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Current Feed ContentThe end of a successful termWednesday, October 08, 2008 The University of The Gambia, last Saturday, organized a memorable sendoff for its former vice chancellor, Professor Andreas Steigen, sealing the successful scholastic journey of a man of quite a formidable character – that is according to the testimony of all the people who spoke at that farewell meeting. Although that night supposedly belonged to the estimable Professor, it also served as a forum to highlight a lifetime’s achievement, the establishment of a promising citadel of learning. As in the words of one of the speakers, the UTG has become an instrument of progress for Gambians. Well, that is exactly what was in the mind of its architects at the point of conception. But the get-together also provided an opportunity for the authorities in charge of the country’s most senior of educational institutions to share from the experiences of the old hands. University education is an essential machination of development; this is manifested in the tremendous change we can clearly see in an array of sectors in this country; from the commercial sector to the security institutions. Education, in terms of provision of teachers for the basic education sector, is another area that has been benefiting greatly from the establishment of UTG. There is an enormous potential from the UTG in the long run, the achievement of which largely depends on consolidation of current gains, which would serve as precursors for future gains. But before all this, the memories of the old hands will be quite crucial, as their experience will kind of serve as a guiding light for the current breed of leaders. That is an aspect of Professor Steigen’s farewell speech that deserves thorough consideration. And it is an area that is thought worthy of emphasizing on. Author: DO FAO boss on acquacultureTuesday, October 07, 2008 Malcolm Duthie, FAO country representative, has stated that aquaculture has to be the way forward if we are to ensure long term food security in The Gambia. He was speaking recently in Banjul, at the launching of a project backed by his agency, a Technical Co-operation Programme (TCP) in collaboration with The Gambia government through the Department of State for Fisheries, Water Resources and National Assembly Matters. He further observed that as with rice production and other essential grains, the country has to move away from being dependent on only the whims of nature to provide ever increasing amounts of food. According to him, we cannot simply rely on the sea and the river to continue to provide regular supplies of fish, which he added forms a vital source of affordable protein in this country. The FAO representative said the program is aimed at helping in the development of sustainable Aquaculture systems adding that it involves a total cost of more than US$408.000.00 for a period of 2 years. According to him, the project is meant to assist the government in providing technical guidance and backstopping in the implementation of the country’s strategic framework for sustainable aquacultural development. He further added that it is also meant to build capacity in public institutions to support the development of the sub-sector. He finally thank the government through the Department of State for Fisheries, Water Resource and National Assembly Matters for their approval of the Technical Cooperation Programme. He concluded by wishing them success in the implementation of the project adding that it should directly assist over 100 fish farmers whose livelihood depends on aquaculture. Author: by Salifu Touray NTA and the schoolsTuesday, September 30, 2008 Editor, Let me add my voice to the recent developments surrounding the closing of training institutions by the National Training Authority (NTA). Within a span of two weeks or so, five institutions were closed down; now the question remains what will be the fate of the students? In as much as every stakeholder has something to lose, the students are the biggest losers. What will happen to all the months they have spent learning? What of the fees they have already paid to these institutions? In the first instance, why has the NTA allowed the situation to go so bad that these institutions have to be close? Or should the question be why is the NTA taking such drastic actions now? Why now? Have they not been doing what they were mandated to do? To be regularly doing quality assurance checks on these schools and advice them on their deficiencies? Well what has been done is done; there is no need to go back. Now the only thing they can do for the students is to create an environment where these institutes can merge and forma single institute, retaining all the qualified tutors from these affected institutes. And this, I think, will solve their concern about the lack of adequate and qualified tutors from the various institutes concerned. This will help the students – who have everything to lose from the closures of these institutes - to continue with their education. For the record, I agree very much with the closing down of any learning centre that is not delivering quality education to its students. As much as we need these centres, the quality of our graduating students who will serve in the development endeavours of our beloved nation should not be compromised. I am urging the NTA to keep up the momentum and ensure that there is quality education rendered to our students. Kebba Foon Kerr Sering Author: DO Three More Institutions ClosedThursday, September 25, 2008 The National Training Authority acting within the powers vested on it has again served temporary closure notice to three other training institutions within the Greater Banjul Area, bringing the total number of training institutions temporarily closed within five months. The institutions namely Humanity First in Latrikunda, YWCA St. Martha’s Skills Training Centre in Fajikunda and Cinchips Computer and Secretarial Institute in Churchills town were ordered to temporary close down business following discovery by the NTA that these institutions failed to apply for registration and accreditation despite several correspondence to the effect. This development, readers would recall, comes on the heels of the temporary closure of BanutuBusinessCollege in Lamin and Stratford College of Management. This also follows the discovery that current facilities and number of trainers were assessed to be seriously inadequate to either operate as a provider or capable of conducting the number and levels of courses to be on offer. The National Training Authority established by an act of parliament in 2002, has Regulatory Supervisory and Monitoring functions over all public and private skills training institutions/providers operating in The Gambia. These functions among others include the receipt and review of applications for registration and accreditation as a provider or to be licensed as a trainer for specific courses and levels. “The NTA therefore advised all training institutions not to engage the services of anyone who does not possess a valid Trainers License issued by the NTA Registration and Accreditation Lead Body”, a news release from the NTA stated. NTA shuts down 3 more schoolsThursday, September 25, 2008 In pursuance of its quality audit mechanism in ensuring standard and quality training in institutions and colleges in the country, the National Training Authority (NTA), acting on its powers, has temporarily closed down three more training institutions, thus bringing the number to five (5), within a space of two weeks. According to reports from the Authority, Humanity First The Gambia, located in Serrekunda; YWCA St Martha’s Skills Training Centre in Fajikunda; and the Cinchips Computer and Secretariat Institute at 70 Kombo Sillah Drive, have been temporarily closed until such a time that the NTA is satisfied that reasonable steps have been taken to improve on standards. The report went on to say that the move was a follow-up to the approval and in line with the Authority’s continuous assessment procedures to ensure compliance, as quality audit visits are conducted as a matter of routine on the provider, as well as subsequent inspection of trainers’ license. The report further indicated that any institution assessed and found with system deficiencies or engaging unlicensed trainers are either served with temporary closure notice or closed down permanently. It further went on to say that NTA will continue to carry out vigorous quality audit visits on institutions with a view to ensuring proper training aids, adequate and decent rooms and, above all, the provision of quality course delivery programmes. It also firmly warned that any institution, public or private, that fails to meet the requirements and standards set by the Authority, which are geared towards achieving quality service delivery, shall face the consequences. The report also seeks to remind all trainers without valid licenses, or those whose applications for registration have been rejected that they face punitive measures. It can be recalled that the National Training Authority recently announced a temporal closure of five schools in the Greater Banjul Area. Author: by Hatab Fadera The responsibility of scholarship beneficiariesThursday, August 14, 2008 Editor I think any Gambian given a scholarship for further studies should sign a bond to come back and serve our country, teaching in our schools and colleges, part time, 2-3hrs a day for 3-4 days a week, for the number of years spent on studying. This will help us save money paid to non-Gambians. We can use the extra money to buy more tools for these institutions. Don't get me wrong, I appreciate the contribution of the foreigners teaching in our country. They are smart, intelligent and very good in the teaching field. Dia Khan Author: DO The Economy: The Gambian economy in 14 years Monday, July 21, 2008 The development prospect of any nation is dependent on its economy. Therefore, one would expect that the conspicuous development transformation The Gambia has undergone since July 22, 1994 can only be credited to a parallel achievement in an economic sector that continues to receive clean bills of health from international financial and monetary institutions around the world. What was a traditionally agriculture-dependent economy has over the years manifested promising tendencies towards industrialization, with the private sector being led by tourism, trading and fisheries, which are experiencing modest growth. Already, the banking and financial sector has been given a new outlook, with no sign of a halt to the inflow of more financial institutions. The APRC government under President Jammeh, and the policies they instituted over the years have been very receptive of the financial sectors and that has made it possible for the enormous growth in the sector. All these factors have enabled the country to progress and the people to be provided with alternative sources of finances to suit their varying needs, all in the quest for national development. There is so much capital inflow into the country that we are all spoilt for choice in our banking needs and all these are credited to the government’s judicious management of the economy. The Dalasi did finally stabilize after some shaky times in the last quarter of 2007, with the exchange rate market remaining stable as revealed in the diagram below as per international currencies. In 2008, growth in GDP of The Gambian economy is projected at 6.5 % promised on continued growth in tourism, telecommunications and construction. We must, however, not ignore possibilities of uncertainties in the global economy which could slow economic output. Earlier this year, an International Monetary Fund (IMF) staff mission arived in the country to conduct discussions for the 2008 Article IV consultation and the third review under the Poverty Reduction and Growth Facility (PRGF) arrangement. The mission met with The Gambian Secretary of State for Finance and Economic Affairs, the Governor of the Central Bank of The Gambia (CBG) and some other high profile authorities in the economic sector, as well as representatives of the civil society, and the country’s development partners. Their verdict at that meeting amounted to a total approval of the country’s economic policies. Part of that report revealed that real GDP growth had been realized at over 6 percent a year, a performance that compares favorably with the record of other countries in the region. Growth was said to be led by the construction, tourism, and telecommunications sectors, facilitated by a steady inflow of foreign direct investment and remittances. A relatively tight monetary policy stance and appreciation of the Dalasi helped contain the impact of rising world food and oil prices on inflation in The Gambia. Inflation rose to 6-7 percent during most of 2007 from less than 1 percent in December 2006. The country also managed to reach the target for the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) Initiative, which enabled it to qualify for debt cancelation from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank Group's International Development Association (IDA). A total relief from all of The Gambia's creditors was worth nearly US$67 million in Net Present Value (NPV) terms, which is equivalent to 27 percent of total debt outstanding after the full use of traditional debt relief mechanisms. Preliminary data on Government fiscal operations showed that in the five months to the end of May 2008, revenue and grant totaled GMD1.58 billion, more than the GMD1.66 billion in the corresponding period of the previous year. Total expenditure and net lending amounted to GMD1.51 billion, compared to GMD1.48 billion in the same period last year. The overall budget surplus (including Grants) on commitment basis was GMD102.5 million, but lower than the GMD159.6 million during the same period in the previous year. The budget surplus (excluding grants) on commitment basis declined to GMD51.4 million during the period under review from GMD119.7 million in the corresponding period, a year earlier. As at end-June 2008, gross International Reserves totaled GMD2.9 billion or US $142.8 million equivalent to 5.1 months of import cover. Development in the foreign exchange market continued to be characterized by increased transaction volumes. Volume of transactions in the inter-bank market increased to US $1.6 billion in the year to end - June 2008 compared to US $1.4 billion a year ago. Between December 2007 and June 2008, the Dalasi appreciated against all major world currencies traded in the inter-bank foreign exchange market except the Swedish Kroner. The Dalasi strengthened against the British Pound Sterling, US Dollar, Euro and the CFA by 8.5%, 2.3% and 3.7% respectively while depreciating by 3.0% against the Swedish Kroner. Author: DO Commit awards partners Tuesday, July 15, 2008 Commit Information Technology, one of the leading players in The Gambia’s IT Industry, on Saturday, gave awards to various institutions and individuals in recognition of their invaluable contribution to the company over the years at a ceremony held at the company's premises in Kotu. Among the institutions awarded were The Gambia Ports Authority, Gambia Telecommunications Company Ltd, Gambia Teachers Credit Union, Reliance Financial Services, and OK Gambia. Individuals who were also awarded included Bai Gaye of GPA, Seedy Njie of Reliance Financial Services, Alhagie Sanneh of OK Gambia, and Ada Musu of RWSSP. In the same vein, the company also inaugurated a showroom at its office complex that displays varieties of the latest IT equipment. Speaking at the occasion, Dr Amadou Scattered Janneh, managing director of Commit, said the day was conceived to show appreciation to their customers, noting that the modest success so far achieved could not have been possible without their support. According to him, his company, which is registered both in The Gambia and the United States, is dedicated to the provision of high-quality and affordable information and communication technology products and services to institutions and individuals in West Africa. “We are proud to say that the company is a leading player in The Gambia’s IT Industry. From supplying computers for the 2006 Banjul AU Summit to setting up networks as well as providing computers and printers for an array of institutions, Commit’s performance is second to none. The company will remain in the forefront of technological advancement in the country and the sub-region at large,” he said. According to Dr Janneh, his company has in stock all types of modern IT equipment and other home entertainment devices, noting that they are backed by a team of professional engineers with a state-of-the -art technical support facility to provide the best after-sales services. He saluted the staff, describing them as seasoned professionals with solid backgrounds and experiences. He then stated that his company is on the verge of embarking on a new project in the country. At the end of the occasion, all the guests were given a brand new Sony memory stick. Other speakers at the ceremony included Aminata Jagne, administration manager, and Rohey Conateh, 2007 Face of Africell contestant, who moderated the program. Author: by Hatab Fadera NUGS Admits MembersTuesday, June 10, 2008 The National Union of Gambian Students (NUGS) which was originally formed by six tertiary institutions has now increased its membership to eight. Two new student unions, namely Informally accepting the new entrants, Mr. Ebrima Sanneh, President of the NUGS, described the occasion as a great triumph for their efforts and a land mark achievement during his tenure at office. Mr. Sanneh affirmed that their goal has always been to expand and strengthen the NUGS to make it a real national union. Author: By Lamin Darboe Nigeria NYSC top brass visits The Gambia Wednesday, May 28, 2008 A group of high ranking officials from the National Youth Service Corps of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, yesterday arrived in the country as guests of the National Youth Service Scheme of The Gambia. The team, led by Brig. General Yusuf Bomoi, director general of the Nigerian NYSC, were received on arrival at the Banjul International Airport by Mambanyick Njie, permanent secretary at the department of state for Youth and Sports, Musa Mbaye, director general of the National Youth Service Scheme, Yankuba Colley, the Lord Mayor of Kanifing Municipal Council as well as some senior military officers of the Gambia Armed Forces. Welcoming the delegates, Mr Mambanyick Njie permanent secretary at the department of state for youth and sports described the visit as the beginning of a smart partnership programme between the two institutions, noting that it would accord both parties to indicated that both institutions stood a great chance to benefit a lot from it. “Although they share almost the same objectives, there are certain programs that are not offered by the two institutions. An example of this is the National Youth Service Scheme apprentiship program which is not offered by Nigeria’s National Youth Service Corps”, he said, noting that the apprentiship programme is appreciated by the Nigerian officials.
According to him, during their course of stay in the country, the delegates would pay a courtesy call on President Jammeh, and that they would pay visits to a handful of places, including the President’s home village, the NYSS rice field in Sapu, a select group of Ex corps member’s workshops, as well as organising a round table conference, where discussions would be made for for the improvement of the service delivery systems of the two sister institutions. Brigadier General Yusuf Bemoi, on his part, expressed gratitude for the hospitable and warm welcome accorded to them. According to him, their visit was meant to explore areas of mutual cooperation for the benefits of their institutions. “We are also here to see how the Gambian NYSS is doing. The visit will also create a platform where both officials of the two institutions will exchange views and ideas for effective and efficient service delivery of the two institutions,” he said. Brigadier General Bemoi also noted that possible support of technical assistance to the Gambia NYSS will be looked into. He expressed his institution’s continued collaboration with the NYSS. Author: by Hatab Fadera |
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