotey College of Holistic Medicine & Technology (NUCHMT)/African Naturopathic Foundation. E-mail: [email protected].

References

Rachael Link,(2018) Red Palm Oil Benefits the Heart & Brain but Is It Bad for the Environment? https://draxe.com/nutrition/red-palm-oil/
Sommerburg O, De Spirt S, Mattern A, Joachim C, Langhans CD, Nesaretnam K, Siems W, Stahl W, Mall MA. Supplementation with red palm oil increases β-carotene and vitamin A blood levels in patients with cystic fibrosis. Mediators Inflamm. 2015;2015:817127. doi: 10.1155/2015/817127. Epub 2015 Jan 26. PMID: 25688177; PMCID: PMC4321850.
Utarwuthipong T, Komindr S, Pakpeankitvatana V, Songchitsomboon S, Thongmuang N. Small dense low-density lipoprotein concentration and oxidative susceptibility changes after consumption of soybean oil, rice bran oil, palm oil and mixed rice bran/palm oil in hypercholesterolaemic women. J Int Med Res. 2009 Jan-Feb;37(1):96-104. doi: 10.1177/147323000903700111. PMID: 19215678
Xian TK, Omar NA, Ying LW, Hamzah A, Raj S, Jaarin K, Othman F, Hussan F. Reheated palm oil consumption and risk of atherosclerosis: evidence at ultrastructural level. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2012;2012:828170. doi: 10.1155/2012/828170. Epub 2012 Dec 19. PMID: 23320039; PMCID: PMC3541024.
Tholstrup T, Hjerpsted J, Raff M. Palm olein increases plasma cholesterol moderately compared with olive oil in healthy individuals. Am J Clin Nutr. 2011 Dec;94(6):1426-32. doi: 10.3945/ajcn.111.018846. Epub 2011 Nov 9. PMID: 22071711.
Bautista LE, Herrán OF, Serrano C. Effects of palm oil and dietary cholesterol on plasma lipoproteins: results from a dietary crossover trial in free-living subjects. Eur J Clin Nutr. 2001 Sep;55(9):748-54. doi: 10.1038/sj.ejcn.1601218. PMID: 11528488.
Jaffary F, Faghihi G, Mokhtarian A, Hosseini SM. Effects of oral vitamin E on treatment of atopic dermatitis: A randomized controlled trial. J Res Med Sci. 2015 Nov;20(11):1053-7. doi: 10.4103/1735-1995.172815. PMID: 26941808; PMCID: PMC4755091.
Keen MA, Hassan I. Vitamin E in dermatology. Indian Dermatol Online J. 2016 Jul-Aug;7(4):311-5. doi: 10.4103/2229-5178.185494. PMID: 27559512; PMCID: PMC4976416.
Beoy LA, Woei WJ, Hay YK. Effects of tocotrienol supplementation on hair growth in human volunteers. Trop Life Sci Res. 2010 Dec;21(2):91-9. PMID: 24575202; PMCID: PMC3819075.
Dong S, Xia H, Wang F, Sun G. The Effect of Red Palm Oil on Vitamin A Deficiency: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Nutrients. 2017 Nov 24;9(12):1281. doi: 10.3390/nu9121281. PMID: 29186779; PMCID: PMC5748732.
Pham-Huy LA, He H, Pham-Huy C. Free radicals, antioxidants in disease and health. Int J Biomed Sci. 2008 Jun;4(2):89-96. PMID: 23675073; PMCID: PMC3614697.
Varatharajan R, Sattar MZ, Chung I, Abdulla MA, Kassim NM, Abdullah NA. Antioxidant and pro-oxidant effects of oil palm (Elaeis guineensis) leaves extract in experimental diabetic nephropathy: a duration-dependent outcome. BMC Complement Altern Med. 2013 Sep 29;13:242. doi: 10.1186/1472-6882-13-242. PMID: 24074026; PMCID: PMC3829664.
McLaren DS. Vitamin A deficiency disorders. J Indian Med Assoc. 1999 Aug;97(8):320-3. PMID: 10643184.
Radhika MS, Bhaskaram P, Balakrishna N, Ramalakshmi BA. Red palm oil supplementation: a feasible diet-based approach to improve the vitamin A status of pregnant women and their infants. Food Nutr Bull. 2003 Jun;24(2):208-17. doi: 10.1177/156482650302400207. PMID: 12891825.
Tan CH, Lee CJ, Tan SN, Poon DTS, Chong CYE, Pui LP. Red Palm Oil: A Review on Processing, Health Benefits and Its Application in Food. J Oleo Sci. 2021 Sep 4;70(9):1201-1210. doi: 10.5650/jos.ess21108. Epub 2021 Aug 6. PMID: 34373407.
Ibrahim NF, Yanagisawa D, Durani LW, Hamezah HS, Damanhuri HA, Wan Ngah WZ, Tsuji M, Kiuchi Y, Ono K, Tooyama I. Tocotrienol-Rich Fraction Modulates Amyloid Pathology and Improves Cognitive Function in AβPP/PS1 Mice. J Alzheimers Dis. 2017;55(2):597-612. doi: 10.3233/JAD-160685. PMID: 27716672; PMCID: PMC5147513.
Ismail M, Alsalahi A, Imam MU, Ooi J, Khaza’ai H, Aljaberi MA, Shamsudin MN, Idrus Z. Safety and Neuroprotective Efficacy of Palm Oil and Tocotrienol-Rich Fraction from Palm Oil: A Systematic Review. Nutrients. 2020 Feb 18;12(2):521. doi: 10.3390/nu12020521. PMID: 32085610; PMCID: PMC7071496.
Fattore E, Bosetti C, Brighenti F, Agostoni C, Fattore G. Palm oil and blood lipid-related markers of cardiovascular disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis of dietary intervention trials. Am J Clin Nutr. 2014 Jun;99(6):1331-50. doi: 10.3945/ajcn.113.081190. Epub 2014 Apr 9. PMID: 24717342.
Bucci P, Borrero M, Ruiz A, Pacetti D, Frega NG, Diez O, Ojeda M, Gagliardi R, Parra L, Angel M. Palm oil and cardiovascular disease: a randomized trial of the effects of hybrid palm oil supplementation on human plasma lipid patterns. Food Funct. 2016 Jan;7(1):347-54. doi: 10.1039/c5fo01083g. PMID: 26488229.
Voon PT, Ng TK, Lee VK, Nesaretnam K. Virgin olive oil, palm olein and coconut oil diets do not raise cell adhesion molecules and thrombogenicity indices in healthy Malaysian adults. Eur J Clin Nutr. 2015 Jun;69(6):712-6. doi: 10.1038/ejcn.2015.26. Epub 2015 Mar 25. PMID: 25804278.
Ismail SR, Maarof SK, Siedar Ali S, Ali A. Systematic review of palm oil consumption and the risk of cardiovascular disease. PLoS One. 2018 Feb 28;13(2):e0193533. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0193533. PMID: 29489910; PMCID: PMC5831100.
Zhang J, Ping W, Chunrong W, Shou CX, Keyou G. Nonhypercholesterolemic effects of a palm oil diet in Chinese adults. J Nutr. 1997 Mar;127(3):509S-513S. doi: 10.1093/jn/127.3.509S. PMID: 9082037.
Tomeo AC, Geller M, Watkins TR, Gapor A, Bierenbaum ML. Antioxidant effects of tocotrienols in patients with hyperlipidemia and carotid stenosis. Lipids. 1995 Dec;30(12):1179-83. doi: 10.1007/BF02536621. PMID: 8614310.

Shijingshan District: A cultural heritage and advanced technology hub

Essay

Hadram Hydara

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March 24, 2023

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Shijingshan District: A cultural heritage and advanced technology hub

By Talibeh Hydara

First of all, I went to the movies. Yippee!!! For the first time in my life, I actually left home and went straight to watch a movie in a theatre. I’ve been watching movies all my life. From watching Van Damme, Bruce Lee, Jet Li, and Sylvester Stallone on a black-and-white television plugged to a car battery as a kid in the village to watching Will Smith, Vin Diesel, and James Spader on a flat TV screen plugged into a socket in Manduar. I grew up watching movies of all kinds; Chinese, Indian, American, and Nigerian, but not once have I ever been to the movies, until I came to Beijing. The experience was chilling: big theatre, immersive screen, comfortable seats and, to cap it off, a cupful of popcorn! The trip to China Film Company had everything.

I watched The Wandering Earth II, a sequel to the Chinese sci-fi movie in which humans do the impossible to move the earth to a new solar system because the sun is burning out. Don’t worry, if that would ever happen, you and I wouldn’t be alive to see it. Those that come after us would take care of that problem while we sleep six feet under the ground. The movie portrays advanced technology, unity in diversity and bravery. It shows that if we help each other, if we listen to each other and be patient with each other, we could do anything, which includes moving the earth to a new place. I watched a great movie, munched popcorn and returned to the residence with a mug that I am still trying to figure out what it cannot do. The mug is so strong that I don’t think it would break even if you dropped it from the sky. I got a comic costume too which gives me an appearance of a beggar rather than a vigilante in Atlantis.

I get excited whenever I see a field trip on our weekly schedule. As a writer, going to new places and meeting new people can be a great muse.

I’ve been to many places already since I arrived but, so far, none has inspired me more than the Moshikou area in the Shijingshan District. I felt possessed walking in that street, shaped like a dragon with the best road decoration I’ve ever seen. Once a battleground for military strategists, the Moshikou area took me back thousands of years. The camel-bell road felt like Camelot to me, and I felt the range of the polearm, the hug of the lamellar, the weight of the metal helmet and the galloping of horses as warriors clashed on the battlefield. Moshikou Avenue is a “millennial path and century-old street” that not only connected the capital with the outside world for thousands of years but helped me time-travel to the most vivid times of the Ming and Qing dynasties.

The same area houses the Fahai mural art centre. I walked into mosques and churches so many times in my life but never a temple. It is a profound historical and cultural complex. Giant vertical screens. Striking illumination and a soothing sound that followed me all the way back to the residence. We had to do a little bit of climbing but it was worth the struggle because I got to meet Tankasri Avalokitesvara, the water-moon Kuan-Yin, the god of compassion.

The last part was the best part for me. We watched a short 3D movie inspired by Wan Fuqing, the painter of the murals in the temple. The movie was about Fuqing when the temple was built during the time of Ming Zhengtong.

In the movie, Fuqing mobilised painters to create the murals. He was a perfectionist and that got the better of him. He got exhausted and fell asleep. He then dreamed a trip to heaven where he met crowds of gods. All the animals and gods that should be painted, more or less presented themselves to him. That is all an artist needed. Fuqing woke up enlightened and then gathered all the painters to get to work. That is how and when the murals of the Fahai Temple were completed.

Believe it or not, I went into the skies with Fuqing and met the ancestors. I thought they were in the ground. It was the closest I have been to the heavens, and I didn’t want to come back. The experience felt so real. The lions roaring. The birds chirping. The greenish scenery. I could live in that hall forever.

Prior to stepping into the great Fahai temple, we had a brief stop at Gu Dao Si Cun, transformed from the historic Laoye Temple. The antique courtyard peeks into the memoire and folk customs of western Beijing. I found a frog chilling for thousands of years, unbothered by the noise around or the encircling gods in the siheyuan.

From the Fahai temple to the Cheng’en temple, the historical residence of the Emperor and the most mysterious temple in Beijing, I embarked on a spiritual journey so much that I felt like a Swami. The Moshikou area—surrounded by lush hills, green pines and verdant cypresses—chronicles scintillating historical facts about revered dynasties in Chinese folklore. It is a place everyone should visit.

Shijingshan is not only home to temples and historical artefacts. It is also a prospective innovative district with both the science fiction centre and a metaverse park with cutting-edge technology.

It has put China’s sci-fi industry on a revolutionary path to development. The Zhongguancun science fiction industry innovation centre, the LUSTER Metaverse centre, the SOREAL Metaverse park and WANOS have all wowed me. But from LUSTER’s immaculate implantation of eyes and brains into machines to WANOS immersive production of sound, nothing captivated me more than the prototype computerised intelligence car.

The car has biometric palm recognition. That means you don’t need any keys to even open it. All you have to do is just wave at it; show it your palm and it opens for you. Its sophistication is even beyond that. When you want to lower the car window, all you have to do is command it with your finger, no handles or power-driven buttons anymore. In my country, the handles to open the car windows are most of the time somewhere in a pocket in front of the driver. As a passenger, if you want to lower the window or close it, the driver will have to give you the metal handle and you screw it in first before rolling it down or up. This vehicle saves you all that trouble. Just point your finger in the direction you want the glass to go; up or down, and it does exactly that.

The car is being programmed like a partner, sort of. It has both gesture and voice recognition. When you are in, it picks up your mood. If you’re sad, it plays soothing music to calm you down and makes sure your body temperature is in tandem with that of the vehicle. Not just that, the usual side and rear-view mirrors have been replaced with cameras, which means you don’t have to struggle anymore to see what’s in your cracked mirror outside. The screen is just in front of you with the best images possible. On the safety aspect, and this is the fun part, if you’re sleepy, the car alarms each time your eyes are closed or even pick a cigarette. This is an astonishing step into the future!

It is a prototype, yes, but from today, I am going to start saving money until that car is ready. It is my type of car.

Growing up and watching movies, it has always crossed my mind to take some form of self-defence lessons. Being vulnerable and defenceless has scared me since I was a kid. But without masters, we practised karate and kung fu moves we watched in films. We stretched our muscles, put pressure on our bones and endured unbearable pain. Through that self-inflicted pain, I learned to punch hard, do splits accurately and backflip. It was amazing how well my body responded to the rigorous training we devised on our own without any professional help. Self-defence stayed with me ever since. I wanted to take lessons; taekwondo, karate, kung fu, anything that increases my alertness and gives me a chance to defend myself. Later in life, however, the items on my priority list kept replacing each other and by the time I realised it, self-defence was down the pecking order. That is why I was thrilled to take part in basic Tai Chi lessons on Friday. Tai Chi is sports, health, and martial art all rolled into one. It is a practice that involves a series of slow gentle movements and physical postures, a meditative state of mind, and controlled breathing. In 2020, it was listed in the UNESCO intangible cultural heritage. That means it is already widely appreciated and I cannot tell you anything new about it. I just want to share my experience.

Leading the lessons was Mr Yang Songquan, the founder of Beijing Chenjiagou Taijiquan Training Center, who has been a global icon of Tai Chi for decades. He was born in Chenjiagou, the birthplace of Taijiquan and the grandson of Master Chen Zhaopi.

Yang Songquan is in his early 70s but not even a cat makes a more distinctive gait than him. As young as I am and as old as Songquan is, by the time the lessons ended, there was a stark difference in our energy levels. It’s been a few days since, but I still feel like my muscles are leaving my body. He and his students even did some advanced demonstrations for us, including the ‘touching hands’ style but he was just smooth and strong. Mr Yang Songquan has given us the basic lessons in Tai Chi, and, with the help of the pamphlet, I will start doing it in my room, following each step and immersing in the silence. I believe what Yang Songquan believes: “Taijiquan is the most brilliant doctor, which can keep human beings away from diseases.” It was quite fulfilling to just follow his steps and the silent movements of his hands. Tai Chi is special!

Unlikely Bond: The Surprising Friendship Between Saddam Hussein and His Guards

Opinions

Hadram Hydara

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March 20, 2023

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Unlikely Bond: The Surprising Friendship Between Saddam Hussein and His Guards

By: Sowe Bully

In his final days, Saddam Hussein found himself guarded by a group of American soldiers. They were known as the Super Twelve, and they had been tasked with keeping the deposed Iraqi leader confined. It was a duty that would change them in unexpected ways.

In Will Bardenwerper’s book, The Prisoner in His Palace, the emotional experiences of the American soldiers who were tasked with guarding him. These soldiers formed an unlikely bond with the deposed Iraqi leader, sharing stories and smoking cigars with him as they watched over him in his confinement. They saw a man who was trapped, a man who had lost everything.

As Bardenwerper writes, the soldiers of the Super Twelve formed an unlikely connection with Saddam, a man they had been trained to hate. They saw in him a complex human being with a deep love of literature and writing, and over time, they shared stories and smoked cigars together. But despite this bond, the soldiers were left with a profound sense of loss and remorse when Saddam was ultimately executed.

For Specialist Adam Rogerson, one of the Super Twelve, the experience was particularly traumatic. “I feel like I let him down,” he told Bardenwerper. “It was as if he had lost a family member. I almost feel like a murderer, like I killed a guy I was close to.”

Despite being an “enemy” of the United States, Saddam was a complex and cultured man who loved literature and writing. He was particularly fond of authors like Dostoevsky and Naguib Mahfouz and frequently requested reading and writing materials during his confinement.

To him, being denied access to pen and paper amounted to a violation of his human rights. As he frequently requested reading and writing materials during his confinement, he lamented his lack of access to pen and paper. “You must understand, I am a writer,” he told John Nixon, a CIA interrogator, “And what you are doing by depriving me of pen and paper amounts to human rights abuse!”

Saddam’s story is a poignant reminder of the power of human connection, even in the most unlikely of circumstances. It is a testament to the fact that there is often more to a person than meets the eye, and that empathy and understanding can go a long way towards breaking down barriers and forging unexpected bonds.
As we delve deeper into the story of Saddam and the Super Twelve, we can’t help but feel a sense of sorrow for what might have been, and a renewed appreciation for the importance of seeing the humanity in others.

We can learn from the soldiers of the Super Twelve that it’s important to approach others with empathy and an open mind. By taking the time to get to know someone, we can form connections that transcend politics and ideology. We can find common ground and forge relationships that might surprise us.

Embracing love without boundaries: Knots tied in Sharia

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Hadram Hydara

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March 20, 2023

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Embracing love without boundaries: Knots tied in Sharia

By: Juliana Twumwaa Obeng

The writer

Embracing Love without boundaries: Knots Tied in Sharia

The Gambia is a predominantly Muslim country, but there are also significant Christian and traditional religious communities. In general, interfaith marriages between Muslims and Christians are relatively common in The Gambia, and they are usually accepted as long as both partners respect each other’s faith and culture.

In The Gambia, the Cadi Court is a court that has jurisdiction over Islamic personal law matters. The court is responsible for adjudicating cases related to marriage, divorce, inheritance, and other related issues based on Islamic principles. The Cadi Court is a Shariah court in The Gambia that has jurisdiction over matters related to Islamic personal law, including marriage and divorce. Islamic marriage in The Gambia is governed by the Shariah law, which is based on the Quran and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammed.

One question that often arises in the context of the Cadi Court’s jurisdiction is whether a Christian can marry a Muslim in The Gambia.

The answer to this question based on my research is yes, a Christian can marry a Muslim in The Gambia under certain circumstances. According to the Cadi Court rules, a marriage between a Christian and a Muslim is permitted as long as certain conditions are met.

One of the conditions that must be met is that the Christian spouse must be willing to convert to Islam. The conversion must be a genuine and voluntary act, and the Cadi Court will verify that the conversion was not coerced in any way. The court will also ensure that the convert understands the basic principles of Islam and is willing to live according to those principles.

Another condition that must be met is that the Muslim spouse must obtain the consent of his or her parents or guardians. This is because Islamic law places a great deal of importance on the consent of parents or guardians in matters of marriage. The consent of the Christian spouse’s parents or guardians is also required, although this may be waived in certain circumstances.

The Cadi Court rules also require that the marriage contract (nikah), be performed according to Islamic principles. The nikah is a contract between the two parties that establishes their rights and obligations in the marriage. It must be performed in the presence of at least two witnesses and must include the payment of a dowry by the groom to the bride.

The legal requirements for marriage vary depending on whether the ceremony is religious or civil. For a religious marriage, the couple must obtain a marriage certificate from their respective religious authorities. For a civil marriage, the couple must obtain a marriage license from the Registrar General’s office and have the ceremony performed by a magistrate or other authorized official.

Once these conditions are met, the marriage between a Christian and a Muslim is considered valid under Islamic law and is recognized by the Cadi Court. The couple is subject to the same rights and obligations as any other married couple under Islamic law.

It is important to note that the Cadi Court’s jurisdiction is limited to matters of Islamic personal law, and it does not have the authority to recognize marriages that do not meet the conditions outlined above. For example, if a Christian and a Muslim were to marry without the Christian spouse converting to Islam or without the necessary consent from parents or guardians, the Cadi Court would not recognize the marriage as valid.

Under Islamic law, a marriage may be nullified if it is found to be invalid from the outset. Some of the common grounds for the nullification of marriage include:

Lack of legal capacity: The parties must have legal capacity to enter into a marriage contract. For example, if one of the parties is under the age of consent, the marriage may be nullified;
Non-observance of essential elements: The marriage contract must include the essential elements of offer, acceptance, and consideration (mahr). If any of these elements are missing or invalid, the marriage may be nullified;
Legal impediments: The marriage may be nullified if there are legal impediments such as blood relationship or prior marriage that render the marriage contract invalid;
Fraud or misrepresentation: If one of the parties entered into the marriage contract based on fraud or misrepresentation, the marriage may be nullified;
Coercion or duress: If one of the parties was forced or coerced into entering into the marriage contract, the marriage may be nullified.

What happens then?

If a marriage is nullified by the Cadi Court, it is considered to have never existed from a legal perspective, and the parties are free to enter into a new marriage contract if they so choose.

In a study published in the Journal of Muslim Minority Affairs, Jllow et al. (2010), explored the challenges facing Muslim family law in The Gambia, including issues related to interfaith marriages. They noted that while there is no explicit prohibition on Muslim-Christian marriages in The Gambia, such marriages are still relatively uncommon due to cultural and religious differences between the two faiths.

A 2018 article in The Point, a Gambian newspaper, highlighted the story of a Muslim-Christian couple who had been married for over a decade. The article noted that the couple had faced some initial resistance from their families due to their religious differences, but had been able to build a strong and happy marriage based on mutual respect and understanding.

In her 2014 book, “Marriage in Contemporary Islamic Legal Discourse,” legal scholar Lena Larsen examined the Islamic legal principles surrounding interfaith marriages, including those between Muslims and Christians. While her research focused primarily on the Middle East and North Africa, she noted that the same principles apply in other Muslim-majority countries, including The Gambia.

Parting Words

Based on the Cadi Court rules in The Gambia, a Christian can marry a Muslim as long as certain conditions are met. These conditions include the voluntary conversion of the Christian spouse to Islam, the consent of parents or guardians, and the performance of the marriage contract according to Islamic principles. The Cadi Court will only recognize marriages that meet these conditions and are considered valid under Islamic law.

It is important to note that the rules and procedures of the Cadi Court are subject to interpretation and may vary depending on the specific circumstances of each case. Couples who are considering an Islamic marriage in The Gambia should seek guidance from a qualified Islamic scholar or lawyer to ensure that their marriage contract complies with the requirements of Islamic law.

The writer is a BL candidate at the Gambia Law School. She is driven by her affinity to the legal profession and relies on Precedents and Acts of the National Assembly to educate the public on bits and pieces of the application of the Laws of the Gambia and Ethics of the legal profession. These write-ups are for educational purposes only and not to serve as a substitute for Legal Advice. Email: [email protected]

References:

The Gambia: Cadi Court Act, 2005

The Gambia: Marriage Act, 1945

Jallow, A. Saine, & E. Saine. (2010). Muslim Family Law in The Gambia: Progress and Challenges. Journal of Muslim Minority Affairs, 30(1), 39-52.

Kenyan ‘Jesus’ runs for his life as locals plot Easter Crucifixion

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Hadram Hydara

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March 20, 2023

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Kenyan ‘Jesus’ runs for his life as locals plot Easter Crucifixion

As Easter celebrations kick off, one man is getting into the holiday spirit in an unexpected way. Eliud Simiyu, a self-proclaimed ‘Messiah’, has taken up residence in the local police station, reportedly fearing for his life as rumours circulate that locals are planning to give him the ultimate Easter surprise – a crucifixion. It seems that the town’s residents are not quite convinced by his claims of divine authority, and are eager to put his alleged powers to the test. Whether or not Eliud will rise from the dead like his namesake remains to be seen.

In a small Kenyan town, a man who claims to be Jesus Christ has found himself in hot water. No, not the holy water kind, the “I need to run for my life” kind! That’s right, folks. Eliud Simiyu, also known as “Jesus of Tongeren,” has reportedly fled to the nearest police station after hearing that some locals want to crucify him on Easter.

It’s not every day that we hear of someone claiming to be the son of God, and it’s even rarer that we see such a person running for their life. But such is the case in Tongeren, where tensions are high and the fate of Simiyu is uncertain.

Simiyu’s followers have rallied around him, insisting that he is the real deal and that he will rise again on the third day. But the naysayers are having none of it. They have accused him of being a charlatan, a fraud, and a danger to society.

In an interview with local news, Simiyu denied the allegations, saying, “I am not a false prophet. I am the real Jesus Christ, and I am here to save the world.”

But don’t worry, folks. According to social media, if he really is the Messiah, he’ll be back in three days. It’s like a religious game of hide and seek!

Meanwhile, social media users have been having a field day with the news. One person tweeted, “If Jesus was a Kenyan, would he turn water into tea?” Another joked, “I hear they’re going to serve tea and biscuits at the crucifixion. It’s going to be a real cross-over event. Another added, “If he’s really the Messiah, then he shouldn’t be afraid of a little crucifixion. It’s just a test of faith!”

As of now, it remains to be seen whether Simiyu will be able to convince the locals of his divine status and avoid a painful fate on the cross. But one thing’s for sure: this Easter is shaping up to be a real nail-biter!

The ‘Shameless’ ICC Fails to Hold Bush, Blair Accountable While Targeting Putin 20 Years After the Iraq War

Opinions

Hadram Hydara

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March 19, 2023

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The ‘Shameless’ ICC Fails to Hold Bush, Blair Accountable While Targeting Putin 20 Years After the Iraq War

As the sun set on March 19th, 2003, Baghdad braced for the onslaught that was about to befall it. The bustling city, once a vibrant metropolis, resembled a desolate wasteland, as the sounds of war echoed through the air like the mournful wail of a banshee. The night sky, once adorned with the twinkling stars, was now illuminated by the fierce blaze of bombs exploding in the distance, as if the heavens themselves were being torn asunder. Coalition forces had begun shelling the city, marking the start of a war that would be remembered for decades to come. Twenty years later, the question still remains: why has no one been held accountable for the war crimes committed during the Iraq War?

In the lead-up to the Iraq War in 2003, the world was told a lie. The claim that Saddam Hussein possessed weapons of mass destruction was a fabrication, a falsehood that was eagerly embraced by politicians and the media alike. It was a lie that would have catastrophic consequences, leading to a war that would claim the lives of hundreds of thousands of people, destabilize the entire region, and forever stain the reputation of those who perpetrated it. In this article, we will explore the lies that were told, the motivations behind them, and the lessons that we can learn from this tragic episode in human history.

The tragedy that befell innocent Iraqis on the eve of March 19, 2003, at the hands of the United States and coalition forces was a heinous crime against humanity, an unspeakable act of violence that shook the foundations of morality itself. The nature of this evil, senseless war was that of a merciless beast, driven by an insatiable thirst for power and dominance. It devoured the lives of countless innocent souls, leaving in its wake a trail of destruction and devastation that will haunt the world for generations to come.

And yet, despite the overwhelming evidence of war crimes committed during the conflict, no one has been held accountable. The architects of the war, men like George W. Bush, Tony Blair, and Donald Rumsfeld, remain free and unrepentant, while the victims of their crimes continue to suffer.

It is a tragedy beyond measure that the International Criminal Court, which was established to bring justice to the victims of war crimes, has been unable to hold those responsible for the Iraq War accountable. The ICC has been hamstrung by politics, with powerful nations like the United States refusing to recognize its authority or cooperate with its investigations.

The stunning hypocrisy of the international community is on full display when we consider the selective approach to justice for war crimes. The likes of Bush, Blair, and Obama, responsible for countless deaths and destruction in Iraq, Libya, and beyond, are free men, while leaders from non-Western countries are hauled before the ICC.
Meanwhile, the US and its allies have the audacity to call for Putin’s arrest for his alleged role in the Ukraine war. Where is the justice in this? The fact that those who bear the greatest responsibility for the horrors of the Iraq war continue to evade accountability is a travesty, a betrayal of the very principles that the ICC was created to uphold.

But the failure of the ICC is only one part of the problem. The larger issue is that the world has yet to reckon with the legacy of the Iraq War, and the profound damage that it has done to the global order. The war was a product of a particular moment in history, a time when the United States and its allies believed that they could reshape the world through force of arms. That moment has passed, but the consequences of that hubris are still with us.

Today, the lessons of the Iraq War are more relevant than ever. We live in a world where the use of force is still seen as a legitimate tool of statecraft, where powerful nations are still able to act with impunity, and where the victims of war crimes continue to be denied justice.

It is high time that the international community wakes up to this reality and demands that justice be done, regardless of the perpetrator’s nationality or geopolitical clout. Anything less is a shameful perpetuation of the double standards that have plagued the international justice system for far too long.

It is only by holding all those responsible for war crimes accountable that we can begin to heal the wounds of the past and build a more just and peaceful world for future generations.

If we are to move forward, we must confront these realities head-on. We must demand accountability for the war crimes committed during the Iraq War, and we must work to strengthen the institutions that are meant to prevent such crimes from occurring in the future. We must recognize that the legacy of the Iraq War is a stain on our collective conscience, and that we can only begin to wash it away by acknowledging the truth of what happened, and by taking meaningful steps to ensure that such horrors are never repeated.

The Gambia should not follow Saudi for moonsighting

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Hadram Hydara

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March 19, 2023

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The Gambia should not follow Saudi for moonsighting

By: Kebba O

On the 27^th day of every lunar month, very early in the morning before sunrise, the waning crescent of the Moon is entering its journey towards being Astronomical New Moon (Conjunction). This disappearance of the moon before sunrise is locally called “Kaaro Taata”. At this phase, the Moon is between Sun and Earth, and it is invisible because the side facing Earth is not reflecting light from the Sun towards the Earth even though it is still there rotating and revolving the Earth.

In the Qur’an 71:15-16 “‘See ye not how Allah has created the seven heavens one above another, “‘ And made the moon a light in their midst, and made the sun as a (Glorious) Lamp? Moon is called “Qamar” and the light we see is described in the Quran Muneer thus Reflected light.

This conjunction state will take the Moon 2.2 Days to appear in the same position it was when it was New Crescent on its 29^th day (Santo Fello) or 30^th Day (Bai Ballo) to begin the journey again as we are counting or calculating to know our times, Seasons, Edil Fitr, Edil Adha to name a few and our Hajj to Mecca. This will bring Astronomy into play a very important key to assisting us in maintaining the Sunna of sighting the Moon on the 29^th day if not seen to complete by the 30^th day. We are being reminded in the Holy Qur’an of this Phenomena of the Waxing, Waning, Full Moon and New Moon (Conjunction) in several places like

Qur’an 10:5

It is He Who made the sun to be a shining glory and the moon to be a light (of beauty), and measured out stages for her; that ye might know the number of years and the count (of time). Nowise did Allah create this but in truth and righteousness. (Thus) doth He explain His Signs in detail, for those who understand?

Qur’an 2:189

They ask thee concerning the New Moons. Say: They are but signs to mark fixed periods of time in (the affairs of) men, and for Pilgrimage.

Qur’an 36:39

And the Moon – We have measured for her mansions (to traverse) till she returns like the old (and withered) lower part of a date stalk.

With the above information different countries fall into different Predicted Crescent Moon Visibility Curves, (just like how sunrise and sunset vary from country to country), which can provide us scientific guidance on the capability (visibility) of seeing the New Crescent Moon with naked eye in The Gambia in particular when the New Crescent Moon is visible, Saudi and The Gambia are different governments and different time zones. Looking at various historical Crescent Moon Visibility Curves, one can see sometimes Saudi is capable of seeing the New Crescent when The Gambia is not and sometimes The Gambia seeing while Saudi could not be encouraging everyone to familiarize themselves with https://www.moonsighting.com to assist one in performing naked-eye sighting of the New Crescent to fast or break the fast at the 29^th or 30^th day. Bravo to the Current leadership of the Moon Sighting committee in The Gambia encouraging reports of sighting within The Gambia to be sent to them for final announcement. The https://www.moonsighting.com will be very useful in pointing to Conjunction Dates and times, New Crescent Moons and the like since don’t of us don’t’ know by heart the Islamic Months just like some of us know January to December. Wishing everyone many more Ramadans and Eids.

‘Let them admit that they made a mistake:’ GWA hits back at NSC

Sports

Hadram Hydara

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March 18, 2023

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‘Let them admit that they made a mistake:’ GWA hits back at NSC

By: Ousman Saidykhan

The Gambia Wrestling Association (GWA) has responded to the National Sports Council (NSC) which described their March 13th press conference as misleading.

The GWA called the press for their unveiling of the five-man wrestling squad that is representing the Gambia at the ECOWAS African Wrestling Championship holding from Match 17th -19th in Niamey, Niger.

During the unveiling on Monday, the GWA revealed to the press some of what they referred to as “the unfortunate circumstances meted out on the travelling wrestling team.”

Amongst the concerns of the body overseeing wrestling in the Gambia is the squad’s lack of camping and the differentness of the tracksuits for the team. However, these utterances did not go down well with the NSC.

In a press conference on the 16th of March, the NSC accused GWA of engaging in a smear campaign against them and the Ministry of Youth and Sports.

In a counter press conference in the evening of the same day, 16th March, the same day meant to “set the record straight,” GWA debunked such allegation, saying they were disappointed with the NSC for misinterpreting their statements that were just meant to inform Gambians about the circumstances the body and its members found themselves in.

“So, I think it is good that sometimes we are sincere to admit when we are at fault. If we are at fault, we will admit that we are at fault. So, the National Sports Council should admit that they faulted that the team did not go to camp; that the dresses they gave them are not in the same colours; that they gave to each wrestler D20,000 directly and not through the association (GWA).

“Let them admit that they made a mistake and not try to belittle the effort we are doing,” says the Secretary General of GWA, Ebrima Suwareh.

GWA has also debunked the NSC Executive Director Marcel Mendy’s statement that the association uses its money on marriage and naming ceremonies, a statement they took to be very disparaging of their efforts.

“It is very good to encourage people when they are trying and not to damage people when they are trying,” the president of GWA, Serign Modou Faye said.

The wrestling association said they inherited a penniless association when they came and struggled to get some funds only for them to be criticised instead of being praised.

In any case, the wrestling team is already in Niamey, Niger. However, the manner in which the NSC and Sports Ministry handled the trip has not been impressive to the GWA.

Prof. Raphael Nyarkotey Obu: 6-Packs come with a risk of depression

Health

Hadram Hydara

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March 17, 2023

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By Prof. Raphael Nyarkotey Obu

6-Packs come with a risk of depression

I chanced on this important study in the men’s health article in the Times of India (2018) and I want to share it with you. We cannot be wiser than God indeed. Well, today, the craving for body enhancement in both males and females has dominated the airwaves. But we don’t also look at the negative aspect of these body enhancements. We look at the interlocutory benefits.

One well Studies from researchers from the Norwegian University of Science and Harvard University investigated the link between male body image issues and mental health.

A researcher interviewed 2,460 men aged 18-32 about their gym habits, and about 10% of them have “body-image disorder.” They found that body-obsessed men have a higher risk of not only depression but also weekend binge drinking, and using illegal supplements, including anabolic steroids.

With this disorder, they will feel guilty when missing out on one workout even while they are in excellent shape; they will still feel the need to be thinner.

Apart from that, 6 Pack Abs Interfere With Your Breathing. Your breathing consists of your lungs, diaphragm, and accessory respiratory muscles. The “Rectus Abdominis Muscle,” what we know as the 6-pack, is directly connected to the lower part of your ribcage.

When your abs are in a contracted state, it will further pull your ribcage down and restrict the free gliding movement of the lungs and interfere with your breathing.

6-Packs?

The term “six-pack’” typically refers to the rectus abdominis muscle. Flynn and Vickerton, nd) explained that the rectus abdominis muscle runs from the sternum to the pubic bone and is responsible for dynamically flexing the spine forward. Some Studies have shown, though, that this muscle is not necessarily effective as a stabilizer of the spine(Kim and Lee 2017; Stokes et al. 2011).

Tyler Read (2021) explained in his article that, the moniker “six-pack” comes from its appearance of visible rows of 4–8 distinct muscular segments that you can see on individuals with relatively low body fat.

Although many additional important muscles comprise your core, the rectus abdominis is the most superficial one.

As such, it’s the muscle that gives chiselled abs their distinct appearance. Likewise, because it’s the outermost layer of the ab muscle, it does not do much in terms of stability of the spinal column.

Visibility of 6-Pack

The major issue that has to do with six-pack visibility is the amount of subcutaneous body fat ststoredround the stomach.

We have been advised that the fact that one does not have visible six-pack abdominals doesn’t mean our core is weak, or even that you are carrying excess weight.

Traditionally, visible six-pack abs need a body fat percentage far lower than that required for general health benefits.

One study (Branco et al. 2018) recommended that a normal range for body fat percentage is 17.6–25.3% in males and 28.8–35.7% in females.

There is no universally accepted body fat percentage at which six-packs become visible, typical ballpark ranges are 10–12% body fat for men and 16–20% body fat for women.

Besides, Tyler Read (2021) opined that these figures are too low for those needed for optimal general health and fitness despite the popular association between visible abs and optimal fitness.

This notwithstanding, he pointed to one article by Harvard Health that asserts that the excess visceral fat, which is located deeper in the abdomen and surrounds our organs, is far more dangerous to our health than excess subcutaneous fat, which lies just under our skin and coves our muscles from the outside.

Hence, he believes that more levels of visceral fat may not affect the visibility of the six-pack to the same extent as subcutaneous fat, even though excess visceral fat is a greater health concern.

Also, genetics as well influences where you store body fat, which greatly influences the specific body fat percentage at which your abs will be visible. Tyler Read (2021) notes that if one stores more fat in the hips, the abs will be visible at higher body fat percentages and vice versa.

Lifestyle factors, such as sleep and stress levels, also affect fat gains, which will affect the visibility of your abs.

He justified this with one study by Cooper et al. (2018) that found regularly sleeping less than 7 hours was linked with greater rates of obesity and weight gain. They also found that sleep deprivation has negative effects on ghrelin, leptin, and insulin, which are key hormones for regulating hunger and fat storage in the body.

Another study by Valk et al. (2018) found that higher stress levels, as reflected by greater glucocorticoid activity, were also associated with increased rates of obesity.

Despite the above factors, a surplus calorie intake will typically lead to fat gains over time, which will decrease the visibility of your six-pack — independent of any other factors.

Should 6 Packs be the major goal in exercise?

Read had this to say: “While it’s OK to strive for aesthetic fitness goals like having visible abs, the truth is that your core and abdominals play a much more important role than just being nice to look at. The rectus abdominis is just one of many muscles in the so-called core, which is a series of muscles that span the hips to the thoracic spine and include superficial and deep layers, as well as different muscles along the front, side, and back of your lower torso. Collectively, the core muscles stabilize the spine and allow it to bend and twist as required for functional activities. The biggest benefits of core training have nothing to do with visible abdominals. Furthermore, the abdominals are just one of many core muscles you should target in your routine”.

He further says: Additional core muscles that play a vital role include:

transverse abdominis
multifidus
diaphragm
pelvic floor
internal and external obliques
quadratus lumborum

A large body of evidence supports core training for a variety of improved outcomes across different populations.

For instance, Hsu et al. (2018) study found that 4 weeks of core strength training enhanced performance on sudden perturbation tasks, which correlates to our ability to catch ourselves and stand upright when we’re about to fall over.

Also, another study by Hung et al. (2019) found that for athletic performance, additional research found that an 8-week core training program enhanced static balance, core endurance, and running economy in college running athletes.

Finally, Chang et al. (2015) study on core training and low back pain found that all core routines studied enhanced lower back pain. Frequent ones that targeted the deeper core muscles, such as the transverse abdominis and multifidus, had the greatest positive effects on lower back pain.

Read finally summed it all: “It’s worth noting that training the core may help build more muscle mass in that region, which will add more contour to your six-pack and potentially allow it to be visible at slightly higher body fat levels.

However, you will still need to have relatively low body fat for this effect to occur, and the main reasons to train the core have more to do with performance and health benefits rather than aesthetic appearances”.

In conclusion, getting six packs alone is not enough and researchers believe that those who engaged in them have no confidence in themselves, they drink more as well and have mental health issues leading to depression because they are not happy with their natural bodies.

Also, six-packs don’t automatically make you fit, but they also don’t mean you’re underweight or addicted to exercise. Those abs aren’t great correlations for much of anything and these are not markers of health and wellness.

NB:

Prof. Nyarkotey has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations to justify his write-ups. My articles are for educational purposes and do not serve as Medical advice for Treatment. I aim to educate the public about evidence-based scientific Naturopathic Therapies.

The writer is a Professor of Naturopathic Healthcare, a Medical Journalist, and a science writer. President, Nyarkotey College of Holistic Medicine & Technology (NUCHMT), African Naturopathic Foundation, Ashaiman, Ghana. E. mail: [email protected].

References

Kim BJ, Lee SK. Effects of three spinal stabilization techniques on activation and thickness of abdominal muscle. J Exerthe c Rehabil. 2017 Apr 30;13(2):206-209. doi: 10.12965/jer.1734900.450. PMID: 28503534; PMCID: PMC5412495.

Stokes IA, Gardner-Morse MG, Henry SM. Abdominal muscle activation increases lumbar spinal stability: analysis of contributions of different muscle groups. Clin Biomech (Bristol, Avon). 2011 Oct;26(8):797-803. doi: 10.1016/j.clinbiomech.2011.04.006. Epub 2011 May 14. PMID: 21571410; PMCID: PMC3157598

Cooper CB, Neufeld EV, Dolezal BA, Martin JL. Sleep deprivation and obesity in adults: a brief narrative review. BMJ Open Sport Exerc Med. 2018 Oct 4;4(1):e000392. doi: 10.1136/bmjsem-2018-000392. PMID: 30364557; PMCID: PMC6196958.

Branco BHM, Bernuci MP, Marques DC, Carvalho IZ, Barrero CAL, de Oliveira FM, Ladeia GF, Júnior NN. Proposal of a normative table for body fat percentages of Brazilian young adults through bioimpedanciometry. J Exerc Rehabil. 2018 Dec 27;14(6):974-979. doi: 10.12965/jer.1836400.200. PMID: 30656157; PMCID: PMC6323334.

van der Valk ES, Savas M, van Rossum EFC. Stress and Obesity: Are There More Susceptible Individuals? Curr Obes Rep. 2018 Jun;7(2):193-203. doi: 10.1007/s13679-018-0306-y. PMID: 29663153; PMCID: PMC5958156.

Hsu SL, Oda H, Shirahata S, Watanabe M, Sasaki M. Effects of core strength training on core stability. J Phys Ther Sci. 2018 Aug;30(8):1014-1018. doi: 10.1589/jpts.30.1014. Epub 2018 Jul 24. PMID: 30154592; PMCID: PMC6110226.

Chang WD, Lin HY, Lai PT. Core strength training for patients with chronic low back pain. J Phys Ther Sci. 2015 Mar;27(3):619-22. doi: 10.1589/jpts.27.619. Epub 2015 Mar 31. PMID: 25931693; PMCID: PMC4395677.

Hung KC, Chung HW, Yu CC, Lai HC, Sun FH. Effects of 8-week core training on core endurance and running economy. PLoS One. 2019 Mar 8;14(3):e0213158. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0213158. PMID: 30849105; PMCID: PMC6407754.

From Senegal to Morocco: Why GFF chose Casablanca over Dakar for Gambia’s home game

Sports

Hadram Hydara

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March 17, 2023

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From Senegal to Morocco: Why GFF chose Casablanca over Dakar for Gambia’s home game

By: Muhammed Lamin Drammeh

With the country’s only football stadium still deemed unfit to host international matches, the Gambia Football Federation has chosen Morocco over Senegal for the Scorpions’ home game against Mali due to logistical concerns, and financial and technical considerations that favour the federation regardless of the potential huge fan turnout in Senegal.

On June 4, 2022, the Gambia used Stade lati dore in Thies, Senegal for its home game against the Bright Stars of South Sudan, however, they shunned the whole of Senegal this time for Morocco regardless of the proximity of the two countries.

Speaking to The Fatu Network, the Director of Communications at The Gambia Football Federation, Mr. Baboucarr Camara, explained why the federation picked Morocco over Senegal. He revealed that the North African nation will avail them to use the stadium at no cost, and pointed out that they have better facilities compared to neighbours, Senegal.

“Logistics, financial and as well technical considerations; all these in Morocco are the best options. They have better facilities in terms of training and accommodation. They will avail the stadium to us for free, unlike Senegal where Lat Dior is banned and Diamniadou is a Public-private partnership and quite expensive,” Camara explained when quizzed on why the federation chose Morocco for its home game over neighbours Senegal.

The GFF Director of Communications further explained that in terms of travelling and players to and from the camp, Morocco is much more apt than Senegal.

“Also, in terms of travelling, Casablanca is a major hub where all our players coming for the game have direct flights from their destinations to the place, unlike Senegal where most of the players will have to transit. That will delay their arrival and affect our technical preparations and also delay their return to their clubs as well,” he added.

In June 2022, when the Gambia played in Thies against South Sudan, scores of Gambians made the journey to cheer up the team. This was due to its proximity to the Gambia. The crowd in Thies seems not to be too impressed by the federation and thereby not considering the need for Gambians to travel and support the players. Morocco, a country miles away from the Gambia, may see only a few Gambians travel to support the scorpions.

Komma Camara, a Gambian football fan, said the country playing its home game in a faraway country is something difficult for him to understand.

“Playing our home game far from home is something very difficult to understand or accept as a Gambian sports lover. The boys will not get the home fans’ support as host, which is disadvantageous to us despite other advantages,” he claimed.

The scorpions will face Mali at Stade Muhammed V in Casablanca on March 28.

Prof. Raphael Nyarkotey Obu: Chewing Gum improves academic performance

Health

Hadram Hydara

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March 16, 2023

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By Prof. Raphael Nyarkotey Obu

Chewing Gum improves academic performance

This article seems funny though, but I am tempted to do this write-up due to the many female students I have seen who are glued to their gum. It appears that some are addicted to their gum and cannot do away with it. But the question is what are the health benefits of chewing gum?

What is chewing Gum?

The Health line writer notes that chewing gum is a soft, rubbery substance that’s designed to be chewed but not swallowed. Helen West (2021) article further held that the chewing gum recipes can differ based on brands, but they all have the following basic ingredients:

Gum. This is the nondigestible, rubbery base used to give gum its chewy quality.
Resin: This is usually added to strengthen gum and hold it together.
Fillers. Fillers, such as calcium carbonate or talc, are used to give gum texture.
Preservatives. These are added to extend shelf life. The most popular choice is an organic compound called butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT).
Softeners. These are used to retain moisture and prevent the gum from hardening. They can include waxes like paraffin or vegetable oils.
Sweeteners. Cane sugar, beet sugar, and corn syrup are popular sweeteners. Sugar-free gums use sugar alcohols such as xylitol or artificial sweeteners such as aspartame.
Flavorings. Natural or synthetic flavorings are added to give gum the desired taste.

Most chewing gum manufacturers keep their exact recipes a secret. They often refer to their specific combination of gum, resin, filler, softeners, and antioxidants as their “gum base.” All ingredients used in the processing of chewing gum have to be “food grade” and classified as fit for human consumption.

Chewing Gum, Science

Reduces Stress and boosts memory

Five studies (Hirano and Onozuka, 2015; Allen and Smith, 2015; Chen et al. 2015; Hirano and Onozuka, 2014; Hirano et al. 2013) demonstrate that chewing gum enhances brain function, including alertness, memory, understanding, and decision-making.

Also, a recent randomized controlled trial by Yaman-Sözbir et al. (2019) established that students who chewed gum over 7 or 19 days had reduced scores for depression, anxiety, and stress compared to those who did not. Those who chewed gum also achieved greater academic success. These studies are beginning to wow me to start chewing as well. Check this one as well: Tucha and Simpson, (2011) also found that chewing gum could provide a bit of a distraction when performing any task at the start but could help you focus for longer periods.

Another, Onyper et al. (2011) found an impact of chewing gum during the first 15–20 minutes of a task. It is interesting how just chewing gum improves memory. Some say that memory improvement is due to increased blood flow to the brain caused by chewing gum.

Two more studies (Smith et al. 2012; Smith, A, 2013) also confirmed that chewing gum could decrease stress and increase feelings of attentiveness.

In a small study (Smith and Woods, 2012) on university students, chewing gum for 2 weeks reduced participants’ feelings of stress, especially about academic workload. As to why this is so in academic performances. Two studies (Kubo et al. 2015; Konno et al. 2016) explained that it has to do with the art of chewing which has been linked to reduced levels of stress hormones such as cortisol.

Though Allen et al. 2015 study found that chewing gum improves memory only at the time of chewing the gum. Smith, A (2016) on the other hand, found that the impact is more on those who chew throughout the day.

Chewing gum improves weight loss

Studies found that Chewing gum could benefit those trying to lose weight. This is because it’s both sweet and low in calories, giving you a sweet taste without negatively affecting your diet.

Two studies (Xu et al. 2015; Lasschuijt et al. 2020) found that chewing gum could reduce appetite, which may avert overeating.

One small study (Park et al. 2016) also found that chewing gum between meals reduced feelings of hunger and decreased consumption of high-carb snacks in the afternoon.

Another small study (Kanno et al. 2019) found that chewing gum while walking could help burn more calories.

Other studies reported different findings. For instance, two studies (Mattes and Considine, 2013; Shikany et al. 2012) found that chewing gum does not affect appetite or energy intake over a day.

Though, one study (Swoboda and Temple, 2013) also held that those who chewed gum were less likely to snack on fruit. This could be because the participants were chewing minty gum before eating, which made the fruit taste bad.

Finally, Kresge and Melanson (2015) agreed that chewing gum may enhance metabolic rate.

Chewing gum improves breath, and protects teeth

Chewing sugar-free gum could help protect your teeth from cavities.

It’s better for your teeth than regular, sugar-sweetened gum. This is because sugar feeds the “bad” bacteria in your mouth, which can damage your teeth.

However, some sugar-free gums are better than others when it comes to dental health.

Xu et al. (2015) found that chewing gum sweetened with the sugar alcohol xylitol is more effective than other sugar-free gums at averting tooth decay. Two studies (Takeuchi et al. 2018; Chavan et al. 2015) explained that xylitol averts the growth of the bacteria that cause tooth decay and bad breath.

One study (Bahador et al. 2012) found that chewing xylitol-sweetened gum reduced the number of bad bacteria in the mouth by up to 75%.

Finally, Wessel et al. (2016) held that chewing gum after a meal increases saliva flow thus washing away harmful sugars and food debris, both of which feed bacteria in the mouth.

Warnings

Apart from the numerous benefits, chewing too much gum could cause some unwanted side effects. Moderation is always the key to everything.

Sugar-free gums contain laxatives and FODMAPs

The sugar alcohols used to sweeten sugar-free gum have a laxative effect when consumed in large amounts. In one study, Liauw and Saibil (2019) found that chewing lots of sugar-free gum could cause digestive distress and diarrhea. Furthermore, all sugar alcohols are FODMAPs, which can cause digestive problems for people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

Sugar-sweetened gum is bad for dental and metabolic health

Chewing gum sweetened with sugar is bad for the teeth. For instance, Rugg-Gunn, A (2013) explained that sugar is digested by the bad bacteria in the mouth, causing an increase in the amount of plaque on the teeth and tooth decay over time.

Additionally, Bray and Popkin, (2014) also held that eating too much sugar is also linked with several health conditions such as obesity, insulin resistance, and diabetes.

Chewing gum too much causes problems with the jaw

Frequent chewing could lead to a jaw problem called temporomandibular disorder (TMD), which causes pain when you chew. Two studies (Tabrizi et al. 2014; Correia et al. 2014) found a link between excessive chewing and TMD.

Chewing gum, headaches

Lippi et al. (2015) review suggests that frequently chewing gum could cause headaches in those prone to migraine episodes and tension-type headaches, though more research is needed.

Take Home

The recommended is sugar-free gum made with xylitol. However, for those with IBS. Sugar-free gum contains FODMAPs, which can cause digestive problems. Also, choose a gum sweetened with a low-calorie sweetener such as stevia. Chewing gum is generally safe, always read the label.

NB:

Prof. Nyarkotey has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations to justify his write-ups. My articles are for educational purposes and do not serve as Medical advice for Treatment. I aim to educate the public about evidence-based scientific Naturopathic Therapies.

The writer is a Professor of Naturopathic Healthcare, a Medical Journalist, and a science writer. President, Nyarkotey College of Holistic Medicine & Technology (NUCHMT), African Naturopathic Foundation, Ashaiman, Ghana. E. mail: [email protected].

References

Hirano Y, Onozuka M. Chewing and attention: a positive effect on sustained attention. Biomed Res Int. 2015;2015:367026. doi: 10.1155/2015/367026. Epub 2015 May 17. PMID: 26075234; PMCID: PMC4449948.

Allen AP, Smith AP. Chewing gum: cognitive performance, mood, well-being, and associated physiology. Biomed Res Int. 2015;2015:654806. doi: 10.1155/2015/654806. Epub 2015 May 17. PMID: 26075253; PMCID: PMC4449949.

Chen H, Iinuma M, Onozuka M, Kubo KY. Chewing Maintains Hippocampus-Dependent Cognitive Function. Int J Med Sci. 2015 Jun 9;12(6):502-9. doi: 10.7150/ijms.11911. PMID: 26078711; PMCID: PMC4466515.

Hirano Y, Onozuka M. [Chewing and cognitive function]. Brain Nerve. 2014 Jan;66(1):25-32. Japanese. PMID: 24371128.

Hirano Y, Obata T, Takahashi H, Tachibana A, Kuroiwa D, Takahashi T, Ikehira H, Onozuka M. Effects of chewing on cognitive processing speed. Brain Cogn. 2013 Apr;81(3):376-81. doi: 10.1016/j.bandc.2012.12.002. Epub 2013 Jan 29. PMID: 23375117.

Yaman-Sözbir Ş, Ayaz-Alkaya S, Bayrak-Kahraman B. Effect of chewing gum on stress, anxiety, depression, self-focused attention, and academic success: A randomized controlled study. Stress Health. 2019 Oct;35(4):441-446. doi: 10.1002/smi.2872. Epub 2019 Jun 14. PMID: 31125164.

Tucha L, Simpson W. The role of time on task performance in modifying the effects of gum chewing on attention. Appetite. 2011 Apr;56(2):299-301. doi: 10.1016/j.appet.2010.12.021. Epub 2010 Dec 28. PMID: 21192998.

Onyper SV, Carr TL, Farrar JS, Floyd BR. Cognitive advantages of chewing gum. Now you see them, now you don’t. Appetite. 2011 Oct;57(2):321-8. doi: 10.1016/j.appet.2011.05.313. Epub 2011 May 27. PMID: 21645566.

Smith AP, Chaplin K, Wadsworth E. Chewing gum, occupational stress, work performance and wellbeing. An intervention study. Appetite. 2012 Jun;58(3):1083-6. doi: 10.1016/j.appet.2012.02.052. Epub 2012 Mar 3. PMID: 22390954.

Smith A. Effects of chewing gum on stress and health: a replication and investigation of dose-response. Stress Health. 2013 Apr;29(2):172-4. doi: 10.1002/smi.2430. Epub 2012 Apr 11. PMID: 22496105.

Smith AP, Woods M. Effects of chewing gum on the stress and work of university students. Appetite. 2012 Jun;58(3):1037-40. doi: 10.1016/j.appet.2012.02.054. Epub 2012 Mar 5. PMID: 22402304.

Kubo KY, Iinuma M, Chen H. Mastication as a Stress-Coping Behavior. Biomed Res Int. 2015;2015:876409. doi: 10.1155/2015/876409. Epub 2015 May 18. PMID: 26090453; PMCID: PMC4450283.

Konno M, Takeda T, Kawakami Y, Suzuki Y, Kawano Y, Nakajima K, Ozawa T, Ishigami K, Takemura N, Sakatani K. Relationships Between Gum-Chewing and Stress. Adv Exp Med Biol. 2016;876:343-349. doi: 10.1007/978-1-4939-3023-4_43. PMID: 26782231.

Smith AP. Chewing gum and stress reduction. J Clin Transl Res. 2016 Apr 24;2(2):52-54. PMID: 30873461; PMCID: PMC6410656

Xu J, Xiao X, Li Y, Zheng J, Li W, Zhang Q, Wang Z. The effect of gum chewing on blood GLP-1 concentration in fasted, healthy, non-obese men. Endocrine. 2015 Sep;50(1):93-8. doi: 10.1007/s12020-015-0566-1. Epub 2015 Mar 11. PMID: 25758865; PMCID: PMC4546692.

Lasschuijt M, Mars M, de Graaf C, Smeets PAM. How oro-sensory exposure and eating rate affect satiation and associated endocrine responses-a randomized trial. Am J Clin Nutr. 2020 Jun 1;111(6):1137-1149. doi: 10.1093/ajcn/nqaa067. PMID: 32320002; PMCID: PMC7266691.

Park E, Edirisinghe I, Inui T, Kergoat S, Kelley M, Burton-Freeman B. Short-term effects of chewing gum on satiety and afternoon snack intake in healthy weight and obese women. Physiol Behav. 2016 May 15;159:64-71. doi: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2016.03.002. Epub 2016 Mar 3. PMID: 26948161.

Kanno S, Shimo K, Ando T, Hamada Y, Miyashita M, Osawa K. Gum chewing while walking increases fat oxidation and energy expenditure. J Phys Ther Sci. 2019 May;31(5):435-439. doi: 10.1589/jpts.31.435. Epub 2019 May 10. PMID: 31164781; PMCID: PMC6511506.

Mattes RD, Considine RV. Oral processing effort, appetite and acute energy intake in lean and obese adults. Physiol Behav. 2013 Aug 15;120:173-81. doi: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2013.08.013. Epub 2013 Aug 15. PMID: 23954409; PMCID: PMC3811075.

Shikany JM, Thomas AS, McCubrey RO, Beasley TM, Allison DB. Randomized controlled trial of chewing gum for weight loss. Obesity (Silver Spring). 2012 Mar;20(3):547-52. doi: 10.1038/oby.2011.336. Epub 2011 Nov 10. PMID: 22076595.

Swoboda C, Temple JL. Acute and chronic effects of gum chewing on food reinforcement and energy intake. Eat Behav. 2013 Apr;14(2):149-56. doi: 10.1016/j.eatbeh.2013.01.011. Epub 2013 Feb 13. PMID: 23557811.

Kresge DL, Melanson K. Chewing gum increases energy expenditure before and after controlled breakfasts. Appl Physiol Nutr Metab. 2015 Apr;40(4):401-6. doi: 10.1139/apnm-2014-0232. Epub 2014 Dec 18. PMID: 25794237.

Xu J, Xiao X, Li Y, Zheng J, Li W, Zhang Q, Wang Z. The effect of gum chewing on blood GLP-1 concentration in fasted, healthy, non-obese men. Endocrine. 2015 Sep;50(1):93-8. doi: 10.1007/s12020-015-0566-1. Epub 2015 Mar 11. PMID: 25758865; PMCID: PMC4546692.

Takeuchi K, Asakawa M, Hashiba T, Takeshita T, Saeki Y, Yamashita Y. Effects of xylitol-containing chewing gum on the oral microbiota. J Oral Sci. 2018 Dec 27;60(4):588-594. doi: 10.2334/josnusd.17-0446. Epub 2018 Nov 15. PMID: 30429438.

Chavan S, Lakashminarayan N, Kemparaj U. Effect of Chewing Xylitol Containing and Herbal Chewing Gums on Salivary Mutans Streptococcus Count among School Children. Int J Prev Med. 2015 May 22;6:44. doi: 10.4103/2008-7802.157543. PMID: 26097673; PMCID: PMC4455121.

Bahador A, Lesan S, Kashi N. Effect of xylitol on cariogenic and beneficial oral streptococci: a randomized, double-blind crossover trial. Iran J Microbiol. 2012 Jun;4(2):75-81. PMID: 22973473; PMCID: PMC3434645.

Wessel SW, van der Mei HC, Maitra A, Dodds MW, Busscher HJ. Potential benefits of chewing gum for the delivery of oral therapeutics and its possible role in oral healthcare. Expert Opin Drug Deliv. 2016 Oct;13(10):1421-31. doi: 10.1080/17425247.2016.1193154. Epub 2016 Jun 3. PMID: 27223231.

Liauw S, Saibil F. Sorbitol: Often forgotten cause of osmotic diarrhea. Can Fam Physician. 2019 Aug;65(8):557-558. PMID: 31413027; PMCID: PMC6693595.

Rugg-Gunn A. Dental caries: strategies to control this preventable disease. Acta Med Acad. 2013 Nov;42(2):117-30. doi: 10.5644/ama2006-124.80. PMID: 24308392.

Bray GA, Popkin BM. Dietary sugar and body weight: have we reached a crisis in the epidemic of obesity and diabetes?: health be damned! Pour on the sugar. Diabetes Care. 2014 Apr;37(4):950-6. doi: 10.2337/dc13-2085. PMID: 24652725; PMCID: PMC9514031.

Tabrizi R, Karagah T, Aliabadi E, Hoseini SA. Does gum chewing increase the prevalence of temporomandibular disorders in individuals with gum chewing habits? J Craniofac Surg. 2014 Sep;25(5):1818-21. doi: 10.1097/SCS.0000000000000993. PMID: 25203577.

Correia D, Real Dias MC, Castanho Moacho A, Crispim P, Luis H, Oliveira M, Carames J. An association between temporomandibular disorder and gum chewing. Gen Dent. 2014 Nov-Dec;62(6):e33-6. PMID: 25369399.

Lippi G, Cervellin G, Mattiuzzi C. Gum-Chewing and Headache: An Underestimated Trigger of Headache Pain in Migraineurs? CNS Neurol Disord Drug Targets. 2015;14(6):786-90. doi: 10.2174/1871527314666150225143105. PMID: 25714969.

Will Gitteh contest as an independent candidate despite signing a pledge to support any chosen NPP candidate?

Opinions

Hadram Hydara

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March 16, 2023

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Will Gitteh contest as an independent candidate despite signing a pledge to support any chosen NPP candidate?

By: Muhammed Lamin Drammeh

“Whoever is selected here, I will be your Khalid Ibn Wali, I will do the fight for you”, Ahmad Gitteh promised when he was given a minute opportunity to talk to the delegates shortly before the National People’s Party’s March 8 primaries. This happened a few minutes after he signed the pledged document read by Demba Sabally, the First Vice President of the party.

Now that NPP’s ticket is beyond his reach, will Ahmad Gitteh contest as an independent candidate despite signing a pledge to support whoever is selected by the NPP?

On March 8, 2023, at the Regional Education Directorate region 2 hall, Ahmad Gitteh, just like all the six applicants signed a pledge to support whoever is selected by the delegates as the candidate for the party.

After signing the pledge, Gitteh could not win the 8 March primary as announced by Abba Sanyang, and eventually boycotted the runoff claiming foul play and that he had in fact won the first primaries.

When he was given the opportunity to talk to delegates, Gitteh, regarding the pledge for support, said: “If I were a woman, I would have carried the pregnancy of this party in giving birth to it. Whoever is selected here, I will be your Khalid Ibn Wali, I will do all the fight for you,” he uttered, which was greeted with applause.

Gitteh, who claimed to be a founding member of the party, is now expected to go solo against Seedy Ceesay and others for the top seat in the Brikama Area Council.

Even before the NPP’s primary, Gitteh, on many occasions, said he would contest regardless of whether NPP backed him or not. But with the signing of the support pledge and no public resignation from the party yet, will Gitteh go against his party?

Team Gitteh, a group of people backing Gitteh, announced that they will be organizing a press conference tomorrow. It is not clear if Ahmad Gitteh will resign and go against his pledge, but the writing is on the wall for all to read. Let’s see what the May election has in store for us.

Borom Buzz: Gitteh’s political career doomed by five cardinal mistakes in NPP

Opinions

Hadram Hydara

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March 16, 2023

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Borom Buzz: Gitteh’s political career doomed by five cardinal mistakes in NPP

In a fiery Facebook live broadcast from the confines of his car, Ebou Bah, widely known as Serigne Chapa Cholly Borom Buzz, has raised five key reasons why Ahmed Gitteh, Brikama Area Council Chairmanship hopeful, would not be selected by the National People’s Party (NPP). Borom Buzz, a staunch NPP supporter, claimed that Gitteh’s missteps, including attacking the President and his family, and disloyalty to the party, should lead to his dismissal from the party.

In a high-pitched voice, Serign Chapa began by citing Gitteh’s controversial comments about the president’s marriage. He recalled how Gitteh had questioned why Mandinka elders prefer to marry outside of their ethnicity, and had accused the president of doing the same. This, according to Borom Buzz, was Gitteh’s first mistake.

Borom Buzz then moved on to Gitteh’s opposition to the NPP’s chosen candidate for the Brikama South parliamentary seat, which many pundits and political observers believe could have cost the party the seat citing the good chunk of the votes that went to the independent. This comes after people pleaded with him to not side with or campaign for the independent as a member of the NPP. “Where is the loyalty in this?” Borom Buzz asked.

Mistake number three, according to Borom Buzz, was Gitteh’s social media outbursts against the president and his family, particularly the First Lady. He accused Gitteh of making name-calling and threatening to destroy the First Family even after being warned against doing so.

Borom Buzz went on to highlight Gitteh’s perceived arrogance, referencing his claim that he is more educated than the president, except for Lawyer Darboe. “No one is more educated than him,” Borom Buzz emphasized, “but Gitteh had the audacity to claim that he is.”

Finally, Borom Buzz criticized Gitteh for attacking West Coast Region elders during his campaign to be the nominee for the NPP. In a Facebook live, Gitteh had questioned whether the elders were “crazy enough” to elect his rival, Seedy Ceesay, who went on to be nominated by the NPP.

Serigne Chapa Cholly Borom Buzz concluded his live broadcast by arguing that anyone who goes against the NPP top brass should be excluded from the party, regardless of their past contributions. “These are all red flags,” he warned, “and they should have disqualified Gitteh and dismissed him from the NPP even before we reached this stage.

While Serigne Chapa Cholly Borom Buzz has listed these reasons as to why the NPP will not select Ahmed Gitteh as its candidate for the Brikama Area Council Chairmanship, it is up to the party’s leadership to make the final decision.

In spite of the reasons stated by Borom Buzz against selecting Gitteh as the candidate for the Brikama Area Council Chairmanship, he still holds out hope that the president will take heed of his message. Borom Buzz believes that the president’s veto power should be utilized to ensure Gitteh’s candidacy in order to promote peace within the NPP party.

However, it is important to note that loyalty, humility, and respect are essential traits that every politician should possess.

Regardless of where one stands, it is evident that political loyalties run deep and often dictate the course of action. As the election approaches, only time will tell if the NPP’s decision will help or hinder their chances of success in the Brikama Area Council chairmanship.

Six common diseases attributable to smoking and what The Gambia is doing about it

Fact Check

Hadram Hydara

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March 16, 2023

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Six common diseases attributable to smoking and what The Gambia is doing about it

By: Dawda Baldeh

Smoking, especially tobacco smoking, is a harmful practice that can cause several diseases, such as cancer, heart disease, high blood pressure and chest infections. Due to its harmful effects, smoking in public is banned, and the sale and advertisements of tobacco products are prohibited in The Gambia.

To further discourage people from smoking or importing tobacco products, the government plans to increase taxes on tobacco products (see page 67 ANNEX 5 Revenue Measures) and order tobacco (cigarettes) sellers not to sell it per stick.

In this explainer, DUBAWA highlights some of the most common diseases smoking causes. We engaged Seyfo Singhateh, Senior Program Officer of Non-Communicable Disease (NCD), Directorate of Health services at the Ministry of Health of The Gambia, regarding the subject. The Ministry of Health noted that the disease affects smokers and those exposed to cigarette smoke.

1. COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)

COPD is an obstructive lung disease that causes difficulty in breathing. It also causes long-term disability and early death. It leads to inactivity and loss of strength that will eventually worsen, making walking extremely difficult for a distance. About 85% to 90% of all COPD is caused by cigarette smoking.

2. Heart disease

Smoking causes dangerous plaque build-up that can clog and narrow the arteries. Poisons from tobacco smoke also quickly damage blood vessels and make blood more likely to clog. This can block blood flow and lead to heart attack, stroke, or sudden death.

3. Stroke

A stroke is a loss of brain function caused when blood flow within the brain is interrupted. The ailment can cause permanent brain damage to the brain and sometimes lead to death. Smoking increases the risk of strokes in people.

4. Asthma

Asthma is a chronic lung disease that makes it harder to move air in and out of the lungs, known as “breathing.” Smoking irritates air passages. It can trigger sudden and severe asthma attacks. Asthma is also a serious health problem that affects millions of people globally.

5. Diabetes type 2

Smoking is a cause of type 2 diabetes. If you have diabetes and smoke, your risk for kidney disease is two or three times higher than if you don’t smoke. Smokers with diabetes also have a higher risk for heart disease, an eye disease that can cause blindness, and nerve damage that leads to numbness, pain, weakness, poor circulation and amputations. Smokers who have diabetes also have more difficulty recovering from surgeries.

6. Infertility and pregnancy problem

Smoking reduces a woman’s chance of getting pregnant and damages sperm cells. Damage to sperm could decrease fertility and lead to miscarriage or congenital disabilities.

Men who smoke are more likely to have erectile dysfunction, which can affect reproduction. Women who smoke during pregnancy have a higher risk for ectopic pregnancy, delivering their babies early, and stillbirth. Those who smoke during early pregnancy are likelier to have babies born with a cleft lip or palate.

Babies whose mothers smoke during pregnancy are likelier to have low birth weight or die from sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).

How does smoking cause diseases?

Smoking, especially tobacco smoking, weakens the immune system of a smoker. As a result, it will undermine the system in fighting any diseases in the body. When the immune system is weak, it makes it easier for any disease to overcome the system.

Cigarettes contain more than 7,000 harmful chemicals that can lead to several diseases in the human body. It also causes infertility in both men and women. When the immune system is weak, it leads to diseases like cancer, heart disease, stroke, and lung diseases. Smoking also increases the risk of tuberculosis and certain eye diseases.

What is the Ministry of Health doing to protect people from the effects of tobacco smoking?

Over twenty years, The Gambia has compiled a good collection of legal frameworks that reassures tobacco control.

The Gambia has enacted the Tobacco Control Act and developed Tobacco Control Regulations.

The Gambia has approved the Protocol to Eliminate Unlawful Trade in Tobacco Products and developed the National Tobacco Control Program Document. In their effort to curtail tobacco use, The Gambia government, through the Ministry of Health, created an Act in 2016 called the ‘Tobacco Control Act 2016’. The Act was adopted in December 2016 and entered into force on December 17, 2018.

The Tobacco Control Regulation 2019 contains implementing details related to health warning content, sales restrictions, disclosure requirements, smoke-free places, and enforcement.

The Regulations entered into force on October 1, 2019. The Act prohibited all indoor workplaces, public places, and smoking on all means of public transport.

Based on scientific evidence, the conference of the Parties to the World Health Organization Framework Convention of Tobacco Control has stated that 100% smoke-free environments are the only proven way to adequately protect people’s health from the harmful effects of second-hand tobacco smoke.

The researcher produced this explainer at the DUBAWA 2023 Kwame KariKari Fellowship partnership with (The Fatu Network) Daily Trust to facilitate the ethos of “truth” in journalism and enhance media literacy in the country.

SKEPTICAL TUESDAY: Why ‘Chef de Garage’ is the Ultimate Scam

Opinions

Hadram Hydara

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March 14, 2023

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SKEPTICAL TUESDAY: Why ‘Chef de Garage’ is the Ultimate Scam

Welcome to Skeptical Tuesday, where we take a good, hard look at the ridiculous things that we encounter in our daily lives. Today’s topic is the infamous “Chef de garage” – a title that sounds like it was plucked straight from a French cookbook, but is really just a fancy way of saying “lazy, money-grubbing leech”. Ah, the “Chef de garage” – the fancy French title for the guy who sits under a tree all day, drinking Ataya and Cafe Touba, and collecting a few measly coins from poor drivers. It’s like a scene from a bad comedy movie, but unfortunately, it’s all too real in The Gambia and Sub-Saharan Africa.

These so-called “Chefs” sit under a tree all day, collecting coins from drivers and doing nothing to earn them – all while the garage slowly descends into filth and chaos. Gather ’round, and let us delve into the absurdity of the “Chef de garage” – the most useless title to ever grace the ears of drivers in The Gambia. It’s a title that reeks of pretentiousness and conjures images of lazy con artists, all while drivers are left scratching their heads and wondering why they’re being forced to pay for a service they don’t need.

Let’s start with the basics. What is a “Chef de garage”? It’s a fancy French term that essentially means “garage manager”. In theory, a garage manager might oversee the maintenance and repairs of commercial vehicles, ensuring that they’re in good working condition and that they pass safety inspections.
But in reality, in a country like The Gambia, this position is a complete and utter joke.

In the Gambian transportation system, it’s not uncommon to come across these so-called “Chefs de Garage” who collect fees from drivers in exchange for nothing more than a false sense of security. They often lounge around the garage all day, sipping on Ataya and Cafe Touba while drivers come and go, wondering why they’re being forced to part with their hard-earned money. And the worst part? These “Chefs” make no effort to maintain the garage or keep it clean.

Let’s talk about the conditions of these so-called “garages”. They’re not exactly what you’d call hygienic, are they? Dirt, mud, and flies are everywhere, and you can practically see the germs multiplying. It’s like a breeding ground for disease. And yet, the “Chef de garage” seems perfectly content to sit there, collecting his coins and not lifting a finger to improve the conditions.

It’s a scam that’s been going on for far too long. After all, why should they be forced to pay for a service that doesn’t exist? It’s high time that the Gambian government takes action to put an end to this ridiculous practice and protect its citizens from these opportunistic “Chefs de Garage” who are nothing more than glorified con artists.

If we want to improve the situation for commercial drivers in The Gambia, we need to focus on creating a formalized system for maintaining and repairing vehicles, with clear guidelines and accountability measures in place.

We don’t need a fancy French title for someone who’s essentially doing nothing. It’s time to call out the “Chef de garage” for what it is: a complete and utter joke.

Medical Negligence on the rise in the Gambia: A Call for National Action

Hadram Hydara

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March 14, 2023

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By Prof. Raphael Nyarkotey Obu and Juliana Twumwaa Obeng

Medical Negligence on the rise in the Gambia: A Call for National Action

As students of the law, we are saddened by the high rise of reported media cases of alleged medical negligence in the Gambian healthcare system. Some of the cases ended up in court with interesting decisions. In this article, we report some of the alleged negligent cases:

The first case was reported by What’s on Gambia on 3^rd July 2014. In this case, a nurse was jailed for medical negligence. The story held that a pregnant woman, Isatou Bah visited Brikama Health Centre, in November 2013 to seek help. She was heavily pregnant and in pain, but Ndey decided to send her away.

Isatou pleaded and pleaded for help until she was allowed to stay in the labour ward. But that was not the end. The nurse asked for D1,800 from her husband, who later gave her D400 and promised to pay the rest. Despite paying D400, Isatou was left unattended. She delivered on her own, and sadly the baby fell on the floor and later died.

The second reported case of alleged medical negligence was reported by the same online portal on 11^th September 2021. In this case, Fatoumatta Bah was 7 months pregnant when she died at the Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital.

The third reported case of alleged medical negligence was attributed to a story published by the Voice Newspaper on October 13, 2022. This refers to some children who died taking some cough syrups in the Country.

The fourth case of reported medical negligence was also attributed to one Dr. Mbowe, accused of endorsing and taking part in Jammeh’s treatment causing loss of life by the Standard Newspaper (2022).

The fifth case of alleged medical negligence was directed to The Gambia’s main hospital, Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital (EFSTH) in Banjul.

Finally, a recent alleged case was reported on what’s on-Gambia, (2023) where a heavily pregnant woman and her unborn baby died at the Medicare Clinic in Brusubi.

Medical Negligence?

A simple definition was espoused in the Ghanaian case of The State v Tsiba (1962) 2 GLR 109 at p.111, Akufo Addo J.S.C (as he then was): “the omission to take care where there is a duty to take care”. It is also worth noting that the practice where we assume that doctors know it all in the medical profession is a thing of the past.

For legal academic education, we examine the common law perspective, academic legal studies, the Evidence Act 1994, and court decisions in the Gambia to buttress our argument on why the assumption that doctor knows it all is a thing of the past in the health system.

Bolam (1957) Covering Doctors-History

The adage of doctors knowing it all in the healthcare industry was a shield under the Bolam principle. This principle, which saves the medical profession held that when a doctor engages in a negligent act and it goes to court, once a colleague doctor testifies that the doctor’s practice or act is accepted by a reasonable body of medical opinion in that act the doctor could not be held as negligent.

The ‘Bolam’ principle has long been the traditional test governing how much information is necessary to avoid liability in negligence. Doctors would rely on their professional judgment to determine the amount of information to be disclosed.

Prior to that, Hunter v Hanley [1955] S.C. 2000 also permitted the medical profession to decide what information a patient could receive about options for treatment and the risks and benefits of those options. Information delivery to patients was filtered by the practice of the profession.

During this period, the courts in the UK were content to permit the medical profession through the evidence of expert witnesses on professional practice to dictate what information patients were entitled to receive.

The focus was not on the rights of the patient and the disclosure of risks inherent in a proposed treatment was seen as a product of the doctor’s duty of care rather than as a product of the patient’s right to self-determination.

Roger v Whitaker (1992): A patient’s right

There came Roger v Whitaker, an Australian case, that was celebrated for departing from doctors know it all in Bolam and Sidaway. Roger’s case reasoned that instead of cementing medical opinion, even on patients’ decision-making, the court is willing to re-examine the appropriateness of the standard adopted by doctors.

Bolitho (1997): Judges have the power to think for medical people

Bolitho v City and Hackney HA, 1996 helped to clarify what was meant by “a responsible body,” defining it as one whose opinion had a “logical basis in the medical profession.”

This means that the Bolam Test and the Bolitho Test are used in combination in medical negligence. Bolitho test is saying that the doctor’s decision, though appears sound in the medical community has to be logical. Combining the two cases means that a doctor is not negligent if he or she acts in accordance with a responsible body of medical opinion, provided that the Court finds such an opinion to be logical.

For instance, the Evidence Act 1994 of the Gambia, Section 75 permits expert opinion to be given in evidence before the court in matters relating to medical, science, pathologist’s report and many others. There are instances where the court is confronted with a conflict in what is regarded as expert opinions.

For instance, in the case of Babourcarr Touray v MRC and 2 OR GCA CIV.APP. 55/94, where medical experts presented diverse explanations as to the cause of gangrene (death of body tissue due to a lack of blood flow or a serious bacterial infection) which led to the loss of the plaintiff’s two hands. When this happens, the court is not bound to accept the opinion of an expert or anybody else. It is the duty of the court to describe what is logical, not the medical profession. The court has to examine all the issues that are before it.

Thus, Bolitho questioned the authenticity of expert knowledge given the Bolam test to the extent that opinion among expert groups may not be based on sound current knowledge.

In Pearce v. United Bristol Healthcare NHS Trust 1999, the Court of Appeal established that the standard adopted in Bolitho was equally applicable to cases dealing with the duty to inform.

Chester v Afshar (2004): Courts protecting doctors

In Chester v Afshar, Lord Hope said “the function of the law is to protect the patient’s right to choose. If it is to fulfil that function, it must ensure that the duty to inform is respected by the doctor.” Based on this statement, some commentators held that the courts have been lenient on doctors and have not been robust enough to hit the nail on the head to protect the rights of patients. Probably, those affected by alleged medical negligence in the Gambia are not testing the law.

Foo Fio Na v Dr. Soo Fook Mun, 2007: Millennial Approach

In this Malaysia case, Foo Fio Na v Soo Fook Mun and Anor. (2007), the Court viewed the Bolam’s as being “overprotective and deferential” to the medical profession. The judges reasoned that the law is indeed in their bosom, and they can disagree with medical opinion. The court determines the reasoning behind doctors’ conduct and not the profession. The Federal Court opined that “the Rogers v Whitaker test would be a more appropriate and viable test of this millennium.

Sidaway & Montgomery: doctors are not superior

Even before the development in Montgomery in the modern era, in 1985 the House of Lords in Sidaway v Board of Governors of the Bethlem Royal Hospital adopted the test to be employed in case a doctor fails to advise a patient of the risks involved in a particular treatment.

Sidaway became the first test for information disclosure to patients that recognized their right to self-determination in the context of decisions about their medical treatment. The case was recognized in Montgomery.

The ‘Montgomery case has called on doctors to consider ‘material risk or significant risk’ and the doctor has a duty to provide all useful information or all possible options. Hence, failure on the part of the doctor to provide the patient with other possible options available is suicidal on the part of the doctor.

‘Reasonable patient’ rather than ‘Reasonable doctor’.

In Montgomery v Lanarkshire Health Board, UKSC 1, 2015, has raised the standard of a reasonable test as the focus is now on ‘reasonable patient’ rather than ‘reasonable doctor’. The law defines material risk as either a risk to which a reasonable person in the patient’s position would be likely to attach significance or a risk that a doctor knows or should reasonably know is perceived to be of significance by this particular patient.

The issue of concern is ‘this particular patient. Bismark et al. (2012) explained that many jurisdictions have moved towards legal standards for risk disclosure, prioritizing the preferences of patients. The Ghana Health Service Patient’s Charter thus, gives a patient the power to make decisions as well.

This was the case in ‘Cantebury v Spencer’ in 1972 in the District of Columbia Court of Appeal, the court rejected the traditional approach of ‘what reasonable practitioner would do’ to a patient-centred standard: ‘what would a reasonable person want to know?’

Montgomery applicability in Ghana

‘Montgomery’, ‘Pearce’ and ‘Roger v Whitaker’ concerning a doctor’s duty to take reasonable care to ensure patients are aware of any material risks involved in recommended treatment and the alternatives were applied in Dr. E.L.A. Chinbuah and Attorney General case, 2021, when the deceased was due to deliver, she opted for a Cesarean Section, but her request was turned down. Instead, the doctors decided to take her through normal delivery. This caused her to bleed profusely and died in the process. The Ghanaian court adopted a more patient-centred approach here.

Are Doctors in Danger?

Some commentators believe the new law appears to be harsh on doctors as the courts have decided to tell doctors how to practice medicine instead of doctors making changes in their profession. But others also believe that the new law will help doctors to sit up instead of believing that they are superior and know it all in the medical profession. But the ‘unlettered’ man in the Banjul Street will think that the new law is the way to go judging from recent allegations of medical negligence.

The law even went further to state that when a doctor knows there is another doctor who is more experienced to take a certain case and failed to do so could be held as negligent. This was manifested in an Australian case, ‘Chappel v Hart’ [1998], the attending doctor failed to disclose the availability of a more experienced surgeon for a particular procedure, the factual causation must be followed by a second aspect of causation, the scope of liability that the patient would only claim if the risk materializes, as in ‘Wallace v Kam’ [2013] HCA 19.

Other commentators assert that Wallace could pose a great challenge as some patients could demand highly expensive treatment, disregarding the cost-effectiveness issue or opting for alternative medicine without strong scientific evidence. For instance, Strauss and Thomas (2009) held that in modern health care, responsible bodies of medical opinion mean judicious use of the best current evidence in making decisions about the care of patients, and also a strong emphasis on patient-centred care. This would bridge the gap between the two different standards (professional vs reasonable person) and also the legal and medical perspectives regarding disclosure and consent.

Conclusion

As students of the law with interest in medico-legal issues, we are concerned with the state of alleged medical negligence in the Gambian media space. We believe that it is prudent for doctors and healthcare workers to understand that the healthcare team is about collaboration in this new era, and patients are becoming more proactive about their health. Many are seeking legal opinions on health issues and negligent acts can affect the image of the doctor and the facility.

We recommend that the healthcare industry should start looking at how to avert negligence in their practices. However, as students of the law, it is encouraging to know that “doctors know it all” is no longer an option as the court has the power to disregard this. Hence, we recommend that the Gambian Health authorities be up and doing to curb the rising cases of alleged medical negligence.

The authors are BL Candidates at the Gambia Law School, Banjul, Gambia. E-mail: [email protected]. [email protected]

Banjul-Beijing diplomatic relations: What The Gambia missed for 2 decades

Opinions

Hadram Hydara

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March 14, 2023

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Banjul-Beijing diplomatic relations: What The Gambia missed for 2 decades

On 12 June, 195, President Sir Dawda Jawara met the great Chairman Mao, the pioneer of the new China, which was featured in the pages of Peking Review, now renamed Beijing Review. The Gambia had only been a republic for five years and just a year after establishing diplomatic ties with China. During that visit, and in subsequent ones in 1976 and 1987, various agreements were signed between the two countries.

Historian Hassoum Ceesay stated: “The projects signed included the construction of the Independence Stadium and Friendship Hostel in Bakau in 1983, six major health centres at places like Kaur, Kuntaur, Yerobawol, Fagikunda and rice projects in the then Maccarthy Island Division. With Chinese support, The Gambia, in the nineteen seventies and nineteen eighties, was on the cusp of achieving food security.”

Yes, 30 years ago, with the help of China, we were on the verge of attaining food security. Let that sink in. But just last year, the World Food Programme revealed that over 200,000 people were facing emergency levels of hunger in The Gambia. A stark difference and what a drop it has been.

Jawara laid the foundations for Gambia-China relations. A tiny snake-like country with a population of barely half a million at the time would have enjoyed the fruits of such relations with a potential superpower like China. He didn’t need to be a rocket scientist to figure that out. Chairman Mao respected Jawara. Chinese people respected Jawara and The Gambia. In fact, according to Mr Ceesay, Jawara was taken to visit the famous Chinese Premiere during his first visit, Chou En-Lai, who later died in 1976. “Jawara went to see him at his hospital bed, and according to Xinhua, the two leaders spoke for 30 minutes, and were both satisfied with the talks. In fact, Jawara was one of the few African leaders to have had the chance to meet with Chairman Mao on two occasions—a measure of how seriously China regarded The Gambia as a dependable partner,” Hassoum said.

In 58 years of independence, The Gambia has got just one national stadium, which was built by the Chinese and Friendship Hostel after Jawara secured 13 million dalasis during his visit to China. Both structures are still alive, even though the Confederation of African Football, CAF, considered the stadium no longer fit to host international matches after our musicians turned it into a nightclub for decades by launching their albums there and dancing it to the ground. This means The Gambia now plays its home matches away. Imagine, just for a moment, if our requests to play our games in people’s stadiums have all been rejected. We would be given the Nobel Prize for international embarrassment. I can bet half of my salary on the fact that, had our relations with China continued unabated, we would have had a new stadium. I will only bet half of my salary because if I bet all and lose, I will starve. Jawara had the foresight to understand that China would be a world-beater in the future, so he grabbed the opportunity at the earliest.

However, in 1995, Jammeh, in his lack of wisdom and pure naivety, ended diplomatic relations with China and recognised Taiwan. A 30-year-old lieutenant in the army decided for the whole Gambia that Taiwan was a better development partner than China. For the next 18 years, Jammeh not only flirted with Taiwan but trolled China, mounting the podium at the UN General Assembly and demanding the independence of Taiwan. He invited at least two subsequent Taiwanese presidents in Chen Shui-bian in 2000, and Ma Ying-jeou in 2012. Those are the ones I remember. He might have invited more but I was too young to bother. He played football and did a push-up challenge with President Ma on national television. Not just that, he has visited Taiwan nine times. That was incredible. I am still not sure what The Gambia benefitted from Taiwan in nearly two decades of relations apart from building a secondary school and giving us lots of rice. Maybe that is too harsh. But when Jammeh started growing rice in large scale and building schools in bushes, the stupidity of his decision to opt for Taipei over Beijing dawned on him. And, as typical of him, shortly after his last visit to Taiwan in 2012, he severed ties with them, citing ‘strategic interest’. Yes, he finally understood the meaning of strategic interest after 18 years. That cost The Gambia a lot in terms of education and infrastructure development.

The only good thing Jammeh did in our relations with China was to restore them in his final year as president in 2016. Since then, China has been providing regular financial aid to the government, scholarships to Gambian citizens to study in universities across China, exchange programmes for civil servants, medical team offering healthcare services to poor Gambians, funded the construction of roads and bridges and built a top-class international conference centre which is comfortable enough to host even an assembly of angels in heaven.

In 1976 China was just finding its feet and the country was probably not even in the top 30 major economies in the world. Now they are second, just behind the United States with all the signs of overtaking soon. We could have developed with them. Maybe not at the same pace but we wouldn’t have been this far behind.

Since I arrived here, I haven’t seen a mutilated bank note. Cash transactions are rare. Everything is done through apps; Alipay, WeChat. Technology is advanced in China. If you want to ride a bike, buy food at the supermarket, clothes at the mall or take the subway just scan the QR Code, and bingo! I still look at my new banknotes and smile. In The Gambia, because everything is done with cash, our bank notes become so mutilated and soiled that you don’t even recognise them. I recently received some cash from our office and there was a particular bank note that I ended up leaving on my table. Everyone I turned to refused to accept it; drivers, shopkeepers, even fish sellers, who are half of the time responsible for the tragic appearance of our bank notes because of how they manhandle cash. China is the perfect place to learn how to solve that problem. Every year we print a new family of banknotes, and none survives the torture of our palms.

The bottom-line is, The Gambia should never have severed ties with China in 1995. We could have increased rice production and stopped importing it. We have vast arable land and at least six months of sufficient rains. We could have maximised our groundnut production by providing modern equipment to farmers and we wouldn’t be seeing government haggling with farmers over the price of groundnut. We could have built more and better roads without waiting until 2023 to have our first flyover. We could have hundreds of Gambians with advanced knowledge in science, technology and engineering, so we could solve our perennial drainage problem during rainy seasons with houses filling up like buckets under running taps. We could have… we could have… we could have but we missed all of it because of a terrible decision Jammeh made. It is not too late though. We need to work harder. Learn best practices from the best. Instil discipline in the citizenry. Modernise, not Westernise, by preserving our values and cultures. A country of 2 million people doesn’t require magic to develop. China got it right. We need to get it right too. And with relations between Banjul and Beijing at an all-time high, there is no better time to both benefit from China and learn from its path to development. The Barrow government has a chance to revisit Jawara’s plans and focus on areas that have a long-term impact on the people. President Barrow has already visited China. As a president of a Least Developed Country (LDC), stepping into Beijing alone gives you all the inspiration you need to be pragmatic and spearhead a revolutionary development in your country. The time is NOW!

Beware Gambians: Why Recent Bank Failures in the U.S Should Raise Red Flags Everywhere

Featured

Hadram Hydara

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March 14, 2023

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Beware Gambians: Why Recent Bank Failures in the U.S Should Raise Red Flags Everywhere

As the saying goes, “a chain is only as strong as its weakest link.” Similarly, the recent collapse of two banks in the US within three days serves as a warning to Gambians everywhere about the potential vulnerability of the global banking system. Just like a chain, if one link fails, it can cause a ripple effect that can impact everyone connected to it. In this case, Gambians, whether at home or abroad, need to be aware of what’s happening and take action to protect themselves financially.

Imagine a water well that supplies a community with water. The well is operated by a company that has been trusted for years to manage the well and ensure that the water is safe to drink. One day, rumours start spreading that the company may not be managing the well properly and that the water may be contaminated. As a result, people start rushing to the well to collect as much water as possible before it runs out or becomes unsafe to drink. This sudden rush causes chaos and confusion, making it difficult for anyone to get access to the water they need. The company is unable to meet the sudden surge in demand and is forced to shut down the well, leaving the entire community without a reliable source of water.

In the same way, a bank run occurs when depositors start to lose confidence in a bank and begin withdrawing their funds en masse, creating a sudden surge in demand for cash that the bank cannot meet. This can lead to the bank running out of cash and being unable to meet the needs of its depositors, causing panic and chaos.

In the case of the recent bank collapse in the US, the collapse of two major banks and the looming banking crisis highlights the need for Gambians to be cautious and vigilant about the safety and stability of their own banks, regardless of where they are in the world.

The collapse of Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank has significant implications for Gambians, both at home and abroad. The Gambia, like many other countries, has a banking system that is interconnected with the global financial system. If there is a banking crisis in one part of the world, it can have ripple effects that spread to other parts of the world, including The Gambia.

Whether you are living in The Gambia or abroad, running a business or an average Gambian, it is crucial to understand the implications of these events on your financial well-being and take necessary precautions.

In The Gambia, the collapse of banks in other countries can affect the operations of local banks. The Gambia’s central bank, for example, may need to take measures to protect the country’s financial system in case of a global banking crisis. Additionally, local commercial banks may also face difficulties in obtaining financing or conducting international transactions if there is a global banking crisis.

For Gambians living in the USA or other countries with banks that are experiencing financial difficulties, there is a risk that their money could be lost if the bank collapses. Therefore, it is important for Gambians to be aware of the financial health of their banks and to consider spreading their money across different banks to minimize the risk of losing all of their savings in case of a bank collapsed.

For Gambians in business, whether at home or abroad, the collapse of these banks could affect your business operations and financial stability. It is important to review your banking arrangements and ensure that your funds are spread across multiple financial institutions to minimize the risk of any potential losses. You may also want to consider consulting with financial advisors to help you navigate the current situation.

It is essential for Gambians to be aware of the potential risks and to take appropriate measures to protect their savings. One such measure is to save money in small banks rather than large, multinational banks. Small banks are less likely to collapse because they have less exposure to risky investments, and they are more likely to have closer relationships with their customers, which can help them weather financial difficulties.

As we conclude, it is important to acknowledge the severity of the recent bank collapses and the potential impact on the global economy.

However, we must also remember that there are steps we can take to protect ourselves and our financial future. The recent bank run and collapse of SVB and Signature Bank in the United States have raised concerns about the overall stability of the global banking system. This can have significant implications for Gambians both at home and abroad, as well as for local banks and the central bank. Gambians should be aware of the potential risks and take measures to protect their savings, such as saving money in small banks.
It is important to stay informed about developments in the global banking system and to take appropriate action to safeguard one’s financial well-being.

The Gambian Football Dream: A Bleak Future for Young Talents?

Sports

Hadram Hydara

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March 14, 2023

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The Gambian Football Dream: A Bleak Future for Young Talents?

By: Bully Sowe

As the final whistle blew, and the dreams of The Gambia’s U-20 team were dashed, the question remains, what’s next for these young talents? With hopes and dreams of becoming the next generation of national heroes, these talented players face immense pressure to succeed. What lies ahead for them after Egypt? Will they achieve their dreams of playing for top European clubs, or will they face the same fate as their predecessors, such as Ebou Bojang or Alassana Camara who went on to win a gold medal and finished as joint-top scorer in the U-17 Championship in Algeria, but only to end up being a fisherman? This heartbreaking tale underscores the bitter reality faced by many young Gambians hoping to make it in the highly competitive world of professional sports, where success is often fleeting and the road to the top is littered with obstacles and disappointments.

The beautiful game has the power to inspire and bring together people from all walks of life, but for the talented young footballers of The Gambia, their passion and dreams are met with challenges that seem insurmountable.

Despite their raw skill and determination, these young men often find themselves forgotten and left to struggle in the face of overwhelming adversity. In a country where the love for football is embedded in the culture, one cannot help but wonder why these talented individuals continue to be overlooked and neglected. The sad reality is that their story is not unique, and it is one that deserves attention and action.

The defeat to Senegal in the Africa U-20 Championship final was a bitter pill to swallow, but what matters now is how they will respond to this setback. What fate awaits these Gambian young stars as they return home? Will they continue to be ignored, neglected, and forgotten by the authorities? Will they be left to languish in obscurity while their Senegalese counterparts bask in the glory of success? Will their dreams and aspirations be shattered, leaving them with nothing but despair and hopelessness?

It begs the question, why is it difficult for those responsible for nurturing Gambian talents to brand them and sell them to the best clubs in Europe?

These are the questions that linger in the minds of many as we reflect on the missed opportunities and the failure of our sports authorities to nurture and support our young talents.

It’s time to ask ourselves why Gambia has failed to replicate the success of our neighbours in nurturing young talent to become global stars. What did Senegal get right that we got wrong? How do we ensure that our young players are not only sold to top clubs but also sustained and transformed into the national team? These are the tough questions that must be addressed if we hope to elevate Gambian football to the next level. We cannot afford to let these young talents slip through our fingers and end up taking up manual jobs or playing in less successful leagues, never reaching their full potential.

The future of Adama Bojang and his team is uncertain, and whether they will make it to the top European clubs or end up in obscurity remains to be seen. The road ahead will be tough, but with proper nurturing and guidance, these young stars could be the future of African football.

It’s easy to point fingers and assign blame to the players, but in truth, it was simply not their day. Senegal, on the other hand, were lucky enough to capitalize on their opportunities and ultimately emerged victorious.

However, the real concern lies in what happens to these young, talented players after the tournament. Still, fans and pundits alike are left pondering the question, “What went wrong for The Gambia?” Despite their impressive run in the tournament, the young Scorpions fell short in the final, losing 2-0 to their arch-rivals Senegal.

The Senegalese Football Federation has shown a remarkable commitment to the development of young players, providing them with the necessary resources, facilities, and support to thrive. They have invested heavily in grassroots football, creating a solid foundation for the future of the sport in their country. In contrast, the Gambian Football Federation has failed to match this level of commitment and dedication, resulting in a dearth of opportunities for our young talents.

Meanwhile, our young Gambian players are left to languish in desolation and despair, shattered dreams and aspirations, as they watch their counterparts across the border achieve greatness. It is disheartening to think that our future footballing stars are being denied the opportunities that could have propelled them to greatness.

Moreover, the disgraceful state of Gambian football is an indictment of the wider societal issues facing the country, from corruption and mismanagement to poverty and underinvestment. Only by addressing these systemic problems can Gambian football hope to achieve the success and recognition it so richly deserves.

If we continue to neglect the development of our young players, we risk condemning them to a life of unfulfilled potential, while other nations reap the rewards of investing in their youth.

It is a sad reality that for many young Gambian footballers, the dream of playing for a top European club may remain just that – a dream.

Despite the abundance of talent and potential within the country, systemic issues such as inadequate infrastructure, lack of funding, and limited exposure to scouts and agents continue to hamper the development of the sport.

The time has come for our sports authorities to take a long, hard look at themselves and do the right thing for once. They must invest in the future of our young talents, provide them with the necessary resources and support, and create a conducive environment for their growth and development. The onus is on them to provide the necessary resources, infrastructure, and guidance to help these young players reach their full potential.

We cannot afford to let the next generation of Gambian footballers fall through the cracks and end up as fishermen or labourers. The future of Gambian football rests on their shoulders, and it is time for them to step up and take action. Let us not let this defeat be in vain, but rather, let it serve as a wake-up call to all those responsible for Gambian football.

Failure to do so would be a great disservice to these young men who have shown so much promise and potential. Only by nurturing and supporting young talent can we hope to see the emergence of a new generation of footballing stars that will do the country proud.

As we reflect on the events that have transpired in Egypt, let us not forget the dreams and aspirations of these young Gambians. Let us not forget the hours of training, the sacrifices made, and the unwavering passion they have for the sport they love. Let us not forget that they represent the future of Gambian football, and if we fail them, we fail ourselves.

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Fatu Networkthe art of publishing

How does smoking cause diseases?

What is the Ministry of Health doing to protect people from the effects of tobacco smoking?

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