World News - .geographical media - RSS

Tears of joy as Soweto gran turns 126 years old

Mon, 01 Dec 2008 23:55:09 GMT

Monday, December 01, 2008

Maria Khumalo, Sowetos oldest citizen, savoured the day when she turned 126 years old at the weekend. She celebrated a joint birthday party on Saturday with her sister Christina Nkosi, 99, and cousin Martha Nkabinde, 80, in Zola. Khumalo was born on New Years Day in 1882, Nkosi on January 27 1909 and Nkabinde on May 1 1928. The birthday girls had no idea that the family was planning a mammoth party for them. They cried for joy when the secret was revealed. Nkosi said: I thank God for guiding...

Source: http://www.sowetan.co.za/News/Article.aspx?id=896520

Power Couple Clocks One

Fri, 24 Oct 2008 06:18:07 GMT

Friday, October 24, 2008

Mr. Fabian and Mrs. Lizzy Akaneme last Saturday celebrated their happy matrimonial life. The power couple has traveled together as they tied the nuptial knot as one.
According to information reaching to Entertainment, hundreds of well-wishers, including both sets of relatives, friends and government officials over the weekend converged on a church to lend a hand to Mr. Fabian as he tied the bones of his bond with Mrs. Lizzy Akaneme amidst wishes of joy and laughter. However, as a power couple The Akaneme family have been able to weather the storm of married life. Life for the couple is now full of hope and their hope is based on their trust in God, a trust that has been seen the duo stay connected much to envy of many who know them
Touching on his educational background, Mr. Fabian N Akaneme was born on the 26thof September, 1966. He is a Nigerian by origin and a chartered insurer by profession. Mr. Fabian holds a BSC Degree in Business Administration with 2 class upper Division from The University of Lagos, Nigeria. He is an associate of both the Chartered Insurance Institute of London and Nigeria. Mr. Akaneme is presently The General Manager of Gamstar Insurance co Ltd. The Gambia in charge of Technical and zonal operations.

Author: Njie Baldeh

Source: Picture: Lizzy and Fabian

Gambia, the promised land

Wed, 06 Aug 2008 04:18:15 GMT

Wednesday, August 06, 2008

Editor,

We have celebrated another July 22nd; a wonderful and joyous celebration it was indeed. Fourteen years ago, five patriotic Gambian army officers, led by no other than Yahya AJJ Jammeh, took over the mantle of leadership - not for selfish or material gains but for want of change.

A change fitting for the new generation. This is what Jammeh stands for and is what he has achieved and will continue to achieve throughout his leadership.

However, for Vision 2020 to be realised the burden does not only have to be on the president. Let our objective be the devlopment of our country, our whole country and nothing but our country. And by the blessing of God. May this country itself become a vast and splendid monument not of oppression and terror but of wisdom, of peace and of liberty, upon which the world will gaze with admiration forever.

Ousman Nyang

GTTI

Author: DO

Venezuelans celebrate liberator’s birthday

Wed, 30 Jul 2008 05:38:26 GMT

Wednesday, July 30, 2008

The charge d’affair of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela in The Gambia, on Friday, celebrated the birthday of the country’s great liberator, Simon Bolivar, at a colourful ceremony held at the Old Jeshwang-Simon Bolivar’s Lower Basic School.

The day is celebrated every year by Venezuelans across the globe.
As part of the activities marking the day, the charge d’ affair donated over 1400 school bags and at least 4000 exercise books and pencils to Simon Bolivar’s Lower Basic School.

Speaking at the occasion, Lourdes E Pirez Martinez, the charge d’affair of the Venezuelan embassy in The Gambia, said Simon Bolivar earned himself the title of liberator due to the fact that he liberated Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Panama, as well as Venezuela. She noted that his dream was to see the unity of the South American countries, but died in Colombia on December 17th, 1830, before it could be realised.

‘’But in reality, his dreams never died since political leaders in Latin America are now going by his dreams. His ideas are recalled through our actions, our struggle to gain unity and integration, as well as solidarity within our countries’’ she said. She underscored the realisation of the historic Bolivarian integration, which according to her is based on political compromise to eradicate poverty, guarantee the independence and sovereignty of their natural resources in their quest to achieve the developments that the Venezuelan people truly deserve.

Madam Martinez called on the citizens of Venezuela and The Gambia to cherish their freedom stressing that neo-colonialism should never be tolerated.

Commenting on the ongoing fruitful relationship between Venezuela and The Gambia, the charge d’affair pointed out that it is part of her government’s solidarity call aimed at promoting integration.

She recalled that in April, this year, 60 young Gambians started their undergraduate studies in Venezuela, noting that 100 more Gambians are currently learning Spanish and are set to travel to her country for similar studies under the FUNDAYACUCHO Program.

‘’In the same vein, 7 instructors and 3 women farmers are set to travel to Venezuela for training in the area of agricultural. We are also glad that 7 Gambian children have safely arrived in Venezuela for congenital cardiopaty operation,’’ she said.
The Venezuelan charge d’affair concluded by reaffirming her government’s commitment to boost ties with The Gambia.

For her part, Marta Mendy, headmistress of Old Jeswang-Simon Bolivar’s Lower Basic School, hailed the Venezuelan charge d’affair for such a laudable gesture, noting that her school continues to receive Venezuelan generosity. She indicated that the massive renovation of her school at a tune of D72,000 was funded by the Venezuelan charge d’affair. This, according to her, was as a result of the memorandum of understanding signed between her school and the donors.

While commending the bilateral ties between the two countries, Marta Mendy assured the gathering that the gifts will be put to good use.

Other speakers at the occasion included Alkalo Ba-Karamo Ceesay, Councillor Sheriff Sarr, and Sheik Secka, PTA chairman.

Friday’s celebration was attended by a host of dignitaries including the Iranian ambassador, as well as a cross-section of the community of Old Jeshwang.

Author: by Hatab Fadera & Asanatou Bojang

Nigeria’s Celebrity Actors to Descend on Gambia

Wed, 11 Jun 2008 06:03:52 GMT

Wednesday, June 11, 2008

In a little less than a week, one of the most celebrated names in Nollywood will arrive in Gambia as a prelude to the arrivals of three other big personalities in Nollywood.

According to Dr. Samuel Wilcox, CEO of Chartered House, Francis Duru, an icon in the Nigerian film industry, will arrive in Banjul on Saturday on board Bellview Airlines to set the stage for the coming to the country of Aki & Popo, Osufeson and Mama G also known as Patience Uzuoku. The arrival of Francis, stated Dr. Wilcox, will serve as a confidence building measure and will provide an opportunity for the greater Gambian public, actors, actresses and aspiring ones to come face to face with the famous Nigerian celebrity actors.

“ We want to understudy the Gambian market as we did in Ghana and see how best to create that avenue which will offer Gambian actors and actresses the opportunity to star in Nollywood because there is currently no Gambian actor in Nollywood,” said Dr. Wilcox.

The Chartered House CEO disclosed that the arrival into the country of Francis Duru and subsequently Aki & Popo, Mama G and Osufeson will promote cultural exchanges as well enable Gambian dramatists to break new ground.

Dr. Wilcox added:“ The visits will allow the film stars to meet and associate with their counterparts in Gambia to chart out a way forward for a collaborative and fruitful professional relationship. This will help further promote The Gambia’s tourism sector because a Gambian face in Nollywood will, without doubt, project the country’s image in a favorable way.”

CEO Wilcox revealed that the visits will also give the Nigerian film maestros the opportunity to say ‘thank you’ to their fans for the patronage and loyalty over the years.

Meanwhile, Francis Duru will spend three days in Gambia during which he is expected to meet the Secretary of State for Tourism, Nigerian High Commissioner and the Nigerian community in The Gambia. He is also expected to hold a seminar with Gambian artists.

The CEO of Tradeplus, under whose instrumentality the Nigerians will be making it to The Gambia, said it’s overwhelmingly significant for people to exchange cultures, which will bring forth the ripple effects of an expanded economy.

“Our effort is just one way of promoting cultural exchanges which will in turn enhance the tourism sector. I think the Gambian economy is doing well and the best thing is to supplement and complement efforts in sustaining that economic growth.”

Author: By Alieu Jabang

International Nurses and Midwives Day Celebrated in Brikama

Tue, 27 May 2008 05:28:59 GMT

« previous

1 of 2

Tuesday, May 27, 2008

No fewer that 81 nurses and midwives from both the state and private health sectors in the Western Region last Saturday converged in their large numbers to celebrate International Nurses and Midwives Day at the Gambia College, Brikama Campus.

The event, funded by UNFPA, was equally celebrated by all the Regional Health Teams across the country.

Deputising for the Interim President of the Nursing Association, Mrs Ramou Cole Ceesay, Mr Cherno Camara Principal Nursing Officer at Jammeh Foundation for Peace, said “The International Day of the Midwives is an occasion for every midwife, to think about the others in the profession, to make new contacts within and outside midwifery and widen the knowledge of what midwives do for the world.”

He noted that the aim of the day was to celebrate midwifery and also to bring awareness of the importance of midwives’ work to as many people as possible.

He indicated that this year, the special focus of the celebration is on “Healthy Families: the key to the future.”

He said: “Midwives help to build healthy families. Everywhere across the world, midwives work to build better health and stronger structures within families and communities,” and the International Nurses Day theme for 2008 is: “Delivering Quality, Serving Communities: Nurses Leading Primary Health Care.”

He maintained that midwifery care for women and their babies is an investment that promotes healthy growth and well being for the present and future generations of our countries.

According to him, today the African continent is challenged by paucity of midwives, especially in the rural areas among others to effectively reduce maternal, new born, and child morbidity and mortality, to which The Gambia is no exception.

He however revealed that in The Gambia, the number of intakes into nursing and midwifery training institutions have been increased by 100%.

He added that midwives’ commitment to families, within a functioning health system and supportive environment is also a core element is challenged of Primary Health Care.

He explained that health care is back on the global health agenda and nursing is leading the way in ensuring the active participation of citizens and communities in addressing health issues and accessing appropriate health services round the clock.

He said: “Nurses work in an emergency room, health Centre, outpatient department, nursing home, school, refugee camp, STI’s clinic, nursing school, research or any of the myriad settings, nurses are helping communities and individuals deal with health challenges.

“Nurses talk to people about lifestyle issues, how to avoid illness, how to ensure their water supply is safe, about their immunisation, etc.

“Nurses work with pregnant women, the elderly, or other special needs groups to identify service needs and solutions.

“Nurses supervise or deliver home-based care.

“Nurses work with a faith-based or non- governmental organisation that focuses on development or global health.

“Nurses bring services to marginalized communities such as street people or sex workers.

“Nurses work in all settings-as clinicians, planners, policy makers, educators, managers, regulators, researchers, some of whom are WHO Representative, Health Minister, director, Professor, Cataract Surgeon and Anaesthetist.”

In conclusion, Mr. Camara called on all nurses and midwives to actively participate in the Gambia’s Nurses and Midwives Association in its efforts to uphold the dignity of the profession and complement the Government in ensuring that quality health care reaches the door steps of everybody in the country.

The Western Region event was facilitated by Mr. Juma Jallow.

Author: By Pa Modou Faal

Source: Pictures: Nurses marching towards Gambia College (1) & Scout Band leading the procession (2)

Ahmadiyya regional convention ends

Tue, 27 May 2008 05:11:10 GMT

Tuesday, May 27, 2008

The Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at recently celebrated the first century of Khalifat-i-Ahmadiyya (Ahmadiyya Caliphate), at a regional Jalsa (convention) for West Africa, from Thursday 17th to Saturday 19th April, 2008 in Ghana.

Over 100,000 delegates from over thirty-two countries from Africa, Europe, America and Asia attended the convention.

For The Gambia, a delegation of 36 officials, including delegates from Guinea Bissau, were led to the convention by Amir Baba F. Touray.

In his opening address, Hadrat Khalifatul Masih V, Mirze Masroor Ahmed (ATBA), the supreme leader of the worldwide Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at, instructed that every Ahmadi must try to improve himself and develop the qualities of absolute truth and forbearance. He admonishes against lying, backbiting and breach of trust which, according to him, lead to chaos and disorder.

“Dishonesty and breach of trust does not only mean the stealing of small or large amounts or misappropriation of wealth but also includes failure to fulfill one’s duties. These evil qualities wreck a country” he said.

He said that for an Ahmadi, love for his country is part of faith and he therefore admonished every Ahmadi to put national interest at heart, if an Ahmadi does not fulfill his duties to his nation, then he has not fulfilled a purpose for which he joins the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at. He stated that the future of Africa was bright and that the faster we work for it, the faster it will be attained. He advised Africans to follow the example of the great African leaders like Kwame Nkrumah, who strove hard for the liberation of Africa.

“Every Ahmadi should be a master of the highest moral qualities, and righteousness should be his distinctive feature. They should excel in every field of education, the minimum target being Nobel Prize.

Also addressing the opening session, John A Kuffour, President of Ghana said that, it was a pride that the first convention to mark the centenary Khilafat-i-Ahmadiyya celebrations was being held in Ghana. According to him, the theme for the convention, ‘Love for all, hatred for none’, could not have come at at better time. “This is the motto of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at and has also been chosen as the theme for the convention” he said.

For his part, Alhaji Aliu Mahama, Vice President of Ghana who also highlighted some of the many positive activities the Jama’at had been involved in throughout the country, particularly in the fields of agriculture, education and health. He also lauded the commitment shown by the Jama’at to co-operate with other faiths for progress and development.

The convention was attended by religious leaders including the Ghanaian National Chief Imam, the only Christian Cardinal in Ghana, and a Bahai representative, dignitaries and government officials.

Hadrat Khalifatul Masih V (ATBA) continued his visit to Benin and Nigeria where similar conventions were held.

Author: by Fakebba Camara

Jazz Appreciation Month Celebrated

Fri, 16 May 2008 08:30:30 GMT

Friday, May 16, 2008

Each April, the United States celebrates Jazz Appreciation Month (JAM), an opportunity to savor a major American contribution to world culture.

Initiated by the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of American History, JAM aims to focus public attention on the music, and on the many talented composers, musicians and other contributors to the sound.

Recently, the American embassy in Banjul observed Jazz Appreciation Month but what is Jazz? Well a leaflet made available to Entertainment explains it thus, “Jazz is the most consequential, influential and innovative music to emerge from the United States and New Orleans, Louisiana, is widely known as the birthplace of jazz.

This is of course a very succinct explanation of what jazz is but to those who enjoy it, jazz is an exceptional experience that enlightens the mind and thrills the soul. There are of course many forms of jazz as by their very nature the jazz musician is a restless animal constantly seeking to innovate and develop their art. Among the original forms of the art was Ragtime and among the best-known exponents of this lively piano based form was Mr. Scott Joplin. His pieces including The Maple Leaf Rag and The Entertainer remain popular to this day despite being over one hundred years old.

If Scott Joplin and his ragtime compatriots were rooted firmly in the piano then the guitar was the instrument of choice for the blues men. There are many who would argue that jazz and the blues are different forms of music but to anyone who has experienced the deep passions of either form will appreciate the deep human energy that fires them both. Most of the great bluesmen came from the Mississippi Delta which runs 322 kilometers along the Mississippi River from Memphis Tennessee to Vicksburg Mississippi. These included Robert Johnson, Howlin’ Wolf and Muddy Waters.

For those who appreciate jazz the appreciation month is an opportunity to indulge their love of great music and for those who are not fully versed, it is an opportunity to get introduced to one of the world’s great art forms.” For anyone wishing to learn more about jazz or simply expand their knowledge visit www.smithsonianjazz.org

Author: By Momodou Justice Darboe and Njie Baldeh

Source: Picture: Ambassador Barry Wells

Gambia Thumbs Up EC Partnership

Mon, 12 May 2008 05:09:10 GMT

« previous

1 of 2

Monday, May 12, 2008

As Europe Day Celebrated

The Government of the Gambia has describe the development co-operation between the Gambia and the European Community implemented over the past three decades as mutually rewarding, sighting it as one of the building blocks towards the establishment and maintenance of global peace and prosperity.

In a statement delivered last Friday 9th May on the occasion of the celebration of Europe Day held at the residence of the EC Charge d’ Affaires, Hon. Mousa Gibril Bala Gaye, Secretary of state for Finance and Economic Affairs describe the European commission as Gambia’s biggest donor, and the largest donor for the country’s infrastructural and rural development.

According to Secy. Gaye, the Gambia has benefited from a number of EC programmes and projects that have significantly contributed to the improvement of the socio-economic development of the country.

In Secy. Bala Gaye’s view, the initiatives of the Gambia-EC partnership have made significant impact on the quality of political and trade relations between the European and the Gambia at the bilateral level, as well as with ECOWAS and the African Union.

For her part, Madam Helene Cave, Charge d’ Affaires of the European Commission in The Gambia said the EU is the biggest multilateral donor in The Gambia and its contribution has increased over the years.

“For instance, for the 8th European Development Fund (EDF), the envelope was around 26.5 M EUR, for the current 9th EDF the envelope is around 54.5 M EUR and for the 10th EDF, it is 76 M EUR”, she added.

According to the EC charge d’ Affaires, the EC co-operation is fully in line with the MDGs, the PRSP II and also vision 2020 which represents the medium and long term views where his excellency President Jammeh wants to bring the Gambia.

In the context of the current 9th EDF, she explained, the projects are mainly in the field of rural development and road infrastructure which are the sectors of concentration.

“We have also supported the electoral process, together with UNDP and DfID, commissioned several studies on the request of the Gambian Government and provided technical assistance to various departments”, she said, adding that EC will soon support Non-State actors in the Gambia.

Author: By Baboucarr Senghore

Source: Pictures: Hon. Mousa Gibril Bala Gaye (Secretary of State for Finance) 1 & Helen Cave (EU Representive)

State Guards celebrate end-of-year party

Thu, 24 Apr 2008 04:12:05 GMT

« previous

1 of 5

Thursday, April 24, 2008

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.

Author: by Alhagie Jobe