President Adama Barrow has approved the Independent Electoral Commission’s request to declare Saturday, 9th April 2022, as a Public Holiday throughout the country for the upcoming National Assembly Election. The approval was granted to allow all registered voters to vote in their respective constituencies.
Continue Reading >>Thirty-seven schools across the country have been introduced to virtual classes that allow students to access lessons through SD Card using Android Phones and Windows Computers. The Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education says the offline e-learning platform is a pilot program for schools in rural Gambia and is targeting students in the Upper Basic School (Grades 7, 8, and 9). The aim is to provide students with supplementary learning materials as well as to keep them busy while they are at home. The beneficiary schools are from communities that do not have access to good mobile networks, or the internet or are challenged with poor radio and television signals. The Ministry said the deployment of SD Cards in schools will continue as many other schools are expected to benefit from this initiative.
Continue Reading >>The Brikama Area Council (BAC) says it will on Thursday 7th April 2022 embark on food distribution to refugees and internally displaced people in Foni. The council announced that 650 bags [25kg] will be distributed to victims of the ongoing Casamance conflict. The gesture is in response to the humanitarian crisis triggered by the armed conflict that caused a massive internal displacement of people living around the border and interior of Foni.
Continue Reading >>The Government of The Gambia has approved the agreements for the increment of transport fares in all the approved routes nationwide. The implementation of the agreement will begin on Monday 11th April 2022. The agreement also includes the Introduction of route licensing/permit, the reduction of tariffs at the Sene-Gambia Bridge, and introducing of the queuing system at the Port of Banjul.A statement from the Ministry of transport says the objective of the agreement reached with the Transport Union is to facilitate the smooth movement of people and goods in the country and beyond. Transport operators plying route(s) covered in the route licensing scheme are urged to register free of charge at various garages across the Greater Banjul Area and West Coast Region on or before Monday 11th April 2022.
Continue Reading >>Officials of REPGam project on Monday began data collection in beneficiary communities including institutions to assess the energy needs before the implementation of the project later this year. The delegation visited Ndemban Technical and Vocational education centre in the west coast region where the ministry of Higher education research science and technology plans to transform the centre to a full fledged Vocational training facility. The REPGam project is working on implementing solar power supply in 26 beneficiaries including communities and institutions. The delegation comprising technicians from various stakeholders examine the geographic cordinates of the facility for adequate and proper installation of solar power systems. Speaking to GRTS, the deputy director of the REPGam project Dr Ebrima Sonko explains the modality of the project saying SUN Farming a German company is contracted to install the solar system in all the beneficiary communities. He said the project will reduce the country's dependency of fossil fuel as well as complement goverment's efforts in providing clean affordable and reliable energy supply. Dr Sonko said the centre has the potential to accommodate different areas of discipline in Vocational education and training thus significant amount of energy supply will be required. The project is funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research who are supporting African countries to fight the impact of climate change through renewable sources of energy. The team will proceed to Bansang General hospital for a similar exercise.
Continue Reading >>At the 8th Berlin Energy Dialogue Forum which is happening at the face of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, experts renewed calls for more action in relation to embracing renewable energy as a solution to climate change and their related mishaps. They include UN secretary general, Antonio Gutares and Annalena Baerbock, Germany's Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs who called for reduction in global emissions. The UN chief also stated that the world needs to fix the problem of it's global energy mix. For individuals such as Germany's Federal Minister for Economic Cooperation and Development, Svenja Schulze, renewable energy sources are the answer to both the climate and energy crisis.At a time when the crisis in Ukraine is taking toll on the global energy and economy, the 8th edition of the energy conclave attracted experts, politicians, business leaders and journalists from across the globe to discuss the future of energy policy and climate action for a better world.
Continue Reading >>Foundation for International Cooperation (DSIK) sings a memorandum of understanding with National Association of Cooperative Credit Unions of The Gambia (NACCUG), Gambia Police Force Cooperative Credit Union and Medical and Health Credit Union. As per the memorandum, the two credit unions will benefit from a project grant of 2.7 million Dalasi. Aside from providing NACCUG with technical assistance, its general manager, Foday Sanyang said the idea is to enhance small and medium enterprises of credit union members.DSIK country representative pictured the project as special. Gabriele Freigrau v. dem Bussce talked of the project's specialty in the sense that it does not focus on collateral as a benchmark for loans. The board vice-chairman of Medical and Health Credit Union Abdul Aziz Ceesay said it is important that they are a chosen pilot to propagate entrepreneurship amongst credit unionists. Pa Singhateh equally portrayed the grant as a financial facility that will be beneficial to members since it will scale up thier business.The financial enhancement is expected to last for a year with possible extension in time and beneficiaries.
Continue Reading >>134 youth were on Tuesday sworn in as Corp members of the National Youth Service Scheme two-year skills acquisition training program. This is the 14th badge of the scheme since it's establishment in 1996 and it comprises of young men and women including hard of hearing. The Swearing in ceremony led by Justice idrissa F Mbai is part of the fundamental activities of the scheme for the youth to take an oath of service to Nation. Speaking at the event Gibril ngorr Secka said the scheme is a government founded program aimed at enhancing the skills of young people for employment and economic growth. Mr Ismaila Ceesay the CEO of insight Training Center spoke of the importance of a skillful youth population in national development.The Board Chairperson of NYSS Alhagie Kebbeh assured of NYSS and government’s commitment to an all inclusive youth empowerment program.The Executive Director of NYSS Emmanuel Mendy discussed the components of the orientation program.Several other speakers including one Corp member Ida Njie thanked government and the NYSS for the initiative saying it will enable them to get employment and contribute meaningfully to National development Participants are now set to undergo a two-year skills training program in different professional areas.
Continue Reading >>Assan Ceesay scores a brace as the the Gambia stumbled to is to the final round of the 2023 AFCON qualifiers. The Gambia won 3-2 on aggregate over Chad after two legs. Chad nearly ended The Gambia's dream as they led the game to the dying minutes before Assan Ceesay equalising through a penalty. Despite a 2-2 draw at their temporary home in Agadir, Morocco, the Scorpions 1-0 win in the first leg in Cameroon decided the tie.
Continue Reading >>Continuing his tour in the Central River Region South, President Adama Barrow held meetings in Kerr Layen, Dalaba, and Sinchu Alaji all in the Niaminas. At the meetings, the President renewed his commitment to the socio-economic development of the CRR with emphasis on road infrastructure, education, healthcare, electricity and water for rural communities. The president also galvanised support for NPP candidates and called on people to vote for them. President Barrow finally thanked the people of Kerr Layen for the turnout and promised to provide them with electricity and water. The President and entourage proceeded to Dalaba in Niamina West where he also thanked the people for their continued support for the NPP. Other speakers during the rallies were Tourism Minister Hamat Bah, NPP candidates from the various constituencies, and a host of other politicians.
Continue Reading >>Three more candidates have withdrawn from the upcoming national assembly elections barely a fortnight before the polls. The Independent Electoral Commission on Monday announced that Mustapha S Cham, the PDOIS candidate for Lower Saloum, Selou Bah, the Independent candidate for Upper Saloum, and Malick Jassey, the Independent candidate for Lower Saloum have all withdrawn. The IEC has since accepted their withdrawals.The IEC also announced that by-elections will be held in four wards in the Kanifing and Brikama administrative areas. On Saturday 14th May by-elections will be held in Bundung Six Junction, London Corner, Sanyang, and Marakissa. Nomination of candidates for the by-elections will be conducted from 25th to 29 April between 8 am and 4 pm at the respective IEC Regional Offices in Brikama and Kanifing.
Continue Reading >>The government of the Gambia has refuted claims on social media that the new pay and grading has been rescheduled. The government was reacting to a purported memo trending on social media. A statement from the government spokesperson indicated that the Gambia government is committed to implementing the new pay and grading scale. “The government of the Gambia remains resolute in improving the welfare of all citizens and ever since coming into power that has been the priority of President Adama Barrow and government.” The statement urges the general public to ignore the memo.
Continue Reading >>The President, His Excellency Adama Barrow, hosted a state banquet in honour of visiting Gabonese President, His Excellency General Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, at State House.The banquet, attended by Gambian and Gabonese officials and invited dignitaries, marked the climax of President Nguema’s four-day visit to The Gambia.President Nguema was accompanied by First Lady Her Excellency Zita Oligui Nguema. They were received by President Barrow and First Lady Her Excellency Fatou Bah Barrow.The evening featured a toast to the enduring relationship between Gabon and The Gambia, followed by a dinner of traditional Gambian cuisine. Guests were entertained by a kora troupe and cultural performances showcasing Mandinka, Serer, and Jola music and dance.
Continue Reading >>The ruling National People’s Party and the opposition Gambia Democratic Congress on Wednesday signed a Memorandum of Understanding formalising their alliance ahead of the December 5th Presidential election.The signing ceremony at State House drew hundreds of NPP and GDC supporters who gathered to witness what both parties described as a historic political realignment.NPP National President Musa Drammeh and GDC National President Momodou Pateh Bah signed the MOU on behalf of their parties. The event was witnessed by Hon. Sidi Njai and Momodou A.S. Mboob.Party leaders President Adama Barrow of the NPP and Hon. Mama Kandeh of the GDC looked on as the document was signed amid jubilation, ending years of rivalry between the two parties.While the specific terms of the MOU remain confidential, both parties committed to work together to support the candidature of President Adama Barrow in the upcoming election.Senior officials said negotiations had been ongoing for months to reach a workable agreement based on compromise and national interest.Hon. Seedy SK. Njie, described as one of the key architects of the rapprochement, thanked President Barrow, Hon. Kandeh, and senior executives of both parties for their role in the talks.GDC senior members including National Women’s Leader Ndey Fatou Jallow, KM Desk Officer Haruna Jallow, Jarra Ndaw, and Momodou Bobb endorsed the agreement, calling it consultative and reflective of the party’s will.GDC National President Momodou Pateh Bah said the party’s core values of democracy, inclusive development, and good governance remain intact. “We came in good faith. We believe in partnership and collaboration. This MOU will not erase the party’s identity,” Bah said.NPP National President Musa Drammeh thanked stakeholders for their work and praised both leaders for “putting The Gambia first.” He urged supporters to ignore critics seeking to sow division and vowed the NPP would uphold the MOU to secure victory for the alliance.NPP Women’s Mobilizer Aja Maimuna Baldeh welcomed the GDC “with open arms,” describing Hon. Kandeh as a patriot who would help deliver a landslide for President Barrow.Hon. Mama Kandeh defended the alliance as a decision driven by national interest. “This alliance is not a betrayal of our principles or a compromise of our values. We have chosen to place national interest above party interest,” Kandeh said.He reaffirmed his commitment to the alliance, expressed confidence in a landslide victory, and thanked President Barrow, whom he described as a longtime friend.President Barrow welcomed the GDC to the alliance, saying it reflects a shared responsibility to maintain peace and development despite political differences. He described the NPP-GDC pact as “the beginning of a new dawn” that will “redraw the political map and usher in a new era of politics in The Gambia.”The President also spoke of his longstanding relationship with Hon. Kandeh dating back to childhood, and called for unity in the interest of the country.President Barrow expressed confidence in the broader 8-party alliance backing him and predicted a landslide victory in December. He further urged his political godfather to join the alliance and endorse his candidature.President Barrow and Hon. Kandeh exited State House to cheers from supporters.The alliance comes just four months before the Presidential election and marks a major shift in The Gambia’s political landscape. As parties continue to realign, attention now turns to how the NPP-GDC partnership will shape the race to December 5.
Continue Reading >>President Adama Barrow on Tuesday presided over the award of more than D83 million to 25 Technical and Vocational Education and Training institutions under the Skills, Innovation and Entrepreneurship Fund at a ceremony held at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Centre.The SIE Fund is a joint initiative of the Ministry of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology and the World Bank, implemented under the Resilience, Inclusive Skills and Employment Project.The awards are aimed at strengthening TVET institutions, improving the quality of training, expanding access, and boosting the employability of young people, women, and persons with disabilities.The Fund focuses on key sectors including Agriculture, Engineering, Tourism, ICT, Business, and Creative and Performing Arts.Speaking at the ceremony, World Bank Country Representative Dr Franklin Mutahakana said this was the second award under the World Bank-funded project.“This is evidence of The Gambia’s growing commitment to investing in young people, who constitute 63% of the population,” Dr Mutahakana said. “Youth have tremendous potential and are eager to learn and work. This initiative will create pathways for them to acquire skills and enhance their productivity.”President Barrow said the awards will have far-reaching consequences for TVET institutions and the thousands of young people who will benefit directly.“Beyond strengthening and modernising these institutions, the awards will expand opportunities for our youth, particularly women and persons with disabilities,” the President said.He commended the RISE project for its impact on national development and for transforming the lives and livelihoods of young people. He urged beneficiaries to seize the opportunity to contribute to nation building.The President described TVET as a critical pillar for employment creation, enterprise development, industrial growth, and social inclusion.Under Window 1, 25 TVET institutions received over D33 million in grants for institutional improvement. The funding will support infrastructure, equipment, governance systems, program quality, and overall institutional performance.Under Window 2, 18 institutions received more than D49 million to train young people and women in labour market-relevant TVET programs.Student beneficiary Mathew Badjie, speaking on behalf of his colleagues, expressed gratitude to the government and the World Bank for the support.“This intervention has had a direct impact on young people,” Badjie said. “We are determined to honour this investment through hard work and service to the nation.”The award ceremony marks another major milestone in the government’s commitment to building a skilled, productive, and resilient young population to drive sustainable development.
Continue Reading >>The Gambia and Gabon have signed five agreements to strengthen cooperation in trade, investment, diplomacy, and agriculture.The signing followed a three-day visit by Gabonese President His Excellency General Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema to The Gambia, aimed at deepening bilateral ties. Both leaders also reaffirmed their commitment to African unity, Pan-Africanism, and South-South cooperation.President Oligui Nguema was received with full honours on arrival at State House for talks with President Adama Barrow.The two leaders held private discussions for nearly an hour before presiding over an expanded meeting with senior officials from both sides. They reaffirmed their joint commitment to strengthen Banjul-Libreville relations.President Barrow welcomed the Gabonese delegation, describing the visit as “an important milestone” in the friendly relations between The Gambia and Gabon.He commended President Nguema’s leadership, saying it has made Gabon a bastion of democracy, peace, and development in Africa. “The Gambia shares these values and is committed to working with other African countries, including Gabon, to strengthen cooperation in all areas of development,” President Barrow said.In his remarks, President Oligui Nguema thanked President Barrow for the warm hospitality. “The Gambia and Gabon have dynamic and positive relations. I look forward to strengthening this partnership for the mutual benefit of our two countries,” he said.The Gabonese leader noted that both countries share common positions on many issues, and called for joint action to tackle piracy, illicit trafficking, and other illegal activities in West and Central Africa.The two leaders presided over the signing of five cooperation instruments. The agreements were signed by The Gambia’s Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Dawda Jallow, and Gabon’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Marie-Édith Tassyla-Ye-Doumbeneny.The agreements are:1. General Cooperation Agreement between The Gambia and Gabon2. Agreement Establishing the Gambia-Gabon Joint Commission 3. Agreement on Mutual Visa Exemptions for holders of diplomatic and service passports4. Memorandum of Understanding on Political and Diplomatic Consultations between the two Foreign Ministries5. Joint Communiqué reaffirming commitment to deepen cooperationA joint communique read by Ministers Jallow and Tassyla-Ye-Doumbeneny described the visit as successful, saying it has laid a “solid and concrete framework” for partnership.The communique reaffirmed both countries’ commitment to continue dialogue and consultations to deepen cooperation in education, health, agriculture, and infrastructure. It also pledged to increase exchanges to promote peace, African unity, Pan-African solidarity, and South-South cooperation.At the end of the meeting, President Barrow saw off his counterpart, who proceeded with other engagements, including a visit to the Katchikally Crocodile Pool in Bakau.
Continue Reading >>Team Gambia endured mixed fortunes on the athletics track at the Glasgow Games today, with Nyimasata Jawneh delivering the highlight by advancing to the semi-finals.It was a day of highs and lows for the national team.Nyimasata Jawneh produced a composed and determined performance to book her place in the semi-finals, keeping Gambian medal hopes alive.Her qualification stood out on an otherwise challenging day for Team Gambia.Lamin Camara looked to have secured progress in the men’s 200m after clocking an impressive 21.19 seconds. Isatou Sey also delivered a strong run and appeared set to advance.But celebrations were cut short after both athletes were disqualified for lane infringements.The disappointment continued as Ebrima Camara and Alieu Joof bowed out in the opening rounds, bringing their campaigns to an early end.Despite the setbacks, Head Coach [First Name] Sallah praised the athletes’ commitment and determination.She acknowledged the disqualifications were tough to take, but said the performances showed the growing standard of Gambian athletics. “The experience gained on this international stage will be invaluable as the athletes continue their development,” Coach Sallah said.With Jawneh still in contention, Team Gambia will now turn its focus to the semi-finals, where she will carry the nation’s hopes.Jawneh will be aiming to secure a place in the final as Team Gambia looks to end its athletics campaign on a high. For the rest of the team, Glasgow has provided valuable experience and further proof of the country’s growing potential on the international stage.
Continue Reading >>The Gambia National Olympic Committee has appointed Her Excellency Dr Fatou Bom Bensouda, High Commissioner of The Gambia to the United Kingdom, as its Goodwill Sports Ambassador.The appointment was announced during the Gambia Day Celebration in Glasgow, Scotland, in recognition of her outstanding contributions to Gambian sport, international diplomacy, and the promotion of Olympic values.A former national volleyball player and ex-Female Vice President of the GNOC, Dr Bensouda was praised for her leadership in promoting women in sport and advancing athlete welfare, integrity, and sports development.In her new role, she will help raise The Gambia's profile on the international sporting stage, strengthen partnerships with global sports organisations, and promote sports diplomacy to support national development.The GNOC states that the appointment reflects Dr Bensouda’s distinguished service to sport and her ongoing commitment to inspiring future generations of Gambian athletes and sports leaders.
Continue Reading >>
