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Taiwanese Technical Mission Officials Descend on President Jammeh’s Rice Field

Wed, 26 Nov 2008 05:24:43 GMT

Wednesday, November 26, 2008

The officials of the Taiwanese Technical Mission in the country along side others recently took part in a harvesting and threshing exercise on one of president Jammeh’s rice field in Kampant in Western Region.

According to Mr. Jame’s Tsay leader of the Taiwan Technical mission in the Gambia the prospects of the country attaining food self-sufficiency are high. He expressed their pleasure in helping the president at the time when he needs more hands on his farms.

Mr. Tsay hopes that there will be a bumper harvest in the country this year.

He reaffirmed his mission’s resolve in sharing their experience and technology with Gambian farmers and to promote best agricultural.

Author: Nfamara Jawneh

Source: Picture: Volunteers in action

Young Taiwanese Volunteers Serving in The Gambia Speak to The Point

Thu, 13 Nov 2008 05:36:15 GMT

Thursday, November 13, 2008

The newly arrived young Taiwanese volunteers in the country recently had a chat with The Point at the Paradisco Restaurant at Senegambia.

Having studied up to the university and acquired their masters, the young Taiwanese choose to serve as volunteers of the Taiwan International Cooperation and Development Fund (ICDF) instead of seeking well paid jobs.

The four young volunteers have spoken to the Youth Forum, while outlining their purpose of choosing to serve in The Gambia for the next two years.

For Charline Hsu, a master’s degree holder in Library Information Science and Archive Studies, National Cheng-Chi University, now works with the Department of State for Education, with the support of the friendly people of this country she is feeling as if she is at home. Chien, bachelors degree holder in Horticulture who works with the National Agriculture Research Institute NARI also a product of Chinese Culture University, said that she chose The Gambia to learn African’s experience and to share her experience with the people of The Gambia. “I really want to experience with the wider Gambian people,” she said. Sean Lin, also a master’s degree holder in Information Management who now works with the Department of Physical Planning and Housing, said, “to find a true time of my life, what can I do for the people who really needs me is the fundamental reason why I chooses to be a volunteer.” He stressed that he always thinking on how to make more people achieve greater things through him. “Money is not only way of paying back but to contribute to make others live a better life is essential,” he said. Selina, a lady with masters in agriculture who also works with NARI, was also pleased to come to The Gambia. For her, it has always been her dream to travel and work in Africa. I think I can do something good for your country based on my profession,” she said. She said that when she was very young she dreamt of saying what she can do for people and not herself. “Gambia is our first choice and we are thanking our two governments for the good relationship.” She said that The Gambia is a small country like Taiwan, the two counties could share their experiences.

All the four volunteers are in their 20s, however there are five Taiwanese volunteers serving in the country and the sixth one is also due to arrive soon. In the past, there used to be only one or two Taiwanese volunteers in The Gambia at a time but the trend has changed this year.

All the volunteers have expressed their commitment in serving The Gambia to the best of their ability.

Author: Nfamara Jawneh

Source: Picture: Volunteers

Taiwanese foreign minister arrives

Fri, 24 Oct 2008 10:20:55 GMT

Friday, October 24, 2008

His Excellency, Francisco HL Ou, the Taiwanese foreign affairs minister, accompanied by a high powered delegation, yesterday, arrived in Banjul on a three-day working visit.

Francisco HL Ou was received on arrival at the Banjul International Airport by Dr Omar Alieu Touray, secretary of state for Foreign Affairs, and the Taiwanese ambassador to The Gambia, Robert Shih.

In an interview with newsmen on arrival at the Banjul International Airport, the Taiwanese diplomat said that his visit was aimed at further strengthening the already splendid bilateral relationship that exist between The Gambia and Taiwan.

"The relationship between the two countries," he said, "is very cordial." He disclosed that Taiwan was glad to be associated with The Gambia, praising the leadership of President Alhaji Dr Yahya Jammeh.

Also at the airport were Lamin Sanneh, governor of Western Region, Mayor Samba Faal of the Banjul City Council, Mayor Yankuba Colley of the Kanifing Municipal Council and the Paramount Chief of The Gambia, Demba Sanyang. Local cultural groups were also at hand to entertain the visiting dignitaries.

Author: by Amadou Jallow

Taiwanese Foreign Minister Visits The Gambia

Fri, 24 Oct 2008 06:48:27 GMT

Friday, October 24, 2008

The Foreign Minister of the Republic of China on Taiwan, H. E. Francisco H.L Ou arrived in The Gambia yesterday for a four-day official visit with a six man delegation, which include Director of Taiwan International Co-operation Development Fund (ICDF) and Director of African Affairs.

He was met at the foot of the aircraft by his Gambian counterpart Dr. Omar Alieu Touray.

Also present at the airport to receive the minister were the Taiwanese Ambassador to The Gambia Richard Shih, staff of the Taiwanese Embassy and other Taiwanese nationals in the country.

The Gambian welcoming party consisted of the Mayors of KMC and Banjul as well as the governor of the Western Region, Paramount Chief and other senior government officials. Cultural groups were also in attendance to provide entertainment.

Speaking to reporters shortly upon arrival Mr. Ou affirmed that the co-operation between the two countries would be strengthened.

The foreign minister was yesterday in attendance at a welcome dinner held by his Gambian counterpart.

The Chief Taiwanese diplomat will today hold separate meetings with the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, the Vice President and H. E. President Jammeh. Later in the day he will visit the Taiwanese Embassy in Kanifing.

Author: Nfamara Jawaneh

Source: Picture: H.E. Francisco H.L Ou (Taiwanese Foreign Minister)

President Kuntaur Women Farmers Applauds Taiwanese Technical Mission

Thu, 23 Oct 2008 06:14:06 GMT

Thursday, October 23, 2008

The president of the Kuntaur women farmers, Mrs. Mansata Jabbie, has commended the Taiwanese Technical Mission in the country for the good work they are doing.

Mrs. Jabbie was speaking in an interview with this reporter recently in Wassu in the Central River Region.

According to Mrs. Jabbie, the rice fields in which the Taiwanese Technical Mission operates are very easy to access and women find it easy to move within their fields without touching water. “Transportation within the fields is easy and you can bring along a car or donkey cart to collect your produce without and problem. She said its very easy to work on Taiwan (Taiwanese Technical Mission intervention rice fields) as they locally call the farms. “Very little grass grows on these fields but for the non-Taiwanese intervention fields too much grass grows there and it disturbs and affects our production,” she said. Mrs. Jabbie also revealed that their farms are secured from wild animals unlike non-Taiwan intervention areas where intruders always destroy their crops. “We were also trained on making compost but we need more training in that area and we also need the mission to expand their intervention to other parts of the country,” she said.

Author: Nfamara Jawneh from CRR

Source: Picture: Mrs. Mansata Jabbie (President of Kuntaur Women Farmers)

Slowly but surely

Wed, 22 Oct 2008 07:49:27 GMT

Wednesday, October 22, 2008

The task of attaining food self-sufficiency no doubt remains a daunting one. But by the grace of the Almighty Allah we shall get there; slowly but surely. Already we have seen how responsive Gambians could be towards this call of wisdom in achieving this food self-sufficiency.

Thanks to the pioneering effort of the President of the Republic, Alhajie Dr Yahya A.J.J Jammeh, the whole nation, for the first time, probably in decades, braces itself with heightened enthusiasm for a bumper harvest. The level of fervor displayed suggests the intensity of appreciation on the part of Gambians. This leaves us all at quite a vantage point to capitalize and make the difference we have for ever been longing for.

The recently announced plan of action by the Gambian leader, as carried on our last edition, captioned: “President Yahya Jammeh: food self-sufficiency in 3 years”, explains it all. What is needed now is a concerted effort by the entire Gambian populace. The effort of the president is aimed at us Gambians and all those making a living in The Gambia; and surely not for him self or his family alone.

The Taiwanese might be wiling to help, as it really is the case, but the best way we could be seen helping them in achieving that goal of ours would be to get totally involved, ourselves. That way we can be sure to take over when they leave, as they certainly are not going to remain with us for ever.

Author: DO

President Jammeh: food self-sufficiency in 3 years

Tue, 21 Oct 2008 08:56:34 GMT

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Tuesday, October 21, 2008

If all goes as planned, The Gambia will be food self- sufficient in terms of rice production in the next three years, thanks to a brilliant idea emanating from President Alhaji Dr. Yahya Jammeh, seeking the Taiwanese Embassy in Banjul to map out an action plan in conjunction with the department of state for agriculture (DoSA), to significantly boost rice production in the country.

In his capacity as the secretary of state for Agriculture, President Jammeh, yesterday, hosted a group of Taiwanese officials at State House in Banjul. They were led to the State House by Ambassador Richard Shih, who made a power point presentation of the new action plan which, if fully implemented, is expected to ensure the realization of the aspirations of the Gambian leader.

Speaking at the cabinet room, at a ceremony witnessed by secretaries of state and officials from the department of state for Agriculture, President Jammeh said the call came following his repeated assurances of Gambians that in three years’ time the country would be self-sufficient in rice production. "But to be quite honest, he said, "nine years have past and it doesn’t seem we could do that unless we employ concerted and serious efforts to achieving that."

President Jammeh appeared fervently true to the view that with an array of varieties of rice in the country, there would be no reason why, if attitudes change, the country will not be self sufficient in rice production. To him, the export component is secondary; the most important thing is for the country to be able to feed itself. "It must happen and it has to happen," he emphasised.

According to Dr. Jammeh, the target of three years is not far fetched if there is attitudinal change. To that effect, he urged DoSA officials to minimise workshops and go on what he called ‘work fields,’ adding that failed projects are now things of the past.

"It is a question of commitment. It will require a mass sensitisation [for attitudinal change].

For his part, Bakary Trawally, permanent secretary, department of state for Agriculture, said as soon as the president’s message reached his office, he constituted a technical task force comprising Gambian and Taiwanese experts who had been working relentlessly to see the potential of having 250,000 hectares of rice.

To him, the president’s view is a technical possibility and a chance for Taiwan to prove itself and make The Gambia a model.

P.S Tarawally then attributed this year’s bumper harvest as a result of the clarion call by the President during the "dialogue with the people’s tour,’ for Gambians to go back to the land.

Modou Kotu Cham, secretary of state for Forestry and the Environment, who also spoke at the ceremony, implored DoSA officials to always involve farmers in their formulation of strategies. This, he said, is crucial in that the farmers are on the ground and that they are better poised to give them first hand information vital to agricultural development.

The Taiwanese Ambassador to The Gambia, Richard Shih, spoke at length on the new action plan and promised to walk closely with Gambian officials in achieving the desired goals of the President.

Author: by Pa Malick Faye

Speaker FJC attends Taiwan National Day

Mon, 20 Oct 2008 08:49:22 GMT

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Monday, October 20, 2008

Honourable Fatoumatta Jahumpa-Ceesay, the speaker of the National Assembly, last Thursday, returned from the Republic of China (Taiwan), after attending the 97th national day celebration of the Asia Pacific nation, on the invitation of the Taiwanese government.

The Speaker was accompanied by Fabakary Tombong Jatta, majority leader, Momodou L.K. Sanneh, minority leader, Tina Faal, nominated member and Momodou A. Sise, acting Clerk of the National Assembly.

According to a press release from the office of the Speaker, during the visit, Speaker Jahumpa-Ceesay and delegation attended a parade and State reception, and visited many places of interest. She also called on the President of the Republic of China (Taiwan), H.E. Ma Ying-Jeou and her Taiwanese counterpart, honourable Jin-Pyng Wang, speaker of the Yuan, the Taiwanese national Assembly.

The National Assembly speaker’s tour took her to Geneva, Switzerland, where she attended the 119th Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union, from the 13th-15th October 2008.

The Inter-Parliamentary Union Assembly is an annual Parliamentary event which brings together parliamentarians across the globe to discuss pertinent issues.

Among the issues discussed in this year’s gathering were advancing Nuclear Non-Proliferation and Disarmament, Security and the entry into force of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty; the role of Parliaments; Climate Change, Sustainable Development Models and Renewable Energies; and "Freedom of Expression and Right to Information.

Addressing the Assembly on the theme: "Freedom of expression and right to information," the Gambian speaker informed the gathering that the government of the Gambia under the able leadership of President Alhaji Dr. Yahya A.J.J. Jammeh, believes that for the citizens of a country to fully and actively participate in the socio-economic development of their country, they had to be free politically and psychologically. She added that it was against this background that the government of The Gambia developed media friendly policies that witnessed the establishment of many private newspapers and radio stations.

She then cautioned: "right goes with responsibilities ,therefore, in as much as those rights are guaranteed they must not be abused."

In the communication sector, Speaker Jahumpa-Ceesay said strategies for information development cannot be affective and successful without the target users not having access to utilize the service. "It is for this reason that the government of The Gambia has decided to embark on the creation of multi-purpose ICT centers in our local communities to access and provide ICT literacy to the citizenry." she said.

Fight against terrorism
On terrorism, she said that it was not for any one individual state to fight alone, arguing that it was a phenomenon that called for strong interstate collaboration and assistance. Since no one state can fight it alone, she called on countries and agencies to provide resources to vulnerable countries to frustrate terrorism networks. The Gambia, under President Jammeh, Speaker Jahumpa-Ceesay added, stand ready to support any initiative to counter international terrorism and the elimination of weapons of mass destruction.

Middle East crises
On the Middle East, Speaker Jahumpa-Ceesay mentioned that The Gambia, like any other country, is equally concerned. She said that The Gambia supports efforts to bring about a peaceful and lasting solution to the Palestinian crisis, and that Israelis and Palestinians should be encouraged to work in good faith with the Quartet to implement the Road Map endorsed by the Security Council in its Resolution 1515 (2003), so that the vision of the two states living side-by-side in peace and harmony may soon be realized.

During her stay at the Geneva Inter-Parliamentary Union Assembly, Speaker Jahumpa-Ceesay also held bilateral talks with counterparts from the Islamic Republic of Iran, Indonesia, Kuwait and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Their discussions were centered on the responsibility to strengthen, consolidate and expand the already existing bilateral relationship among the respective governments, people and national parliaments.

Other members of her delegation included Honorable Lamin Jadama, Hon, Ousainou Sainey Jaiteh and Momodou A. Cise, acting clerk of the National Assembly.

The delegation returned home last Thursday,16th October ,2008.

Author: by Alagie Jobe

Gambia-Taiwan Reaffirm Ties As ROC Marks 97th National Day

Tue, 14 Oct 2008 05:26:38 GMT

Tuesday, October 14, 2008

The

Gambia

and The Republic of China on Taiwan (ROC) have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen the cordial bilateral relations that exist between the two countries.

The Taiwanese ambassador to the Gambia and The Gambia’s Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs made this commitment last Thursday at the Kairaba Beach Hotel in observance of the 97thNational Day of Taiwan.

Speaking at a reception to mark the day, the Taiwanese Ambassador to the Gambia H.E Dr.Richard Shih described The Gambia as a country gifted with caring, disciplined and peace-loving people.

He reaffirmed his country’s resolve in helping The Gambia attain Vision 2020.

The head of the Taiwanese diplomacy used the forum to disclose of the change of government in his country since May this year.

The new administration, he said, had undertaken to better democracy, to open up and deregulate the economy, to satisfy the basic needs of the underprivileged, to restore political ethic among others.

The Taiwanese diplomat also recalled some the significant contributions that his country had made to The Gambia during the course of this year.

“As sincere partners, The Gambia and Taiwan have made remarkable achievements in a range of bilateral projects this year. On education, apart from 25 Gambian students who just completed their 4-year bachelor program in Taiwan and returned to The Gambia in July 2008, there are a total of 107 Gambian students currently on bachelor, master and doctoral programs offered by the ROC government. We are also a proud sponsor of the PEGEP, which extends education to more than 31,000 girl students.

On training, there are a total of 35 Gambian officials who attended seminars/workshops on various development subjects conducted in Taiwan this year.

“On healthcare, our joint effort with the Department of State for Health has helped ensure the continued provision of healthcare in The Gambia. On agriculture and aquaculture, apart from developing 60 ha of tidal irrigation field on top of the existing 1019 ha, the rice project at Sapu has gradually assumed a niche role in the provision of quality rice seed and in the introduction of new horticultural farming skills in The Gambia. On the other hand, the success of phase 1 of Gambia’s aquaculture development program has shed light on further development in this sector.

“There are several other projects we are working closely with various Departments of States, which we are satisfied with the results” he noted.

He applauded The Gambia for her relentless support to the cause of Taiwan at the international arena. “At the 61st session of the World Health Assembly in May 2008 and the 63rd session of the United Nations General Assembly in September 2008, The Gambia has once again rendered its staunch support for Taiwan’s bid to participate in the international arena. This noble deed categorically demonstrates not only The Gambia’s sincere care for fundamental rights of Taiwan’s 23 million people to access the international organisations, but also The Gambia’s longstanding commitment to promoting effective and seamless cooperation in the global village,” he said.

He said that Taiwan is very proud to have a friend like The Gambia who is caring and of moral courage.

For his part, Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, extended a heartfelt congratulation from President Jammeh and the people of The Gambia to the people of Taiwan.

He acknowledged the support The Gambia continues to receive from the Republic of China (Taiwan) which has helped in the country’s development endeavours. “Over the years, Taiwan has demonstrated its commitment to The Gambia’s development through effective intervention in various sectors of the Gambia ranging from health, education, infrastructure to agriculture and technology”. The Gambia’s chief diplomat thanked ROC for their immense contribution towards the socio-economic development of the Gambia.

He added that The Gambia had been championing the cause of Taiwan at the international arena and would never relent to do so.

Dr Touray questioned why the world’s 18thlargest economy and the 20thoutboard investor Taiwan could be excluded from bodies such as WHO and then called on the world to re-examine Taiwan’s case.

Secretaries of State, diplomat, scholars, National Assembly Members and several other dignitaries attended the occasion.

Author: Nfamara jawneh

Taiwanese Foreign Ministry hails UN support from EU and US

Thu, 25 Sep 2008 04:53:46 GMT

Thursday, September 25, 2008

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Taiwan have recently welcomed the responses the US and EU made after Taiwan’s latest UN bid and said the public could expect more countries to follow suit by expressing their support in different ways.In a statement posted on the official Web site of the US Permanent Mission to the UN in New York, the US reiterated its long-standing support for Taiwan’s “meaningful participation” in UN agencies such as the WHO, saying “Taiwan’s inclusion would enable the international community to better address pressing global issues.”
Reports monitored by the point states that, In line with the US’ “one China” policy, the statement said: “The US supports Taiwan’s membership in international organizations where statehood is not a prerequisite, including in the World Trade Organization and the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum.

“When membership is not possible, we are strongly in favor of arrangements that will allow the people of Taiwan to participate meaningfully in the activities of international organizations. We do not support membership for Taiwan in organizations that require statehood such as the UN,” it said.
Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Andrew Hsia welcomed the US’ positive response

The US statement was posted hours after the UN’s General Committee on Wednesday rejected a proposal to include Taiwan’s bid in the 63rd General Assembly agenda

This year marks Taiwan’s 16th consecutive failure in its quest for UN representation since the China seat was taken over by the People’s Republic of China in 1971.

Taiwan this year sought nothing more than “meaningful participation” in the activities of the 16 auxiliaries of the UN Hsia said this was the first time that the US Permanent Mission to the UN has posted such a response on its Web site, although many major countries have expressed the same sentiment in private

On the issue of the WHO, the US repeated the position it has taken since 2004 that it strongly supports Taiwan’s observer status in the World Health Assembly

Meanwhile, the EU last night made a similar statement in support of Taiwan’s UN bid, hailing warming cross-strait relations and reiterating its “one China” policy.
The statement, issued by the Presidency of the EU Council, which is presided over by France at the moment, acknowledged Taiwan’s bid and said the EU “reiterates its support to Taiwan’s participation in specialized multilateral fora, especially where Taiwan’s participation is important to the EU and global interests, and it encourages both sides [Taiwan and China] to resolve this issue through dialog.

“The EU especially hopes that concrete steps could be taken, through dialog between both sides [Taiwan and China], in order to enable the meaningful participation of the people in Taiwan in the implementation of the International Health Regulations,” it said.

Author: By Nfamara Jawneh