Mr George Gomez Executive Director of the Gambia National Olympic Committee (GNOC), Chef de mission of the Olympics, in an interview with The Point commended the Chinese people for organising the just concluded Olympics with great success.

He said there was a Gambian delegation which comprised Mr Sheriff Gomez Secretary of State for Youth and Sports, Alajie Abou Dandeh Njie President of GNOC, George Gomez, Abdoulie Touray Secretary General of GNOC, Fred Lloyd Evans team leader and Dodou Joof technical director.
He said, " we used the opportunity to network with countries that may be of assistance to our sports development efforts. We had series of meetings with the Jamaican, German, Malaysian and Japanese National Olympic Committees. We requested assistance in numerous areas including training programs for our athletes.''

Mr Gomez said Gambia's marching dress was considered the best dress of the games and the OIC requested us to donate a set of male and female to be displayed in the OIC museums as a lasting legacy for the Beijing Olympic games. The presentation was done by the president Of GNOC Alajie Abou Dandeh Njie.

‘‘We paid a courtesy call to the Taiwan NOC to cement our relations and help build bridges between the two countries, they appreciated our visit and proposed an exchange visit between our two countries,'' he stated.

Mr Gomez asserted that Sheriff Gomez, the Secretary of State for youth and Sports, led the Gambian delegation to a very important meeting with the president of the German NOC, Dr. Thomas Bach, who is also the vice president of the International Olympic Committee to present him a certificate awarded to Mr Obaman, who was The Gambia's national coach of football in the 1980’s.

Obaman was included in The Gambia honourary sports merit list for his contribution to the development of football in The Gambia.

He was seconded to The Gambia and was the first coach to bring Gambia final in zone 2 played in 1980 in Banjul Box bar stadium which Gambia lost 1-0 to Senegal.

Mr Gomez added the Gambian delegation held further discussions with the German NOC president Dr. Bach who has offered to send an evaluation team to The Gambia to assess our needs and, based on the report, they will decide what to do to help. Serbia is also ready to consider a request for help from The Gambia.

The senior national Team Coach Paul Put will meet with the team managers of Gambian starlets Omar Koroma, Mustapha Carayol, Edirisa Sonko and Cherno Samba who are all plying their trade in England as part of a five-day mission to Europe.

Coach Put, who left Banjul for Belgium yesterday, will be on a players scouting tour in the UK and will have the chance to meet Gambian International Mustapha Carayol’s team Torquay who play against CrawleyTown on Saturday.

The same day he will meet two other players, Omar Koroma and Cherno Samba, in Heathrow. The coach’s visit to the players is in line with his future plans to invite them to play for the senior national team by monitoring their performances with their various clubs.

Coach Put will also be meeting a company called Gert Laereman. The company specialises in the organization of training camps and friendly games inside Europe and will hold talks and make a proposal for a friendly match with a senior national team in either Belgium, France, Holland or the UK.

He said this is as a result of the lesson he learnt recently in his efforts to stage a friendly game for the Scorpions with Iran that never materialised. “ It was very unfortunate that the test game could not take place before our Liberia game in Banjul,” he pointed out.

The Scorpions boss, who will have a busy schedule for the five-day trip will also be meeting with Sportsvus, a Belgian company that deals with an analysing DVD system of football matches. According to him, he intends to be using the system for the matches of the senior national team and even for the U-20 and 17 categories. “I have an appointment with the company as I am working on the need to analyse the matches of the senior national team. I have already bought the licence from the company and have already made analysis of the Liberian team using the system and will show it to the players when they are in camp. This system is in use by some of the major clubs in Europe and is in line with the professionalism I wish to introduce into our training routines with the national teams.”

While in Belgium, he will also be meeting with sport equipment dealers Jako for equipment sponsorship for the national teams.

He is expected back in Banjul on Thursday August 28th 2008 and two days later will head for camp with the team at the Seaview hotel, ahead of their crucial group 6 game against bottom placed Liberia in Banjul scheduled for September 6.

The group is headed by Senegal with 8 points, Algeria claimed the second spot with 6 followed by the Gambia with 5. Liberia are at the bottom of the group with 2 points following two draws against The Gambia and Senegal at home.

The Head of Mission at the UNHCR has again stressed that cessation is an international instrument that enables a refugee to cease being a refugee.

Sekou K. Saho, the Head of Mission UNHCR in The Gambia, said cessation means refugees ceasing to be refugees. “People can’t be refugees forever, especially when there was war and the war is over. This is the case of Sierra Leonean refugees. From the 31st of December 2008 the UNHCR is going to close cessation for Sierra Leonean refugees. UNHCR will tell all Sierra Leonean nationals that they are no longer refugees. He said there are two who think they can’t go back home once cessation is declared. “There are a few who still need protection, they could be interviewed by authorities and would let them stay if their causes are genuine,” he said.

Mr. Saho further said that a Voluntary Repatriation, scheme known as “Vol Rep” exists. This allows the refugee to return home with dignity. They are given $100 for adults and $50 for each child plus tickets.

Talking on the condition of travel, Sekou Sahou says, “It depends on if the place you are returning to is safe. If the authorities in the country of origin say it is safe for refugees to return, then we can send the refugees.” The process for refugee return is slow because it passes through a process. “We wait for them to say it is convenient to send the refugees. Many are anxious to see their home but this is what holds them from going as expected. They should just be patient and they will go,” he said.

Saho, the Head of Mission, said the other part of the refugee issue is integration in the country. “We know that some are married to Gambians but for others who want it we would help to get work permit, thank God the Alien Card was wavered by President Jammeh including refugees. UNHCR will help with resident and work permits come January 2009. We shall pay for two years after that you are no longer a refugee.

The third option is resettlement. There is no resettlement now but families overseas can file in for resettlement, Mass Resettlement has ceased for Liberian and Sierra Leonean refugees.

He said refugees who prefer repatriation should go to the office and fill the VFDF form with four passport photos and your refugee card as evidence for adults. Some, he said, give up their place because they are returning home. This, he said, was wrong as their going arrangement is slow but sure. In conclusion he said, “If the number of refugees is large then we can help to arrange for a boat

The Scorpions are heroes with a mission. Their mission is to capture three points from the Fennecs of Algeria or at the very worst secure one point. It is only by doing so that Gambian hopes of qualification for the World and African Cup of Nations can be kept alive. So far the Scorpions share the top of the table with Senegal as both teams have five points. The Scorpions have drawn 1-1 with Liberia, 0-0 with Senegal and defeated Algeria by 1-0 in Banjul. Algeria are in third position with three points and Liberia are in fourth with two points. As Coach Paul Put has advised, we should take this qualification campaign one game at a time. Our last match was played in Banjul against Algeria and was a success as the Scorpions maintained solid passing and controlled the game throughout the match. There are many fans however who believe that the boys could have netted a few more goals.

Be that as it may, that Algeria game is behind us now. The next encounter is again against Algeria but this time it is in Algiers. Although many fans will not be there to give support it is still hoped that the boys will tighten their belts, seize their goal-scoring opportunities and come home with a victory.

This is a legitimate hope on the part of the Gambian public. The team must realise their position in the race for qualification. The team may have received one or two knocks during the last match but are relatively free of injuries. Coach Put and his assistants are looking very sharp at the moment and are pushing the team technically as well as psychologically. We therefore wish the team a very successful game in Algiers. We advise the team to banish from their minds any fear of “terrorist threats”, especially seeing that the GFA has informed FIFA and the CAF of those filthy threats.

The Gambian media are commended for their efforts to speak with the boys and their accompanying officials, and are further encouraged to transmit relevant information and support from the fans at home.

As we are all probably aware, this weekend will reveal the overall standings of the teams prior to their taking a short break until September. The Gambia will in September end the present series by hosting Liberia here at home and playing away to Senegal.Final fixtures for the teams are :

Week-End of 5th-7thSeptember –

GAM Vs LIBERIA ( in Banjul)

ALGERIA Vs SENEGAL (in Algeria)

Week- End of 10thto 12thOctober

LIBERIA Vs ALGERIA (in Liberia)

SENEGAL Vs GAMBIA(in Senegal)

Following the successful completion of their peace keeping mission training, carried out by the Swedish police, 14 police officers last Thursday went to Sudan for the UN peace-keeping mission. A ceremony was held at police headquarters in Banjul to see them off. The officers manifested and demonstrated their readiness to serve and support in peace-keeping operations either in conflict or post-conflict situations or in re-construction work as witnessed in many areas around the world.

 In his keynote Address the Deputy Inspector General of Police, Alhagie Momodou Gaye, said that The Gambia Police force has always working closely in partnership with both AU and the UN to ensure the continuous existence of peace in conflict areas. “Therefore I am quite confident that this contingent will manifest this and make us very proud by flying our national colours at higher heights,” he said.

Mr. Gaye pointed out that peace-keeping missions are not for financial gain but to sacrifice for your fellow human beings who are the victims of conflict in their various areas in the World. The operation is costly to both the Government and the officers involved. “Since my office has organised pre-deployment training sessions for the stand-by force to keep them abreast with the challenges they are expected to encounter,” he stated.

Deputy IGP therefore thanked all those people who contributed immensely either directly or indirectly to make the pre-deployment training of this contingent successful.

For his part, the Police adviser F.R.I. Jammeh urged the officers to maintain their hard work and avoid things that are against the rules and regulations of the UN peace-keeping mission in Darfur. He said the important thing in peace keeping missions is to perform your duty in the way of expected of you. He said the officers were well prepared and no doubt that they rise the flag of The Gambia Police Force higher and higher, “ The Gambia is well recognised in peace keeping missions in world and we advise them to stay away from drug trafficking as well sexual harassment during their tour of duty.

He said the contingent is comprised of young officers who have the talents to represent The Gambia anywhere. He advised them to plan for small amount being paid to them, to make good use of it and let them also remember that they have the family back home.

The farewell ceremony was graced by Edward Sambou, Commissioner of finance, Inspector Sulayman Secka, Public Relations Officer of The Gambia Police Force and Superintendent Ebrima Bah, Personal Assistant to Inspector General of Police.    

In a global world where we touch each other and interact in a spec of time, marriage between Alex Edgbim also known as Sir Larry, and Michelle Rosaline Mendy comes as a blessing when they wed at the Anglican Church at Serrekunda. This attracted hundreds of friends and family members. After feeling strong about their relationship they both answered ‘yes’ in unison for the better or worst. Sir Larry who comes from Nigeria has lived in The Gambia for sometime where he met his life long partner both of who are seasoned teachers and are well respected. Read along and see what the feeling of the people and themselves were at the wedding where Nigerians and Gambians met to exchange love to its highest degree.

People from all walks of life including teachers, businessmen, house makers, tailors, policemen, very good friends and Education Secretaries were present to praise God for their friends.

Rev. Fr. Jacob Cole, the officiating clergy from the Anglican Mission, in his sermon said, “Rosaline take care of Alex, share your Butut and Dalasis together, plan together and endevour together. Friends and well wishers should give you time in your marriage. Nothing in this world is owned by you, have patient with each other. The striking thing about the vow is this, listen and stick together for better or for worst, don’t desert one another.”  He further said that when days are rough they should stand strong, when the wave is rough wait don’t swim. “Life, Alex and Rosaline is like the tidal wave, swim when it is not rough. Swim together when the tide is good. Remember there is no perfect marriage, people only try. Do not copy from any marriage, live your marriage.” He said. Christ, he said has ordained and beautified marriage, so that it can be ratified. “Seek God first everyday of your life, so that you will succeed and be a shinning example, in the name of the father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, amen.” Fr. Cole said.

Deacon Emma Molah, the main sponsor of the wedding between Micky and Lex, said there is no place like home. He said there is no need going to search for a woman far away when you have her near you. There is no place like home. “This intermarriage is to strengthen our love, that’s what is happening now. The love between The Gambia and Nigeria is gaining strength day by day. There is no difference marrying in Nigeria or here, he found love and peace of mind.” 

Deacon further said that the mixture of Gambian and Nigeria is wonderful. “We sang the two anthems, meaning we are heading somewhere.” He said. In his advice, Deacon said, “The two are teachers, I am their sponsors, our brother should love his wife and our sister should obey the husband. Most importantly, the love of Christ, peace and love will reign in their family.”  

Marie Mendy, the Accountant at the Catholic Education Secretariat, in answering how she sees a Manjago wedding a Nigerian for better or for worse, she says, “There is no difference we are all Africans. They are both Christians and God has ordained it so, that this day they would wed. It is great!”

Sir Larry, the man of the moment said, “I never expected it this way but all the same I thank God Almighty. It is done once in ones life time, knowing very well that it is an international marriage, it is not easy for a Nigerian to fall in love and marry and I have done it, I thank God the Almighty. Life goes on after this, there are so many plans and we plan ahead to do so many things. I cannot say where I will do the things I have planned to do but I will leave it in God’s hands. I would want to thank all my Gambian friends, Nigerian friends and those who came without me extending an invitation to them. I thank all of you for being part of my day. May God bless you and them all, amen.”

Abraham Jatta, the MC of the occasion who is a Nigerian but given a Gambian name said White men have invented a lot of things including aeroplane but blacks have invented late ‘coming.’ He said their previous mother and the High Commissioner to The Gambia, Madam Muhamed (MMM), had said “Every good woman must get a husband.” He dismissed the notion that Nigerians deal in drug and said they are just hard working. He recounted the way he suffered and how others suffer before they stand strong like real men.

In an further example of their support to the education and health sectors in The Gambia, the Seventh Day-Adventist Church in The Gambia recently donated medical books worth over 20,000 US dollars to the University of The Gambia School of Medicine.

Speaking at the presentation ceremony, Mr. Emmanuel P. Smith, the Director of the Seventh-Day Adventist Mission in The Gambia stated that the donation is in fulfillment of his promise to President Jammeh who, during his visit to the US, made a stop over visit to the Seventh-Day Advantist headquaters in Maryland.

 “In response to the president calling, the Seventh-Day Adventist’s have sent over 500 boxes of medical books to the school of medicine. The church is going to be sending medical professional doctors to the school of medicine to help train doctors, physicians and nurses in the field of medical work,” he said.

In receiving the items, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Malick Njie, expressed gratitude to the mission for their “noble gesture”. He added that the gesture will go a long way in helping to raise the level of education and health in the country and promised to use the books for their intended purpose.

 Dr. Mariatou Jallow, Chief Medical Director at the RVTH, commended the mission for the laudable gesture and promised to put the donated items to good use. She also said that they are elated and moved by the gesture, adding, “this could not have come at a better time as health is my first priority.”   

For his part, Dr. Ousman Nyan Head of Department School of Medicine at the University of The Gambia, also thanked the mission for the laudable gesture in the development of the health and education sectors in The Gambia. He noted that medicine is about the whole human being, which is teaching and learning. He also promised that the items will be put to good use even those in the hospital he concluded.

Other speakers included the Councilor of Ebo town Jeshwang ward Modou Lamin Badjie.

At least 1,000 people from various parts of the Central River Region North recently witnessed the laying of the foundation stone for Jamaly Cluster Health Centre in Jamaly village in the Sami District CRR North.

Speaking at the ceremony, the Governor of CRR, Alh. Ganyie Touray, spoke at length on the importance of health, adding that health is the number one priority in President Jammeh’s development agenda.

He then commended the Methodist Mission for collaborating with the government to provide the community of Jamaly with a modern health centre. He also commended the efforts of Mr. Ousman Njie a native of the area.

He then urged the community of the area to be supportive during the course of the construction work.

For his part, the Chairman and General Superintendent of the Methodist Mission, Mr. Norman Gregg said this is a partnership between the Methodist Mission and the Government. Mr. Gregg added that the Methodist Mission will fund the construction and the provision of medicines while the Government will provide the doctors and Nurses.

He commended Mr. Ousman Njie, the project coordinator, Chief of Sami Seyfor Morro Jawla and the Alkalo Demba Njie for the providing the land for a site. He said without their support there would be no success.

Seyfo Morro Jawla, Chief of Sami, saluted President Jammeh and the Methodist Mission for their foresight and good initiative. He added that this health centre will not only serve the people of Sami but the country at large. He commended Ousman Njie for spearheading the project and described him as a patriotic citizen.

Other speakers included Demba Njie Alkalo and Sheriff Hydara a Marabout.

The programme was chaired by the Rev. Father Malanding Mendy.

Space Shuttle Atlantis has landed on runway 15 of the Kennedy Space Center Shuttle Landing Facility, completing the STS-122 mission to the International Space Station (ISS). Landing occurred at the earliest opportunity today, with Atlantis touching down at 14:07:10 GMT (09:07:10 local time), following a de-orbit burn at 13:00 GMT, and entry interface at 13:35. Wheel-stop occurred at 14:08:08 GMT.

During STS-122, the Columbus module was installed on the space station, a nitrogen coolant tank was replaced, and a the CMG-3 control gyroscope, which had been removed during the STS-118 mission last August, was collected for return to Earth. Three spacewalks were conducted. The mission lasted 12 days, 18 hours, 21 minutes, and 40 seconds.

Seven astronauts returned to Earth aboard Atlantis; Stephen Frick, Alan G. Poindexter, Leland D. Melvin, Rex J. Walheim, Hans Schlegel, Stanley G. Love, and Daniel M. Tani. Léopold Eyharts was launched aboard Atlantis, but remained aboard the station, replacing Tani as part of the Expedition 16 crew. Tani returned to Earth after 120 days in space as a member of Expedition 16. He was originally scheduled to return in December, however this was delayed because of problems launching Atlantis.

Atlantis' successful landing means that there is now no impediment to the US Navy's attempt to destroy a failed satellite in orbit, which is expected to occur at 03:30 GMT tomorrow morning. This could not have been conducted before Atlantis landed, as the debris it is expected to create could have damaged the Shuttle as it descended from orbit.

The next Space Shuttle mission, STS-123, using the Space Shuttle Endeavour, is scheduled to launch in early March, with Japanese and Canadian components for the Space Station. Atlantis' next mission will be STS-125, the final mission to service the Hubble Space Telescope, which is scheduled for launch in late August.