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Spotlight on Commissioner Pa Baboucarr Mboob, An Exemplary officer

Wed, 12 Nov 2008 05:25:56 GMT

Wednesday, November 12, 2008

Hello and a warm welcome to yet another scintillating edition of Personality of the Week, your weekly column aimed at bringing prominent Gambian top notches and achievers into the limelight.

In our today’s edition, we have the singular honour to bring you the profile of an elite officer, whose progress to greatness, distinguished by the admirable quality of dedication to duty is exceptional. He is an imaginative and innovative character who always likes to try new things.

There is no denying the fact that the Gambia Immigration Department has over the years earned the reputation of being one of the most amicable, hospitable and well-trained public servants in the government circle.

Recognition and applause go to the gallant men and women of high calibre, who are juggling up and down, here and there, in and out, day and night, in execution of their duties of office at the Gambia Immigration Department; coming up with innovative and comprehensive working strategies that has over the years contributed a lot to help catapult the Department to a better stead.

An exponent of such mark of performance in office today is the calm and down to earth Pa Baboucarr Mboob, Commissioner of Admin and Finance at the Gambia Immigration Department.

Rotating from one section of the Gambia Police Force and Gambia Immigration Department to another had made Mboob to become versatile, effective, efficient and well-seasoned officer.

Described as very strategic, thoughtful, organised, compassionate, saintly, incorruptible and honest to goodness, this man is a lot more than what he seems.

The man himself has come a long way. He set out at his public career in the Gambia Police Force in 1979, serving in the Criminal Investigating Division (CID) and then to the Gambia Immigration Department where he rose up through dint of diligence, determination and discipline to the rank of Commissioner of Admin and Finance at the Immigration Departmen.

Born on 3rd October 1960 in Sukuta, Kombo North, Western Region, Pa Baboucarr Mboob started his educational journey at SukutaPrimary School from 1965 to 1974. He then proceeded to SukutaSecondary School from 1974 to 1978 where he graduated with flying colours. He worked for some years at the Motor traffic and control room of the Police before later joining the Gambia Immigration Department.

Pa Mboob after few years of joining the Immigration attended a Professional Development course at the Management Development Institute, an Immigration Course at the Immigration Institution in Kano, Nigeria and also a special training on how to combat drug at the Bundas Criminality- German Police, Ghana.

The literary giant, stimulated by the believe that education enhances job performance, later proceeded to the Immigration Institute in Kano, federal Republic of Nigeria where he undergone series of training and won three awards: The best student academic; The best shooter (Max Man) and the commander of the largest hostel awarded.

In 1998, he received a special training on how to combat drugs by BKA in Accra, Ghana. From January 2006 to January 2007, Commissioner Mboob was Camp commander and Chief of administration and personnel in Sudan, Darfur as part of the African Union Mission.

As the camp commander at that time, Mboob was responsible for the monitoring of the day to day activities in the camp, prepare the rooster for postings, prepare monthly reports for necessary actions, assign officers when necessary and quarterly mission to respective camps among others.

In 1994, commissioner Mboob was the Divisional Commander at Western Region and he was in charge of three camps namely Arankoli Kunda, Siffoe and Kitty refugee camp. In 1995, he was Commander in charge, Upper River Region (Kerr Al-hassan refugee camp). This camp was having refugees mainly from Sierra Leone, Liberia, Burundi and Somalia.

He was responsible for the smooth running of the camps, give advice to government on the camp, give statistics of arrivals, attend to queries and problems in the camp and liase with the UNHCR on refugee matters.

Five years later in 2000, Commissioner Mboob was officer in charge of the North Bank Region. During this time, the camp was officially closed by UNHCR base on the fact that best the part of the refugees were resettled to America and Canada. Some voluntarily returned home during the voluntary repatriation process and some integrated into the Gambian community.

From 2000 to 2003, he was officer in charge, statistics and investigation and from there to 2006, as Lecturer on ECOWAS Protocol, Land Border, Seaport and Airport Procedure. From 2006 to date, he is the Commissioner of Finance and Administration at the Gambia Immigration Department.

Recounting some of his challenges as Commissioner of Admin and Finance of Immigration, with competing time, combating work with family life, this man devoted most of his time on the work.

As the man responsible for Finance and Administration, Commissioner Mboob is responsible for the overall management of the Immigration Department Administration office in an efficient, highly professional and peaceful manner and also give adequate support to all Immigration Personnel, activities and serve as a role model to other senior and junior officers.

He was a one-time goalkeeper of Sukuta town team. He also represented Basse in many Safras (Sub Regional gathering) in countries Mali, and Senegal.

Happily married with three children, Mboob’s hobbies are self-development, meeting people, reading, watching movies and fishing.

Author: Abba Gibba & Babucarr Senghore

Source: Picture: Commissioner Mboob

38 Police Officers Decorated

Wed, 17 Sep 2008 05:35:23 GMT

Wednesday, September 17, 2008

At least 38 police officers of The Gambia Police Force (GFP) were on Friday promoted to various ranks, ranging from chief superintendent, superintendent assistant superintendent to rank commissioner. The promotions took place at ceremony held at the police headquarters in Banjul. Two officers were promoted to rank of police commissioner, three other officers to rank of deputy commissioner, five officers to rank to rank chief superintendent, 10 to rank of superintendent and 18 to rank of assistant superintendent.

Speaking at the decoration ceremony Secretary of state for interior Hon. Ousman Sonko, asserted that in The Gambia security services promotion is entirely based on hard work and commitment.

SOS Sonko pointed out that the promotion is sometimes based on merit, which the officers get from the ground or even sometimes at the training ground. Speaking earlier on, Inspector General of Police Ensa Badgie thanked all the promoted officers. He said promotion is always determined your challenges. He said if an officer is promoted you are always ready to face the challenges during the course of delivering your services and those who are not promoted doesn’t meant that they would not promoted. He asserted that promotion is a table, “today it could be you tomorrow it could somebody else,” he said.

The decoration attracted all the security chiefs, LT. Yankuba Drammeh for deputies for CD’s.

Author: By Bakary Samateh

Sierra Leonean Ministers Honour H.E. Yumkella in Church

Wed, 27 Aug 2008 06:23:47 GMT

Wednesday, August 27, 2008

Association of Sierra Leonean Ministers in The Gambia (ASLEM) organised a farewell service in honour of the outgoing Sierra Leonean High Commissioner to The Gambia. ASLEM, a group of pastors from Sierra Leone in The Gambia bent on praying for leaders, prayed for their outgoing High Commissioner recently. This team has prayed, honoured, praised and gave touching gifts to HE Yumkella. Christian Panorama’s anchorman, Austin Kanjiawas part of the history at the Trinity Methodist Church over the weekend as HE prepares to leave finally for Freetown to get into agriculture.

Rev. Charles Lewis said in his sermon that ASLEM’s obligation was to pray for leaders. Addressing HE Yumkella, Rev. Charles says, “You are one person we admire so much. We recognise your effort and the impact you have made on this society. It could be recalled that through HE Yumkella, Sierra Leoneans were given gratis for Alien Card. He restored the prestige of all Sierra Leoneans in The Gambia and became a friend to many for the sake of a better Sierra Leone,” Rev. Charles said.

He further said that the theme: “To everything there is a season” (Eccls 3: 1) was wonderful. In his sermon, he said nothing happens by accident, it all happens by season and we are in the word of change. Everything has its time, Rev. Charles said.

He said Sierra Leone went to war, that was war time and they will not go to war anymore, to the applauds of all in the church. He stressed for the change of attitude and for his countrymen to embrace each other. “We should stop tearing each other apart and love each other as God loves us,” Rev. Charles said.

Talking about three Ps the first P stood for Patience: That no one should be in haste and quotes from Dr. Olloh, a late musician, “Watta wae na for you enor go run pass you.” Abraham and his wife Sarah were patient and at old age they had a child. He urged people to manage their time well. The 2nd P he said was to Prioritise, we need to manage our time well and not to say 24 hours is not enough for one. And the last P he said for Position. If you force to go you may become miserable.

Duwai Lungay, Counsellor and Head of Chancellor and Head of Chancellery at the Sierra Leone High Commission in Banjul paid tribute to the outgoing High Commissioner said, “Any diplomatic assignment has a time limit. Our HE has successfully completed his term of office, serving Mauritania, Senegal and The Gambia. He never holds back the truth, he said he was the High commissioner for all Sierra Leoneans not for his party members alone and he has indeed showed this in action,” Duwai Lungay said. He gave a litany of HE Yumkella’s good deeds in the country.

In his farewell speech in response to the tributes to him, HE Yumkella said Sierra Leoneans have potentials and all sorts of skills to move Sierra Leone ahead, citing ASLEM as one of the good examples of his country’s potentials. “People could have paid tribute to me in the office but ASLEM made it possible for people to pray for me in a church.” He said he came here to work for Sierra Leoneans and not party or sections.

“I am full of praise for HE President Yahya A. J. J Jammeh, for recognising my effort in strengthening the relationship between the two countries.”

HE Mohamed Foday Yumkella, outlining his duties as a High Commissioner said, “The responsibility of the High Commissioner is to strengthen the relationship between the two countries. In my first interview I was asked what was my vision? I said it was to strengthen our relationship and now I have done it.” After talking to the

Vice president, Madam Isatou Njie Saidy, who had asked her why go? But said it was time for him to go. He said he was made to see the President at Kanilai.

He said President Jammeh said after bidding him good bye, “You don’t know how you have strengthened our two countries’ relationship. You are leaving now but our relationship s t the highest,” HE Yumkella said. He said the gift given to him by President Jammeh for his agriculture nearly gave him heart attack with joy. “The seeds will last a life time,” HE Yumkella said.

He lamented on the many Sierra Leonean groups and wished they all came together. He urged the women groups to be focused because there was a lot waiting for them. “It is not my wish to have too many organisations.” He remembers the youth at Main Bole. He said there were some that saw him as SLPP but he said being a Sierra Leonean is above all for him. He thanked James Minah, the former SLENU Chairman, Gambians and said the two countries are inseparable. He apologised for any mistakes he may have made. He says, “I am SLPP and I shall remain SLPP.”

Author: By Augustine Kanjia

Source: Picture: Ministers and HE Yumkella

Sierra Leonean High Commissioner Bids Farewell

Mon, 18 Aug 2008 09:00:56 GMT

Monday, August 18, 2008

Sierra Leone’s High Commissioner to The Gambia recently bade farewell to the country in the office of the vice president Isatou Njie Saidy as he has reached the end of his term of office.

Speaking to reporters after his meeting with the vice president, His Excellency Mohamed Foday Yumkelleh said his primary objective had been to strengthen the cordial bilateral relations that exist between Sierra Leone and The Gambia. He said that relations are very strong at the moment and thanked President Jammeh and the people of The Gambia for this. He further said that with the help of the government and people of The Gambia the relationship can be strengthened.

He said, “there is a lot of co-operation between our two countries. We have a lot of Sierra Leonians in The Gambia who are contributing to the economy by teaching, working in the field of medicine and many other areas. We also have lots of Gambians in Sierra Leone who are contributing to the economy there. There are also two Gambian judges serving in the judiciary so there is much we can share.”

HE Yumkelleh further stated that he hopes a joint ministerial commission can be established between the two nations in the near future so that a “technical exchange” could take place between the medical schools and to “break down economic barriers.”

It will be recalled that President Jammeh honoured HE Yumkelleh for his outstanding performance. Many Sierra Leonians will remember him for helping to free his countrymen from having to pay for alien cards and for creating respect for Sierra Leonians in The Gambia. “His name will be honoured and remembered both here and at home,” George Domingo, SLPP propaganda secretary, said.

Author: By Augustine Kanjia

Source: Picture: Mohamed Foday Yumkelleh (Outgoing Sierre Leonean High Commissioner)

Former Police Commissioner Dibba Freed

Wed, 06 Aug 2008 05:53:47 GMT

Wednesday, August 06, 2008

Burama Dibba, former Crime Management Co-ordinator of Gambia Police Force, was yesterday acquitted and discharged by the Banjul Magistrates Court of the criminal offence preferred against him.

In delivering the ruling, Magistrate Kayode stated that the ruling was in respect of defence counsel’s application for a no-case to answer submission. He said the application was brought pursuant to section 166 of Criminal Procedure Code, adding that the defence team urged the court to acquit and discharge the accused on the ground that at the end of the prosecution’s case a prima facie case was not made out against the accused person. He recollected that the accused was arraigned and charged with giving false information, stating that the particulars of the offence disclosed that the accused in year 2007 at the police headquarters in Banjul gave false information to the then Inspector General of Police, Mr. Benedict Jammeh, that David Colley, the Director of Prisons had fed carcass of bull to the prison inmates and also diverted a satellite disc meant for the prison to his personal use. He observed that the only witness called by the prosecution is the same Mr. Benedict Jammeh, now the Director-General of NIA, who was said to be falsely informed, in his former capacity as the then IGP, by the accused. He added that the prosecution witness in his evidence described the duties of the Crime Management Co-ordinator. He said the prosecution witness testified that the accused never gave any report to him concerning David Colley in 2007, noting that as a matter of fact the prosecution witness in his own words testified that the accused never even mentioned David Colley’s name to him.

Magistrate Kayode then spelt out the condition that the no-case application should meet in order for it to succeed. “The lone prosecution witness impressed the court as a witness of truth,” he stated.

With reference to the charge before the court, he added, there is no iota or modicum of evidence adduced by the prosecution as a proof. “ I am therefore compulsorily led to the inevitable conclusion that the evidence adduced by the prosecution (if any) is not only manifestly unreliable…. such evidence is manifestly a clear testimony of the innocence of the accused,” he added. He stated that as a consequence there has been arraignment without prosecution and a charge sheet without evidence. “ I am therefore satisfied that the arraignment and half-hearted prosecution of the accused before this court is both capricious and needless,” he revealed, noting: “ It is based on all the above that I conclude almost effortlessly that the no-case submission of the defence succeeds in its entirety. The accused is consequently discharged and acquitted for want of evidence pursuant to section 166 of the CPC.

The defence team comprised Lawyer Sheriff Tambedou, Lawyer Borry Touray, Lawyer Lamin Camara, Lawyer Neneh Cham-Chongan, Lawyer Edrisa Sissoho and Lawyer L. Farage.

Author: By Modou Sanyang & Bakary Samateh

Source: Picture: Burama Dibba (Former Police Commissioner)

The New Nigerian High Commissioner Pays a Courtesy to Madam Speaker

Wed, 09 Jul 2008 07:18:34 GMT

Wednesday, July 09, 2008

As part the straight relationship between The Gambia and Nigeria, the Nigerian High Commissioner to The Gambia recently paid a courtesy call to the Honourable Speaker, Madam Fatoumata Garba Jahumpa as part of the existing relationship between the two sister countries.

Speaking at the occasion, the Speaker of the National Assembly, Honourable Madam Fatoumata Garba Jahumpa, said that there are 53 members in parliament out of which five are nominated members of which three are women. She asserted that there are six opposition members in parliament and also spoke about the parliamentary associations. She said the first opening of parliament was witnessed by the speaker of Nigerian Parliament.

Madam Speaker pointed out that the second opening of parliament was attended by the majority and minority leaders of the Nigerian Parliament. She said, “we are working closely with other parliamentarians in the region with a view to prevent conflict and promote peace in Africa.”

Madam speaker assured the Nigerian High Commissioner of Gambian parliamentarians’ readiness to collaborate with their counterparts to work towards the common good\goals.

For her part, the new Nigerian High Commissioner to The Gambia H.E. Mrs Esther John Audu commended the Gambian parliamentarians for their united stance and called them true representatives in their work. She said they should frequently visit their constituencies.

The High Commissioner promised to work with the parliament for the common goal. She pointed out the pivotal role parliament can play in national development.

The occasion was graced by minority leader Honourable Modou Sanneh, Honourable Babanding K. K. Daffeh NAM for Kiang Central, Honourable Sainey Jaiteh Serekunda Central all of whom expressed similar sentiments.

Author: By Bakary Samateh

British High Commission Celebrates Queen’s 82nd Birthday

Wed, 23 Apr 2008 08:06:50 GMT

Wednesday, April 23, 2008

The residence of the British High Commissioner, at Cape Point, was on Monday 21st host to hundreds of people from different walks of life to mark the 82nd birthday of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth 11.

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth 11 is the longest serving monarch and is currently in her 57th year of her reign.

Speaking at occasion, Mr. Crispin-Grey Johnson, the Secretary of State for Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology, who represented the Gambian Government, maintained that Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth 11 is spanned by world events that have positive impacted on humanity, noting that it is when much of the African continent gained independence and joined the Commonwealth of Nations.

“Her Majesty’s uniqueness also resides in the fact that she is the longest serving monarch today. As we celebrate her birthday, we must ensure that we safeguard the tradition that is part of our joint history. We also need to ensure that we remain steadfast to the ambitions that we have set ourselves in the co-operation efforts between our two governments and peoples”, he remarked.

“Let me also use the opportunity to recognise the efforts by Her Majesty in leading the affairs of the commonwealth, for having worked tirelessly with member states in making our Commonwealth of Nations the enabled and relevant institution that it is today”, said.

“While we welcome the positive strides registered under Her Majesty’s leadership, we pledge our commitment to work hand-in hand to promote democracy, human rights, good governance, the rule of law and above all to overcome the daunting challenge of attainment of food self sufficiency, eradication of poverty and ignorance”. He added.

He indicated that there are different types of partnerships, but Gambia’s relationship with Great Britain is that of development and investment partnership.

“Development partners are not partners in a negative sense, or should be partners in a negative sense”, he stated.

Speaking earlier, the British High Commissioner, Mr. Phil Sinkinson, said he had heard that Britain and the British people have not contributed and do not contribute sufficiently to The Gambia. He noted that this is not the case. He outlined many development ventures undertaken by Britain and the British people in The Gambia, just to name a few, the Bansang Hospital Appeal, spearheaded by Anita Smith, a project which he said has transformed the hospital particularly the maternity and children’s facilities.

He added that Southland High School in the UK donated a modern solar water pump worth 27,000 pounds sterling to Bijilo Lower Basic School and are planning to construct a caretaker’s house and also arranging for visiting lecturers from the UK to assist with studies.

“Then there is the excellent work undertaken by British based NGO’s including Concern Universal, Sightsavers International (who treated over 80,000 people in The Gambia last year) and Action Aid,” he said. The work of other prominent British organisations in The Gambia was also highlighted by Mr. Sinkinson. “The Medical Research Council undertakes livesaving research into respiratory illness as well as malaria and HIV/AIDS continues to provide an excellent service to the community,” he said. He further highlighted the work of DFID which he said remains the largest bilateral donor in The Gambia. “Over the last year they have spent two million pounds continuing to support the financial governance programme, the education sector (BESPOR), the legal sector and strengthening civil society,” he informed those gathered. Another NGO funded by DFID and singled out for particular praise by the High Commissioner was VSO. There are now 51 VSO volunteers working in The Gambia and the commissioner called for a round of applause from those gathered to show appreciation for the good work they do.

To further illustrate the genuine warmth that the people of Britain have for the people of The Gambia he cited the number of tourists from Britain that come to visit The Gambia. The figure is now approaching 60,000 every year. He added that there are now in excess of 3,000 British people who live in The Gambia on a permanent basis and 20,000 who return on a regular basis.

In conclusion the British High Commissioner said, “we look forward to continuing our efforts in the coming year to strengthen even further the friendship and co-operation that exists between our two countries.”

Author: By Abba A.S Gibba

Source: Picture: Phil Sinkinson (British High Commissioner to The Gambia)

Susan Waffa Ogoo is Gambia’s New UN Rep

Mon, 21 Apr 2008 04:58:27 GMT

Monday, April 21, 2008

Mrs. Susan Waffa-Ogoo, the recently appointed High Commissioner to India, has now been appointed Gambia’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York, reliable official sources disclosed to this paper. She replaces Mrs Neneh Macdouall-Gaye who was appointed to that post on 19thMarch 2008.

No official reason has been advanced either for Mrs Neneh MacDouall-Gaye’s failure to accede to the post or for the apparent elevation of Mrs Susan Waffa-Ogoo’s status.

Author: By Pap Saine

Source: Picture: Susan-Wafa-Ogoo

David Colley Back as Prison Boss

Mon, 21 Apr 2008 04:51:19 GMT

Monday, April 21, 2008

The recent death of Mrs Agnes Rose Klu, the late Commissioner of Prisons, has culminated in the reappointment of David Colley, himself the penultimate occupant of the post, this paper can confirm. Sources said that Mr Colley even reported to work last Friday but did not enter his office.

“When he came, he did not enter his office. He was sitting at the stores,” our source said.

Mr David Colley served in the post for many years before he was arrested on 5thJune 2007, sacked, detained and subsequently charged with stealing a 5.5 KVA generator and D27,000. He was later acquitted on the charge of stealing D27,000.00 but found guilty of stealing the generator, following a legal battle that lasted several months. He was subsequently ordered to pay back the generator and fined D3000.00.

Mr David Colley’s experience is considered by many observers as a disturbing example of how extreme political correctness could allow minor incidents to be blown out of all proportions.

Author: By Abba A.S. Gibba

Source: Picture: David Colley (Reappointed Prisons Boss)

Making Senegal-Gambia Cooperation Work

Mon, 07 Apr 2008 10:51:32 GMT

Monday, April 07, 2008

There are strong indications that the existing bilateral relations between

Senegal

and the

Gambia

are improving to the mutual appreciation of both countries. At least that is impression we get from the speech made by the Senegalese High Commissioner to the

Gambia

Mr Momodou Fall during the 48thindependence celebration of

Senegal

at the Sunbeach Hotel last Friday.

We have always insisted that there is need for the moribund Senegalo-Gambia permanent secretariat to be revived; we have always insisted that the armies of both countries have to cooperate for the good of both countries. And we have always urged both heads of state to meet from to time to review the state of the cooperation.

It is with this mindset that we hail the recent disclosure by the Senegalese High Commissioner to the Gambia that plans were already at an advanced to get the consultative commission and the presidential summit underway. With this, then the Senegalo-Gambia permanent secretariat will soon come back to life to strengthen the cooperation to the mutual benefits of the two countries.

We are uniquely positioned to teach the rest of the continent the significance and benefits of integration. When the Secretary of State for Communication, Information and Technology Ms Fatim Badjie said that our common ancestry and history have bonded us together in such a way that we are condemned to live together, she simply stated the obvious. It is to the advantage of both states to emphasise our affinity rather than dwell on differences that are inimical to mutual progress and prosperity.

The memorandum of understanding signed by thechiefs of defence staffof both countries is commendable in the sense that it will help to reassure both countries that either of them is committed to peaceful co-existence and good neighbourliness. It is important that both countries make this commitment because there is no way trade can flourish between the two countries in an atmosphere of suspicion and instability.

We therefore reiterate our call for a stronger and better Senegal-Gambia relations based on the activities and programmes that will be developed by technocrats of both countries at the permanent secretariat when it becomes operational.

“ We make our friends, we make our enemies; but God makes our next-door neighbour”.

G.K. Chesterton