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Gambia should learn from Nigeria’s success in democracy

State House, Banjul, February 12, 2020 – His Excellency, President Adama Barrow has said that The Gambia should learn from Nigeria’s success in transitioning from military rule to a vibrant democracy through building of strong institutions and depoliticising the military.

The President made these remarks at the State House on Monday, when participants from Course 28 at the National Defence College in Abuja, Nigeria, paid a courtesy call on him.

The Course 28 group is on a research based mission in Banjul, on the theme: Tourism and National Development – Experiences of The Gambia.

“Africa should learn from Nigeria and The Gambia should learn from Nigeria’s success in transitioning from military rule to democracy. Nigeria has succeeded in building a great democracy through building strong institutions and depoliticising the military,” President Barrow told the delegation, citing the mutual experience sharing in the trip.

For The Gambia, the Barrow government’s pursuit of the security sector reform includes the establishment of Ministry of Defence, which for the first time is operating independent of the Head of State and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces.

The Gambian Leader said the diversity of the corps of participants in this apex military training institution for the Nigerian Armed Forces, reflects a steady approach to integration of the continent.

The Gambia’s Minister of Defence, Sheikh Omar Faye said the military support from Nigeria to The Gambia dates a long time. He lauded the recent intervention of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in resolving the Gambia’s political crisis in December 2016.

`Minister Faye said it is not just a policy of the government but also a personal principle of President Barrow to put peace and stability at the heart of Gambia’s national development endeavours.

Chief of Defence Staff, Lieutenant General Massaneh Kinteh reiterated that Nigeria’s transitioning from military rule to a vibrant democracy has become a reference point for governance. Such a lesson formed the basis for The Gambia Armed Forces’ policy of “keeping the Army out of politics and politics out of the Army.”

As a Centre of Excellence, the National Defence College brings together representatives from countries in the West, East, North and Southern Africa.

2 died in course of soak away drill

Two people have been reported dead during the course a soak-away drilling along the busy Kairaba Avenue road. The Point Newspaper has reported on Thursday

The deceased, Ba Sainey a native of Wulli in the Upper River Region and Lamin Manneh, a native of Jarreng in the Naimina District of CRR died after slipping into a soakaway at a restaurant, La Parisienne.

A source familiar with the matter told The Point that the two youths were contracted by the restaurant owner to pull out the sand from the soakaway.

According to our source, it was Ba Sainey who first entered the soakaway but could not climb back. His friend Lamin also attempted to rescue him, but similar fate befell him too.

The deceased were both residents of Wellingara. Another source that spoke to our reporter said the deceased slipped into the soakaway at the La Parisienne restaurant.

The spokesperson of the Gambia Police Force couldn’t be reached for comments at the time of gathering the report. They said

UNICEF Donates Equipment worth D25 Million

The Health Minister Dr. Ahmadou Lamin Samateh on Friday 6th February 2020 informed the National Assembly Select Committee on Health that UNICEF has donated equipment worth D25 Million to them.

The materials donated includes bed screens, curettes uterine, digital thermometers, obstetric surgical kits, oxygen concentrator, prongs nasal oxygen for adults and children, pulse oximeter, pump suction foot-operated, resuscitator hand operator for child and neonate, scale body electronics, sphygmomanometer for children, surgical instrument curettage vacuum extractor, bird, manual, compel, suction pump electric portable with accessories among others.

Minister Samateh said this donation came after his engagement with UNICEF on the kind of assistance the Ministry needs.

“In one of our engagements with the UNICEF, I told them that we don’t only have to be training our officers but we also have to equip them with the necessary materials they may need in the course of doing their work,” he said.

The Minister of Health said after their engagement with UNICEF they then receive this equipment, adding that the equipment will be distributed to all the health facilities in the country and will assist the officers in carring out their functions.

Hon. Ousman Sillah the Chairperson of the National Assembly Select Committee on Health said the donation is timely and the partners need to be commended for their generosity.

“This shows how your Ministry has concerns when it comes to health, I am sure with these materials, it will minimize referrals of patients to the Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital as some of the equipment is mobile,” he said.

He commended UNICEF for the great gesture they have given to the Ministry of Health and urged the Ministry through the Minister of Health to make good use of the materials.

How GAF, Others Contain the Bush fire that Ravage Part of Jammeh’s Residence

Gambia Armed Forces Four Infantry Battalion Commander in Kanilai has confirmed that his forces, firefighters and villagers came together to extinguish the bushfire that burnt the former Gambian leader’s farm and park.

The bushfire which started from Allakunda spread to Kanilai burning the former Gambian leader’s mango and cashew plantations, part of the palm oil farm, the warehouse in the farm and one of the pavilions in the mini stadium.

Lt Colonel Ebrima Krubally said: “We had to switch off the electricity here so that the fire will not spread to the village. We used the branches of trees to extinguish the fire. The Fire and Rescue Service did not have the necessary equipment to respond to this situation. Only one of their fire tenders was working and it has capacity to carry only 800 litres of fuel.”
Jalamang Jammeh brother to the former Gambian leader rubbished reports that some animals including cattle and donkeys died as a result of the fire outbreak.

Jammeh said: “No person or animal died as a result of the fire incident. The fire did not spread to Yaya Jammeh’s house (mansion). We all came together to extinguish the fire. It was a difficult task, but we were able to contain the situation. We experience bushfire every year, but this one is very serious. Its magnitude is not in any closed to what we used to experience here. I am sad because the grass field where my cattle used to graze has been consumed by the fire. I do not have the means to buy hay to feed my animals.”

Jerreh Colley a ranger in the park confirmed that all the animals were safe.

Colley said: “The hyenas, the crocodiles, the birds, zebras and other animals are safe.”

The grass and trees closed to the crocodile ponds were burnt, but the crocodiles were seen diving in the pond.

Colley, who was smiling while looking at the hyenas, said the animals were hungry and needed food.

Gambian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia leads special envoy on bilateral mission

State House, Banjul, February 6, 2020 – His Excellency, Mr. Omar Gibril Sallah, The Gambia’s ambassador and permanent representative to Saudi Arabia and the Organisation of Islamic Conference, led a high profile Saudi delegation to meet with partners in government and non-government bodies in Banjul.

The delegation comprised Mr. Abdulrahman Mohammed Almatter, director general of the International Relief Organisation. Mr Almatter was dispatched as the special envoy of the secretary general of the World Muslim League, accompanied by Mr. Abdulqader Ahmed Abobaker Al-Mashor, adviser to the secretary general of the World Muslim League.

Following their meeting with His Excellency President Adama Barrow at the State House last week, where the envoy expressed gratitude to the President for The Gambia’s stance on the Rohingya, they also met with Her Excellency, first lady of The Gambia, Madam Fatou Bah-Barrow at her office.

The first lady and the delegation held discussions around ways of enhancing the agenda of her foundation in support of the health of women and children to complement the efforts of the government of The Gambia.

The Saudi delegation met with the minister of Justice, Aboubacarr Tambadou to discuss the next steps in the peaceful resolution of the conflict besetting the Rohingya before the world judicial body, the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

“The meetings were meant to further promote bilateral relation between Saudi Arabia and The Gambia, as well as engage religious groups in the country to promote religious dialogue among them,” Ambassador Sallah told the press before departure to Riyadh.

Gambia Celebrate fashion

Entertainment In Gambia

Ebrima John Jaiteh a veteran actor of the Gambia film industry becomes the winner of Fashion Award Gambia as the most stylist male actor 2020. congratulations!!!

Miss Mariam Colley; an actress, radio presenter, youth activist and founder of studio 411. comes out as the winner of the award, most stylist actress 2020. congratulations!!!

the event was held on Saturday 7th February, 2020 at pencha mi hall (paradise suit hotel) to celebrate and appreciate fashion in the Gambia.

16 DAYS TO NIGERIANS IN DIASPORA AWARDS – THE GAMBIA

NIGERIANS IN DIASPORA AWARDS – THE GAMBIA at the Ocean Bay Resort in Cape Point, on Saturday 23rd of November 2019 at 8pm. A memorable night celebrating the brotherhood between The Gambia and Nigeria. This event will have in attendance top Nigerian professionals who have contributed immensely to the legal, education, medical, commerce, diplomatic and military fields among many others in the Republic of The Gambia. Nigerians have rendered their support to this nation through the Federal Government Technical Aid Programme as well as through other formal and informal bodies.

NIGERIANS IN DIASPORA AWARDS – THE GAMBIA

NIGERIANS IN DIASPORA AWARDS – THE GAMBIA at the Ocean Bay Resort in Cape Point, on Saturday 23rd of November 2019 at 8pm.

A memorable night celebrating the brotherhood between The Gambia and Nigeria.

This event will have in attendance top Nigerian professionals who have contributed immensely to the legal, education, medical, commerce, diplomatic and military fields among many others in the Republic of The Gambia. Nigerians have rendered their support to this nation through the Federal Government Technical Aid Programme as well as through other formal and informal bodies.

European Tourists visiting The Gambia despite Thomas Cook’s liquidation

European Tourists visiting The Gambia despite Thomas Cook’s liquidation
European travel agents bringing tourists and other visitors to The Gambia have confirmed that despite Thomas Cook UK Plc and associated UK entities that recently entered compulsory liquidation, reservations to Banjul will continue and that is “not” affecting bookings as previously thought.

Several interesting locations in the country such as The Gambia National Museum, Abuko Nature Reserve, Kachikally Crocodile Pool and Bijilo Forest Park have been revealed and identified for European travelers and tourists to experience during their stay in The Gambia.

Certain towns and villages such as Banjul, Brufut Beach and Wassu were branded as “stunning places to see.” Serekunda Market and Tanji Fish Market are also recommended for tourists.

In a rare shift portraying the country as ‘‘dictatorship that could easily slide into an unpredictable event’’, the European Press is currently depicting the Gambia as a ‘‘good country to visit’, taking into consideration the current political dispensation.

Respected media organizations now consider the country as ‘‘friendly and attractive for visitors’’ and further highlighted many areas of interest to visitors.

The reputable and respectable Telegraph in the UK has revealed more than a dozen ‘‘reasons’’ for visiting The Gambia. It includes ‘‘cruising the river Gambia; bird watching at dawn; meet some island-whooping chimps.”

The paper also disclosed to tourists some personal areas that may be worth experiencing such as ‘‘tracing the grim history of the slave trade and visiting an art village.” Even ‘‘hanging out with village elders’’ was also cited to European tourists.

Notwithstanding, in some quarters, visitors are cautioned to be careful and suspicious during certain dealings or movements; however, the general view is optimistic and sanguine.

A ‘‘tourism advice’’ script seen by this correspondent also revealed that the Gambian Ministry of Tourism and Culture had ‘averted the sudden trauma against its industry during the event of Thomas Cook’s cessation.”

It further revealed that Hamat N.K. Bah, Gambian Minister of Tourism and Culture ‘‘handling of the incident was remarkable.” It added that an ‘‘inclusive meeting of all stakeholders both inside and outside of the country seeking remedial actions yielded a very positive results.”

President Barrow Promises to Launch Investigation on Fire Incident

President Adama Barrow has promised to set up an enquiry to investigate the Sunday night fire incident at Jimpex.

The fire incident reportedly broke out from the gas depot on Sunday evening spreading to the nearby companies, warehouses and car garages.

The incident claimed several properties including buildings and vehicles in the vicinity of Jimpex – Kanifing Industrial Area. The area is designated to be an industrial area and it hosts several factories including gas factories.

“An enquiry team will be set-up to look into what had happened and to establish the facts that caused the fire,’’ he said.

Barrow said the investigation will be to inquire as to what caused the fire and for the team to provide them with the recommendations on how to prevent a recurrence of such fire incidents in the country.

“It is a very unfortunate and difficult situation….We cannot thank enough the respondents from the fire service team for the hard work. They work under very difficult circumstances, but the good thing is they are determined to put out the fire and contain the situation,” President Barrow told the press, adding preventive measures will be taken to reassess the safety standards in place at similar facilities across the country.

President Barrow announced that the government will set up a commission of inquiry to look into what had happened in order to establish facts around the cause of the fire and how to avoid future recurrence..

After enquiry, he said the damage caused by the fire will be assessed, adding that from there they would know what exactly happened and what government can do. Additionally, the assessment will further enable the government to establish the level of damage caused, he added. President Barrow assured that the government will give all the support within its capacity to the victims of the incident.

Kisham Reepchandans, who was in tears while speaking to reporters, said his company had many building materials such as toilets seat, teals, water paint and tools for building.

Kisham Reepchandans

“My business is finished now. I lost around 10 to 15 million dalasi. I cannot survive. I cannot continue, because all my hard-work since 25 years ago….., all I worked for  from evening and night is gone. I’ve to pay people’s load,’’ he said while tears filled his eyes.

“I cannot continue,’’ he added. “It started when a gas company’s tank of gas was leaking on Sunday. It exploded and was spreading all over and it then hit my store and everything went on fire,’’ he said.

“I’ve 15 employed Gambians and 3 Indian employees. I’m completely finished. I cannot work now. President Barrow who is a good friend was here and has also felt sorry about the incident. I was not here when the leaking happened because Sunday was not a working day,’’ he explained.

He continued: “People living within the area saw the leaking and informed the company owner.”

He said no one informed him that a gas tank was leaking in the nearby company. He said he received the information about the incident after the intervention of the Fire and Rescue Service.

 “It was our Indian festival on that Sunday, we were at home with our family. We couldn’t do anything since everything vanished away,’’ he said.

Dodou Trawally, the Executive Director of the National Environment Agency (NEA), said they usually do rapid assessment when such incidents happen.  He added that a team of inspectors from Fire Service, NEA and Disaster Management are on the ground to ascertain what caused the incident.

He said, “We feel people really need to know what’s happening. We’re waiting for the Police to help us with the crowd for the inspectors to do their job. The rapid assessment would be able to know how many cars, building and properties were damaged.’’

“Looking around, you will know a huge damage occurred here,’’ he said.

Abdul Rasheed the owner of Pure & Drinking Water company said he has been operating since 2006. He added that he lost 5 million dalasi after the gas explosion.

“I lost dozens of bottles of water. My two standby generators were burnt but the water processing machine is saved,’’ he said. He added, “we would like compensation from the government, but we will also file report and proceed to a lawyer.’’

Hadim Gogan, the owner of the gas-company said the inferno consumed the consignment of gas he ordered for the country.

He explained: “The problem started when the gas-tanks arrived and some were discharged. We cannot ascertain what coursed the explosion until the investigators are ready.”

Hadim said he cannot estimate the loss he incurred as a result of the fire incident. He added that nobody lost his live as a result of the incident.

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