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SWAZILAND: Promise to heal the health service

Sat, 22 Nov 2008 14:48:15 GMT

Saturday, November 22, 2008

MBABANE Friday, November 14, 2008 (IRIN) - Moved by the deplorable conditions he found on a tour of Swaziland's hospitals and clinics, Prime Minister Sibusiso Dlamini has vowed to reform the healthcare system. "If you don't do what I have just said about improving hospitals, you must just hit the road and head home," Dlamini instructed Minister of Health and Social Welfare Benedict Xaba. Like the Prime Minister and the rest of cabinet, Xaba was appointed to his job in November by King Mswati...

Source: http://www.irinnews.org/report.aspx?ReportId=81481

190 Britons arrive for ‘Back to our Roots’ tour

Wed, 12 Nov 2008 05:50:53 GMT

Wednesday, November 12, 2008

190 black Britons the weekend arrived in the Gambia for a week-long ‘Back to our Roots’ tour. The group consists of young professionals from various walks of life and are led by Mr Erran Warden, the organizer of this tour who is also the founder of London Elite Forum (LEF).

London Elite Forum is a collection of top London promoters, social and business entrepreneurs that are working together for the benefit of others. Speaking with reporters at the airport upon arrival, Mr Warden said ‘Back to our Roots’ tour is just about coming back to the homeland to know more about the culture and visiting historical places saying "we are here to learn more about the Gambian society and culture.

We also want to have real African experiences in the Gambia." "As some of them have been away for too long, they want to discover their homeland which is Africa," Warden noted. According to Malick Mboob, Head of Media Relations at Global Properties, who are joint-organizers of this event, for this maiden edition of the tour they have put in place "modalities to make sure that the one week-long visit is interesting, educative and will also include investment opportunities for Gambia." He added that they are currently working in partnership with the Gambia Chamber of Commerce and Investment who will spearhead the seminar that starts today.

Among other activities this maiden edition are a visit to Juffureh and James Island, the birth place of Kunta Kinteh, viewing of land and properties, a fashion show, and black history quiz competition.

Author: by Yunus Salieu

Nayconf Assessment Team Ends Countrywide Tour

Mon, 10 Nov 2008 04:39:13 GMT

Monday, November 10, 2008

As the advent of the forth biennial National Youths Conference and Festival (NAYCONF), swiftly approaches, an evaluation team from the Department of Sports, that included the National Youth Council, recently explored the length and breath of the country to asses the state of preparedness of this years event.

Foremost among the issues discussed during the tour, with keystone partners such as the Governors and the local organising communities, was the transportation and feeding of participants from the various regions. It has now been decided, that the regions themselves will be responsible for these costs and not the National Youth Council.

The visiting team also uncovered to the press the venues expected to host events such as the conference, football, basketball, volleyball and wrestling. The intent of this is to gauge the state of preparedness of the venues to successfully host the event.

In all the regions, as expected, the local organising communities heavily vilified the national organising committee for such a determined decision taking into consideration the closeness to the event and the plight involved in rising fund at the eleventh hour. On a more serious note, some Chairman’s of certain Area Councils bitterly argued with these developments. They noted that many cumulative burdens are on the shoulders of their councils and further responsibilities will prove strange. In the same vein, in Basse, some members of the local organising committees scolded the N.O.C for what they called a break of communications during past NAYCONF.

They therefore called for a proper work plan for a successful Nayconf.

However, with all these balks, the meeting stumbled to agreement in the name of national duties.

Speaking at Farafenni, The SOS for Youths and Sports, Hon. Sheriff Gomez, elucidated that it was pleasing to see what is on the ground. Hon. Gomez said what has been manifested is commitment but yet there is still major work to be done. In line with this reality Hon. Gomez called for commitment from both stakeholders to make the event a success. The date for Nayconf is slated for 18th December 2008. At Farafenni and the theme is “invest in youths for sustainable development”.

Author: Soury Camara

Nayconf 2008 flag relay begins today

Mon, 10 Nov 2008 04:34:38 GMT

Monday, November 10, 2008

The National Youth Conference and Festival (Nayconf) 2008 flag will begin its tour of regions and municipalities today. The traditional flag, which will visit all the regions in the country during its tour, will start its journey from Banjul City Council to Kanifing Municipality before heading to the various regions starting from Western Region.

According to the 2008 Nayconf National Organising Committee, the flag relay is meant to inform the general public of the impending biannual youth event, which is scheduled to take place between December 16 to 24, in Farafenni, North Bank Region.

This year’s event is expected to gather over 1,500 young people and stakeholders from The Gambia and the sub-region. They will share experiences and dilate on issues that affect their lives.

The week-long event, which is organised under the auspices of the Department of State for Youth and Sports, is also another avenue for the grooming of young talents in different sporting disciplines.

Author: by Nanama Keita

Sheriff Gomez tasked NBR LOC

Fri, 07 Nov 2008 06:18:35 GMT

Friday, November 07, 2008

Honourable Sheriff Gomez, secretary of state for Youth and Sports, has urged the local organising committee (LOC) of North Bank Region for the 2008 biannual National Youth Conference and Festival to work extra hard to be sure of the successful implementation of this years youth gathering which is due to take place from 16th to 24th December.

Honourable Gomez made this call as he spoke in Farafenni, the host for the youth gathering, last Tuesday. The meeting was part of a tour embarked upon purposely to gauge the level of preparedness of the local organising committees set by the national organising committee.

According to him, as the host of the seven regions of the country and the President of the Republic, Alhaji Dr Yahya Jammeh, the people of North Bank Region need massive preparation. He however urged Gambians to view NAYCONF equally national development.

“It is no doubt that the gathering will give the youth the platform to discuss on issues affecting their own lives,” he said.

He told the people of NRB that the NAYCONF national organising committee was only in place to ensure that all regions were facilitated to join the youth, but that ensuring its successful implementation was entirely on the host region.

Edward Seckan, governor of North Bank Region, assured the SoS and his entourage that his region was well prepared to host the gathering. According to him, they had already formed their respective sub-committees, members of which are working vigorously. Governor Seckan thanked the SoS and his delegation for the visit, describing it as a manifestation of good leadership.

Author: by Amadou Jallow

Arts and Culture: Egalitarian attends EU Day

Tue, 28 Oct 2008 07:33:43 GMT

Tuesday, October 28, 2008

Modou Lamin Bah, otherwise called Egalitarian, another sprouting erudite Gambian artist will this week leave the Gambian soil to attend the European Union (EU) Day.

The renowned Gambian Reggae Hip Pop artist will travel to the Republic of France for a brief musical performance and then proceed to Switzerland on a similar artist performance as part of a series of activities marking the European Union (EU) Day on the 16th of November 2008.

Egalitarian will represent the Republic of The Gambia on the invitation of the European Union (EU) at celebrations marking the existence of the European Union Day. The invitation for the Gambian artist to attend the programme came through the republic of France on behalf of the European Union.

In the course of his stay in Switzerland, the Gambian star is expected to stage musical performances in about six major towns and cities. ”Its a great pride and honour to have received such an invitation and thereby represnt the Gambia at such a world gathering”, said Egalitarian and his manager, Ebou Gaye, for the delighted Gambian artist in a recent chat with the Arts and Culture anchorman shortly before his departure to the republic of France and Switzerland.

Ebou Gaye revealed that, his artist has just returned from the republic of Burkinafaso on a Child Rights musical campaign tour organised by a charitable Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) called Plan Burkina. According to Mr Gaye, Egalitarian left the Gambia for Burkinafaso on 17th September and returned on 18th October 2008.

The manager, recalled series of artist musical tours made by Egalitarian both within and outside Africa. Mr Gaye revealed that, his artist is a member of regional musical Union called Artist United for Africa Rap in Africa (AURA), which comprises of 17 top artist from 10 countries in Africa.

“Some time in 2008.AURA embarked on a musical tour in Africa and came to the Gambia on invitation of the Gambian leader president Jammeh,but unfortunately the said musical performance was not possible due to technical problem encountered.

The Union will renew its tour to Kanilai some time early 2009 and we want both the Government and private sector to come on board in order to make this tour in the Gambia a resounding success”, he explained to Arts and Culture. Mr Ebou Gaye seized the opportunity to thank president Jammeh for what he called his untiring support rendered to the Union and artist industry in general,especially the Gambian music industry.

“We will organise a press conference after the European Union tour. He is expected back in the Gambia on 26th November 2008”,Ebou Gaye explained.

Author: by Sanna Jawara

Population Commission visit CRR projects

Mon, 27 Oct 2008 09:46:32 GMT

Monday, October 27, 2008

The National Population Commission Secretariat in collaboration with the regional population task force members last Tuesday conducted a joint annual monitoring tour in the Central River Region.

The purpose of the visit was to monitor the population related projects in the region. During the visit, the team visited the Ferdousey Health Post, Wassu theatre group and Sinchu Ngarba milling machine.

During a meeting in Janjanbureh shortly after the visit, Alhagie Ganyi Touray, the governor of Central River Region spoke at length on the importance of the joint monitoring visits as it will help officials get first hand information on the achievements, constraints, challenges and way forward in the implementation of population related projects in the region.

He said the Population Task Force Members (PTF) is essential link between the national structure and the grassroots in the process of policy implementation.

Ebou Jallow, the deputy director of the National Population Commission Secretariat (NPCS) pointed out that the PTF play a vital role at the regional level as they are to coordinate and facilitate all population activities within their respective areas.

He further noted that the purpose of their visits is part of their annual activities to visit the population related projects in the region and to find out their achievements, challenges and map out a way forward. He said this year, their annual planning meeting will be held at the regional level.

The ceremony was chaired by Lamin Badjie, the community development officer CRR South.

Author: by Lamin SM Jawo in Janjangbureh

Egalitarian Poised To Embark On European Musical Tour

Fri, 24 Oct 2008 06:14:03 GMT

Friday, October 24, 2008

Momodou Lamin Bah, alias Egalitarian, is a musical genius who is very near and dear to the hearts of music lovers in The Gambia and beyond. He is now preparing to embark on a musical tour that will take him to different countries in Europe including France and Switzerland.

Speaking with Entertainment last Tuesday, Egalitarian posited that he would use the tour to promote the Gambian flag high in the sky as well as to meet and interact with equivalents so as to sharpen his musical acumen. With his breathtaking lyrics and production the artist is critically acclaimed.

According to his Manager, Ebou Gaye, Egalitarian will also be performing similar shows in five cities in Switzerland including Geneva and Zurich. Egalitarian’s invitation to Switzerland is organised by the Swiss International Institution to promote children’s rights. He is a member of the African Artist United Association.

Author: Lamin Darboe

Source: Picture: Egalitarian with Friends

PCED Boss Concludes Environmental Tour

Wed, 15 Oct 2008 07:06:06 GMT

Wednesday, October 15, 2008

The Managing Director of the Partnership for Environmental Development (PCED) Mr. Bakary S.S Jadama recently tour streets in Faji Kunda and environs in the KanifingMunicipality. The visit accorded the PCED MD the opportunity to access the situation of dustbins located in the streets in the area. Mr. Jadama during the tour held meetings with people in the said community and discussed the needs for the timely collection of refuse in the area.“Our organisation is ready to collaborate with NEA, KMC and other environment friendly organisations to address the situation”. He lamented the poor management of waste in the area while called for change of attitude in managing waste noting that the delay in collection of rubbish can poise a serious threat to the health of condition of people who leaves around them particularly children.

He reaffirmed his organisation’s resolve in protecting the environment. “This is a serious concern to us that is why am out on the ground to have first hand information about the matter and make recommendations with the communities to address the situation”.

Jadama used the opportunity to commend the NEA, KMC cleansing services and other private cleansing companies for their efforts in keeping the environment clean. He however called for more partnership to make improve the situation of refuse in the municipality.

Source: Picture: Mr. Bakary S.S. Jadama touring streets in Faji Kunda and Kanifing

WHAT’S ON: Olugander on Europe tour

Fri, 19 Sep 2008 04:30:28 GMT

Friday, September 19, 2008

Dr Olugander, alias Omar Ndong, one of The Gambia’s hottest reggae dancehall stars, last Saturday left The Gambia for a three-month tour of Europe. The young reggae dancehall giant is staging his first major concert in Germany. Olugander will later proceed to Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Finland and Poland where he will perform at a series of concerts.

The young reggae star was invited by a charitable organization operating in Germany and Africa called Basic Know How, whose main aim is to ensure free education for African youths and children, and to keep the environment healthy, fight against malaria, among other issues.

Dr Olugander and his band – the Promised Land Crew - will join other international bands.

The Promise Land bandleader is currently working on his next album called Stronger Dan Before, which is expected to be a hit album. Speaking to What’s On, Dr Olugander expressed delight at this great opportunity, which he said will not only expose him but will also help him to learn a lot about the music business.

He thanked his sponsors and all his supporters in The Gambia. So be on the look out for Stronger Dan Before.

Author: by Assan Sallah