The Vice President Aja Isatou Njie Saidy on Thursday received in audience the United Nations goodwill ambassador against hunger Howard Buffett at State House.  Mr. Buffett is in the country to visit WFP’s project sites in the Gambia. He was led to the Vice President office by the World Food Program country representative Victoria Ginja.  During a ceremony at the Vice President’s office, Mr. Buffett witnessed the presentation of 15 laptops and 13 motorbikes to support the work of the National Disaster Management Agency, Regional Education Office under the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education and the Department of Planning, Ministry of Agriculture. Speaking at the ceremony the WFP country representative Victoria Ginja underscored WFP’s commitment to strengthen the capacity of their partners for greater efficiency. She reaffirmed their commitment in supporting the government for a Gambia free from hunger and malnutrition. In another development the Vice President Dr. Aja Isatou Njie Saidy today received a donation of 600 crates of soft drinks from the CEO of Uncle Sam Security Services Alieu Jallow as its contribution to the nation’s 48^th Independence anniversary celebrations.  Vice president lauded Mr. Jallow for the gesture as well contributing to national security. She said there cannot be any meaningful development without peace and security.  Dr. Njie Saidy assured that the government will continue to ensure the enabling environment for smooth running of business.  Mr. Jallow spoke of the numerous developments that have taken under President Jammeh’s administration.  He described the donation as a social responsibility.

The Deputy Permanent Secretary Ministry of Higher Education, Research Science and Technology, Mr. Jerreh Sanyang has underscored his ministry’s commitment to the advancement of Technical and Vocational Education.  Mr. Sanyang was speaking at the “National Training Authority’s employer of the year Award ceremony” held on Wednesday in Kololi. The 2012 distinguish employer of the year award was won by Medical Research Centre MRC, the public sector award by NAWEC and the private sector by the BB Electrical and Construction Company. Mr. Sanyang dilated on the importance of skill acquisition citing the increasing demand of modern techniques in the labour market. He urged both public and private sector employers to be more dedicated to the skill training of their employees. The Permanent Secretary Ministry of Trade, Industry, Employment and Regional Integration Naffie Barry lauded National Training Authority NTA for what she described as a brilliant initiative designed to encourage employers to accept industrial attachment. The US Ambassador to the Gambia Edward Alford made similar remarks and assured his embassy’s continued collaboration. Edrissa Kolley of the National Training Authority commended winners of the 2012 award and urged them to keep up the momentum.

The Gambia Committee on Traditional Practices Affecting the Health of Women and Children GAMCOTRAP on Thursday join two hundred and three affiliated organizations across the world to sing, dance and rise against violence against women.  The global movement initiated by US Journalist and Writer - Eve Endsler, seeks to promote women’s’ rights and end violence against women and children.  Ms Endsler pioneered the initiative in DR Congo where women who are battered or became victims of rape and other forms of violence are healed.  Here in the Gambia, the celebration was held in the Greater Banjul and Lower River Region. At the end of a march pass in the celebrants witnessed the launch of an album entitled “changing songs”. It was produce by “Sangkalangbaa”, a women’s group based in Soma headed by Kaddyba Manjang. The songs contrast with the previous songs encouraging FGM. The songs in Mandinka have been translated in English, French and Spanish. In an interview with Dr Touray the Executive Director of Gamcotrap, she called on all Gambians to rise and promote the rights of women.  She said women deserved to be loved and protected.