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World Festival of Black Arts

Fri, 12 Sep 2008 07:19:09 GMT

Friday, September 12, 2008

The World Festival of Black Arts (WFBA), an event that attracts the widest gathering of the Arts and Culture of the black world, is scheduled to take place from the 1st to the 21st of December 2008 in Senegal.

The event, initiated by a Senegalese publisher who was based in France, Alioun Diop was first staged in 1966, with the theme, “The significance of Black Art in the Life of the People and for the People” and was last held in Lagos and Kaduna, Nigeria from the 15th of January to the 12th of February 1977, with the theme: “Black Civilisation and Education”.

This will be third time that this event will be staged, with the theme of “The Black Renaissance”.

The event will take the form of a symposium on the African Renaissance, performances and exhibitions in Music, Dance, Painting Photography, Sculpture and Design and Handicraft.

The strategic objective of this event, among others, is to examine the cultural heritage of the black world in both its material and immaterial forms. It also aims to reaffirm the role of artists and intellectuals in the African Renaissance and to promote the better protection and wider distribution of the artistic and cultural works of the black world. It will celebrate the intellectual, artistic and literary identity and the creativeness of the creators of Africa and the Diaspora and offer conditions of expression to the creative artists of the black world. This will encourage them unite together and help them to make their contribution to the implementation of NEPAD (New Partnership for Africa Development).

As revealed by the co-ordinator of the event, Mr. Alioune Badara Beye, recently at a press briefing held at the Ocean Bay Hotel, 80 countries will be participating including Brazil and the United States. The event is expected to attract well over 1,500 participants. He revealed that all African countries, as well as those countries with black communities, like Brazil and the United States, are invited to take part in WFBA (FESMAN).

He added that the event will be launched on the 22nd of September by President Maitre Abduolaye Wade in the United States of America.

Author: By Njie Baldeh

ASFDOW Organises Quiz, Debate and Symposium Between Schools

Mon, 25 Aug 2008 07:01:08 GMT

Monday, August 25, 2008

Abubacarr Sifiq Foundation for Dawah and Orphan Welfare recently organised a quiz, debate and symposium between students from different Gunjur schools. Speaking at the ceremony, the chairman Alhagie Sandang Bojang, said the competition between students from different schools is quite important as it will force students to do research and read many books.

He said that this will also nurture unity, understanding and love among the young people of Gunjur. He promised that this not a just a beginning and that there will not be an ending.

NustratSeniorSecondary School emerged victorious with 53 points, Gambia Senior Secondary came second with 48 points and Gunjur Upper Basic came third with 46 points. SiffoeSeniorSecondary School also took part and emerged with 41 points. Other schools did not participate but their reasons for not doing so were not stated.

The ceremony was graced by many residents of Gunjur and institutions. Muhammed Jobe of the Africa Muslim Agency gave the vote of thanks.

Author: By Alieu Jabang

Celebrating 2 years of existence

Wed, 06 Aug 2008 04:40:08 GMT

Wednesday, August 06, 2008

Global Unification – The Gambia chapter, last Saturday, August 2nd, 2008, celebrated its 2nd year existence with a symposium on the theme: ‘Humanity begins with me.’ The one day program which took place at the KMC Chambers, was succeeded by a social get-together,which was punctuated with presentations by celebrated personalities who spoke on various topics.

Dr Alieu Badara Saja Taal, a senior lecturer at the University of Gambia, dwelt on the significance of peace building and conflict resolution in the development of a society.

Society, he said, has to learn how to minimise problems. He singled out The Gambia as exemplary, as it had been able to escape the prevailing spree of conflicts that dominate life in the African continent. Dr Taal attributed this to the socio-cultural background of the people of The Gambia (cross-cultural and religious connections); all of this, he said, have their base entrenched in our constitution.

To this end, he said, the fact that countries like The Gambia has escaped these conflicts should arouse interest for further exploration

Dr Taal ascribed all these to an integration process which he said, had started ‘many, many years ago.’

‘If there is anybody who is capable of peace building,’ he argued, ‘it is Gambians.
Gambians are easily adoptable. We have destroyed ‘castism.’ He described religion as one of the most important reason of co-existence in the country.

The way we do our politics, he went on, is not done in any other country in the sub-region, describing ‘freedom of taking part in elections’ as a very rare commodity in other parts of Africa. He said that Gambians have a culture that makes them feel ashamed of certain inhuman things. He said that the size of the country has also brought its people closer together. ‘Our attitude of togetherness, he concluded, makes it difficult for people to exploit us as Gambians.’

Ebrima S Dem, the National Representative of Global Unification – The Gambia, dilated on the mission and vision of GU, describing it as keen for the unification of the continent. He told the gathering that the concept of forming the chapter in The Gambia had croped during the pre-sessions of the historic African Union Summit hosted by The Gambia in 2006. He hailed partners of the organisation for their continued support, and promised that GU was keen in ensuring that its enshrined goals are met.

Mr Shiekh Omar Faye, speaking on the topic: Importance of gender mainstreaming in national development, said that there had been heightened global interest in improving on women’s advancement for sometime now. Gender, he said, is as old as the society.

We must not see women as threat, rather as partners in development. Women, he went on, need men just as much as men need women, advising against seeing the opposite sex as threat in anyhow. Mr Faye had unreserved praises for The Gambia for its progress in mainstreaming. He however warned that it would take some time for men to accommodate women in the mainstream decision making bodies.

‘The importance of mainstreaming,’ he emphasized, ‘can’t be achieved without certain key factors entrenched in the attitude of the entire society. He moaned that even highly educated people are not willing to listen to anything about gender, saying that ‘gender is not a monster.’

For Mr Mustapha Kebbeh, a renowned youth activist, all conflicts in Africa have economic connotations. The youth, who are mostly used in these destructive ventures, he said, mostly have nothing to gain at the end of the day. Mr Kebbeh was speaking on the topic: ‘the role of the youth in the development of society.

He admonished that some section of the youth in society have sort of formed their own culture, engaging themselves in rebelling against any other culture that is against theirs.

These people, he told the audience, need help. And that, he said, should be the role of this generation of youths. He lamented on what he called: ‘Sub-culture formation, wherein a section of the youth feel that people outside their ‘voes’(circles) were bad or out of tune with the reality.

He also delved on the ‘Babylon syndrome,’ calling for policies to safeguard the fabrics of the society, while urging the youth to take advantage of the numerous opportunities in place for them. He also called for the diversification of economic activities. ‘The life of the society, he said, is in our hand.’

The symposium was characterised by a documentary show on the role of women in developing a society.

Author: by Kemo Cham

World Sickle Cell Day observed

Tue, 08 Jul 2008 05:24:59 GMT

Tuesday, July 08, 2008

Sickle Cell Association Banjul Chapter in London Corner Serekunda, on Saturday organised a symposium on sickle cell disease at St Thereses Junior Secondary School ground, in Kanifing.

Speaking at the symposium, Lamin Demba, Secretary general of the association, said the symposium was meant to create awareness for school children as well as the Gambian community at large ,about the disease. He outlined the formation of the association with its primary objectives ,such as Case management of genetic counselling among others.

He then observed that through sensitisation, there can be a world, free of health,economic and social disparities cause by sickle cell disease.

Lamin Jaiteh, a Doctor at RVTH highlighted on the effects of the disease, noting that sickle cell is a blood disease ,which affects the red bloodcell. “Since 80% of the oxygen in the body is carried by red blood cells, sickle cell disease can lead to theblockage of blood transportation to the bones and capillaries, which can eventually cause stroke” he said.

According to him, the sickle cell disease was discovered by a school boy in USA and was described as a genetic disease, meaning, it could be inherited from parents. “In 1970, it was confirmed as a result of deprivation of oxygen” he said .The damage of the red blood cells can cause anaemia and lead to kidney failure,he continued.

To pregnant women, Mr.Jaiteh said ,the disease can cause miss-carry and lead to pre-mature born.

Author: by Bekai Njie

Day of the African child UNICEF & Young PM set the pace

Fri, 27 Jun 2008 05:01:33 GMT

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Friday, June 27, 2008

UNICEF Gambia, in collaboration with members of the dynamic Young People in the Media, the Gambia, recently organized a symposium in commemoration of the Day of the African Child. According to report from the organizers, this year’s team was: Child Survival and the occasion was held at Nusrat Senior Secondary School, situated in Bundung.

The president of YPM, Mr Abdou Jatta, delved into the significance of the day which he said was observed by many countries around the African continent. Mr Jatta sought to remind participant about the origin of the commemoration, citing that it was in remembrance of the massacred innocent children, in Soweto, by the then racist White minority, Apartheid regime of South Africa, in 1976. He disclosed that 2008 marked the 32nd anniversary of the massacre, and he salute the young people of South Africa, especially those who gave up their lives for freedom.

The young Gambian Child activist strongly condemned child abuse and harmful traditional and cultural practices which issues, he said, The African Union had put high on its agenda. Mr Jatta stressed the need for strong advocacy for the elimination of harmful traditional practices, violence against children and women. Others cited by the young activist included the protection of children and women against diseases, in particular, HIV/AIDS; as well as participation of women in politics, things, he believes, would be crucial in ensuring development and peace--building.

The UNICEF Country resident representative to the Gambia, Ms Min Whee Kang, highlighted the significant of the day, saying that it was first commemorated in 1991 by the African Union. She said that since then attention had been drawn to the situation of African children. She noted that the occasion had become a means of examining progress towards health, education, equality and security for all African children.

Madam Kang went on to say that the day also created the avenue for the system to monitor the implementation of the regional African Charter on The Rights of The Child which, she said, entered into force in November 1999.

"Since the historic establishment of the Day of the African Child," Ms Kang said, "17 years ago, almost 30 million children have perished, due mainly to preventable diseases such as malnutrition, pneumonia, diarrhea and malaria."

"Despite the daunting challenges," she went on, "many countries in Africa are making some measurable progress for children."

The UNICEF boss finally spoke on ‘The Call to Action on Child Survival’, which aims to promote the "4 Quick Wins for Children in The Gambia". These, she said, are exclusive breastfeeding of babies, use of ORS to stop diarrhea, promotion of hand-washing with soap at critical times, and scaling up of ITNs usage, nationwide, for pregnant women and children under five, to help reach the 80% coverage rate by 2010. She called on community leaders, Imams and priests, health workers, heads of government agencies, media, private sector and children themselves, to help harness resources, advocate and communicate to the public and galvanize national support for the 4 Quick Wins.

Ms Bintou Sonko, Vice President of Young People in the Media, spoke on the role and responsibility of the media in the promotion of child rights.

The UNICEF National goodwill Ambassador, Mr. Jaliba Kuyateh, highlighted the importance of child survival, and he also emphasized on the importance of the four ‘Quick wins.’

UNICEF’s child protection officer, Mr. Salifu Jarsey, made a presentation on the Convection on the Rights of the Child. Modou C Njang, Assistant Secretary General of YPM, gave the vote of thanks. The Symposium was punctuated with a drama performance on child survival by the drama team of YPM.

Author: by Kemo Cham

BMC holds symposium on “Doctoring Together”

Tue, 04 Mar 2008 03:23:40 GMT

Tuesday, March 04, 2008

Dr Musa Touray the founder of Bijilo Medical Centre, last Wednesday hosted a symposium at the Centre, on the theme ‘Doctoring Together’ geared towards bringing together doctors and medical practitioners in The Gambia in a quest to improve and provide quality medical service.

In his opening remarks, Dr Mustapha Bittaye of RVTH stated that it’s important for doctors in the medical profession to come together and work towards improving the quality and confidence in the medical sector.

For his part, Dr Omar Jagne, director of AFRICMED said getting doctors to work together has been very difficult and he lauded Dr Touray for the initiative.

Dr Jagne, said the lack of quality and standard mental treatment facilities added to hindrances in the develpment of the mental health treatment. He added that there is the need to sensitize the public on the biological causes and symptoms of mental illness so that people can seek assistance faster when cases occur.

He also stated that there is an urgent need to encourage and develop psyco-therapy to help in curbing mental problems in its early stages

For her part, Madame L. Khadara, the proprietress of Malak Chemist who deliberated on “The Impact of the local Pharmacy on Health Care in The Gambia”, said that for an effective administration of drugs, doctors need to come togther and help in complementing governments efforts in the health sector towards fulfilling the MDGs.

Other speakers at the occassion included Dr Lamin Jaiteh of the school of medicine. He stressed the need for an increased input by Gambians. .He further noted the important of investing in technology and the provision of private facilities, which he said is indispensable in achieving a quality medical service.

In his vote of thanks, Dr H.Azadeh of the BMC congratulated Dr Touray for hosting a much needed gathering and further noted that doctors wherever they are share one aim, that is to save lives. Dr Azadeh recommended that such symposium should be constant to help doctors reaching out together and further unify the medical service.

Author: by Ebrima Jatta

UTG Students Union, Juniata discuss American elections

Fri, 11 Jan 2008 07:02:25 GMT

Friday, January 11, 2008

If name is anything to go by, then elections in the world’s only superpower will not be anything small. Always trying to live up to its name as the most democratic nation in the world, the United States of America has always stood to its name as the champion of democracy – of course with exceptions, like the 2000 elections in which there were some alleged election malpractices.

Throughout the world, elections in the United States are always watched with excitement and sordid interest. Americans will not go to the polls until in few months time, but it seems the fascination surrounding the election is already trickling and permeating many countries. In the Gambia interest in the highs and lows of high level politics in America has already propped up.

While both the Republican and Democratic candidates were involved in whirlwind campaigns to win their parties nominations in the cut and thrust of politics in the United States, a debate on who would become the country’s next president was already taking place somewhere in this Smiling Coast of Africa.

Held at the Senate room of the University of the Gambia on Tuesday January 8 2007, this symposium was organized by the University of The Gambia’s Students’ Union in collaboration with a visiting entourage of American students, being headed by professor of Political Science and Juniata College’s director of International Affairs, Dr Jennifer Cushman.

The symposium also created the conduit for a general discussion on the American political system, and foreign policy with the latter almost overriding the whole programme.

Introducing the topic, Dr. Nanengast gave an over-view of the whole American political system. According to the American professor, the United States operates a two party system - the two operating parties being the Republicans and Democrats.

He gave the leading contenders for each of the two parties. He also elaborated on the issues that resonate to voters in this years election; the economy, immigration, environment and healthcare.

The American scholar also dilated on the differences in policy between the two parties in this years election. According to him Republicans favor a stay of American troops in Iraq whilst, Democrats sordidly back a withdrawal of troops from Iraq.

He added that opinion polls have indicated that the War on Terror which was one of the most contentious issues in the last elections held in 2004 does not resonate with most of the votes. The Professor disclosed that only 30% of Republicans think that it is important, compared to a 3% Democrats who think on the same line.

He however established that the majority of Americans now feel that the war in Iraq was a mistake. Under pressure from a rather judgmental student gathering, the professor reluctantly alluded to the fact that the current President, George W Bush, stands as the most unpopular US president both within and outside America.

However, it was not long before the debate swayed to the democratic end of the political spectrum. This was not surprising given the fact that one of the Democratic challengers Barack Obama is of African origin.

Introducing both Hilary Clinton and Barak Obama to the audience, Dr Jennifer Cushman director of International Affairs and lecturer of German literature in Juniata college gave the audience a grasp of the policies of the two democratic contenders.. According to her Obama is more direct about issues. He is a strong opponent of the war in Iraq. He, consequently, favors a removal of troops from the Gulf country. In the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Obama supports the existence of two states living side by side in peace.

On the other hand, Clinton who hails from a middle class background has taken a different perspective in some of the most outstanding issues. She has adopted an ambivalent stance on many of the foreign policy issues. She has promised to restore America’s stance in the world, but did not state how. Dr Cushman however, believed that her ambivalent or middle of the road approach has reduced her revolutionary impact on the election.

The symposium later followed by questions and answers on some of the most contentious issues in the elections and also on America’s foreign policy, including Africom, the Palestinian conflict, American-British alliance and Africa’s negative image in the Western media.

The programme was attended by a cross-section of university students, lecturers at the UTG and the co-coordinators of the Juniata College and UTG exchange programme in the Gambia.

Author: by Mustapha Kah

Three-Day Conference on Illegal Migration Held

Thu, 10 Jan 2008 04:24:24 GMT

Thursday, January 10, 2008

A three-day symposium on illegal migration, in the context of the sub-region, was held recently in Basse. The event was part of a SAFRA programme.

Speaking earlier the Governor of URR, Alh. Omar Khan said the symposium was part of the 21st SAFRA event held at Basse. He identified impact as the most important part of the programme. He said the information shared and imparted at the event would pave the way for a better operating environment for SAFRA.

According to him, illegal migration, in the context of the sub-region, is a cause of great concern. He implored all participants to interact fully and engage in debate on the issues raised in order to come up with tangible recommendations so as to address the problem.

For his part, the Deputy Permanent Secretary of for Youths and Sports, Mambayick Njie, said that a few months ago we were bombarded with a lot of news about boats capsizing in the Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea resulting in the loss of life. He says the response to this kind of news by government will depend on the kinds of recommendations emanating from the conference.

Author: By Abdou Rahman Sallah in URR

Source: The Point

YMCA Secretary Attends Symposium in Canada

Fri, 19 Oct 2007 03:39:43 GMT

Friday, October 19, 2007

Mr Joseph Peacock, YMCA Secretary cum Gambian Youth Activist recently attended the 2nd Annual Global Youth Symposium in Canada.

The forum was held at Camp Mockingee, Windsor, Nova Scotia, and Canada from 05th – 09th October 2007 under the theme ‘‘Move Your World’’.

Mr Joseph Peacock, the programs secretary of the The Gambia YMCA who also doubles as a key guest speaker/resource person to talk on youth initiatives and programs in YMCA (Gambia), the African Youth renaissance and its impacts on youth development in Africa.

Mr Peacock who is presently in Canada since June 2007 at the Coady International Institute, St. Francis Xavier University under YMCA and CIDA funding, is pursuing a course in Development Leadership, Advocacy and Citizens Engagement and Mobilizing Assets for Community Driven Development. He is expected back in December 2007.

In his presentation, Mr Peacock dilated on the need for employment opportunities for young people as an urgent solution to address the other social needs ranging from poverty to migration.

He attributed the steady increase in the spread of HIV/AIDS, Crime, and drug abuse to poverty, which he said results from lack of employment.

After his presentation, the Gambian youth activist received a standing ovation for creating a very emotional audience that raised a lot of questions.

He informed participants that the greatest and one most single developmental problem facing African youth today with double impact is ‘Unemployment’.

In a very passionate presentation, Joseph Peacock challenged international organizations to salvage African young people from this great dilemma.

‘The reason for elders failing to take care of young people resulted in young people taking care of elders’’. Buttressing this Joseph Peacock quoted from an address delivered by Kandeh Yumkele (UNIDO Director General) at the UNIDO High Level consultative Meeting in Ghana in February 2007 where Joseph Peacock was invited to share best practices of the YMCAs using life skills training and entrepreneurship development as a strategy for fighting unemployment.

The four days camp was organized by The Atlantic Council for International Cooperation – ACIC, Canadian Red Cross, UNICEF, and GPI Atlantic. The forum was attended by participants from all four Atlantic Provinces, Canada World Youth participants from China, Jamaica, and Ghana.

The Symposium was aimed at giving participants a background in some key global issues (refugee issues, HIV/AIDS, food security, etc…) and also to help them develop their skills to take action in a variety of creative ways. It was also aimed at engaging a group of young people on some of the most important issues facing the world today, provide a space for them to learn what other youth are doing to make a difference, and inspire them to take action in their own communities. The Camp was funded by the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA).

Source: The Point

GFA Delegation Leaves for China

Fri, 28 Sep 2007 06:37:18 GMT

Friday, September 28, 2007

Sainey Jammeh, Chairman of GFA female Football Committee and Abdou Salam Jammeh, CAF Education officer, left Banjul on Tuesday evening for China to attend a two day symposium on Women Football.

In an interview with Point sport shortly before their departure Sainey Jammeh said that matter affecting women football in the World would be highly on the agenda of the symposium.

“We would also discuss the ways FIFA can help in uplifting the standard of Female Football in Africa.

He added that the Gambian delegation would also seize the opportunity to watch the third place and the Final of the 2007 Women World Cup currently underway in China.

The delegation is expected back on October 3rd.

Author: By Pa Modou Faal

Source: The Point