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Muhammed Yahya Jammeh super tournament lined up

Tue, 02 Dec 2008 06:36:48 GMT

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Tuesday, December 02, 2008

The maiden edition of the Muhammed Yahya Jammeh sponsored Super Nawettan competition, (formerly the super nawettan), is scheduled to kick-start on Saturday, December 6th, 2008, at a venue to be disclosed later.

This was revealed to Observer Sport on Sunday, by the president of the Gambia Football Association (GFA), Seedy MB Kinteh, at the end of a grand draw of the eight zonal teams, held at the Independence Stadium in Bakau.

The grand opening of the tournament which is widely seen as a possible avenue for scouting new talents in soccer will feature the 2007 champions, Bakau FC and their 2007 runners-up, Banjul FC.

The GFA boss expressed gratitude to President Jammeh “for sponsoring the eight-team zonal tournament, noting that this further demonstrates the president’s “unshakable commitment and love for the game of football.”

He went on to say that this also serves as an illustration of the Gambian leader’s resolve to develop Gambian football. He stressed that the numerous supports coming from the president can hardly be exhausted if “we were to count them.

The tournament is divided into two groups of A & B, as follows:

Group A
Bakau (2007 Winner)
Gunjur
Sukuta
Serekunda West

Group B
Banjul (2007 Winner)
Lamin
Brikama
Serekunda East

Author: by Hatab Fadera

Stop Malaria Campaign-Round II.

Mon, 01 Dec 2008 08:07:13 GMT

Monday, December 01, 2008

Global Unification The Gambia, in collaboration with Africa Stop Malaria, a charitable organization based in Barcelona, Spain, is to embark on a five day Anti-Malarial campaign, geared towards combating the scourge of the illness which has been ravaging the African continent.

This latest campaign, dubbed: ‘STOP MALARIA ROUND II,’ is a follow up to the one held last August 2008, at Mandinaring Village, Kombo South. However, unlike the previous, the Stop Maria Round II, slated from 2nd to 6th December 2008, will include activities such as in-house Training for GU volunteers on Malaria prevention;

distribution of free insecticide treated bed net to a number of communities, as well as donation of anti-malarial drugs to selected hospitals and health centres in the country.
In preparation for the campaign, GU volunteers converge, last Saturday 29th November, at the Association’s new secretariat, located at 151 Mosque Road, Plazza centre, Serekunda to discuss and share ideas as to how best to make the program successful.

During the deliberation, the Stop Malaria Campaign Coordinator in the Gambia, Ms Fatoumatta Bah, deliberated on the activities they would be embarking on during the campaign period.

She also informed the gathering that a team of five volunteers of Africa Stop Malaria would be flying to The Gambia to assist in the coordination and implementation of the campaign. She described the team as highly dedicated group of philanthropists who are volunteering their time, energy and resources to contribute in "our continued national efforts to fight against malaria."

Mrs Bah also recounted progress registered in the previous Stop Malaria Campaign, where long lasting insecticide treated bed nets, worth over twelve thousand Dalasi, were donated to villagers in Mandinaring.

This she said, though small, has contributed significantly in saving the lives of some children who other wise might have succumbed to the disease.

The GU treasurer also appealed to all GU members and partners to support the campaign with all their hearts, calling it a national duty "because it helps to ensure a healthy population."

This, she said, is paramount in the socio-economic development of our country. Also speaking at the meeting was the National Representative of Global Unification in the Gambia, Mr. Ebrima S. Dem, who thanked the GU volunteers for their commitment and love for the nation.

He recognised that their mere presence at the meeting was clear testimony that they were ready to work hand-in-glove with the Stop Malaria Campaign team from Spain. He also used the opportunity to call on other organizations to join hand with GU ‘in this noble crusade.’

According to Mr Dem, neither GU nor government or any one organization can win the battle against malaria single-handed. Thus, he said, the participation of every Gambian and non-Gambian counts, "if we are to achieve our dream of eradicating Malaria in The Gambia.’

Other speakers at the meeting included Mr. kemo Cham, GU Media Reprehensive, Madiba Sillah, GU National Committee Secretary, among others.

Author: by Fatoumatta Bah

Linguere emerge Bakau champion

Mon, 01 Dec 2008 07:40:39 GMT

Monday, December 01, 2008

The much awaited Nawettan championship in Bakau has reached its final stage, as Ron Mango locked horns with Linguere FC at the Independence Stadium on Saturday in Bakau.

Both teams demonstrated spectacular display in presence of the big crowd of their fans, before Ron Mango’s Modou Lamin Njie opened the scoring goal, after a brilliant crossed from star striker Pa Amadou Daddy Gai in the 3rd minute of the game before Linquere’s Jaws Jallow levelled the scores to 1-1 in the 15 minutes.

Meanwhile, Pa Amadou Daddy Gai of Ron Mango extended their lead in the 38 minute with a superb finished to silence Linguere, but thanks to Modou Musa Camara who made no mistake to capitalize on a defensive blunder and dashed Ron mango’s hope in the 82nd minute of the match
Ron Mango’s hope of clicking the trophy became overshadowed in a penalty shoot out by 4-2.

Speaking to the Daily Observer Sports shortly after the game, the head coach of Linguere Kebba Touray whose face was beaming with joy, said that it all came through dedication, hard work and commitment.

Mr Touray, he also described it as historic noting that it is his first time to takeover. Linguere who recorded their 4th championship in history of Bakau Nawettan, on Saturday, went home with a cheque of D15,000 and a trophy, as winners while Ron Mango went with D10,000 as runners up.

Author: By Bekai Njie

Jarumeh Youth Association elects new executive

Thu, 27 Nov 2008 04:18:19 GMT

Thursday, November 27, 2008

Jarumeh Koto Youth Association, last Monday elected a nine-member executive body to be responsible of the day to day affairs of the association for a period of six months. The meeting which took place at at Bakoteh Estate was attended by forty members of the association.

The newly elected executive include; Ebrima KS Ceesay as the chairperson, Mawdo Sawaneh, vice chairperson, Haruna Cham, secretary general, Sulayman Jabbi assistance secretary general, Lamin Lisa Ceesay, treasurer, Mamadou Edrissa Njie, as the PRO, Ansumana Ceesay, auditor and Mam Danso as the assistant auditor.

In his remarks, Ebrima KS Ceesay, the newly elected chairperson of the association, vowed to work hard towards the attainment of the aims and objectives of the association. "My interest culminated from a great desire to serve my village through strong leadership qualities, characterized by hardwork, dedication and commitment to my duties at all times," he remarked.

For his part, Mamadou Edrissa Njie, the newly elected public relations officer (PRO) of the association, urged the members to work in closer collaboration, in order to achieve a successful implementation of their planned activities.

He said that the new executive members were elected due to their commitment and dedication towards the association. PRO Njie also advised the new executive to be more instrumental in their new responsibilities in the execution of their duties.

Author: by Asanatou Bojang & Adama Kah

Observer Sports Editor off to Nigeria

Wed, 26 Nov 2008 03:32:12 GMT

Wednesday, November 26, 2008

Nanama Keita, the deputy editor-in-chief in charge of Sports of the Daily Observer left Banjul yesterday for Lagos, Nigeria, to cover the West African Football Union (Wafu) competition.

The 16-nation football tournament is fixed between November 28 and December 8, in the former British colony. Speaking to Observer Sports shortly before his departure, Keita thanked the management of the Daily Observer, under the stewardship of Mrs Neneh Macduall-Gaye, for sponsoring his trip.

Nanama added that the trip further reaffirms the Daily Observer’s commitment to sports reporting in the country. “My trip clearly manifests the great importance Daily Observer attaches to sports reporting and I hope to keep the Gambian public posted as things unfold during the competition,” he said.

Author: by Nanama Keita

Little trees skills training centre assisted

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 05:50:46 GMT

Friday, November 21, 2008

St George’s Givldern of Denmark The Gambia project, in collaboration with The Gambia Boden Powel International Scout and Guide Fellowship, on Tuesday donated items to various skill training centres and hospitals across the country at a ceremony held at the Little Trees Skills Training Centre in Bakoteh.

The donated items includes chairs, sewing machines, fertilizers, bandages, etc. Officially handing over the donated items, Madam Karin Boldsen of St. George’s Guildernne Denmark expressed their total commitment towards the socio-economic development of The Gambia. She noted that the gesture was in fulfillment of the scout promise.

For his part Ousman Semega-Janneh, secretary general, Gambia Baden Powel International Scout and Guide Fellowship, thanked the people of Denmark for the gesture.

Author: by Bekai Njie

Master – servant relationship at work

Thu, 20 Nov 2008 04:20:17 GMT

Thursday, November 20, 2008

Life is all about stewardship. The Bible makes it clear that “… Every one of us shall give account of himself to God” (Rom. 14:12).

And that covers all areas of our endeavours and relationship with our fellow men. So, whether you are a master or a servant, you are a steward, therefore you must occupy that position faithfully, as one who shall give account.

What is a master’s responsibility towards his servant(s)? Whether you are a master, boss, employer or manger there are basic ethics to uphold if you must uphold to make the most of your status.

Forbear threatening!

“And, ye masters do the same things unto them, forbearing threatening…” (Ephesians 6:9). Don’t use threats on people just because they are your subordinates. Don’t look at your staff and say, “Look at the work you did.

You don’t have brain at all, stupid! Did you go to school at all?” Such language causes demoralization, destroys potentials and blocks creativity. You are commanded to correct, but do it with moderation, not using violent and abusive words.

Let your correction be constructive and let it be done in love. It should not be a permanent approach to leadership and management. You don’t have to be abusive and harsh to prove that you are the man in charge.

The sue of threats is one of the social diseases of masters, that is why the Bible warns us against it. The concluding part of Ephesians 6:9 says, “…knowing that your master also is in heaven: neither is there respect of persons with him.”

So whatever you do to your subordinates is as if you are appealing to God, “This is the way you should be treating me.” For as you would have men do unto you, so also do unto them.

Be caring!

Proverbs 12:10 says, “A righteous man regardeth the life of his beast…” A righteous man cares for his animal, how much his staff that is working with him? Mind the way you treat that house boy or house girl today because you don’t know what they might become tomorrow.

Joseph was once a slave boy in the house of Portiphar but one day he became the Prime minister of the nation and I believe Portiphar and his wife were still in that nation. If somebody is serving as a steward in your home, you must be aware that he is not a slave but an employee.

You owe him your commitment as it is his right. You can’t say, “Well he is eating in the house” and so you assume that he doesn’t need to be paid. Eating in your house is not a substitute for paying the person you employed.

For everyone who is working with you either as a domestic or office staff, ensure that the terms and conditions of service are clearly stated and understood by both parties. Avoid assumptions! Pay your staff his due in due time!

Another commitment that you owe your staff is his pay. Whatever made you sign the letter of appointment for any staff commits you to pay him either on a monthly or weekly basis, as agreed. You must remember to give him his due when it is due.

You have no right to hire a labourer that you are not ready to pay. Remember, employing people is not an enhancement of your social status, so you must take only as many as you need and you can comfortably cater for per time.

The Bible emphatically states that the pay of your employee must not stay with you one night longer than necessary because his mind is on it; he is hopefully expecting it. And if for any reason it is withheld, his cry goes up to God.

I wish that heads of government establishments would know the danger of not paying employees’ salaries on time. Many nations are ruined today because people are working, yet they are not paid for upwards of three to four months.

There are social as well as spiritual implications attached to such practices. The greatest debt you can ever owe is not in bank loans but your workers’ salaries. If you are owing staff salaries and at the same time owing a bank some debts,

I enjoin you to first of all clear the debt of staff salaries. This is what is destroying many businesses today. Don’t say, “I am covered by the blood of Jesus” because the blood of Jesus won’t work in this situation. There must be regular upward review!

As your business is enlarging ensure that it reflects on your staff; their pay, welfare, etc. If all you do with your profit is buy land, houses, cartons of wine and juice drinks, pick-up vans and trailers but you don’t care for your workers, you are gradually killing the business.

If all your staff decides to leave one day, what would you do? Can you operate all the machines alone? Don’t look at your secretary for instance and say, “Nonsense! Are you not an ordinary secretary? If you go I will employ another.

There are many secretaries looking for jobs in town.” If your staff are working, review their pay upward as God blesses you. You don’t have to wait for them to ask for it, you can just do it to bless them. And the more they are blessed, the more they would love to stay with you because they know that as the business grows, they would be blessed as well.

Such staff would hardly think of sabotaging your business. This is what we call MOTIVATION. The main thrust of the principle of motivation is the ability to make people do what they would naturally not want to do; compelling people to go an extra mile with you or be prepared to die for a course they believe in.

Motivation is a miracle, and works anywhere. It is wisdom to be interested in the interest of your followers. Let anything that concerns them concern you; and anything that touches them should touch you.

Maintain an open door policy!

If you have been faithfully paying your employees and then suddenly for some reason there is a drop in your business, what do you do? Seek negotiation with your staff.

Tell them the true situation of things, and don’t hide anything, because they would soon begin to feel oppressed and cheated. Tell them the new terms that would be comfortable for the establishment to remain in operation and then give them the option to continue or leave.
If they choose to continue with you on the new terms, let it be formally documented and signed by both parties. If they chose to leave let them go in peace. Don’t put yourself under unnecessary pressure. God has respect for agreements!

No staff will be willing to follower an employer until he or she fully understands where he is going. Transparency is what cements any team together. Be sure you don’t have any skeleton in your cupboard; and if you don’t, then open your cupboard!

Pastor Israel Etimis the senior pastor of Winners Chapel International, The Gambia. He can be contacted on : 9917917 or 4461577

Author: Pastor Israel Etimis

NAYCONF: the Gambia’s young people panorama

Thu, 20 Nov 2008 04:06:48 GMT

Thursday, November 20, 2008

The Gambia national youth conference and festival commonly abbreviated for NAYCONF is a biennial national youth gathering that seek to address the one thousand problems that the young people of the country used to encounter.

The organization of this event is a policy directive of the National youth policy and the national youth council Act 2000. During the gathering, which used to be attended by over one thousand five hundred participants, both from international and national delegates, burning issues such as youth unemployment, youth and illegal migration and the importance of young people in national development are discussed.

It also provide room for the young people to renew their commitments for the sustainable development of their country, as the event equip them on how to become responsible future leaders.

At the end of the gathering, resolutions and recommendations that were derived from the conference are later presented to the youth and sports department by the event’s national organising committee, through the Gambia national youth council before they finally reach to the national assembly for ratification and the subsequent implementation or addressing of those resolutions.

Mambanjik Njie, permanent secretary at the department of state for youth and sport has call on Gambians to view NAYCONF as a national event, saying it came to existence by an Act of the Gambia national parliament.

The 2006, youth gathering was hosted in Brikama, in the Western Region. Since then, there was little or nothing that was heard about its impact and Pamalick Ceesay, the executive secretary of the national youth council has made it clear that the 2006 NAYCONF resolutions were only partly achieved during a meeting of the Gambia national assembly youth and sport committee.

However, the North Bank Region will be hosting this year’s youth gathering, with Farefenni as the ground. Many promises were given that this year’s event will be a different one. This year gathering will commence from the 16 to 24 December with the theme “Invest in youths for sustainable development”.

According to the Alagie Kebbeh, chairman of the national youth council, the event will attract about two thousand young people and stakeholders from The Gambia and the sub region.

Information gathered by the youth matters indicated that preparations are on the move at both the local, regional and national levels to in order to attain the successful implementation of the event and the achievement of its resolutions there after.
The theme for the year is “Invest in Youths for Sustainable Development.”

The event has numerous objectives ranging from empowering the young people to have better understanding of the issues hampering their lives and the possible ways to explore the country’s national resources towards national development.

Author: DO

ECOWAS delegates meet NAMS, SoS Sambou

Wed, 19 Nov 2008 06:18:55 GMT

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Wednesday, November 19, 2008

Four delegates from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), yesterday paid a courtesy call on members of the National Assembly at the office of the speaker, Fatoumata Jahumpa-Ceesay and also on Ismaila Sambou, SoS for Local Government, Lands and Religious Affairs at his office in Banjul.

The delegates are Nura Jobe, head of Finance at the ECOWAS Bureau in Banjul, Kinza Jawara-Njie, head of Division Cross Border Cooperation Programme at ECOWAS, Homamadou Abdoul, coordinator Pilot Operation in Southern Senegambia and N’Faly Sanoh, director, Free Movement of Persons at the ECOWAS Office.

The visit was meant to brief the two institutions on the ECOWAS Cross Border Initiatives Programme (CIP) Pilot Operation in Southern Senegambia. The Cross Border Cooperation falls within purview of the ECOWAS Free Movement of Persons Department, which is mandated to implement a regional cross border cooperation strategy in support of free movement of persons, good neighbourly relations, peace and development through the Cross Border Initiatives Programme.

It is also tasked to set up and implement a regional fund for cross border cooperation in order to provide financial resources needed for rapid development of cross border cooperation projects within all of the border and cross border community areas. N’Faly Sanoh, speaking to waiting reporters shortly after a closed door audience with the speaker and members of the National Assembly, described the meeting as reassuring and a sign of commitment from The Gambia on issues affecting operations of cross border cooperation within the ECOWAS member states.

At the Department of Local Government Lands and Religious Affairs, Mrs Kinza Jawara-Njie briefed SoS Sambou on the ECOWAS programmes. “We want to operate at the grassroots, national and regional levels. We have seen the regional level.

The pilot operation in Southern Senegambia is one of the Cluster Projects. The project comprises of The Gambia, Senegal and Guinea. We made a visit to Senegal and this is the Gambian leg. From here, we will visit Guinea Bissau but because of elections in that country, we delayed a bit,” she explained. She seized the opportunity to officially invite the SoS and his Department to the Southern Senegambia Cross Border meeting scheduled to take place today at the Regional Education office in Brikama. The meeting, she said, will bring together participants from Senegal, Casamance, The Gambia and Guinea Bissau.

Ismalia Sambou, for his part, assured them of the government and his department’s support towards the achievement of the goals of the ECOWAS programme.

Author: by Sanna Jawara

Beakanyang SG Donates to Barrow Kunda LBS

Thu, 13 Nov 2008 05:45:15 GMT

Thursday, November 13, 2008

The Secretary General of Beakanyang Kafo, also a native of Wuli Barrow Kunda, Mr. Nfamara Jawneh on Monday 10th November 2008 has again donated dozens of exercise books and pencils worth hundreds of Dalasi’s to Barrow Kunda Lower Basic School.

Speaking at a brief presentation ceremony held at the headmaster’s office Mr. Jawneh said the donation was from the proceeds of his farm and is his personal contribution to the development of the school. “Though small for me compared to what I really love to be present here today but am pleased that I made my commitment once again. I am always happy in sharing my merger resources with the less privileged people of the society especially orphans and vulnerable children”. Jawneh reaffirmed his organization’s commitment and his personal resolve in complementing government’s effort in attaining relevant and quality education.

In receiving the items on behalf of the school, Mr. Sambou Sanneh, a senior teacher in the school, thanked Mr. Jawneh for his kind gesture. He described the donation as timely and promised that the items will be put into good use.

Other speakers included Oustass Yahya Sumareh and Mrs. Bah who both described the donor as a true friend of the school.

Author: Abdourahman Sallah