Following the successful conclusion of the Inter-regional African Ministerial Meeting on Anti-Doping in Sports, held at the International Conference Centre, representatives from the sub-region visited President Barrow on Tuesday afternoon to provide an update on the meeting's agenda.
The primary objective of the anti-doping meeting was to establish a collaborative network aimed at enhancing sports governance, thereby promoting clean sports and upholding the ethics and integrity of athletes against the use of prohibited substances.
On behalf of the government and the people of The Gambia, President Barrow expressed his deep appreciation to the delegates for selecting The Gambia as the host for this significant event. He emphasized the crucial role of sports in fostering economic growth and national development, noting its capacity to promote unity and strengthen national cohesion.
As a signatory to the anti-doping convention, alongside 191 other countries, President Barrow assured the delegates of his unwavering commitment to supporting efforts that safeguard the integrity of sports. He underscored that achieving success in this field necessitates the implementation of robust safeguarding policies.
The Minister for Youth and Sport, Honourable Bakary Y. Badjie, expressed gratitude for the support extended by the President and the government towards initiatives that advance sports development. He advocated for the implementation of drug testing across all sporting levels to eliminate the use of performance-enhancing substances, highlighting the detrimental impact that substance abuse has on athletes and national achievements.
The meeting also featured ministers from various sub-regions, who conveyed their gratitude to the President for his supportive role during the event and his visionary approach to this important agenda.
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Members of the Ummah Welfare Trust, a UK-based Global Charity Foundation, called on the Vice President, His Excellency Mohammed B.S Jallow, at State House in Banjul. The group briefed the Vice President on their activities and plans. In a heartwarming display of solidarity and compassion, the Ummah Welfare Trust said they have mobilised funds for the much-needed upgrade of the Gambia's central mortuary at Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital (EFSTH) in Banjul.The global charity also seeks support from the Vice President in acquiring land for the construction of what they called “the country’s first national mortuary.”Recognising the importance of providing dignified and respectful services to the departed souls, the foundation has rallied behind the noble initiative, showcasing their commitment to supporting one another during times of grief.EFSTH has long relied on a modest mortuary facility that “lacked essential equipment and resources” speakers noted. This move by the Ummah Welfare Trust aims to equip the mortuary with the necessary tools to enhance its services. Speaking after the closed-door talks with VP Jallow, Mustapha Jawara, a member of the Ummah Welfare Trust, expressed gratitude for their audience with the Vice President while emphasising the importance of a well-equipped mortuary in “preserving the dignity” of the departed and providing support to “grieving families during their most challenging times.”The state-of-the-art national mortuary, if built, will be equipped with refrigeration units and necessary supplies for the respectful handling and preparation of the deceased. The plans for the new facility will include a “comfortable and accommodating environment for grieving families,” with improved seating arrangements and private rooms for mourners. This initiative serves as a reminder that even in the face of adversity, people can come together to create positive change and uplift one another.
The Mansakonko Area Council recently presented six motorbikes to revenue collectors within the Lower River region at a presentation ceremony held at the council's office in Soma.Moving to increase revenue, the council has purchased six motorbikes for over six hundred thousand dalasi, for tax collectors, allaying a major need slowing revenue uptake.After a series of meetings organised by the council, authorities say they realised that one of the key issues is the lack of mobility, among other challenges affecting revenue collectors.Council members say the lack of mobility for revenue collectors has had a telling effect on productivity, leading to low revenue performance in the Lower River Region for the past years.In 2024 the council collected less than sixty-five percent of the revenue, members revealed. Mustapha Jagne, Finance Manager of Mansakonko Area Council, believes the council will register tremendous achievements in revenue collection in the coming years.Mansakonko Area Council chairperson said, with these motorbikes, he believes their collectors will be able to collect enough tax for the implementation of their development projects. (Picture MAC)Speakers at the event include the Deputy Governor of Lower River Region, Momodou Lamin Camara, who described the initiative as a vital move for the council while urging the people of LRR to pay their taxes “on time.”Buwa Kinteh, head of Admin at Mansakonko Area Council, described the motorbikes as critical working tools for the collectors within the six districts of the region and further challenged them to use the Motorbikes for their “intended purpose” to improve their work.Reminding revenue collectors of their role as key stakeholders, Landing B. Sanneh, the Chairperson of Mansakonko Area Council, said more than six hundred thousand dalasi was spent in purchasing the six motorbikes to create more revenue for the council.Sanneh further highlighted the impacts of poor revenue collection his council has been facing for the past years, saying it will immensely help the council to effectively collect taxes and plough it back to the “welfare of the taxpayers, among other needs.”The formal handover was presided over by the deputy governor and the chair of the council in the presence of Members of the Technical Advisory Committee and regional councillors who described the initiative as a critical development for the council.
In a concerted effort aimed at combating child trafficking, more than a dozen police border officials and community members have undergone training focused on child smuggling and trafficking. This initiative, supported by the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, was conducted at the Regional Education Directorate in Basse, Upper River Region (URR). Similar training engagements are anticipated to be implemented in the Lower River and North Bank regions.The three-day training underscores renewed efforts to enhance border security and law enforcement measures aimed at tackling child trafficking.During the assembly, Police Prosecutor Alpha Badjie emphasized that the training is designed for police officers stationed at border entry points to improve their understanding of the complexities surrounding child smuggling and trafficking.Ismaila Badjie, representing the Police Commissioner, highlighted the significance of capacity building. He stated that equipping police officers with essential knowledge regarding child trafficking and smuggling will facilitate their efforts in addressing this serious issue.Mrs. Marie Adams, the National Project Coordinator of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, noted that a crucial aspect of the training involves community engagement, which she described as both timely and necessary.Mrs. Adams further explained that the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights aims to strengthen child protection systems in The Gambia, recognizing the substantial progress achieved in supporting these systems.Musa Conteh, representing the URR governor, reaffirmed the region's commitment to combating all forms of trafficking of children and women, calling attention to their status as the most vulnerable groups in society.Since its inception in 2019, this project has implemented numerous impactful interventions for children and victims of human rights violations. The Child Welfare Unit of the Gambia Police Force continues to renew its commitment to addressing child smuggling, trafficking, and gender-based violence within the country.
The National Assembly of The Gambia, in collaboration with the Westminster Foundation for Democracy, hosted the fourth edition of Parliamentary Open Day forum at the assembly grounds in Banjul.Launched in 2022, the legislative Open Day Forum serves as a vital platform for legislators to engage with the public and share their ongoing efforts to enhance the lives of the citizenry. It also gives them an insight into parliamentary processes and understand the roles parliament plays in shaping the governance of the country.Themed “Bringing the parliament closer to the people.” The day availed the public an invaluable opportunity to ask questions and concerns regarding significant matters that directly impact their lives.Khalifa M.M. Mbye, clerk of the National Assembly, said dialogue between people will help entrench democratic culture and strengthen dialogue between lawmakers and the citizenry. “Parliament is the heart of democracy. Its effectiveness depends on how well it remains connected with the people.” He noted.The program was made possible through the collaboration between the National Assembly of The Gambia and the Westminster Foundation for Democracy, a body dedicated to strengthening democratic culture around the world.Its country director, Tabu Njie Sarr, noted that the initiative will not only promote transparency and accountability but will alsol pave the way for constructive collaboration between legislators and the constituents they serve, anchored on a common desire to bring about positive change and progress.The event was attended by high-profile dignitaries. Among them the Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, Honourable Seedy S.K. Njie and the Deputy British High Commissioner to The Gambia, Martin Norman. The duo emphasized the event's significance, describing it as a Commendable step to strengthening democracy. “It's through engagements like this that democracy strives, justice is built, and governance is strengthened,” Norman said.The important event was characterized by a question and answer session, with citizens posing questions revolving around parliamentary business. The most prominent among them focused on Laws and Amendment procedures in the legislative process.“This day shows that members of the National Assembly are continuously putting the people first in the performance of their duties and responsibilities. In addition to this Open Day, we shall be launching the annual speaker's seminar lecture series. This will be a platform for rigorous and thought-provoking debate on matters of the legislature,” the Deputy Speaker stated.The Legislative Forum helps ensure that the voices and perspectives of the public are heard and considered in the legislative process.
His Excellency, Adama Barrow the President and Commander in Chief on Thursday oversaw the swearing in of new members of the Gambia Armed Forces Council and also decorated two newly promoted General Officers at a ceremony held at the State House. The newly promoted Commanders of the Gambia Navy and the Republican National Guard were decorated with their new ranks following their promotion by the President and Commander-in- Chief of The Gambia Armed Forces H.E Adama Barrow.Commodore Sambu Barrow, now heads the Gambia Navy whilst Brigadier General Yahya Drammeh is the new Commander of the Republican National Guard, which comprises the Gambia National Guards at Fajara and the State Guard Battalion at the State House.Commodore Sambu Barrow enlisted into the GAF 30 years ago and rose through the ranks to become the Naval Chief. Trained in Nigeria, the United Kingdom, Pakistan and Ghana, the navy Commandant boasts of an enviable track record in the Armed Forces holding several key positions and also serving in various peacekeeping operations in Sudan, Sierra Leone and Liberia.Brigadier General Yahya Drammeh is also a highly experienced officer who joined the army in 1996. Following extensive training in Nigeria, Ukraine, and the US, Brig. Gen. Drammeh is one of a few number of Gambian military officers who is a certified flight instructor and a pilot. Prior to his promotion, General Drammeh had served as the Commander of the 3rd Infantry Battalion at Farafenni and later as the Commander of the Gambia National Guards at Fajara. He had also served as the Aide De Camp (ADC) to the President of the Republic.After taking the prescribed oaths, confirming their appointments as chiefs of the two military branches, the two officers formally assumed their roles as members of the Armed Forces Council which is chaired by the Vice President H.E Muhamed BS Jallow. Other notable members of the Council are the Deputy Chief of Defence Staff, the Commander of the Gambia National Army, Brigadier General Sait Njai, Rtd. Admiral Sarjo Fofana and Professor Cernu Omar Barry. One after the other, the council members took the three oaths of office, allegiance and secrecy, they signed the oath registry before they were warmly congratulated by the President.Commodore Sambu Barrow, now head of the Gambia Navy and Brigadier General Yahya Drammeh the new Commander of the Republican National Guard taking their oaths of office, allegiance and secrecy.Lieutenant General, Mamat O. Cham, the Chief of Defence attributed the enormous transformation of the Armed Forces to the visionary leadership of President Barrow. Over the last 8 years, the army chief noted with appreciation what he called ‘President Barrow's unwavering commitment to the development of GAF and the welfare of the men and women in uniform.’ The appointment of these new council members, Lt. General Cham added, will positively impact the Armed Forces as it continues to evolve into a dynamic, professional, and dedicated service.These views were shared by Serign Modou Njai, the Minister of Defence, who advised the newly promoted officers to be loyal, disciplined, and committed. As service chiefs, Defence Minister Njai urged the two Generals to ‘provide the strategic leadership’ required to navigate the security challenges they will face.The Vice President Muhammed B.S. Jallow, who is the chairperson of the Armed Forces Council pledged to perform their functions as required by the constitution to strengthen the governance structures of the Gambia Armed Forces.H.E Adama Barrow, the president, congratulated the officers on their promotions, urging them to work as a team to meet expectations and measure up to the trust and confidence reposed in them. The Commander in Chief reminded the officers that promotion comes with added responsibility, and as such, they should provide the strategic leadership for the development of the Armed Forces.To the Armed Forces Council, President Barrow called for synergy with the relevant government ministries and agencies to ensure effective and efficient implementation of their mandate, as stipulated by the constitution.The President finally commended the Chief of Defence Staff and the GAF high command for their loyalty, professionalism, and dedication, and reassured them of his government's ‘unwavering commitment to the development and welfare of the Armed Forces.’The Armed Forces Council which is chaired by the Vice President, comprises service chiefs, a retired military officer and a civilian to advise the president on military related issues, shape strategic direction of the Armed Forces and provide other oversight functions.
Her Excellency, Mariama Sy, the High Commissioner designate of the Republic of Senegal and His Excellency, Hassan Asgari, the ambassador designate of the Islamic Republic of Iran presented their letters of credence to president Adama Barrow at State House in Banjul. The two diplomats renewed their commitment and determination to promote the excellent relations between their respective countries and The Gambia.The new Senegalese High Commissioner designated to The Gambia H.E. Mariama Sy was the first to arrive at the presidential palace. She was greeted by a detachment of the State Guard Battalion for the formal presentation of her letters of credence.After inspecting the Quarter Guard, Mrs Sy was escorted to chambers where the President, H.E. Adama Barrow accepted her letters of credence, confirming her appointment as High Commissioner of the Republic of Senegal. Speaking to reporters after the presentation, High Commissioner Sy acknowledged the excellent fraternal relations between Senegal and The Gambia. ‘I will ensure that we work together on all the sectors to ensure development.’Given the socio-cultural similarities between the two countries, High Commissioner Sy said she sees The Gambia as her home and will strive to build on the already strong collaboration and partnership as directed by the two heads of state. ‘I will work to strengthening security, economic, education, and cultural cooperation.’The ambassador designate of the Islamic Republic of Iran H.E. Hassan Asgari was also received with full honours at the State House.The ambassador designate of the Islamic Republic of Iran H.E. Hassan Asgari presenting his letters of credence to H.E. Adama Barrow at the State House in Banjul After the usual welcome ceremony by the State Guard Battalion, he also presented his letters to President Barrow. The Gambia and Iran reestablished diplomatic relations after nearly a 10-year break. Ambassador Asgari believes this provides a new opportunity for the two countries to widen their cooperation for a mutual benefit.‘We will try our best to promote and deepen our relationship economically, politically, culturally and religiously, industrially, and other fields,’ He said.The Iranian ambassador further reassured that the Islamic Republic would support The Gambia's leadership of the OIC and thanked President Barrow for championing the peace and cooperation amongst Islamic countries.
His Excellency Mohammed B.S Jallow, Vice President of The Gambia, appears before national assembly members for the consideration of the National Security Council Bill 2024. The consideration of the National Security Bill follows it's successfully passing of the second readings by the National Assembly.The formation of a security council is viewed by deputies as a highly effective measure to address past security deficiencies, including the lack of Joint Central Co-ordination security for placement and intelligence gathering, leading to significant vulnerabilities.Drafting of this bill and its subsequent enactment launches the journey towards the rebuilding of national security. The provisions in the bill strategise plans to expand the national security apparatus, individual safety, and new human-centered security.The national security policy of The Gambia projects a nation with a professional and apolitical security system, able to protect the country and its people in line with fundamental human rights and rule of law.The Bill alludes to similar ideals of guaranteeing the protection of rights and liberties as enshrined in the constitution of The Gambia, reaffirming the government’s commitment and political will to implement the security sector reform process, aiming to strengthen the national security architecture.This Bill seeks to establish a robust framework for a well-structured and coordinated national Security Council, ensuring that security strategies are comprehensive, inclusive, and reformed to tackle evolving threats and challenges.To address current gaps in coordination among various security agencies, the Bill emphasises the importance of inter-agency coordination and communication to support the effective functioning of national security mechanisms for a sustainable democracy.The Office of the National Security was established in 2017 by President Adama Barrow with the ultimate objective of improving security sector responses to the needs of Gambian people.
His Excellency Adama Barrow, President of the Republic of The Gambia, has received in audience members of the Access To Information Commission at the State House on Tuesday. Commissioners led by Neneh Macdouall Gaye, the chairperson of the ATI Commission, called on the president to update him on the Commission's activities and also seek his government's support.Speaking to GRTS after their audience with President Barrow, Neneh Macdouall Gaye disclosed that since its establishment in September last year, the Access to Information Commission is now working to set up its structures to fulfil its mandate.‘It’s one thing passing the law, but another thing implementing the law. We thought we would come to the president and tell him where we are, what we are doing, and to seek his support in our mandate to implement the law.’‘The main information holders would be the government, and the requesters would be the public. And this law is for everybody. So if we have the support of the executive, it will make the job much easier, and the implementation would be successful,’ the Commission's chair said. Commissioners headed by Neneh MacDouall-Gaye, former broadcaster and foreign minister, Babucarr Cham, Bai Emil Touray- former GPU president, John Charles Njie, and Ya Amie Touray-legal practitioner, all membersMrs. Macdouall-Gaye further commended the president for the political will in making access to information a reality in The Gambia and reassured that the Commission will work to meet the expectations of the Gambian people.‘We are working on our internal processes. We have done our work plan. We have gone on a study tour and we are now working on a sensitisation programme which is very key. We are looking for the funding for that.’‘We want to embark on a nationwide campaign to sensitise the public about Access to Information, the rights of people and also the rights of information holders,’ she added.The Commission was established by the government in September 2024 to facilitate public access to information from the government, its institutions, and agencies.
The Gambia, known for its rich heritage and cultural diversity, is a magnet to tourists seeking to escape the harsh winter weather and stretch out on tranquil beaches and enjoy the warmth provided by the sun and friendly people.The beginning of tourism in the Gambia can be traced as far back as the mid-1960s, shortly after the country gained independence from Britain.Reliable accounts have it that tourism in The Gambia started by accident when a Swedish gentleman called Bertil Harding, who was travelling from Northern Senegal to the Northern part of the neighbouring country, lost his bearing and drove towards Banjul. Harding, according to accounts, was amazed by the beautiful coastline and the friendly people, and as a result, decided to stay for a couple of days, thus marking the discovery of the popular tourist destination that would later assume the name “the smiling coast of Africa”.Samba Batch Faye, Board Chairman of the Gambia Tourism Board, and Sheikh Tijan Nyang, Head of the Institute of Travel and Tourism of the Gambia, both confirmed that was what set off the development of tourism in the Gambia and led to a steady increase in the number of visitors as “tourism came to the Gambia” instead of the Gambia “going to find it.”"He was driving to Casamance to go to Cap Skirring and other places. In our conversation when he was alive, he said he drove overnight until in the morning, he saw Denton Bridge, then he said, well, I don't think I am in Casamance; I must be in the Gambia. Instead of turning around and finding his way to Casamance, he said, "Let me just go in and find out what Gambia is like," Samba Batch, Chairman of Gambia Tourism Board, said.By the late 1970s and 1980s, the Gambia had established itself as a prime tourist destination, and with an increasing number of hotels and resorts lining the coast and a surge in the number of tourists, the need for increased investments became apparent, effectively drawing in Swedish and European investorsInitially, the structures that were used to accommodate tourists were not custom-built. However, what followed were proper hotels built by foreign investors in tandem with the Gambia government, which at the time saw the huge potential that existed when the Gambian tourism development was in its infancy stage."There was only one hotel & that was the Atlantic Hotel. He went and checked in at the Atlantic Hotel. In the morning, he walked around the beach. That time Atlantic Beach was at least 100 meters of white sand on the beach as opposed to its current state.” “He walked around and found only a few people. By then, people were not keen on going to the beach. All that they were interested in was going through the wharves and fishing for crabs. And he said, "Well, this seems to be a nice place. Let me stay for a few more days,” the GT-Board chair added.With the rise of tourism, the demand for well-trained staff to work in hotels and restaurants and serve as tour guides became necessary. Then, emerged Gambia Hotel School, which was later upgraded and renamed "Gambia Tourism and Hospitality Institute".Others, like the Institute of Travel and Tourism in the Gambia, were born to cater for the ever-increasing need for trained human resources and seasoned professionals.Sheikh Tijan Nyang, a veteran in the tourism sector, who saw it and witnessed the evolution, weighs in on the gains made by the sector"It came in as an accidental industry that had no policies that would guide it to where it is today. As a result of it, the government thought it wise and had key people in key positions. People who were knowledgeable and they thought it is good to look at good examples.”“If I remember talking to the late Tom Senghore, he and the late Tapha Sosseh were permanent secretaries at various ministries. They went to Kenya from what I gathered from Tom Senghore. They did a case study in Kenya as to how it developed to where it is today, and they came and wrote a report. After that, the Bafuloto studies form the basis of our tourism development," said Sheikh Tijan Nyang.The Bafuloto studies were designed to understand traditional Gambian society and to unearth the hidden potential of community tourism. Now, with stiff competition, Nyang believes the sector needs urgent reforms and more investments in eco - and community-based tourism to ensure sustainability. "We have developed, but we also have a series of challenges that we need to address. Most of the countries in the sub-region do not operate the same system as we do. We depend entirely on package stores.”“The industry is seasonal, and it starts from October to April, and that's where it ends. We have been operating in this system since the inception of tourism, and I think we have seen it gradually diminishing." Nyang stated. Tourism is one of the sectors that help the Gambia maintain a level of buoyancy, but with many destinations seeking to outdo or attract tourists from the same source markets, there is a need to return to the drawing board to reposition and repackage Gambian Tourism so it can continue to attract tourists from across the world.
Influential women in The Gambia amplified their voices, calling for gender equality as they joined the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Welfare to march in unison in celebrating the 2025 International Women's Day held in Banjul. This year's commemoration marks the 30th anniversary of the Beijing platform of action earmarked to enhance women's empowerment. Reminding world leaders of commitments they took to elevate the status of women in 12 critical areas of concern, officials and national stakeholders discussed strategies, objectives and actions needed to uplift women and girls. Fatoumatta Bah Barrow, the Gambia’s First Lady, who presided over the event, described the day as a reminder of the women's crusade for more equality in society, which she said requires a strategic commitment, undertaking policies and programmes that reduce poverty, improve healthcare and education. ‘We must act with urgency to create a future that guarantees equality, dignity and opportunity for all,’ she said.Fatou Kinteh, the Minister of Gender, Children and Social Welfare, and Rohey Malick Lowe, the Mayor of Banjul, both underscored the importance of gender equality and rights promotion especially for women with disabilities.‘I reaffirm my unwavering commitment to continue advocating for policies and programmes that uplift all women and girls, particularly those with disabilities. Let us work together to build a nation where every woman and girl can achieve their full potential,’ the Minister said.‘We are the breadbasket of Africa. Without us, things will not move, and that's the reality. The Ministry cannot do it alone, we have to come together, show solidarity to each other and make sure we stand firm to elevate Gambian women’, the Mayor stated. The commemoration of the 2025 IWD, was attended by top diplomats like Karl Frederick, Head of the UN Mission in The Gambia, who said this year's subject is not just about celebrating women. But also, ‘a call to recognise the connection between gender and disability, to amplify the voices of those who have been silenced and to dismantle the barriers that have held back too many for too long.’Themed ‘Accelerate Action for Gender Equality’, the commemoration of International Women's Day comes amid critical advances strengthening women's rights and equitable access to education and crucial socio-economic opportunities.
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