HON. SIDIA JATTA SAYS D100, 000 CLOTHING ALLOWANCE FOR MPs CAN NOT BE JUSTIFIED

The former National Assembly member for Wuli West has disagreed with the recent clothes allowance allocated for the National Assembly member.

“I was so much surprised when I heard about it and I did not believe it until I saw it in the press. Well, I know clothing allowance was allocated to judges and magistrates and that is for their uniforms but MPs, it is coming to me as a surprise because I don’t understand why there should be an allowance for MPs.

“I don’t understand what is the essence of it when we are talking about difficulties getting money to do things in the interest of our people. Our health facilities are without drugs or ambulances and even where there is an ambulance, there is no fuel and many things that are supposed to be done are not done because of lack of money,” he said.

“Why should we be talking about clothing allowance for MPs? It is not justifiable. It sounds very funny to me to talk about clothing allowance for MPs because I have never heard about that anywhere and even if it does exist in other countries, maybe they can afford to give clothing allowance to MPs but we cannot. There are fundamental issues which are not addressed in this country because of lack of money.”

He said when he was at the National Assembly there was nothing like a D100, 000 clothing allowance for MPs.

“I learned about it yesterday (Wednesday) but it was never an issue. At least, it was never raised in parliament as far as I know. I remember opposing the allowances given to NAMs but it was never about the clothing allowance,” Jatta.

CURRENT ISSUES In The Gambia : DLEAG APPREHEND TWO SENEGALESE NATIONAL WITH A CAN...

CURRENT ISSUES In The Gambia : DLEAG APPREHEND TWO SENEGALESE NATIONAL WITH A CAN...: Operatives of the Drug Law Enforcement Agency, The Gambia (DLEAG) stationed at Barra in the North Bank Region (NBR) apprehended two Senegal...

Police Arrests 8 people for using Tyres to smoke cowhide

The communication officer of the Food Safety and Quality Authority Ethiene Silver, has told the Current Issues that,  Eight people are currently in police custody for allegedly using tyres to smoke cowhides, otherwise called “Cow canda” in our local dialects.

The accused persons (two men and six women) were arrested in an early morning raid while in the act at a deserted place behind the slaughterhouse in Abuko, on Tuesday 21st June 2022.

The operation was jointly conducted by officials of the Food Safety and Quality Authority and the Police, who were acting on a tip-off from a concerned consumer.

This is a developing story, but efforts are already underway to issue corrective measures which will serve as a deterrent to the alleged offenders.

Mr Silver Stated.

DLEAG APPREHEND TWO SENEGALESE NATIONAL WITH A CANOE PACKED WITH PROHIBITED DRUGS

Operatives of the Drug Law Enforcement Agency, The Gambia (DLEAG) stationed at Barra in the North Bank Region (NBR) apprehended two Senegalese Nationals with a canoe packed with suspected cannabis Sativa.

44 years old Dawda Yadeh of Mburr and 18 years old Kebba Cham of Kapantum in Senegal was clutched with fifty (50) big bundles of suspected cannabis Sativa at the beachside in Barra on the 27 March 2022 from around 10:00 AM onwards.

The said suspected prohibited drugs were wrapped in cement papers and placed in a canoe that was to be used to convey the prohibited drugs. The duo together with the fifty (50) big bundles of suspected cannabis Sativa, the canoe alongside the canoe engine were taken into custody as further investigations into the matter continue

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Gambia Swimming & Aquatic Sports Association elects Njogu Bah as President

Banjul, The Gambia, March 22, 2022 - The Gambia Swimming and Aquatic Sports Association has elected Dr. Njogou Lamin Bah president on Saturday 19th March 2022, during the Elective General Assembly of GSASA. The former Secretary-General and Head of Civil Service of The Gambia will serve a mandate of four years ending in 2026, succeeding Ms. Bintou Touray Huma, whose term ended after the Olympic Games 2020. 

The Secretary-General of the association Mr. Yorro Njie read the activity report detailing some of the achievements and activities carried out by the Association since 2019, whilst Cherno MS Jallow, the  Treasurer, gave the financial report. Congress adopted all the reports presented before them. As part of the proceeding, Congress adopted the new constitution of the GSASA, which provided a quota for women in the executive and athletes representation, respectively.

In his acceptance speech, Dr. Bah thanked the delegates for their trust in electing him as their president. 

"I accept this important role - a responsibility that I do not take lightly, and I promise to do my utmost best in living up to expectations," he said.

He added: Swimming has been a passion for me. It has always been my firm belief that it should be promoted and supported to yield maximum benefits to those interested, especially the youth of this country."

According to Dr Bah, his tenure as a president will focus on aligning the Association's strategic goals to FINA  and work towards reforming the Association in terms of governance, capacity building and the increase of athletes' rights and women's participation.

He acknowledged that there are many challenges ahead of the new executive in promoting grassroots sports development, the lack of standard infrastructure, and the need for more qualified judges, coaches, and referees. 

We will endeavor to deliver a national structure that provides an opportunity for all, whether the young child learning to swim or dive, the Olympic athlete, or the elderly using the water for health benefits," he promised.

Regarding women's participation, Dr. Bah said his leadership would strengthen the involvement of women in all critical areas of the decision-making of the Association, including empowering the Women Committee of the Association through outreach and sensitization. 

Below is the new Executive Members for 2022 – 2026:

1. President - Dr. Njogou Bah

2. Vice President - Mr Muhammed Bittaye

3. S. General - Mr Yorro Njie

4. Treasurer - Mr Baboucar Mbye

5. Exco Member - Ms Awa Sanneh

6. Gender Rep (Women)

7. Elected Athletes Rep - Omar Darboe

My uncle is gone suddenly, with no signs of illness

 "My uncle is gone suddenly, with no signs of illness" Lamin Dramme, a former Gambian Journalist explained that his uncle until his shocking departure this evening was looking healthy.

This tragic news comes less than one week after he was confirmed by the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) to contest next month’s National Assembly Election under the ticket of Gambia For All (GFA). The entire family and friends of the family are completely shocked and devastated by the nature of his untimely death.

He was yesterday campaigning until yesterday campaigning in the Kiang West constituency, in his ambitious efforts to earn/win the support of his people for a possible election into the parliament. This would’ve been our biggest political gain as a village because, for the first time, a native of Kiang Jiffarong is ever considered for such a high-profiled political position. My uncle was extremely prepared and ready to take up this daunting challenge and contribution to the development of the high-profile
Kiang West District.

"Oh, God! I’m completely speechless beyond words. This is incredibly heartbroken, to say the least.

Rest in peace uncle Allahu Akbar "

-KNOW YOUR POLICE COMMAND-

 · 

In this column we will expose our esteem followers and readers to profiles of the Police Senior Management, Regional Commissioners, and Formation Commanders)IGP ABDOULIE SANYANG

Mr. Abdoulie Sanyang is a native of Jeffin Village, Lower River Region and he is now the Inspector General of the Gambia Police Force (IGP). He is a Barrister at Law and a Law graduate of the University of the Gambia. He is bilingual in English and French. He is from a humble background and through hard work and determination he rose through the ranks to be the head of the Police Institution of the Gambia.

Prior to his appointment as IGP, he served in various capacities in the Gambia Police Force and notably, Deputy Inspector General of Police, Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Commissioner Administration, Officer in Charge of Peace Support Department, Personal Assistant to the Inspector General of Police, Public Relations and Press Officer, Scribe to Crime Management Coordinator and Station Officer among a host of other portfolios.

Mr. Sanyang also served in the international arena as a Peacekeeper with the United Nations in Sierra Leone in the year 2007-2008 as Team Leader UN Regional Advisory Team, Ivory Coast in 2004-2005 as Protocol Officer to the Force Commander and Sierra Leone 2000- 2001 as DDR and MIO.

IGP Sanyang was called to the Bar in 2018 as a Barrister of Law. Aside from that, he also bagged a Bachelor, in Law and Advance Diploma in Education in both English and French, Diploma in Linguistic Studies, and Diploma in Law.

Mr. Abdoulie Sanyang has a passion for enhancing his capacity in security which could be seen in courses he further pursue internationally such as Security Measures for United Nations Peacekeepers- Abidjan, Ivory Coast, United Nations Military Observers- Abidjan, Ivory Coast, United Nations Civilian Police: Restoring Orders following Hostilities- Abidjan, Ivory Coast, Civilian Police in Peace Operations- Accra, Ghana, Design, Development and Facilitation- Freetown, Sierra Leone, Joint Campaign Planning (French) Course and Seminar on Public Order Management during Public Events Manifestation among others.

Apart from his professional career,
he served as Task Force Secretary- Gambia Police Force Promotion Board, Training Officer-UN/AU Pre-Deployment Training, Liaison Officer for Peacekeeping Operations ,Presidentof Interior Football Club, Member of the Gambia Police Management Board, Secretary-General - Gambia College Students Union, Brikama, Gambia and Vice-Chairman Public Relations Association, Gambia (PRAG

WOMEN JOURNALISTS ASSOCIATION OF THE GAMBIA MOURNS DEMISE OF SARATA NJIE

Sarata Njie was fondly called Sarah Joy. She was an entertainment journalist, very active in the music industry, and host an entertainment show at Paradise FM from 2014 to 2016.

She Worked with choice FM from 2016 to 2021 where she host entertainment news and a popular radio show called SING ALONG WITH JOY which features Gambian artists. She recently was a Co-host on the Gamvibes show on QTV Gambia.

Sarah Joy passed away yesterday 27th March 2022 after a brief illness and was laid to rest today at
10am at her home in Tallanding. She has been a member of the media fraternity with ten years of experience.

She is known by her colleagues as quiet, friendly, and highly dedicated to her work. She contributed to media entertainment and was also an artist.

WoJAG and The GPU extend condolences to her family, colleagues, and NAFTA. We pray that Allah Azzawajal grants her Jannatul Firdaus. Ameen

Banna Sabally,

Secretary-General

WoJAG.

Launching of the Road To Tunisia

The Serrekunda East Sports Development Organization and OlympicAfri Serrekunda East Center hereby inform the public of the launching of the OlympicAfrica - Serrekunda East Volleyball Club for Road To Tunisia on Friday 25th March 2022, at Serrekunda East Mini Stadium at 5:00 P.M.

On 16th March 2022, the African Volleyball Confederation (CAVB) entrusted the Tunisia Volleyball Federation with the organization of the 2022 Men’s African Volleyball Club Championship to be held in Tunis, Tunisia between 5th and 18th May 2022.

As you are aware, the OlympicAfrica - Serrekunda East Volleyball Club has won the Gambia Volleyball Federation league three times consecutively but couldn't make it to the CAVB Men’s African Volleyball Club Championship due to financial constraints. However, both SESDO and OlympicAfrica Serrekunda East Center have been devising ways to ensure that this life-changing opportunity for the athletes is achieved. However, over D2,750,000.00 (Two Million, Seven Hundred and Fifty Dalasi) is urgently needed to finance this fruitful trip to mark The Gambia’s first appearance in the continent's biggest club volleyball competition.
Thus, all media houses, public and private institutions, and individuals are invited to the official launching of ROAD2TUNISIA.

EU EOM Media Monitoring Shows GRTS Professionalism on the December Presidential Election Coverage

 EU EOM media monitoring has stated that the State Broadcast (GRTS) for their professionalism on the last year’s presidential election coverage, the results show that GRTS provided rather balanced news coverage by devoting 21 percent to Adama Barrow (NPP), 31 percent to Ousainou Darboe (UDP), 8 percent to Essa Faal (independent candidate), 12 percent to Abdoulie Jammeh (NUP), 12 percent to the Mamma Kandeh (GDC), and 16 percent to Halifa Sallah (PDOIS). All news coverage by GRTS was positive or neutral in tone.

Whiles, In contrast, monitored commercial TV stations displayed significant bias towards the incumbent. Eye Africa TV covered the GDC, the independent candidate, NPP, NUP, PDOIS, and the UDP by devoting 9, 8, 40, 6, 24, and 13 percent of news coverage. Paradise TV devoted 11, 16, 37, 7, 15, and 15 percent of news coverage to the listed candidates. QTV virtually covered only the NPP by devoting 92 percent of its news coverage to Adama Barrow.

The tone of the coverage was predominantly (89 percent) neutral or positive.

 The editorial coverage on monitored state and commercial radio, still considered the main source of information, was generally more balanced, with some radio stations airing criticism of the incumbent.48 generally; the amount of editorial coverage in broadcasting was comparatively low. Commercial broadcasters reported dependence on paid content due to a lack of resources to cover all campaign events equally. None of the monitored TV stations distinguished paid advertising clearly from editorial content. Two of the monitored newspapers displayed some balance in their reporting, while another displayed bias.

A debate, organised by a national CSO and supported by international donors, was broadcasted live on 20 November on commercial Paradise TV, several commercial radio stations and online. However, Only Essa Faal and Halifa Sallah, participated in the presidential debate.

Coverage of the Election Campaign and EU EOM Media Monitoring Findings the Election Act and supplementing IEC 2016 Elections Media Rules provide contestants with an equal amount of free airtime on state-owned broadcasters and the right to purchase advertising

According to  the 2011 UNHRC General Comment No. 34 to the ICCPR and Principle 17 of the 2019 Declaration of Principles on Freedom of Expression and Access to Information in Africa Principle 13 of the 2019 Declaration of Principles on Freedom of Expression and Access to Information in Africa stipulate that “States shall establish public service media governed by a transparently constituted and diverse board adequately protected against undue interference of a political, commercial or other nature.” Currently, senior management of GRTS is appointed by the President.

 According to the 2011 UNHRC General Comment No. 34 to the ICCPR and nd Paragraph 40 of the 2011 UNHRC General Commented on the ICCPR and Principles 11 and 12 of the 2019 Declaration of Principles on Freedom of Expression and Access to Information in Africa 45 Section 227 of the 2009 Information and Communications Act obliges PURA to provide for diversity and fair competition in the broadcasting sector. The Guidelines were adopted in reference to Section 227 (e), requiring PURA to “ensure a limitation in cross ownership between broadcasters, signal distribution licensees, newspapers, electronic communication licensees and advertising agents”. 46 ARTICLE 19 provided a legal analysis of draft regulatory guidelines on media ownership in July 2017. 47 QTV, a commercial TV station with nation-wide coverage, belongs to QGroup, incorporating several business interests. Another license was allocated to the Africell telecom provider, already operating a radio station.

EU Election Observation Mission Final Report Presidential Election, 4 December 2021 shows times in commercial broadcasting. Without explicit reference to news, the government should give no advantage by undue coverage of institutional events on state broadcasters.

Candidates, in advertising, are prohibited from criticizing competitors and using “inflammatory, defamatory or insulting” language, among other things. These restrictions are insufficiently defined to constitute a legitimate restriction on freedom of speech. As such, they risk undermining genuine and robust debate. The IEC did not conduct monitoring to implement the Media Rules and no media-related complaints were filed. However, on 12 November, a UDP press release accused the IEC of stifling UDP’s right to criticize the incumbent after a UDP Party Political Broadcast had been rejected by GRTS. According to the IEC, GRTS, and the UDP, the case was solved informally and UDP’s advertising was broadcast on GRTS.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The first Batch of Scorpions Arrived in Yaoundé, Cameroon

Gambia National Team

 The first batch of Scorpions arrived in Yaoundé, Cameroon, this morning ahead of the first leg of Gambia's 2023 Total Energies African Cup of Nations preliminaries against Chad slated for this Wednesday at 4pm Gambian time.

Players Babucarr ‘Steve’ Trawally, Dembo Darboe, and Muhammed Sanneh are the early arrivals while 13 other players, including Head Coach Tom Saintfiet, are expected to arrive later in the evening at 20:50 local time from their respective European destinations.

Captain Omar Colley will now miss

the first leg after being forced off was injured in the 89th minute of Sampdoria’s 2-0 defeat of Venezia yesterday. He’ll undergo a scan tomorrow to confirm the extent of the damage but the initial signs do not look serious and is expected to be fit for the second leg in a week in Agadir, Morocco. Colley, 29, together with Kalifa Manneh, who tested positive for Covid 19 and Sulayman Bojang, visa issues having been called late to replace Ebou Adams, are all expe
cited to arrive in Agadir on time for the second and deciding leg on March 29.

The local staff, which is headed by Second Vice President Mr. Ebou Faye arrived in the Cameroonian capital this morning. It also includes Assistant Coach Alhagie Sarr, Team Manager Ousman Drammeh, Executive Committee Member Ismaila Ceesay, Goalkeeper Trainer Alagie Marong, Team Doctor Landing Jarjue, Equipment Manager Mustapha Kassama, Video Analyst Jani Sakari and Media Officers Bakary B. Baldeh & Omar Touray.

Gambia registered one of the highest commitment in addressing gender equality and women empowerment

 

The Minister for Gender, Children, and Social Welfare has said the Gambia has registered one of the highest commitments in addressing gender equality and women empowerment.

Minister Fatou Kinneh made the remarks whiles delivering a statement at the ongoing 66 sessions of the United Nations Commission on the status of women in New York.

The theme for this year is “Premised on achieving gender equality and empowerment of women and girls in the context of climate change, environmental and disaster risk reduction policies and programs” it aims to draw the attention of governments around the world to mitigate climate-related disasters.

Madam Kinteh said the Government of the Gambia recognized climate change as a complex global phenomenon that requires a common solution. She further stated that the Covid -19 pandemic continues to pose a fundamental threat to countries, species as well as the livelihood of the people

Minister Kinteh also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to advancing policies and programmes to fight climate change citing the ratification of the Paris agreement and the Lima framework of action of climate Change

GALGA President Leads ITC, Others on UNTFHS Project Site Seeing

  Gambia Association of Local Government Authorities (GALGA) President and sitting Chairman of Mansakonko Area Council, Landing B. Sanneh, Saturday led the project team, the International Trade Center (ITC), and potential contractors on site seeing to Mansakonko and Farafenni as part of the United Nations Trust Fund for Human Security (UNTFHS) project that  GALGA is implementing with ITC, as implementing partner.

The project was developed by GALGA and the National Youth Council of The Gambia and other partners, seeking to address the negative livelihood challenges that vulnerable women and youth encounter as a result of the coming of the Senegambia Bridge. It is funded under the United Nations Fund for Population Affairs Gambia office.

 The team visited  Mansakonko Hospitality Center which will be housed at the Mansakonko Area Council Conference center and a One-Stop-Shop  Entrepreneurship Hub in Farafenni.

These are two of some of the project components.  GALGA is also the Chairman and Secretariat of the Steering Committee of this project. Kerewan and Mansakonko Local Government Areas (LGAs) are the beneficiaries of the project component.

 The site seeing provided the team the opportunity to gather first-hand information about the projects, in preparation for the commencement of their implementation.

 The project is expected to strengthen the economic and social rights of vulnerable groups around the Senegambia Bridge whose livelihoods have been negatively impacted by the construction of the Bridge.

 The overall impact of the project will be building the resilience of the targeted beneficiaries to vulnerabilities and accelerating progress on achieving multiple SDGs including SDGs 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8,
10, 11, 12, 13, and 16...

 It will also focus on strengthening local governance structures to enhance participation, ownership, and sustainability of development, restore livelihoods and enhance self-reliance mechanisms. It is equally expected to enhance opportunities for women and youth to diversify their income generation and improve their household, health, and nutrition status.

 

GAMBIAN FOREIGN-BASED PLAYERS LATEST UPDATES.

GAMBIAN FOREIGN-BASED PLAYERS LATEST UPDATES.

DATE: SUNDAY 6 MARCH, 2022.

Gambian international Yusupha Njie was on the score sheet as Boavista came from behind to salvage a 1-1 draw with Sporting Braga in the Portuguese Super Liga on Saturday.

Njie leveled matters in the 53rd minutes that canceled out Horta's first-half penalty for Braga in the 37th minute.

Yusupha Njie's goal was assisted by Gustavo Saur.

The 28-year-old center forward has bagged in a total of 4 goals and provided 1 assist in 20 league appearances for the Portuguese outfit.

The draw leaves Boavista 12th with 26 points, while Sporting Braga stays fourth after 25 league matches.

Gambian Captain Omar Colley played the full 90 minutes as Sampdoria lost 2-1 away to Udinese in Serie A on Saturday.

Colley completed the most passes (68) in the match.

The defeat left Sampdoria 16 with 26 points after 28 Serie A matches.

Assan Ceesay played for 68 minutes as FC Zurich comfortably beat Louanne 2-0 away from home and extended their lead at the top of the table in the Swiss Super League on Saturday.

The 27-year-old has scored 14 league goals and assisted 6 in 21 league appearances.

FC Zurich has won a total of 18 matches, drawn 5, and lost 2 in 25 league matches.

Zurich has kept 9 clean sheets and amassed 59 points in the league so far.

On Saturday, Steve Bubacarr Trawally played the full 90 minutes as his Ajman side lost 2-0 at home against Baniyas in the United Arab Emirates Pro League.

The Gambian international hit the woodwork once in 2 total shots.

Ajman remains 6th with 25 points, while Baniyas moved up to seventh with the win in 25 league matches.

Musa Barrow played for 76 minutes when Bologna was held to a 0-0 at home against Torino in Serie A on Sunday.

PRESS RELEASE African Development Bank Group approves historic health infrastructure strategy

 

The strategy is in line with one of the African Development Bank’s High 5 strategic priorities, namely improving the quality of life for the people of Africa

ABIDJAN, Ivory Coast, February 28, 2022/ -- The Board of Directors of the African Development Bank Group (www.AfDB.org) has approved its Strategy for Quality Health Infrastructure in Africa 2022-2030, a historic first for the Bank. The strategy was developed in response to a call by the Bank’s Governors for the institution to define its role in addressing Africa’s health infrastructure deficits, highlighted by the ongoing pandemic. The strategy focuses on three categories of health infrastructure that match the African Development Bank’s comparative advantage, providing the flexibility to respond to the diverse needs of the Bank’s African member countries. It will be anchored in national health systems and sets out three cross-cutting themes: improved internet and communications technology connectivity, to strengthen health information systems and support innovation; promoting regional collaboration and harmonizing health policies and regulation; and policy dialogue and technical assistance. “We must give hope to the poor and the vulnerable, by ensuring that every African, regardless of their income level, gets access to quality health care, as well as health insurance and social protection,” Bank President Dr. Akinwumi A. Adesina commented. The strategy is in line with one of the African Development Bank’s High 5 strategic priorities, namely improving the quality of life for the people of Africa. It also echoes the objectives of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 3 regarding good health and well being, as well as the African Union’s Agenda 2063 plan to transform Africa into a global powerhouse. In addition, it forms part of broader efforts by the African Development Bank to expand access to healthcare on the continent. The Covid-19 pandemic has further exposed shortcomings in national health systems in Africa, overwhelming testing and treatment capacity. In future, Africa’s growing population will place further strain on infrastructure. Health facilities are unevenly distributed, with major gaps in rural areas. Only half of primary healthcare facilities in sub-Saharan Africa have access to clean water and adequate sanitation and only a third have access to reliable electricity. Against this backdrop, a grossly underfunded healthcare system in Africa, needs around $26 billion in annual capital investments. As part of its health agenda, the African Development Bank has committed to investing $3 billion in Africa’s pharmaceutical industry over 10 years. The Bank also launched a multibillion dollar Covid-19 Response Facility to support its regional members through the pandemic. “The three pillars and crossing cutting themes give the Bank the flexibility to respond to the diverse needs of different regional member countries in a more impactful and sustainable manner,” said Dr. Beth Dunford, the Bank’s Vice President for Agriculture, Human and Social Development, welcomed the Board’s approval of the Strategy. “The Quality Health Infrastructure for Africa Strategy sets out how the Bank will build up and consolidate its comparative advantage in health infrastructure and contribute to improving the quality of life for the people of Africa,” she added. The Strategy was overwhelmingly endorsed via a series of consultations, including with health ministers of the Bank’s 54 regional member countries, development partners and civil society. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB).   Contact: Amba Mpoke-Bigg Communication and External Relations Department African Development Bank email: a.mpoke-bigg@afdb.org About the African Development Bank Group: The African Development Bank Group is Africa’s premier development finance institution. It comprises three distinct entities: the African Development Bank (AfDB), the African Development Fund (ADF) and the Nigeria Trust Fund (NTF). On the ground in 41 African countries with an external office in Japan, the Bank contributes to the economic development and the social progress of its 54 regional member states. For more information: www.AfDB.org SOURCE African Development Bank Group (AfDB)