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VP receives Senegalese envoy

Fri, 29 Aug 2008 05:25:17 GMT

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Friday, August 29, 2008

The vice-president and secretary of state for Women's Affairs, Aja Dr Isatou Njie-Saidy, on Thursday morning, received in her office, a Senegalese envoy, Mr Mame Birane Diouf.

As the Senegalese minister of Culture and Heritage, Mr Diouf told journalists in an interview that he was in The Gambia to convey a special message to the Gambian leader, President Alhaji Dr Yahya Jammeh, on a festival to be organised in Senegal.

This festival, according to the Senegalese envoy, is aimed at promoting unity among African countries and "we also want to raise the African flag to higher heights."

Lamenting the status of the continent, Mr Diouf said that looking at the African continent, one could clearly tell that civilisation came from Africa. "Even during the most difficult times in the world (colonial era), Africa was organised," he posited, and he then went on: “We are all one, but it is the languages that divided us”.

The Senegalese envoy told reporters that Vice-President Njie-Saidy underscored the importance of the already existing relations between The Gambia and Senegal during their discussion.

Meanwhile, a group of visiting youth coordinators from the International Baby Food Network (IBFAN) Africa was also received by the vice-president.

The visiting delegation, comprising five young people from the East African countries of Uganda, Mozambique, Swaziland, and Zambia, were led to the Office of the Vice President by Mr Malang Fofana of the National Nutrition Agency (NaNA), who is the national coordinator, IBFAN Gambia.

Shortly after their audience with the vice-president, Mr Fofana told reporters that their audience with Dr Njie-Saidy offered them the opportunity to discuss infant and young child feeding, as well as issues that affect youths in general.

He disclosed that the youth representatives were in the country to exchange ideas with their Gambian counterparts on the youth programmes, in a bid to involve young people in promotion of infant feeding in The Gambia.

IBFAN Africa, Mr Fofana said, has in the past few years been engaged in capacity building projects, aimed at improving the networks in developing countries, as well as sharing experiences of best practices. He said that they chose The Gambia this time round because of the efficiency and organised nature of its youth networks.

The visiting youths, who are coordinators of the various youth bodies in their respective countries, are in The Gambian “to familiarise themselves with the way youths in The Gambia are doing things”.

Author: by Kemo Cham

Union Gov’t is the key - Says President Jammeh

Fri, 04 Jul 2008 05:49:13 GMT

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Friday, July 04, 2008

President Alhaji Dr Yahya Jammeh has proposed for the creation of a Union Government at the AU to accelerate efforts for the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), by 2015.

The Gambian leader, who was speaking in an interview with the GRTS on Africa’s march towards the attainment of MDGs, said this ‘Union Government’ should have a secretariat, which could be transformed into commissions with executive powers to implement certain “things” in the interest of the continent. The president noted that this is different from the popular dream of the United States of Africa.

Although the president was unsure about whether other African countries would achieve the MDG targets (water and sanitation), he was upbeat that The Gambia will attain the targets by 2015.

The 11th AU Summit

The Gambian leader arrived at the Egyptian Resort of Sharmel-Skeih, last Sunday morning, to attend the 11th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the African Union Heads of State Summit. He was received upon arrival by the Egyptian prime minister, Dr Ahmed Nazif.

There has been no ordinary problem, so common to the world than the need to reduce, by half, the proportion of people without access to sustainable safe-drinking water and basic sanitation.

At the summit, President Mubarak of Egypt, called on his counterparts to be frank in discussing the issues and in finding strategies for security.

The Tanzanian President, Jakaya Kikwete, who is the current chairman of the AU, said that the union is committed to its march towards economic and political integration. President Kikwete said the agenda has, however, been the most divisive of the union, with some camps favouring an immediate establishment of a union government, while others favoured a gradual approach.

But President Jammeh believed that these divergent views could be cross-fertilised and a resolute step taken to create a distinctive entity for people of African origin. His views on creating a roadmap to instituting the integration process were shared by other African leaders.

In an interview with journalists, King Swazi III of the Kingdom of Swaziland, expressed optimistism that a common ground would be found and a final resolution designed to achieve the new African dream.

In his farewell statement, as his tenure in office comes to an end, President John Kuffour of Ghana said the underlining principle for a successful Africa lies in its efforts to form a unified body, a vision nurtured by Kwame Krumah, until his death.

Zimbabwe crisis

At the end of the summit, a draft resolution was issued by the AU Commission, urging the political leaders of Zimbabwe to reconcile their differences, honour their commitment to initiate dialogue and form a government of national unity.

President Jammeh also supported the draft resolution bill for Zimbabwe, adding that it was in the best interest of the people of Zimbabwe.

“We are a new crop of African leaders who will stand up to defend African integrity and African interest. This message, especially that of Zimbabwe, showed to them [the West] that we are independent,” said President Jammeh.

Palestine’s sovereignity

Mahmond Abbas, the president of Palestine, paid tribute to the AU leaders, for their efforts and role in the quest for a free Palestinian territory. The region, he told the commission, aspires to regain its independence and put an end to its refugee status.

Amre Mussa, the secretary general of the League of Arab States, said hypocrisy and political interference have been shaping the future of Middle East.

First ladies’ meeting

As the African heads of state were deliberating in a close door session, the 6th General Assembly of the Organisation of African First Ladies Against Aids also gained progress. Fatou Lamin Faye, the secretary of state for Basic and Secondary Education, represented the First Lady Madam Zineb Yahya Jammeh at the meeting.

During his stay in Egypt, President Jammeh had several bilateral talks with his counterparts, including the Libyan leader, Muammar Ghaddafi and the Egyptian president, Hosni Mubarak.

Author: DO

President meets US homecomers

Mon, 02 Jun 2008 05:31:09 GMT

Monday, June 02, 2008

The President yesterday received a group of diasporian homecomers at State House. The group was led by Walter Porter Snr, the Mayor of Epes, Alabama and Gambian Dr Badjie who is resident in Sweden.

Amongst the group are Valerie Larche, from York Alabama; Graham Wetherspoon a former New York policeman who now heads the 100 blacks in law-enforcement who care organisation; and Gerald Alor, a Nigerian resident in Leicester UK.

The President warmly welcomed the group and said that every diasporian African has a right to be anywhere in Africa. The President called for unity amongst Africans everywhere. “ Your roots give you confidence and when you are confident you can assert your right”, said the President, adding that he himself learnt about African history and culture as a school boy and this is what has given him the strength to attempt to make a difference.

“ The average African has been programmed to believe in the detractors of Africa and their propaganda against Africa. Anybody our enemies call a dictator is someone they cannot manipulate”. The President urged the group to have faith in their potential for the unity of Africans everywhere and the change for the better that we can bring about when united. “You can make changes. From little countries big things can happen. I have my mind set on changing things” said President Jammeh.

The Mayor spoke about Alabama and the President also reminisced about his time in Alabama when he was training as a soldier. When Mrs Valerie Larche jokingly commented that she may need to come to Gambia and seek political asylum from the USA, the President firmly replied “Gambia is your home and you don’t need political asylum to come to your home”.

Gerald Alor thanked the President and said that he was in The Gambia in 1992 and he has been amazed by how things have changed in such a short time. “Yundum to Serrekunda used to take two hours”, he pointed out. He said there is now high spirits and confidence in The Gambia and there is optimism which can be seen from the transformations taking place throughout the country.

“Liberation of African people cannot take place without a good agricultural policy. Your agricultural policy is good. Agriculture is indeed a weapon which they wield in other countries when they subsidise their farmers. A nation that cannot feed its population will go down as beggars. What you are doing in The Gambia today is a template that other countries can copy. Most of our leaders have let us down. Thank you. You are a source of inspiration for us in the diaspora. You will leave The Gambia a good legacy”, concluded Mr Alor.

Author: DO

AU Concern About None Sending of Reports by Member States

Thu, 17 Apr 2008 00:22:41 GMT

Thursday, April 17, 2008

Out of 53 members states of the African Union only 26 submitted reports on the Solemn Declaration. Among those who have submitted were Ghana , Mali, Ivory cost ,

South Africa, Nambia and Senegal , madam Jeanne Flora Kayites, programme officer , women’s right(AUC) African Union commission , gender directorates was delivering a paper at a workshop on human rights education for west Africa in Banjul The Gambia.

Kayitesi , speaking on the second day of the workshop on 15 April 2008, told participants that AU solemn declaration on gender equality in Africa is facing problems of submitting reports . At the AU level letters were sending to African leaders and also regional workshops were held for parliamentarian so that they can act as advocate but to submit their reports.

The commission of the African Union , in collaboration with the African Commission on human and People’s Rights and Economic Commission for Africa , organize a workshop on women’s rights through education , from 14^th -16^th April 2008, in Banjul , The Gambia.

There is an international consensus that human rights education makes a fundamental contribution to the realization of human rights .Human rights education aims at developing a common understanding of the responsibility to make human rights a reality in every community and society at large .

On 10 December 2004, the General Assembly of the United Nations proclaimed the World Programme for Human Rights Education (WPHRE), which began on 1^st January 2005, with first phase running from 2005-2007. This programme is a follow –up to the United Nations Decade for human rights education which ran from 1995 to 2004.

The regional decade review of the Dakar and Beijing Platforms for Action (7^th regional Conference o Women , Addis Ababa, October 2004), highlighted progress made in the last ten years in a addressing the human rights of women . The country reports noted that the legal framework for gender equality has been strengthened in many countries, by ensuring that de jure equality for women is institutional frameworks. Constitutions in many countries now include provisions guaranteeing equality between men and women. New laws have been adopted to bring civil, penal and family provisions into conformity with the Convention on the elimination of all forms of Discrimination against Women.

At the Continental level , the Heads of States and Government Solemn Declaration on Gender Equality in Africa and the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights on the Rights of Women in Africa enshrine numerous commitments of African leaders to the protection of the rights of women and girls , to gender equality and to women’s empowerments in all sector.

Measures protecting women against violence especially domestic violence are in place in several countries . However , the Regional Review indicated that despite these successes , the Beijing and Dakar Platforms for Action remain far from being fully achieved . Attitudes towards gender equality and empowerment of women among the general public have not changed at the same peace as policy, legal and institutional frameworks. In some countries discrimination in legislation continues to deprive women of their human rights in all spheres. The coexistence of multiple legal systems remains a source of great concern, especially as they relate to customary and religious laws governing personal status and private life. Women continue to experience discrimination and are disadvantaged in owing and inheriting property, as well as in having access to economic resources and social services. In addition, they face different kinds of violence , which inhibit them from fully exercising and enjoying their human rights. In all countries , women and girls are subjected to physical, sexual and psychological abuses, whether in public or in their private life. Discriminatory social norms, violence and men continue to be major obstacles to the fulfillment of women’s human rights in most African countries.

A number of strategies have been formulated to address the large gap between de jure and Dakar Platforms for action and most international and regional instruments pay attention to the role of education in promoting women’s rights . “Provision of human rights education is essential for promoting an understanding of the rights of women, including knowledge of recourse mechanisms to redress violation of their rights”(Beijing Platform for Action, Para.227). Schools are widely recognized as important sites for learning about gender equality, and education and can be a key for change towards a gender equality culture. Human rights education and gender sensitization at all levels are a critical dimension of a rights-based approach. In many countries , there have also been sustained efforts to promote gender equality in the curricula .

The promotion and protection of human rights, including gender equality, is an integral part of the African Union Constitutive Act and the African Union has adopted various instruments , declarations and decisions on human rights. In particular , the Constitutive Act provides for promotion and protection of human rights accordance with the African charter on Human and People’s Rights and other relevant human rights instruments Act 3(h) . The Protocol on the Rights of Women in Africa provides for States parties to take specific position action to promote literacy among women; education and training for women at all levels ad in all discipline particularly in the fields of science and technology ; promote the enrolment and retention of girls in schools are other training institutions and the organization of programmes for women who leave school prematurely , Act . 12(2). The African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the child provides that every child shall have the right to education Act.11(1).

In October 2005, the African Union , in collaboration with Economic Commission for Africa and the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, organized in Kigali, Rwanda, a sub-regional workshop for east African Countries on the “Realization of women ‘s Rights through Human Rights Education” This was followed by similar workshop for North African Countries. These workshops were attended by government officials, National Human Rights Institutions, Civil Society Organizations and UN Agencies . It is the African Union’s desire to organize a similar workshop in all the regions of Africa in a bid to build a culture of respect for human rights gender equality , security and peace on the Continent. It is therefore against this background that the African Union in collaboration with its partners organizes a Human Rights Education Workshop for its member’s states in West Africa.

Author: Staff Reporter

Source: Workshop

President Jammeh to Open Second Legislative Year Tomorrow

Thu, 27 Mar 2008 06:56:06 GMT

Thursday, March 27, 2008

His Excellency the President Alhagie Yahya Jammeh is expected to preside over the state opening of the National Assembly for the second legislative year 2008 tomorrow, Friday 29th March.

The occasion, scheduled to take place at the National Assembly complex in Banjul, will provide the President the opportunity to outline his government’s development plans for the year and the achievements of his administration.

In connection with the occasion, information from the office of the Speaker has it that delegates, led by four Speakers from sub-regional parliaments, will today arrive in the country from Senegal, Guinea Bissau, Mauritania and Sierra Leone to grace the occasion.

In retrospect, an in-depth analyses of the address he made on the 2007 state opening of parliament shows that President Jammeh is on record for emphasising that The Gambia’s relationship with any country would be based on mutual respect and interest, honesty, transparency and non-interference in the internal affairs of each other’s affairs. He also said that such relationship would be guided by the cardinal principle of the equality of nations irrespective of size, economy or military might.

Highlighting his administration’s programmes and policies for 2007, President Jammeh expressed his government’s commitment to the revitalisation and improvement of the agricultural sector with a view to ensuring increased agricultural output, availability of foreign exchange, as well as national food and income security.

He cited the creation of the National Agricultural Development Agency (NADA) as a clear testimony to the departments restructuring. “NADA’s main objectives, according to President Jammeh, “include the effective and efficient generation, mobilisation and utilisation of human, financial and material resources for the sustainable development of the sector.”

On defence, the Gambian leader said his government would not relent in its resolve to execute necessary measures to preserve the peace and security enjoyed by The Gambia.

According to President Jammeh, six major programmes would be the centre of focus for the next eight years. “Among these,” he went on, “are basic, secondary, tertiary, vocational education and training as provided for in the National Education Policy.”

Commenting on Finance and Economic Affairs, the President noted that fiscal policy would be the principal instrument of consolidating micro-economic stability.

“The vision of the health sector,” President Jammeh added, “is the attainment of quality health care for all Gambians that would be a model in the African region by the year 2020.”

As usual bills and motions will also be presented to the National Assembly for enactment as well as treaties and agreements for ratification.

Author: By Baboucarr Senghore & Abba Gibba

President Jammeh’s HIV/AIDS therapy

Wed, 09 Jan 2008 04:51:57 GMT

Wednesday, January 09, 2008

Editor,

The war against HIV in The Gambia has undoubtedly reduced the rate of people infected with HIV and a good number are no longer living with the virus.

HIV is a major problem in the African continent and a leading cause of death in Africa, but with the help of the president’s treatment, the mortality rate of the people infected has minimised.

As you may be aware, a large number of people are infected and we must continue reminding ourselves and one another that HIV is a global human tragedy. Therefore, let us collaborate with our able leader to prevent the disease.

The Western world views the epidemic as a African disease because millions of those infected live in Africa. It is important to note that HIV has no geographical boundary.

People should be careful and honest with their partners in order to reduce the rate of HIV in The Gambia and give appropriate support to others.

Our hero is President Yahya Jammeh who has been able to discover a therapy. My fellow Gambians, let us be proud of our president and congratulate him for bringing hope to the lives of the sick.

Musa SK Sallah
Banjul

Author: DO

Central Bank Governor Jatta Gets ADB Job

Thu, 14 Jun 2007 10:00:50 GMT

Thursday, June 14, 2007

Central Bank Governor Jatta Gets ADB Job

By Pap Saine

According to reliable sources, Mr. Famara L. Jatta, Governor of the Central Bank of The Gambia (CBG), has been appointed by the African Development Bank (ADB) as the bank’s representative in Sudan.

Mr. Jatta, a trained economist, will hand over his current position as Governor of the CBG at the end of this month and is expected to go to Tunisia for orientation before finally leaving for Sudan to take up his new appointment.

Mr. Jatta was appointed as Secretary of State for Trade between 1997 and 1998. From 1998 to 2003, he served as Secretary of State for Finance and Economic Affairs before being appointed as Governor of the Central Bank of The Gambia from 2003 to date.

During his tenure, Mr. Jatta, together with his able staff at the Central Bank, did extremely well in revamping the macro-economic life of The Gambia.

Governor Jatta is expected to be replaced by the 1st Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of The Gambia, Mr. Bamba Saho, our sources said.

Source: The Point