Fayda 1 Fm Voice of Gambia

Earlier today the 7th of December 2023, the High Commissioners of the Republic of the Gambia and the Republic of Mauritius signed on behalf of their Governments of the two countries, a Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation in the field of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT).
Her Excellency the High Commissioner of the Republic of the Gambia to South Africa was accompanied to the signing ceremony at the Mauritius Embassy by the Head of Chancery Mr. Buba Ayi Sanneh, Consular Mr. Ousman Jatta and Mr. Sulayman Sillah Finance Attache at the Gambia High Commission in Pretoria, South Africa.

PRESIDENT BARROW REVEALED HIS INTENTION TO BRING BACK DRAFT CONSTITUTION.

President Adama Barrow has announced his intentions to revive discussions on the Draft Constitution, emphasizing the importance of engaging all stakeholders in the process.

Domestic newspaper headlines 7th November 2023

Sports news

CAF AWARDS 2023: The Gambia National Senior Scorpions among the three best national teams in Africa

The Gambia has made it to the last three nominees for the National Team of the Year award, alongside neighbouring Senegal and Morocco in the upcoming Confederations of African Football Awards 2023.

The Gambia is the lowest-ranked side on the list and the only nation that is on the final list without a World Cup experience. Both Morocco and Senegal participated in the FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

However, coach Tom Sainfeit, could not make it to the final nomination list. He was listed in the top five but failed to proceed to the final stage of nomination.

Which National team will win this year 2023 team of the year?

Road works advance on the Bertil Harding highway, Kanifing and Old Jeshwang

President Adama Barrow reacted positively to the progress of works at the Independent Stadium in Bakau. He emphasised the importance of sustaining our institutions. He pledged his government's commitment to commit funds to ensure the stadium's renovation is completed and brought to CAF Standards.

Visiting ongoing road work on the Bertil Harding Highway, President Barrow was informed that about 70% is completed. Later, he took a ride on the finished part and stopped at the Brusubi and Old Yundum flyovers, where crowds gathered to glimpse the President and cheered him for the works.

The President also visited the OIC roads in Kanifing and Old Jeshwang. Most of the work in Kanifing is completed, and the Old Jeshwang is in progress.

It is expected that by April 2024, the works will be completed in time for the OIC Summit scheduled for May next year.

The President's visit to the project sites is part of his ongoing Meet the People's tour in the Kanifing and Banjul Municipalities.
It also attracted crowds of people chanting and praising President Barrow for the unprecedented road work to their communities.

PRESIDENT BARROW SAYS DELAY IN STADIUM RENOVATION ‘UNFORNATE’

President Adama Barrow has described the condition of the independent stadium as ‘a shame and unfortunate’ as he toured the renovated stadium in Bakau.

“It’s a shame for all of us that we were given a (sic) millions grant and we cannot maintain (the stadium). I think that’s really unfortunate. I think the best way to develop this country, we have to have a plan for sustainability,” he told reporters.

PRESIDENT BARROW RECEIVES AU PEACE AND SECURITY COMMISSIONERS

President Adama Barrow has expressed gratitude for The Gambia's opportunity to host a recently concluded AU conference on peace and security.

"Without Peace and Security, there cannot be development. Africa has to go further to prevent conflicts," said President Barrow, adding that African leaders have to watch out for warnings of conflicts and address them in a timely manner. Gambian President assured the AU Commission on Peace and Security that his government and the people's support to protect children.

He reminded the visiting Commissioners that with Africa's youthful population of over 60 %, everything should be done to protect them, ensuring no one is left behind giving them support and opportunities.

Speaking on the role of the AU Peace and Security Commission, the Chairperson said they are responsible for strategic decisions on complex issues in Africa. On the purpose of their visit to The Gambia, he informed President Barrow that the High-Level Conference intended to develop processes to protect children affected by armed conflicts.

On behalf of the 15 members of the Peace and Security Commission and Council's best wishes for progress, peace and prosperity in supporting children.

Permanent Secretary Ambassador Lang Yarboe reiterated The Gambia's commitment to peace and security as demonstrated in its participation in peacekeeping missions. In addition, The Gambia is amongst the top contributing countries in Africa. Ambassador Yarboe said he trusted the Commission and Ambassadors to ensure everlasting peace in Africa, stating the "legacy for Africa lies in protecting our children."

The AU Commissioners were led by the Gambia's Ambassador to the AU, Jainaba Jagne, who was also the Chair of the Conference held in Banjul.

The National Assembly Standing Committee on Defence and Security has suggested that the Gambian government address the remuneration of personnel within the country’s security sector.

Brikama Area Council (BAC) vehemently condemns the arbitrary and deliberate interference of the central government, through our line Ministry of the Ministry of Local Governments and Lands, into the affairs of what is supposed to be a democratically elected council with a high degree of autonomy, as enshrined under Section 193 of the constitution of the Gambia 1997. The council protests that such a direct interference by the central government is a blatant disregard for the principles of good governance and democracy and condemns the central government’s use of excessive police force to arrest and detain elected council members on 5 December 2023 with the sole objective of demeaning and humiliating them for simply doing what they were elected to do.

BAC maintains that the central government through its line Ministry had no business in the running of an autonomous local authority. The line Ministry further had no business in the running of the financial affairs of the local authority, which is confirmed by Section 12 of the Local Government Finance and Audit Act 2004, which dictates that councils shall have autonomy over their financial matters.

BAC had passed a resolution 30 October 2023 recommending for the removal of their CEO and Director of Finance over not just mere allegations of corruption, but supported the same with sufficient evidence. Their recommendation was in pursuant to Section 45 of the Local Government Act 2002, which requires it to recommend to the Local Government Service Commission for appropriate action against the CEO and the Director of Finance.

The trial of Ousman Sonko, former Gambian Minister of Interior, will open on 8 January 2024 before the Swiss Federal Criminal Court (FCC).

Ousman Sonko is accused of multiple counts of crimes against humanity, allegedly committed between 2000 and 2016, during the rule of former Gambian dictator Yahya Jammeh.

President Barrow criticized the opposition-led Kanifing Municipal Council, accusing them of hindering development and favoritism in COVID-19 relief distribution.

Speaking at a meeting in Bundung, Barrow defended the appointment of coordinators for Banjul and KMC, dismissing claims of illegality. He argued that such coordinators are essential for government representation and development in the region.

Barrow highlighted the need for cooperation and warned against hindering progress, citing instances of biased relief distribution by the KMC. He pledged to remove obstacles to development and affirmed his commitment to advancing the country's projects.

Domestic newspaper headlines 6th November 2023

Brikama Area Councilors and their Vice Chair are currently in a police vehicle heading to Banjuliding police station. Story loading .....

Following a unanimous resolution to recommend the removal of our Chief Executive Officer and the Director of Finance to the Local Government Service commission (LGSC) as per the dictates.

To this effect, the CEO served the Director of Finance a formal letter to restrain him doing all designated official functions and to surrender all asests belongings to council, pending the outcome of the resolution as per the advice of the LGSC and the DF complied.

Adhering to the advice of LGSC, the office of the Chairman also instructed the CEO formally to restrain from official functions, which eventually created a power vacuum in the administration.

Acting swiftly, the council temporarily assigned the Ag: Director of Admin and the Finance manager to assume functions of the CEO and Director of Finance respectively, notably signing of cheques for a continued service delivery and to expedite other financial obligations, pending the outcome of the resolution from the LGSC.

However, in a letter addressed to the Ag: Director of Admin and the Finance manager from the Permanent Secretary of our line ministry, instructed the duos to desist from assuming the functions of CEO and Director of Finance. A copy of this letter was sent to Eco and Trust bank to restrict our accounts against our alternative signatories.

It's worth noting that, the LGSC is the apex body mandated to deal with staff matters in the councils, and since inception we are duly cooperating with them in these matters.

To our dismay and disappointment, we confirmed that our line ministry's permanent secretary Saffie Sankareh Farage fall sort to adequately consult with the LGSC on the matter to rationally informed herself on the development of the matter.

From B.A.C

Police round up BAC councillors

Police have this morning arrested the councillors of the Brikama Area Council, according to the council's chairman, Yankuba Darboe.

He singled out that Ismaila Jallow, the Vice Chairman of the Council, is currently under detention at the Brikama Police Station.

“Police have descended on the BAC council premises, this morning arresting the people’s elected councillors! Our Vice Chairman is already arrested and [is] currently detained at Brikama Police Station! This is an affront to our democracy,” he posted on his page

According to the Council’s page, the gates of the council were all mounted by Paramilitary Police this morning, asking councillors to answer to the Brikama Police.

All councillors are currently at the CID office at the Brikama Police Station on an invitation by the Police for questioning

Domestic newspaper headlines 5th November 2023

BARROW PROMIESE TO BUILT OVER 2000 SHOPS IN BRIKAMA MATKET

Following the recent demolitions of multiple canteens in Brikama Market for illegal encroachment, which has left many market vendors without a place to sell, President Adama Barrow has announced plans to build 2,200 new shops in the market — assuring the people of Brikama that they will have more opportunities during his term as president than they have had in the past 50 years.

President Adama Barrow is taking a tough stance against migrant smuggling, announcing plans for stricter laws and longer jail terms for organizers of boat journeys to Europe. This decision comes in response to a rise in illegal migration and deaths among young Gambians in the Mediterranean.

Additionally, he criticized the opposition-led Brikama Area Council for prioritizing a temporary market over cleanliness and safety in Brikama, asserting that the government is responsible for crucial services like road construction and market management.

Domestic newspaper headlines 4th December 2023

On Saturday, President Adama Barrow went on a monitoring visit to several development projects to enhance access to electricity, provision of modern health care services and training of the youthful population in need of skills in engineering and technology.

With a clear NDP dubbed "Yiriwa Programme", the future of The Gambia is brighter. The journey is faster with an extra 23 megawatts of Solar-generated energy from the Jamburr Plant, the construction of a 1500-bed National Emergency Treatment Centre at Farato and the USET Campus in motion.

In short, by building a brighter social and environmentally friendly nation for economic development, with a modern health decentralised facility and skilled citizens, the country's advancement would be at another level.

At a Joint meeting held at Brikama,
President Barrow listed several areas of the NDP "Yiriwa" Programme. They are providing Universal Access to Electricity between 2023- 2027, having a New Port, expanding the current one and creating dry ports in the provinces to revitalise River Transportation. The port project is possible with the Compact grant the MCC awarded to The Gambia during the progress made in nurturing democracy in the country.

Other vital areas of the NDP "Yiriwa" Programme include communities' Access to clean drinking water, rolling out governance and Digital economy, which promotes non-cash financial transactions, including the digitalisation of public transportation fares.

The Yiriwa Programme will also drastically promote Agricultural rice production and cut. importation

To expand facilities for the tourism sector, the Yiriwa Programme includes the expansion of the airport and the building of new hotels.

Addressing developments in Brikama, President Barrow assured the audience that the community elders had identified a location for the government to construct a new hospital. He thanked them for the gesture.

In relation to the clearing of the street with illegal squatters, Presiden

The Anti-Crime Unit of Brufut has last night Wednesday Nov. 29, arrested a twenty-three year-old lady for the alleged murder of a fourteen-year-old boy in Brufut

While the investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding this tragic incident is ongoing, the public is strongly encouraged to resort to appropriate measures of handling disputes.

In case you have any information regarding the case, please call 9968885.

Office of The Police PRO

GPA Announcement: The attention of the GPA Management has been drawn to a fake online recruitment program shared by an online platform, GLOBAL NEWS. Management wishes to clarify that the purported recruitment exercise is FAKE and not associated with GPA whatsoever.

Management therefore encourages and implores the said platform to henceforth desist from sharing unfounded information especially relating to GPA.

The Authority has an established recruitment system and procedure and does not run/outsource any online recruitment service.

The members of the Public are therefore duly and adequately informed.

Signed
GPA Management

Bai Lowe has been sentenced to life in prison by a German court for his role in a death squad targeting opponents of former dictator Yahya Jammeh.

Lowe served as a driver for the Junglers, the squad responsible for illegal killings, including the assassination of journalist Deyda Hydara.

This trial is the first to address human rights violations in The Gambia during the Jammeh era.

Domestic newspaper headlines 30 November 2023

President Barrow Visits Projects Empowering Youth and Women

In line with his Government's policies to enhance the livelihood of Gambians, President Adama Barrow visited Toniataba Technical Senior Secondary School, where students focus on learning life skills at an early age.

The skills taught at the school include technology, electrical, woodwork, mechanics, and home science, amongst others.

The school's principal, Mr Momodou Faye, welcomed the President and briefed him on the school's activities. He added that despite the progress in preparing students with livelihood skills, they are challenged with fencing the school perimeter and appealed for support.

At Kiang Jirrof, President Barrow inaugurated another water supply system to serve three communities.

Also, on Tuesday evening, President Barrow visited the Tresor Warrior Women's Center at Kwinella. She was received by members and the President Aji Kumba Daffeh-Kah, who briefed the Gambian leader on their work in agriculture, economic empowerment of women and support to women confronted with violence.

President Barrow commended the Tresor Warriors, saying their activities align with his Government's policy to empower women and urged them to connect with the Ministry of Gender. He also informed them about the Women Empowerment Fund his government initiated to support women, amongst others.

Earlier at Wellingaraba in Jarra East, the President said annually, his Government invests at least ten million Dalasis for disbursement to Women's groups countywide. The revolving fund aims to give financial opportunities to develop small and medium enterprises.

The President's visit to the Tresor Warrior Women's Center coincides with the global celebration of 16 Days of Activism to highlight women's issues, challenging States and Non-State Actors to invest in Gender-related concerns.

At a joint meeting in Kwinella organised as part of the Meet the People Tour, President Barrow called on Gambians to join his gove

The Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation, and Gambians Abroad, His Excellency Dr. Mamadou Tangara on Thursday, 23rd November 2023 bid farewell to the outgoing United Nations Resident Coordinator, Her Excellency Ms. Seraphine Wakana.

Minister Tangara expressed his deep appreciation for Ms. Wakana's exceptional work during her tenure in office, and commended her for achieving extraordinary results. He noted that her ability to work collaboratively with others was a key factor in her success. Foreign Minister Tangara wished her all the best in her future endeavours and expressed his desire to continue strengthening the relationship between The Gambia and the United Nations.

For her part, Ms. Wakana expressed her gratitude to the Government and the people of The Gambia for the support they provided during her time in office. She commented on the positive working environment in The Gambia and the assistance she received from Minister Tangara in resolving issues and ensuring a smooth transition.

Ambassador Lang Yabou, Permanent Secretary I of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, thanked Ms. Wakana for her diligent work and for helping the Ministry to address major issues. He noted that she would leave behind a legacy of hard work and dedication, and wished her all the best in her future endeavors.

Fourth Ordinary Session (Budget Session): Order Paper Wednesday 29th November 2023.

Ministry Of Finance and Economic Affairs Gambia - MOFEA

Mama Jabbie, prosecution’s witness 3, has told the High Court that she lost the audio recording she had of Ousainou Bojang, the first accused person, in the ongoing trial of the shooting and murder of two police officers at Sukuta-Jabang Traffic Lights on September 12.

A German court in the city of Celle is expected to deliver a verdict on November 30, 2023, in the first trial in Germany for crimes committed in The Gambia, Gambian and international civil society groups said today in releasing a question and answer document about the trial.

Domestic newspaper headlines 29th November 2023

We are glad to inform our Gambian listeners and abroad our sincere commitment to start linking with Voice of America in latest African and outside news & Current affairs programs.

We thank you for choosing Fayda 1 Fm Voice of Gambia 90.9 Fm Radio for both local ,International news and local programs.

Domestic newspapers headlines 28th November 2023

The Government of the Republic of The Gambia has learnt with great concern the breach of Security at the Military Barracks at Wilberforce in Freetown in the early hours of Sunday, 26th November 2023 by unidentified individuals with the intention of acquiring arms to threaten the peace and stability of Sierra Leone. The Republic of the Gambia condemns this deplorable act and supports the efforts being deployed to contain and address the situation.

After the closure of the famous Banjul Breweries, Gambians are now celebrating the launch of a new company, Bell Bottling Company.

Domestic newspaper headlines 27th November 2023

Armed men continue to cause chaos in Sierra Leone, breaking into a prison and freeing inmates.

The attack also targeted a military barracks near the presidential residence, prompting a nationwide curfew.

President Julius Maada Bio assures that calm has been restored, but reports suggest disorder in the city. Videos on social media show people fleeing the prison, including a rapper previously imprisoned.

The political tension in Sierra Leone, exacerbated by the president's contested re-election in June, has led to concerns. International condemnation has followed the violence, with neighboring countries under military rule after recent coups.

Source: BBC Africa

Rohey Malick Lowe, the Mayor of Banjul City Council, accompanied by the Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, presented her awards to the President of the Republic of The Gambia in his hometown, Mankamang K***a, on Saturday.

Domestic newspaper headlines 24th November 2023