Speaking at a meeting, Governor Lamin Sanneh assured the new Gunjur (Alkalo) village head of his office’s full support. He implored the new Alkalo to execute his functions without fear or favour.

For his part, Chief of Kombo South Sheriff Aja Sanneh thanked the new Alkalo for accepting to serve in the post. Alhagie Saiboni Cham a village elder applauded the new Alkalo for his good leadership qualities.

Mr. Njai Sama Dampha, the newly appointed Chief of Niamina West District in the Central River Region, has spoken about his plans for his district as the new chief.

In an exclusive interview with this reporter, Seyfo Dampha expressed his resolve to bring sustainable and continuous development and help build good relationship between the elites in his district. “I will try to resolve the disputes amongst the citizens of Niamina West. I will try to know the problems of the people of my district because it is easier to solve a problem when you study it,” he said.

According to the Niamina West chief, education, health and agriculture would be among his top priorities for the development of his district.

He also promised to encourage women empowerment in agricultural production by helping to facilitate the acquisition of agricultural tools. “I would try by all means to help empower the women of my district to enable them engage more in agricultural production,” he added.

He also expressed his gratitude to President Jammeh, whom he said is development- oriented, for the trust and confidence bestowed in him.

“It is challenging but I will do all that I can to serve the people of my district and The Gambia at large to the best of my ability,” he said.

Prior to his new appointment, Chief Dampha worked with Catholic Relief Service (CRS), ADWAC and UNICEF. He replaces Mr. Kekuta Jawo of Niamina Kumbaney.

The Guinean lady, who allegedly caused the death of her newly born baby, on Monday made disturbing revelations at the Bundung Magistrates’ Court as her trial over infanticide continues.

Jainaba Jallow, currently in detention at the State Central Prison in Banjul, told the court that she has been driven away by her husband after the two had a misunderstanding and, at a time when she was pregnant.

“After being driven out of the house, I got a house in Sanchaba Sulay Jobe to dwell in until such time I could gather some money to go back to Guinea to deliver as I had no relative in The Gambia,” she recalled.

“But during the struggle to gather money to go back to Guinea, I had a problem with my stomach which reflected on the foetus. On 18 February 2008, my stomach began to pain but my plea for help wasn’t heeded. I struggled with the foetus until I gave birth but the child was born still. I notified my landlord who later reported the matter to Bakoteh police station.”

The case continues on 13 May 2008.