There are geniuses and geniuses. In the just released results of the 2008 Gambia Basic Education Certificate Examination (GABECE), 16 candidates got aggregate six - a remarkable achievement in its own right. But out of these 16 geniuses, one of them stands out as a super-genius: she stands firmly on top with grade 1 in all the nine subjects she took in the exams. This phenomenon is no other person than one Kaddijatou Fofana, of the GambiaMethodistAcademy. We are proud of her.

It is no everyday we come across the Kaddijatou Fofanas of this world: They come once in a blue moon. Her incredible performance will once again stir up the debate whether ingenuity is a matter of heredity or environment, or what some scholars describe as nature versus nurture. Some believe that intelligence is hereditary, but we opine that even it is hereditary, it gets better and better if it is nurtured. We hold that there are no special brains in anybody’s head; it’s all a matter of discipline, determination and diligence.

Kaddijatou Fofana gave her soul to her studies and has been amply rewarded for her efforts. That is how the world goes – what you sow is what you reap. If she had been indolent, she would have just been lost in the mediocre pack. She willed herself to succeed on a phenomenal scale, backed it up with the requisite effort, and she got what she wanted.

Her success story should serve as an inspiration to everybody, especially to young girls, that a bright future awaits anybody, who strives for their goals in life with zeal. She has also shown that success is the outcome of perseverance.

The gender dimension to her success is also relevant. It is beginning to appear that we are now living in a world of female ascendancy. Female presidents are coming up everyday; women are now occupying positions that were once considered to be taboo for them. And now our own Kaddijatou Fofana has shown that being a girl child does not mean being inferior to the boy child.

We heartily congratulate Kaddijatou Fofana, her parents and her teachers who all in one way or the other contributed to her success. We are calling on her not to get complacency with success. She should keep working harder and harder: if she had been studying eight hours a day, for example, she should now double, because all eyes are now on her.

The number of tourists arrivals into The Gambia for the month of July, 2008, stands at 4,277, slightly lower than what was recorded in July 2007 -4,980. This information was contained in a dispatch from the Gambia Tourism Authority.

Tourism in The Gambia started in the early 1960s with a group of Scandinavians from Sweden. They were followed by some other tourists from American and European countries, and later from all over the world.

The Gambia tourism market records some thousands of holiday makers yearly, and this has made a significant achievement in the socio-economic development of the country.

The Gambia, fondly referred to as the Smiling Coast of Africa, continues to serve as a haven for visitors coming to Africa, many of whom recommend it for its safety. Tourists enjoy the nature of the country with her warm and great hospitality. The Gambia is a well positioned tourist’s destination. Based on research, visitors to the Gambia continue to show high level of satisfaction with its products on offer.

According to the GTA’s July analysis of tourists’ arrival, out of the recorded 4,277 arrivals, British tourists were the most registered 1,061 (24.8%), followed by the Dutch 862 (20.2%), with the Spanish registering – 458 (10.7%). The Belgians came close with 207 (4.8%), while the Germans who are one of the country’s major markets, registered only 106, 2.5% of the total arrival figure. In addition, male visitors for the month total 52.2 per cent while females scored 47.8 of the total arrival figure.

Different tourists visit the Gambia for different purposes; while some come on business missions, others come for purposes of educational, leisure and so on. However, this latest release by the GTA indicates that most visitors are on pleasure/holiday, even though the youth travelling for study purpose is on a growing trend. The businesses segment is also growing, as well as visits to family and friends while visits for religious and health reasons takes the rear seat.

Professor Andreas L. Steigen, the outgoing vice-chancellor of the University of The Gambia (UTG), will wrap up his assignment next month, after a thrilling three-year service at the country’s highest institution of learning.

Prof Steigen would finally leave Banjul on October 9, with a catalogue of successes and challenges trailing his legacy. It is not yet clear who will replace the Norwegian professor, but this paper has gathered that the position is currently up for grabs.
Triumphs

Speaking during an exclusive interview with the Daily Observer in his office at the UTG administrative building, yesterday, Prof Steigen declared that his achievements are unprecedented in the history of the UTG, as the institution has successfully trained at least 650 graduates in various fields of study. He disclosed that student enrollment has increased significantly from 400 to over 1,000 students in 2008.

He then pointed to recent convincing undertakings by the UTG, which added feathers to his hat. “One major achievement is the fact that many people now speak very positively about the university, which to me speaks volumes of how much the institution is appreciated by the people.

We were able to introduce bachelors in accounting through collaboration with the Gambia Treasury. In addition, we have also started a bachelor programme in Information, Communication and Technology (ICT), and we are currently running several e-learning projects in masters in information technology thanks to the collaboration of Indian universities that benefit The Gambia,” he said.

According to Professor Steigen, the introduction of the access programmes for students without the requirements is another area that has greatly registered achievements. He disclosed that last year, 80 per cent of the students doing English language in the access programme scored credits, adding that 45 per cent of those doing mathematics got credits.

“We have also changed some curricula, most notably in the field of agriculture. In this field, the change is based on the ‘back-to-the-land call’, as well as based on how farmers can own businesses when doing agriculture,” he said, adding that special programmes on banking are also being introduced after much demand from the banking industry.  

Other achievements, he continued, include the recognition of a degree from The Gambia by the best universities in the world, such as Oxford, amongst others.

Challenges
On the challenges, Prof Steigen bemoaned the low level of enrollment at the UTG when he took over the office three years ago, but noted that this challenge was overcome.

According to him, enrolling more young Gambians into the university was one of his major challenges, adding that non-payment of tuition fees by students was another challenge that was overcome.  

“The fact that the UTG doesn’t have a premises is another challenge, but that challenge is very promising as efforts to build the campus have began,” he said.

According to the Norwegian-born professor, it is his wish for the university to have its own campus in the coming years, adding that he wishes to sharpen the profile of the university to a developmental institution that will give chances to young people as well as be sensitive to the needs of the country.

Plans
Prof Steigen told the Daily Observer that plans are in the pipeline for the introduction of a department of music, dance and drama.

He added that he will return to his former university in Norway, where he will serve as a tutor at the department of biology, as well as be involved in some projects.

Prof Andreas Steigen then praised President Alhaji Dr Yahya Jammeh, the founder and chancellor of the UTG, for creating a conducive environment for the university.

“The president was a source of inspiration in my tenure in office,” he said, while lauding the “the strong dedication” of the tutors, which have impacted on the successes of the university. The outgoing VC then expressed hope that his successor will build on his successes and strengthen the collaboration between the UTG and its partners.

History tells us that academics, through revolutionary university education, has always been at the forefront of the development of our murdern-day world. Governments that are alive to this fact have always made sure of the provision of space for peaceful co-existence with their country’s academic fraternity.

The advocates of our dear UTG, it seems (from the chief architect, President jammeh, down to the facilitators and the experts), have not lost sight of this fact. By all indications, they have been keen on toeing a similar line. This is demonstrable in the achievement registered within this short period of its inception.

Having overseen the graduation of close to a thousand well tuned students, in less than 10 years of operation, those at the helm of the country’s highest institution of learning have all the reasons to boast of their effort.  

Almost on a yearly basis a new thing is introduced. This year’s convocation was unique by nature, as it saw the introduction of two new things; the chancellor’s lecture series and the chancellor’s banquet.

Held last Monday, the maiden chancellor lecture succeeded the dinner, traditionally thrown on behalf of the graduating students. And as usual, the post convocation ceremonies were held at the Paradise Suits Hotel. In attendance were high profile dignitaries, from the honorable SOS for Higher and Tertiary Education, to the core of the private sector.

The presence of the first ever chaiman of the university governing council, Dr Lamin Marena, added a mood of uniqueness on the occasion. And the graduating class of 2008, in addition to all this, would certainly relish the memories of their post graduation treatment, as they and their loved ones were unusually treated to a delightful performance of a star artist during the dinner, in the person of Sambou Suso, courtesy of the host hotel, paradise Suits, in addition to the delicious meal that was served. But before all this, we had to go through a marathon lecture that lasted for close to four hours. Nonetheless, it was a stunning revelation - the knowledge that small Gambia was endowed with such a mesmerizing Gambia luminary in the academic field.

The distinguished professor Kah ( We must give him the credit for coining the term ‘brain circulation’, as opposed to drain drain’), absolutely defended the worth of his title, and this was in fact plainly expressed in the seemingly never ending line of achievement detailed by the University Registrar, as the master of ceremony, Lamin Sam Jaiteh, when he introduecd the audience to the guest speaker, professor Kah. The work of the Gambia-born Nigeria based academic takes him across the length and breadth of the globe; from Africa to the Americas,  as well as Asia.

The Chancellor’s lecture series

The idea behind this is to create a platform for the discourse of contemporary burning issues. The topic at hand on Monday was indeed quite timely, considering the level of readiness demonstrated by government in the promotion of science and technology. This, Professor Kah believes, is fundamental in the development process of every nation, “and the Gambia,” he said, “was no exception”. His lecture centered around three very important sub-topics: the importance of University in the development of a country, a discourse on the silicon value initiative and knowledge economy.

Telecommunications, said the erudite professor, is a dispensable guideline in the Gambia’s development aspiration, as it offers enhancement of economic development. The private sector, he went on, needs to partner with government to build the country. He described the silicon valley initiative as a giant move towards information and knowledge base economy, and he hailed the Gambia leader for his foresight. “The Kanilai academy, sponsorship of deserving students to study in Taiwan and Venezuela can be help in propelling the development course of this country,” he posited.

Perhaps, the thing that moved the professor most was the establishment of the university of the Gambia. This he expressed in the following statement: “I am quite sure that if the president were asked to point at one of the greatest achievement of his government, he would say the University.”

However, the professor said stressed the need for a campus in order for us to realize the goals of establishing the institution. He said that there was no great institution with out a campus, citing Oxford, Harvard, Al Azhar, among others, as examples. History, he said, will record UTG as one of the greatest achievement of this country. Therefore, it should be a national priority.

He said that denying students a campus is an unforgivable wrong. He however recognized the effort by the government ensuring the provision of a campus. “History, he went on still, will not forgive those that advice government against building a campus.

The trust bank sponsored lecture was succeeded by the much awaited dinner, which was said to have been sponsored exclusively by the Gambian leader, who is in fact the chancellor of the university of the Gambia.  

watch out for a comprehensive report on the lecture on next week’s society.

"We can get there because we are nearly there". These are the words of the country representative of UNICEF in the Gambia, Min Whee Kang. It was contained in a statement from that office, declaring The Gambia as the leader in a complex battle of continental measure.

News of the Gambia’s adept performance in the fight against Africa’s killer disease number one, Malaria, is such an impressive achievement that every Gambian should take pride from it, as we all shared the responsibility in achieving it.

It is the blend of our unbeatable resolve and sense of patriotism, and, of course, with the guidance of the wonderful leadership of this country that have made this triumph possible.

When an achievement is reached, it is always good that compliment is given where it is due. It is fascinating to note, however, that it does not seem to appear so in all quarters.

At least this is not the impression we get by the look of the apathetic response some media houses showed in the aftermath of the landmark UNICEF release. This has been a notable trend for a long time now.

But like you would expect in any genuine democracy, the people of the Gambia are entitled to their rights, in terms of their world view. Your orientation to life influences your outlook to the ever changing situation around you. Nonetheless, it follows that in an unadulterated democracy, it is a cautious coordination of our divergent views that makes us a formidable force in meeting the demands of our collective challenges, and in order to make available this formidableness, we shall always need the matching leadership quality.

This is what makes the charismatic President Jammeh stands out among the lot. But like any other determined leader, President Jammeh’s chance of fulfilling his ambition somehow depends on the input of his people. Positive, collective participation is the key word here.

It is unfortunate that some people only identify themselves with nationalism when they see a loophole that gives them the opportunity to wield their citizenship right, to lash at government negatively. Positive achievement is received with muteness.

Gambians must get used to the irrefutable fact that politics of progression contrast highly with politics of retrogression. Progression comes with a price that would require us to forfeit our partisan loyalty for national interest. “Give the devil his due” goes the old saying. Let us applaud the good things when we see them, just as we endeavor to pinpoint the inevitable shortcomings.

The State Guards Batallion on Tuesday afternoon celebrated their end of year party at the State House beach.

The annual end of year party was a moment for merry-making, meant to relax a year long of activities and get invigorated for the coming year and also to consolidate the esprit-de-corps that characterises the life of a soldier.

Addressing the Officers and Men at the grounds, Lieutenant Colonel Serign Modou Njie, Commanding Officer, State Guards Batallion, called on officers and men of the State Guards Batallion to be united as a family at all times saying ‘the more we work as a team, the higher the achievement and the more we find personal fulfillment in our work’.

According to Commander Njie, the end of year party has been identified by the State Guards Batallion as an occasion for informal interactions between officers, soldiers and their families and also an avenue which is absolutely necessary to promote comradeship, cohesion and unit morale, noting that a solder’s life is very a demanding one that requires a great deal of discipline to succeed.

He then stated that, it is also a time to celebrate their achievements as a unit, as well as to reflect on the challenges that they expect to face in the coming years. “The end of year party is also in line with our vision to unite and wine, dine, play and share ideas with one and other not only to enrich our personal lives but also to advance our career as soldiers. It is also a testimony to our high sense of discipline and duty that we are celebrating yet another year of success and I dare say of ‘excellence’” he said.

Commander Njie then observed that this year’s end of year party has taken a different style noting that the activities used to be dominated by playing volley ball but this year round, they feel they could do a lot more to include other activities such as the Commanding Officer’s 100 meters.

He then reminded the officers to collectively take stock of their achievements and short comings over the year and look forward to even better and brighter days in the year ahead. He on behalf of the officers and men of the State Guards Batallion, expressed sincere appreciation to President Alhaji Dr. Yahya AJJ Jammeh, the Commander-In-Chief of the Gambia Armed Forces and Vice President Njie-Saidy, for all the support accorded them.

The State Guards Commanding Officer on behalf of the officers and men of State Guards Batallion, also saluted Major General Lang Tombong Tamba, Chief of Defence Staff Gambia Armed Forces for his steadfastness, support and exemplary leadership and  transforming the Armed Forces from what it used to be to an Armed Force with a big difference.He also congratulated him on his recent promotion to the rank of Major General.

Commander Njie further recognised and expressed appreciation to the good friends of State Guards Batallion for supporting anddemonstrating genuine cooperation with them.

For his part, Major General Lang Tombong Tamba, Chief of Defence Staff of The Gambia Armed Forces urged the offciers and men to ensure discipline, unity and loyalty to the nation. He equally congratulated Commanding Officer Njie for the outstanding performance. He also saluted the officers and men of the State Guards noting that they have made him proud as head of the army.

What does it take to make a change? This question might sound perplexing to you the reader, but it is one that is actually born out of absolute despair. The problem is that the continent of Africa calls for a tangible change, a change that the people can trust.

A mental exploration of Africa dampens down one’s spirit totally, for it is increasingly becoming impossible to make out the reasons behind the stagnant nature of its development processes.

We have reached a stage where we have to halt and ask salient questions. Make no mistake about it; there is absolutely no excuse for the current plight of the people of Africa. The responsibility is on every inhabitant of the continent, especially the educated elite. The question is: how loyal and committed are you?

Indeed, we have come a long way. But our greatest achievement today is our success in abrogating colonialism. But what do we have to show for the 50 years of struggle for self rule? What benefit has the independence of Africa gained its people?

As a continent, we might lack everything, but certainly not the resources or expertise it would take to develop. It therefore remains a miracle as to why we remain the most vulnerable.

When it comes to disease threat, Africa is most at risk, when it comes to food insecurity, as it is the case at present, Africans remain the most at risk, yet we are endowed with all that nature provides for self sufficiency.

There is a missing link. And until we locate it, the innocent inhabitants of the continent remain at the mercy of mere chance.

The Association of Small Scale Enterprises in Tourism (ASSET) recently elected its new executive, which will stair-up the affairs of the association for the year 2008, during the association’s annual general meeting (AGM), held at the Kololi Village Gallery.

The newly elected members include, Badou Bobb, Chairperson, Jainaba Gaye, Vice Chairperson, Olivia Gillen, Treasurer and Kabiro Manneh, Secretary General.

Adama Bah, Geri Mitchell, Sheik Tijan Nyang, James Roberts and Gai Haddy Sey, all of whom are ex-office members were also elected to support the new executive in their task.

Adama Bah, outgoing Chairman of the association highlighted some of the major achievements and challenges faced during the period. He further explained that in 2007, ASSET executive members deposited some funds at the Reliance Financial Services, to open a micro finance scheme, where their members can acquire loans to boost their businesses.

According to him, in 2007, ASSET got a Tourist Information Centre, located at the first floor of Timbooktoo-bookshop, adding that the centre gives information on Tourism as well as show case the products and services of ASSET members.

Mr Bah further revealed that the 2007 International Trade Fair on responsible Tourism named “Mboka” trade fair, which was jointly organised by ASSET and ONITS, a sister organisation in Dakar, Senegal, was another area where ASSET made a remarkable achievement.

He then urged ASSET members not to compromise quality standards, good customer care and services, describing The Gambia as an important tourist destination which according to him, is in the forefront of the tourist attraction areas world wide.

The secretary of state for Youth and Sports, Max Axi Gai has extolled the National Youth Council of the Gambia for creating a well organised channel of communication between his office and the Council. SoS Gai made this remark during a familiarization tour of institutions under his department.

Welcoming the SoS at the office of the NYC, Pa Malick Ceesay, the executive secretary of the council, used the opportunity to introduce the staff of NYC to the visiting delegation. He informed the SoS that the NYC was an act of parliament created in 2000.

He said NYC is the only body constitutionally mandated to advise government on matters relating to youth. Mr Ceesay noted that the NYC is unique in terms of advocacy role. He further stated that the NYC had successfully registered 28 national youth organisations country-wide; a move which he said was in line with the national youth policy.

On the successes of the council, Ceesay informed the SoS that the recommendations made at the 2004 and 2006 National Youth Conference and Festival have been achieved. He said the nomination of youth representatives in the different municipalites is a great achievement for the youths of this country. He observed that it’s mandatory for all national youth organization to inculcate Hiv/Aids into their programme of activities. "In the absence of youth, sport cannot be achieved."

On constrains of the council, Ceesay emphasised the need for a permanent structure which could ameliorate the efficiency of the council. He highlighted the lack of mobility as a constrain affecting the day to day running of the council. He appealed to the SoS for an increase in their yearly subvention and used the opportunity to thank UNFPA, UNICEF and UNDP for being supportive to the council over the years.

In his response, the SoS for Youth and Sports, Max Axi Gai, said he was highly impressed with the performance of the council as he was abreast with the information about NYC before coming.

He informed the council that government "cannot do it all" but emphasised that it’s a fact that the government had created an enabling environment for youth empowerment. "If we develop the youth, then our sport will be developing’. SoS Gaye emphasized. He advised the council to unite all youth groups in the country in order to avoid clash of interest. ‘Your concern will be looked into’ he assured.

Alagie Kebbeh, Chairman NYC briefed the SoS about the performances of the council and the upcoming NAYCOF 2008.

Seven staff of the award winning GSM operator, Africell, were on Tuesday, presented with certificates after emerging with distinctions in  their external examinations at the Task Crown Training Institute.

This presentation ceremony took place at the Africel Headquarters along Kairaba Avenue, where praises were heaped on them for their meritorious accomplishment.

Mam Isatou Jallow, Momat Sosseh, Ebrima Jallow, Aminata Mbye, Muhtarr Trinn, Alagie Faal, and Lamin Touray, were fully sponsored by Africell in various disciplines, including customer care services, accounting, business management, human resource management, amongst others. Yassin Mboge, human resource director distributed the certificates.

The ceremony brought together members of staff and directors from different strata of the company as one big family to make known to the entire staff about the company’s achievement in the area of building the capacity of its staff.

In his remarks, Papa Leigh, the sales manager, informed the Africell family that the company has in the past sponsored deserving staff in different areas of their choice.

He said the recent achievement by seven Africell staff is an addendum to the quality services the company offers. He then advised the awardees to make good use of their knowledge.

For his part, the managing director of Africell, Badara Mbye, extolled the certified staff for their hard work during the course of their studies. He said the company will continue to help other deserving staff to further their education even at university level.

He encouraged the staff to make good use of the opportunity the company provides.  He further noted that the staff will continue to benefit from their achievement even after taking up another job.

"These certificates are for you for life," he emphasised. He assured that Africell will greatly contribute to the developmental strides of it employees.

Sam A. Ashcroft, director of Task Crown Training Institute, informed the Africell staff  that his institute is a certified centre by the British education system. He said it’s easier and affordable to learn at the institute than going to UK for some courses.

He commended Africell for bestowing trust on the institute by sending its staff for the training over the past years, adding that the certificate is an equivalent to the British standards which is recognised worldwide.