World News - .geographical media - RSS

DoSA, TTM, others work on President Jammeh’s farms

Mon, 24 Nov 2008 05:40:46 GMT

1 of 3

Monday, November 24, 2008

As harvesting takes centre stage in the farming arena and as part of a response to President Jammeh’s call for support in harvesting Kanilai farms, thousands of individuals from different works of life, continue to arrive at President Jammeh’s farms in Kanilai to help in harvesting the president’s farms.

The staff of the Department of State for Agriculture (DoSA); the Taiwanese Technical Mission (TTM) from Sapu in the Central River Region; Chief Bakary Dembo Badjie of Bulenghart and his people from the Foni Bondali District; over 300 people from the Guinean community in The Gambia, and many others, over weekend, all went to work on the president’s farms to take part in the harvesting.

At the Kampant rice field, the staff of DoSA and the Taiwanese Technical Mission staff were seen harvesting rice and at the same time threshing the harvested rice before bagging it for storage.

Speaking to journalists, Sidi Jarjue, permanent secretary one, DoSA, said President Jammeh’s back-to-the-land call is a demonstration to all Gambians that agriculture is the main hope for people to rely on in order to get out of poverty.

He also commended President Jammeh, who doubles as the secretary of state for agriculture, for his support and intervention in the agricultural sector.
PS Jarjue also used the opportunity to congratulate President Jammeh on the three international awards he received recently.

James Tsay, head of the Taiwanese Technical Mission at Sapu said their mission to The Gambia is to work together with Gambian people to share their experience and technology.

He said there are great potentials in agriculture in The Gambia and expressed hope that there will be a bumper harvest in rice production this year. Amadou Bojang, the custodian of the Kampant rice fields said last year he got 200 bags of rice and hopes to have over 400 bags of rice this year.

From Kampant, we also visited the palm tree garden at Kanilai, where we met over 300 members of the Guinean community in The Gambia and over 100 people from Bulenghart village in Foni Bondali, led by Chief Bakery Dembo Badjie. The group was harvesting the president’s millet farm.

Chief Bakary Dembo Badjie said he was delighted with the work at the Kanilai Farms. He promised to mobilize more people from his district to work on the president’s farm.
Ebrima Jallow, vice president of the Guinean community in the Gambia said Guineans residing in the country are happy with the president’s work.

He described President Jammeh as a visionary leader who should be emulated by all African presidents to make Africa a hunger-free continent. From Kanilai, we also visited the president’s groundnut, rice and sorrel farms in Batanding village, Somita, where we met a group of men and women working on the farm.

Author: by Assan Sallah

FAO director general arrives in The Gambia

Mon, 10 Nov 2008 06:07:25 GMT

Monday, November 10, 2008

Dr Jacques Diouf, the Director General of United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), yesterday morning, arrived in The Gambia to pay a courtesy call on Alhaji Dr Yahya Jammeh, president of the Republic of The Gambia.

The UNFAO director general’s two day official visit will be centered on strengthening the bilateral cooperation and programmes, among others, between The Gambia and UNFAO.

Speaking to journalists shortly after his arrival at the Banjul International Airport, Dr. Diouf said he was on an official visit to meet with President Jammeh, to review the situation of Agriculture in The Gambia, in Africa and in the world at large.

He said the visit would give him the opportunity to strengthen their programmes and bilateral cooperation, as well as to strengthen the south-south cooperation.

Dr Diouf noted that his discussion with President Jammeh would also touch key areas on the global food crisis, animal production, fisheries, aquaculture, among others, all in an effort to avert the food crisis. "The global food crisis has affected Africa greatly because we do not have the elasticity supply of food in response to the soaring food prices contrary to developed countries in other parts of the world", he told reporters.

"Africa deserves a special attention and special support to avert the global food crisis.

The prices are still 50% of what they were in 2005", the FAO boss remarked. He commended President Jammeh for his commitment to Agriculture coupled with his vast-experience in farming activities. Dr Diouf described the gambian leader as a “farmer-in-chief” and expressed hope that their discussion would be fruitful.

Dr Diouf was welcomed at the foot of the aircraft by the Permanent Secretary at the department of state for Agriculture, Seedy Jarjue, secretaries of state for Foreign Affairs, and Forestry and the Environment, Dr Omar Touray, and Momodou Kotu Cham respectively, representatives the UNDP and WHO in The Gambia, as well as staff of the department of state for agriculture.

Author: by Assan Sallah

JAMMEH CALLS FOR PEACE

Fri, 07 Nov 2008 07:14:27 GMT

Friday, November 07, 2008

In Bissau November polls-

The President of the Republic of The Gambia Alhaji Dr Yahya Jammeh, yesterday, presided over a historic political consultative meeting which brought together leaders of 18 political parties from Guinea Bissau. The meeting was convened at the Kairaba Beach Hotel in Kololi.

Initiated by President Jammeh himself, the meeting centered on preparations for the forthcoming Bissau legislative elections, scheduled for November 16, 2008. The one-day meeting was also meant to assist Guinea Bissau political party leaders to deliberate on issues gearing towards strengthening peace and political stability in their country.

The political forum, described by many as historic, also provided the Gambian leader the opportunity to interact with major political party leaders of The Gambia such as Lawyer Ousainou Darboe, Hamat Bah and Lamin Waa Juwara, the party leaders of the UDP, NRP and NDAM respectively. The presence of the Gambian opposition leaders clearly demonstrates his commitment to unity and the promotion of peace and stability in the sub-region.

Addressing the august gathering, President Jammeh said The Gambia was neutral in Bissau politics and that it was up to them to choose their leaders.

Considering the former Portuguese colony as a true friend of The Gambia, president Jammeh however said that the reason behind such a political forum lies on the strong will to reinforce peace and stability ahead of the November 16 legislative election. He then called on the Guinea Bissau politicians to ensure political stability in their country and to distance themselves from politics of violence, abuses and castigations, which he said, would retard the country’s peace and reconstruction processes.

He urged them to obey rules of the electoral body and avoid tribal politics. "No matter what we say here. At the end of the day, the people of Guinea Bissau are responsible for their own peace and tranquillity in the country", he said.

"I heard a lot of things in Bissau that prompted me to visit the country as I want to see for myself the situation on the ground. During my visit, I realized that the people of Guinea need help which resulted to this meeting so as to discuss before you start your politics", the Gambian leader said.

President Jammeh also warned the Guinea Bissau political party leaders to be mindful of tribalism and to forget about the past in order to focus on development.

"Being the majority tribe does not mean that you should be the leader of the country, as Allah determined who leads," the president said, and he went on: "So I want all of you to do your campaign peacefully and free from tribalism."

Making reference to the just concluded historic development in the US, the president argued that President-elect Barack Obama could not have won the presidential election if it was based on tribalism or racism.

As political leaders, President Jammeh told his audience, their sole interests should be the socio-economic development of the country, noting that their first priority should be peace and stability.

While commending his counterpart, President Jao Bernado Nino Viera, for allowing the Guinea political party leaders to respond to his invitation, President Jammeh assured the people of Guinea Bissau of The Gambia’s support.

For his part, Yankuba Touray, the secretary of state for Fisheries, Water Resources and National Assembly Matters, who also doubles as the APRC National Mobiliser, echoed President Jammeh’s remarks, calling on the Guinea Bissau political heads to distance themselves from politics of violence. He said for government to maintain democracy, there needed to be peace and tranquillity.

In The Gambia, SoS Touray indicated, tremendous achievements have been registered in the political system. The APRC National Mobiliser backed his statement by citing the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding amongst Gambian political parties; the existence of equal opportunity for all parties on both national television and radio during election time; the establishment of the inter-party committee, among others.

He consequently urged the leaders to ensure long lasting peace and political stability in their country.

Mousa Gibril Bala Gaye, the secretary of state for Finance and Economic Affairs, who represented Dr Omar Touray, the secretary of state for Foreign Affairs, welcomed the Bissau party leaders to The Gambia and urged them to work towards maintaining peace in their country.

Reacting to comments, a spokesperson of the Guinea Bissau political parties, Eusebio Sebastiao Silva, hailed President Jammeh for inviting them for a meeting of their interest. He described the move as part of the president’s continued commitment to the restoration of peace and stability in Guinea Bissau. He informed the gathering that at least 21 political parties had registered for the upcoming election.

Mr Silva assured the Gambian leader that his advices would be included to the process towards maintaining peace and stability in Bissau. He expressed hope that the Bissau political party leaders would ensure politics of non violence, castigations and abuses. With this meeting, he assured the President that they would follow Gambia’s experience.

Mr Dabal Musa, the Head of ECOWAS Bureau in Banjul hailed President’s Jammeh’s tireless efforts to bring lasting peace and stability in Guinea Bissau.

Malleh Sallah, the vice-chairman of the Independent Electoral Commission and Carlos Salsamendi, the Cuban plenipotentiary to The Gambia all expressed similar sentiments.

Present at the occasion were Aja Dr Isatou Njie-Saidy, the Vice President and Secretary of State for Women’s Affairs, Secretaries of State, National Assembly Members, religious leaders, Diplomats, service chief, traditional chiefs and across section of the public.

A final communiqué will consecrate Banjul meeting.

Author: by Hatab Fadera

President Jammeh receives top IMF official

Tue, 04 Nov 2008 07:23:12 GMT

Tuesday, November 04, 2008

President Alhaji Dr Yahya Jammeh, yesterday, received in his office a top official of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Mr Tsidi M Tsidikata. Mr Tsidikata is the Deputy Division Chief at the Africa Department of the IMF.

He was accompanied to State House by Mousa Gibriel Bala Gaye, the Secretary of State for Finance and Economic Affairs.

Meanwhile, a group of Gambian women, drawn from diverse sectors of society, called on the vice president, Aja Dr Isatou Njie Saidy, in her office, at State House in Banjul.

The vice president received the women on behalf of President Yahya Jammeh, as they sought to renew their "solidarity with the First Family, donating the sum of over D250,000 to Muhammed Yahya Jammeh, son of President Jammeh. The presentation of the donation was done at a colorful ceremony held at the conference room, Office of the Vice President, at State House. Members of the delegation described themselves as sisters of Muhammed Yahya Jammeh.

Speaking at the occasion, Dr Njie-Saidy hailed them for their positive move, describing the gesture as laudable. She noted that their donation was highly appreciated bearing in mind the fact that it came from "willing hearts."

The vice president spoke at length about the importance the Jammeh administration attaches to the advancement of Gambian women, saying that the women folk were not left behind by him. She hailed the immense contribution of the women folk to the socio economic development of the country, urging them to "keep up the momentum."

While calling on them to nurture unity amongst themselves, the vice president assured them that the President Jammeh put the issue of women with high on his development agenda.

The speaker of the National Assembly, Hon. Fatoumatta Jahumpa-Ceesay, who was said to have initiated the move, disclosed that they felt it necessary to please their younger brother, arguing that that was in line with the Gambian tradition. According to her, the women of the Gambia owed a debt of gratitude to President Jammeh who, she said, have always championed the course their empowerment and advancement.

Speaker Jahumpa-Ceesay used the platform to suggest for the Gambian women to be given the opportunity to celebrate the 15-year anniversary of the July 22nd in a grand style.

She noted that such a unique celebration would mean a great deal for the women as it would offer them the opportunity to show their unshakable solidarity, as well as renew their allegiance with the president.

While emphasizing the need for networking within their rank, Speaker Jahumpa-Ceesay commended the women for their support to Muhammed Yahya Jammeh.

Nyimasata Sanneh-Bojang, a veteran politician, noted that although the First Family could afford their the amount of money they donated, their move was significant in that it was meant to show solidarity to the family.

The veteran politician, who last served as the Administrative Secretary of the APRC Party, spoke at length about the numerous interventions made by the Gambian leader to the course of women. She pointed out that the president’s declaration on free maternal service for Gambian women was among many interventions geared towards improving their status.

Madam Sanneh-Bojang expressed, unbehalf of her colleagues, their sincere love for the First Family, and assured that they would ever remain loyal to President Jammeh.

Aji Ndey Conteh, a prominent business woman, described the gesture as their little way of showing solidarity to the First Family, and added that their love for the Gambian leader would ever remain strong.

Many other women who spoke at the occasion expressed similar sentiments and commended Vice President Njie-Saidy and Speaker Jahumpa-Ceesay for their commitment to the Jammeh administration.

Author: by Hatab Fadera

Well done President Jammeh

Tue, 04 Nov 2008 06:37:32 GMT

Tuesday, November 04, 2008

Editor,

Please allow me space in your widely read news paper to thank President Jammeh, for the progress in the fight against malaria in The Gambia. May Allah continue to bless you.

Mohamed keita
Barcelona , spain

Author: DO

Deputy Taiwanese ambassador hails Gambia-Taiwan relations

Mon, 03 Nov 2008 08:18:10 GMT

« previous

1 of 2

Monday, November 03, 2008

As 7 Gambian doctors leave for Taiwan

A team of seven Gambian doctors recently left Banjul for the Republic of China on Taiwan, for a three-year extensive postgraduate studies in various disciplines in the medical field, at the Taiwanese Tri-Service general Hospital.

According to officials confirmed, Dr Alagie Manneh and Dr Ousman Sanyang are going for a postgraduate studies in surgery, while Dr Roberts and Dr Lamin E S Jaiteh will be studying internal medicine. Dr Abubacarr Jagne, Dr Mustapha Bitaye and Dr Abdoulie Keita will all be studying obstetrics and gynaecology.

Speaking at the ceremony at the Royal Victoria Teaching Hospital, last Thursday, Dr Mariatou Jallow, chief medical director at RVTH, described the day as historic, and a moment of mixed feelings. According to her, President Jammeh has pioneered handsome opportunities for young Gambian doctors. She therefore urged them to be serious and to deliver as expected.

Herman Chiu, the Taiwanese deputy ambassador to The Gambia, said the event was a milestone development in the history of the cordial bilateral relationship between The Gambia and the Republic of Taiwan. According to him, achieving higher standards has been a common goal of the two countries.

Mr Chiu warned the seven doctors that they were bound to face new challenges, as they will be operating in a non-English speaking environment, although their studies will be in English.

Dr Mustapha Bitaye, who spoke on behalf of the departing doctors, said: "There is no doubt that we are going to live up to expectation." He thanked President Jammeh and the Taiwanese government for making the trip a possibility. Dr Bitaye then reassured the president and the Taiwanese officials that they were conscious of the resources utilized for them to pursue their studies, promising that the effort will surely bear good fruits.

Author: by Amadou Jallow

7 Gambian doctors leave for Taiwan

Fri, 31 Oct 2008 10:23:34 GMT

Friday, October 31, 2008

At least 7 Gambian doctors, namely, Dr Charles Roberts, Dr Lamin Jaiteh, Dr. Ousman Sanyang, Dr. Alhagie Manneh, Dr Abdoulie Keita, Dr. Mustapha Bittaye and Dr. Abubakarr Jagne, yesterday evening, left Banjul for Taipei, the capital city of Taiwan, where they are expected to pursue their postgraduate fellowship degree on surgery, medicine, obstetrics and Gynaecology. The program is expected to take them four years to complete.

Few hours before departure, the team of doctors were bade farewell at the conference room of the Royal Victoria Teaching Hospital (RVTH) in Banjul.

Speaking at that ceremony, Professor Ousman Nyang, the Head of the School of Medicine and allied sciences, who also doubles as the Acting Vice Chancellor of the University of The Gambia, said the doctors had undergone two years intensive training at the RVTH, after graduating from the University of The Gambia.

According to him, the training received by these doctors at the RVTH and the School of Medicine would help them immensely in their further studies. Professor Nyang advised them to live up to expectations.

For her part, Dr Mariatou Jallow, the chief medical director of RVTH, called on the departing doctors to focus on their studies, noting that sustainability of the medical school entirely depends on them as the pioneers. She commended the government of The Gambia and Taiwan for making this scholarship package a successful one.

Professor Ade of the laboratory unit of the RVTH urged the doctors to continue reading, and to ensure coming back and serve their country, after completing their studies. He further advised them to be steadfast in whatever they were doing, and to serve as worthy ambassadors of The Gambia.

Dr Charles Roberts, head of the team, on behalf of his colleges, thanked President Jammeh for the opportunity accorded them. He assured that they would excel in their studies.

Baboucarr Ngum, the public relations officer of the RVTH, chaired the ceremony.

Author: by Assan Sallah

FJC defends Jammeh on public holidays

Wed, 29 Oct 2008 09:42:31 GMT

Wednesday, October 29, 2008

The Speaker of the National Assembly, Honourable Fatoumatta Jahumpa-Ceesay, has defended as genuine, declarations of public holidays by President Jammeh, describing it as "a constitutional power vested on him by the 1997 constitution."

The Honourable Speaker’s remarks came following a concern raised by Hon. Babading KK Daffeh, the UDP National Assembly Member for Kiang Central, during last Monday’s adjournment debate of the third session of the Assembly.

Hon. Daffeh raised concern over what he called "too much public holidays"been declared by the head of state, alleging that it hampered the education of our children.

According to Speaker FJC, the 1997 Constitution of The Gambia clearly indicated that public holidays can only be declared by the executive and by no other person but the President. "It is only President Jammeh, therefore, who carries, according to the 1997 Constitution, executive powers under Section 76 sub-section 1, to do so.

The honourable Speaker observed that in other countries public holidays were declared more frequently on week days than on weekends, "but here in The Gambia, most of the public holidays coincide with the weekend." She therefore stressed that there was no harm to the education sector.

Speaker Jahumpa-Ceesay then cautioned all members of the National Assembly that if they had to raise issues against the executive, they must be sure to have done their home work properly before coming to the National Assembly.

On the issue of teachers raising high study fees in government schools, which cannot be afforded by all, a concern raised by the same NAM for Kiang Central, FJC again brushed aside that assertion. According to her, it was already a government policy that no government teacher shall receive or demand any study fee charged on any student in any school.

Author: by Alhagie Jobe

Well done Mr President

Tue, 28 Oct 2008 08:57:57 GMT

Tuesday, October 28, 2008

Editor,

Please, allow space in your respectable medium to express my love and appreciation for the president of the Republic, Alhaji Dr Yahya Jammeh, for the good work he continues to embark on. He has done wonders since assuming the mantle of leadership of this country, which he in fact made to look like a real country, and its people feeling proud of themselves. He made all the roads bright and lovely. When we enter Banjul, the Arch 22 feeds our hearts with joy.

Jammeh, you are a great man!
You treat the sick and you are doing everything to alleviate poverty. We can hardly ever finish talking about all the good work you have been doing for us as Gambians. What a great man you are, President Jammeh!

My only advice to my fellow Gambians is to be steadfast in following behind the president.

The right word is: ‘Taku Legaaye’ with Jammeh. We will follow you and give you all our hopes. Well done, Mr President.

Anta Njie
Lamin Village

Author: DO

I am proud of The Gambia and the President

Thu, 23 Oct 2008 08:35:55 GMT

Thursday, October 23, 2008

Editor,

Allow me apace in your reputable paper to express my happiness and extend my gratitude to His Excellency, President Alhagie Dr Yahya Jammeh, for the wonderful work he is doing for Gambians and non-Gambians at large. It should be a pride for all patriotic Gambians like me to support and work closely with this noble man to archive his dreams for the people of the Gambia.

When president Jammeh speaks, he talks about transforming The Gambia into a country that every citizen will be proud of; he talks about loyalty to the nation, patriotism, participation in national development and many other things in the interest of Gambians. The investment and development President Jammeh made in education, health, agriculture, infrastructure, peace and national security, justice and international relations over the past 14 years have put The Gambia as one of the fastest developing countries in Africa.

As a young man, I am very proud to be a Gambian and having President Jammeh as my president and role model. I am working towards publishing a book entitle “Jammeh - a role mode for every leader.” And this book is expected to be published in early 2009 by Evanston Publishing Inc. (Chicago Spectrum Press) Louisville, Ky.

May God continue to guide and protect you and the rest of the Gambian people. May god give you long life and energy to continue your good work.

Mahmud Cham
Finance student
Ashworth University Louisville, KY 40219
U.S .A.

Author: DO