If You Fit The Name lawyer Prove Corruption Allegations Against Barrow

Dodou Sanno, an adviser to President Barrow, has challenged lawyer and politician Assan Martin “to come out with proofs” over his allegations that the president and his government are mired in corruption. Lawyer Martin told The Standard on February 5th that Gambians should not give President Barrow a fresh mandate when they go to the polls in December because of a litany of failures, top of which is rampant corruption. Reacting to Mr Martin over the weekend at the headquarters of President Barrow’s National People’s Party of which he is an executive member, Mr Sanno countered: “I am challenging Assan Martin as a lawyer to come out with evidence which can show to the Gambians that there is corruption in the government. Let him point his finger to any government department or any person working in the government engaging in corruption. Before he says something, he must have evidence for it. Maybe he himself is part of the corruption he is talking about. “I am not the government spokesperson, but I can say that before anyone accuses the government or anybody, you must have the proof. If there is corruption in the country, every citizen has the right to put a stop to it. But where is the corruption going on this country? I want to ask Assan Martin did he stop anybody from practising corruption in the country? If there is anybody let him bring that person too. “If he wants people to trust him as a lawyer so that he can have more clients, let him stop peddling false statements. Gambians are now fully aware and they know who is a professional lawyer and who is not. If Assan Martin is a lawyer by profession, let him leave the government and concentrate on the affairs of his clients. We want constructive criticisms and not just people saying things because they want to be heard.” On Mr Martin’s call for NPP to disclose the source of funds with which they procure fleets of brand new pick-up trucks, Mr Sanno reacted: “If Assan Martin is a good lawyer, and he is willing to know anything regarding NPP’s vehicles, I think he should launch an investigation in every government department to find out whether even a single butut is missing [and given to NPP]. I want to tell him that there are people in this country who love the NPP, President Barrow and the country. These people are in the party, they have money and they are willing to sacrifice by spending their money on the party in support of President Barrow. We have nothing to do with state funds. President Barrow doesn’t need government funds. If Assan Martin wants to know that let him go and ask government officials whether President Barrow has ever asked them for even a single butut for the NPP.” Mr Sanno said they were informed that Assan Martin had been “lobbying for something in Barrow’s government and when he failed to get that, he started making all these noises”. “His fellow lawyers are doing their job, but he is the only one criticising the government while the government is not even aware of him. Gambians know what President Barrow is doing and they appreciate him for that. Gambians will never listen to Assan Martin as he is a failed lawyer who does not even have clients. He is just wasting his time. President Barrow is not a failed president,” he added.

Where Was Pastor Forbes - Alagie Yero Jallow Asked

Where was Pastor Francis Forbes when Gambians were being massacred, treasury looted, media houses suffered nocturnal arson attacks, and journalists fleeing persecution and other religious leaders? Pastor Forbes turned against his perfidy, and there is no more incentive compatibility in him; he is now abusing the ministry. These catatonic guys think we are victims of amnesia. Pastor Forbes is not a perfect man, never claimed to be one. Like all of us, he has a past that may not reflect brightly on him today. He should not bow to threat from blackmailers. Pastor Forbes said to the Standard, “When you are engaged in things that are dishonorable to the detriment of your nation, you do not earn the term honorable. So you do not make noise about it. You represent your people like all of us do. It is not a badge of impunity. If this country sinks, the title ‘Honourable’ will not help us,” he stressed. The Pastor made these remarks at a multi-stakeholder dialogue on the 2020 draft constitution and the future of democracy in The Gambia. The Centre for Research Policy Development organized the forum held at the International Conference Centre. He added, “If we could remove our former president in 2016 … we can remove another, and another and another. The process we used is still available, and rather than waiting for the top-bottom approach, maybe we should start with galvanizing now, and when we vote, our votes will speak. There will be an answer, and we can move forward. If we did it in 2016, we could do it in 2021,” Pastor Forbes said. He said “the reminiscences of joy” after the 2016 presidential election still linger in his mind. What changed? Someone should tell Pastor Francis Forbes that not all Gambians are his congregants. Proclamations do not obtain political power. It is not given based on self-righteous postulations and circuitous kinetics of the pulpit. If he wants to win, he should get in the trenches. Those who must clothe others must have decent clothes on their back. Oratorical prowess is not politics and being religious. We know the man fancies himself as a motivational speaker, and he has already announced himself as the next Desmond Tutu. If he is serious about telling the truth to power, he should have done it when Gambians were looking for a Messiah. Pastor Francis Forbes needs strategic handlers to help him. I know he understands that some of his Christian and Muslim Clerics have damaged themselves, and they are positioning themselves to reinvent their image and guilt, but this is not how to do it. They have succeeded in damaging the man more in an attempt to decorate him. We do not want to dig deep into their relationship with the dictator. Today many religious leaders( saved these religious leaders like Imam Baba Leigh, Imam Karamo Touray, Imam Ismaila Manjang Reverend Hannah Faal, Father Edu Gomez Ba Kawsu Fofana are in the history books as those who sacrifice for the voiceless for speaking truth to power struggling to end despotism using their congregation and pulpits in restoring democracy Gambians are enjoying ), including Pastor Forbes of the Aiding Words Ministries, published sermons all over the place, and preaching hot and divisive messages enabling kleptocratic rule, were in bed with President Yahya Jammeh. They did not see anything wrong with his government. They had Yahya Jammeh’s ears and time. They could get anything done for the Gambia and Gambians with Yahya Jammeh, but what did they do? They just enjoyed the moment! They took Yahya to Israel to pray for the Gambia. Yahya cozied with their churches and Mosques with unlimited access to the national broadcaster, the Gambia Radio and Television Services ( GRTS). Other than Pastor Francis Forbes and other clerics were parsimonious to truth-telling that things were all well with the country. They all queued behind Yahya. They attended his events in large numbers, and he had their backs. Many of them openly canvassed for votes for him from their pulpits. They turned blind eyes to the shortcomings of the Yahya Jammeh government because he is one of their own! These men, who never saw anything wrong with Yahya Jammeh’s government, are now extremely vocal in their condemnation of the Adama Barrow government. They have statements trending online attacking the government, and wildly, Christians in the government. They are attacking the National Assembly members for rejecting the draft constitution. Pastor Forbes asks these questions: what is happening under Adama Barrow in the Gambia today that did not happen under the previous governments? Why was he quiet and somewhat ambivalent then but active and vocal now? Tell us. I make no excuse for this government, neither will I pretend that all things are well. The government has done well in some areas, and in some others, it has failed or failed poorly. The most outstanding failure of this government is in its inability to stop Corruption and institutional reforms. Corruption is despicable and unacceptable. Gambians, other than the victims of the previous regime are all agreed on this. What is even more despicable is the politicization of the governance structures by some. The previous government played the same card before the 2016 elections, and Pastor Forbes never condemned it. The Corruption and killings, and poor governance are beyond politics and religion. We concede that religious leaders’ responsibility is to tell the government to stop the perpetrators’ killings and justice. However, other religious clerics like Pastor Forbes or the so-called civil society activist never speak out from their positions against the government and not the finding solution to speak for despondency. We need to uphold those clerics and activists in prayers to be healthy and bold, imbued with wisdom and strength of character to do justice. Leaders pull together to seek solutions in crisis times, and they do not pour accelerant on already explosive situations! The Gambia survived a brutal dictatorship, but it did not survive a religious war. We are heading with the divisive rhetoric coming from religious leaders like Pastor Francis Forbes.

Justice Minister Jallow Replies to Petition Seeking Discontinuance of Case against NIA 9

Dawda A. Jallow, Minister of Justice has told lawyers for former intelligence chiefs that it is premature for him to consider any petition for a discontinuance of the prosecution of their clients at this stage. Jallow was responding to a petition written by counsels for the defendants, who want the criminal case against their clients to be discontinued by the State. It would be premature on my part to consider any petition for a discontinuance of the prosecution of your clients at this stage,” Jallow wrote. Former NIA Director General Yankuba Badjie and eight others were arrested in February 2017 and are still in custody undergoing trial. They have been charged with criminal offences in connection with the April 2016 demonstration of some UDP supporters and alleged death in custody of a UDP militant (Solo Sandeng) at the NIA headquarters, and the alleged brutalization of some other members of the UDP.- The Defense team headed by Lawyer Christopher E. Mene and Emmanuel E. Chime, on their behalf and on behalf of other members of their team, wrote a letter dated 12th November 2020, addressed to the Minister of Justice and copied to the TRRC Chairperson Lamin J. Sise and Lead Counsel Essa M. Faal. The subject of the letter was ‘‘a case to discontinue the ongoing criminal prosecution of former officials of the NIA (now SIS), in order to allow them appear as witnesses at the TRRC, in furtherance of the lofty mandate of the Truth Commission.’’ The letter continued: “We must hasten to make clear that this petition is not intended to and/or ought not to be seen as an attempt to diminish the gravity of the alleged loss of human life in the custody of the NIA or the alleged brutalization of the UDP supporters which is the backdrop to the criminal case before the Court. Indeed, we recognize that the accusations of human rights violations (if true), are condemnable and unacceptable in any civilized society.’’ Similarly, the petitioners indicated that their position should also not be construed to mean that the case of the Defense is weak. ‘‘Indeed, the defense is convinced that the summary of and the evidence led so far, does not disclose most if not all the offences charged,’’ the petitioners wrote. However, they said the petition has become imperative having regard to the length of time the former NIA officials have been held in prison custody while the trial lasts, and the negative effect of continuing the trial in the face of the mandate of the TRRC, to elicit the truth and promote reconciliation in the New Gambia. The TRRC was created by an Act of the National Assembly. The overriding objective of its setting up is evinced in the combined reading of the long title of the Act as well as the definition of “human rights violations and abuses” and “victims” in Section 2 of the Act, together with Section 13 and 14 of the Act which deals with the objectives and functions of the TRRC, in order of priority to first elicit the truth about all the horrendous human rights violations that occurred between July 1994 to January 2017 without any exception and second, to promote and encourage national reconciliation. The petitioners indicate in their letter that these two are very significant and in their humble view, they come before reparation because it is a recognition that only when the truth is known, that appropriate steps can be taken to ensure that the human rights violations of the past are not repeated in the present or future. They stressed that the TRRC Act emphasizes the need for national reconciliation as a tool for social harmony, unity and progress as we recover from the violations of the past regime. ‘‘The criminal prosecution of these former NIA officials who were all agents of the State and acted in their official capacities in relation to matters for which they stand charged before the Court, is inconsistent with and contrary to the letter and spirit of the TRRC Act,’’ the Defence lawyers wrote in their petition. The former NIA officials were arrested and detained since February 2017 to date. And according to the Lawyers, their clients have suffered personal losses and misfortune as a result of their continuous incarceration. Yankuba Badjie, the former Director-General of NIA is a family man and sole breadwinner of his family. He lost both of his parents within a short interval while in prison. “Their demise was not unconnected with the trauma both parents experienced as a result of the imprisonment of their son and breadwinner for so long,” the petitioners wrote. On the health side, the petitioners said Badjie is also hypertensive and had been admitted to Hospital for an extended period of time. In addition, they said he has been placed on daily medication which has barely kept him alive until now. The Defence lawyers said the second accused person Louie Richard Leese Gomez, was not so lucky because he died in prison during this trial. “The overwhelming sentiment is that he died because of his pre-existing medical condition which was compounded by his solitary confinement, resulting in his premature demise, leaving behind his young wife and several children, without a breadwinner,” the Lawyers wrote. Sheikh Omar Jeng, the 3rd accused person according to the Defence lawyers, lost his father while in custody and did not have the chance to even bury him. “The 3rd accused person also has a very serious heart condition which the State is aware of. It is nothing short of a miracle that he is still alive today,” the petitioners wrote. The Defence lawyers also stated that the 8th accused person, Lamin Darboe, had a very serious and devastating accident while carrying out electrical maintenance works in the Mile 2 prisons, which resulted in him being bedridden with two broken legs; that Darboe cannot attend Court sittings at the time of writing their letter. The petitioners said all accused persons are Gambians and breadwinners of their respective families. The long-standing case has suffered series of delay. The High Court granted a stay of proceeding in favour of the prosecution in November 2019 and for almost a year, the case was stalled. On the 8th of October 2020, the Court reversed the stay order by the High Court and ordered for the matter to continue. The prosecution has however appealed against the decision of the Court of Appeal to the Supreme Court. This means if the prosecution succeeds at the Supreme Court, the case would be further delayed while the accused persons remain in custody. The prosecution team called thirty-three witnesses who testified after which the prosecution closed their case. So far for the Defense Lawyers, Sheikh Omar Jeng is the only one who testified in defense of this case. Baboucar Sallah, the 4th accused person is expected to open his defense on Monday 15th of February 2021. Yankuba Badjie wants to make a “no case submission” but the Judge refused his plea to move his motion. Badjie is seeking the Court of Appeal to direct and order the High Court, to allow him to make the “no case submission” known as “a no case to answer submission” by many. The petitioners also raised the issue of discrimination by the State stating they are being tried and held in prison for four years when the TRRC is carrying out its legal mandate with witnesses some of whom had admitted to participating in horrendous human rights violations, including multiple killing of fellow citizens, before the Truth Commission, to give their testimony. The petitioners maintained that they were thereafter thanked for their testimonies and allowed to go home to their families. “In these circumstance therefore, the feelings of the former NIA officials that they are being discriminated against by the State and/or treated differently from the others they served with in the security sector under the former regime, is understandable,” the petitioners wrote. The petitioners said all the former NIA officials were public servants who served the State under the former regime, as State Agents and that they love their country no less than any other Gambian. “Discriminating against them or treating them differently cannot be good for national reconciliation,” the petitioners wrote. The Defence lawyers urged the Attorney General and Minister of Justice to consider discontinuing the ongoing criminal prosecution of these persons so that they can avail themselves of the opportunity to also appear before the TRRC, to give their testimony just like all other players in the Security sector, from 1994 to January 2017. “Having regard to the prominent role the NIA played regarding internal security matters under the former regime, we are convinced that the work of the TRRC cannot be complete without their testimonies,” the petitioners conclude. In his response, the Attorney General and Minister of Justice in a letter dated 5th January 2021, said the TRRC was established to create an impartial historical record of violations and abuses of human rights from July 1994 to January 2017; to promote healing and reconciliation and address impunity, and to grant reparations to victims amongst others. Minister Jallow said a very important function and power of the TRRC is to identify and recommend for prosecution, persons who bear the greatest responsibility for human rights violations and abuses. He held that this can only be done at the conclusion of the public hearings and submission of a report by the TRRC. He mentioned that those who appeared, testified and admitted to the Commission of crimes they have committed have not been exonerated or granted relief from prosecutions. However, Minister Jallow said by virtue of the TRRC Act, a person who makes full disclosure of his or her involvement in human rights violations and expresses remorse for their acts or conducts could be considered for amnesty where an application is made to that effect. “The TRRC process is designed in such a manner that those who appear before it and fully cooperate by making full disclosure, could be granted amnesty. Certainly, not all those involved in the commission of crimes could possibly be prosecuted,” the Minister said. Jallow said prosecuting everyone will undermine the spirit of healing and reconciliation by sending tremors on the very fabric of the society; that this is why a mechanism has been established to cater for all honesty and full disclosure. “This is an opportunity accorded to all Gambians,” Jallow said. The Attorney General said the NIA officials in custody could still avail themselves the opportunity for public testimony before the TRRC, since they may possess vital information that can assist in the accurate documentation of abuses and violations that took place in The Gambia; that a transitional justice process involves the application of a variety of mechanisms to ensure accountability, justice and reconciliation, which includes truth-telling, prosecutions, reparations and memorialization as well as healing and reconciliation among others. ‘‘It is never a situation that any one of these mechanisms should be pursued to the exclusion of others. In other words, these are always mutually reinforcing variables in a transitional justice process” Jallow said. Minister Jallow said it remains always the prerogative of the State to determine the application and sequencing of these variables, adding that the State is always confronted with the difficult task of balancing the demands for justice, with pursuing the objects of healing and reconciliation. He maintained that international best practice has demonstrated that justice and accountability are important factors for the ultimate objective of peace and reconciliation. “In light of the foregoing, you may wish to advise your clients to explore the possibility of cooperation with the Truth Commission by initiating direct contact with its secretariat,” Jallow wrote.

NIA Nine Case Witness Said He Cannot Remember Because He Was Drun

Baboucar Sallah, a former assistant officer commanding at the NIA on Wednesday, 18th February 2021 while under cross-examination denied participating in the torture of 14th April 2016 UDP protesters. Sallah maintained that he has never tortured any of the protesters, adding he did not go to the NIA headquarters on the protest day. He said he was at his duty post at the Atlantic Hotel in Banjul. Below is the testimony of Sallah in verbatim. Lawyer Combeh Gaye: Mr. Sallah, you told this court yesterday that you worked under your OC Haruna Suso and follow his command. Apart from yourself, who are the people under the command of Mr. Suso? Baboucar Sallah: We are many. Lawyer Combeh Gaye: Can you give the names of those people? Baboucar Sallah: Yes, they were Tamba Masireh, Alieu Singateh, Mr. Baldeh and there are names I can’t recalled. Lawyer Combeh Gaye: On the 14th of April 2016, did you see Haruna Suso? Baboucar Sallah: I only came to see Haruna Suso on the 15th of April 2016 between the hours of 4am to 5am. Lawyer Combeh Gaye: Did you receive any command from Mr. Suso on going to work? Baboucar Sallah: He called me on the 15th of April 2016 between the hours of 4am to 5am; that is when he called. Lawyer Combeh Gaye: Mr. Sallah I am putting it to you that Mr. Suso called you before the 15th of April 2016. Baboucar Sallaah: That is not true. Counsel Combeh Gaye requested for exhibit J and V1 to be given to her. Lawyer Gaye: It is evident that Mr Baboucar Sallah was called by his OC Mr. Suso. Mr. Sallah, did you remember the interview you have with the police at the police headquarters. Baboucar Sallah: I cannot remember because I was drunk. Lawyer Combeh Gaye: But you remember going to the police in 2017 at the police headquarters to be interrogated on this case. Baboucar Sallah: I cannot remember; it was in the following day I came to know that I was at the police headquarters because I was intoxicated. Lawyer Combeh Gaye: Take a look at exhibit V1 at page 71. Baboucar Sallah: I cannot read. Lawyer Combeh Gaye: Are you telling this court that you are an illiterate – you cannot read and write. Baboiucar Sallah: My education is very low. Lawyer Combeh Gaye: The question is can you read and write. Baboucar Sallah: I can understand some, but I cannot understand all. Lawyer Combeh Gaye: Since you can understand something, can you read page 71 line 321. Baboucar Sallah: I cannot read the document, page 71 line 321. Lawyer Combeh Gaye: Mr. Sallah, I am putting it to you that, it is transcribe audio interview between you and the police. Baboucar Sallah: I am not aware of it because I was not with myself, I was intoxicated. Lawyer Combeh Gaye: Mr. Sallah. I am putting it to u that you were not drunk and you gave the police answer and never told the police that you were drunk. Baboucar Sallah: A person can be drunk and be talking, but I was drunk. Lawyer Combeh Gaye: Mr. Sallah, you admitted to the police that you were at the NIA on the 14th of April 2016. Baboucar Sallah: I cannot remember. Lawyer Combeh Gaye: In fact, Mr.Sallah you told the police that you and Tamba Masireh were called and asked to interrogate Solo Sandeng. Baboucar Sallah: I am not an investigator or an interrogator. I was at the Atlantic Hotel throughout. Lawyer Combeh Gaye: In fact Mr Sallah, you told the investigators that you beat Solo Sandeng. Baboucar Sallah: I disagreed because it has never happened. Lawyer Combeh Gaye: In fact you further told the police that it was yourself, Tamba Masireh and Lamin Darboe, the 8th accused person who were there beating Solo Sandeng. Baboucar Sallah: That has never happened because I have never worked with Lamin Darboe. Lawyer Combeh Gaye read Haruna Suso’s cautionary statement in which he stated “I received a call from my director of operations Sheikh Omar Jeng who asked me to come to the headquarters together with my team. I called Baboucar Sallah and Tamba Masireh to join me.” Suso said Jeng told him that the UDP supporters who did the protest needed to be warmed up. Lawyer Combeh Gaye: Haruna Suso is your boss and he said you were present at the NIA on the 14th of April 2016. Baboucar Sallah: I disagreed with him. The case has been adjourned to Monday the 22nd of February 2021 at 1 pm

OIC ROAD PROJECTS: Property Assessment On Bertil Harding Highway And 50km Urban Roads

Petroleum House, 17th February 2021 – The public is hereby informed that officials of the Department of Physical Planning, Department of Lands and Surveys, and the National Roads Authority are embarking on a property assessment and valuation exercise along the Bertil Harding Highway and other identified 50KM Urban Roads across the Greater Banjul Area. The exercise commenced on February 1, 2021, and is expected to last for three months. The objective of the assessment exercise is to identify properties that will be affected by the road construction projects and acquire more information relating to land ownership to ensure that the proper expropriation process is followed. Therefore, the OICGambia Secretariat and its partner agencies highly solicit the cooperation of the public, particularly beneficiary communities.

President Barrow Inaugurates 20MW Power Plant in Brikama

President Barrow Inaugurates 20MW Power Plant in BrikamaAs part of activities marking The Gambia’s 56th Independence Anniversary, President Adama Barrow today inaugurated the new 20Mega Watts Power Plant Installed in Brikama, West Coast Region. The more than $28 million project, jointly funded by the Islamic Development Bank and the Government of Gambia, aims to resolve power capacity gaps in the country and serves as a catalyst for achieving and sustaining a daily supply of electricity throughout the country. President Barrow stressed in his statement that the power plant stems from his government’s conviction that, by raising living standards and reducing poverty, electricity is a key driver of economic growth.“The project stands out as another means of accelerating the country’s key infrastructure investments to empower Gambian citizens through access to essential services, ” he observed. Underscoring that his government remained committed to the NDP’s targets, the President said that most of the blueprint’s priorities were met and the energy roadmap for 2017 has been fulfilled. He added that the goal of 2025 for access to energy for every household in the country is achievable.The Managing Director of Nawec, Nani Juwara stated that the power plant will significantly narrow the electricity demand and supply gap in the Greater Banjul Area. He added that the recent developments in the power sector will considerably reduce the cost of energy in the country. Bellow is the full text of the president,s speech; The Honourable Speaker of the National Assembly,My Lord, the Chief Justice,Cabinet Ministers Present,Senior Government Officials and Service Chiefs,National Assembly Members,Members of the Diplomatic and Consular Corps,Local Government Authorities,Venerable Religious Leaders,Members of the Media,Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen, It is a delight to preside over the inauguration of the new twenty (20) Mega Watts Power Plant installed here in Brikama. It is a source of joy to observe that the event is being held as part of the activities marking the Fifty-sixth Independence Anniversary of our dear motherland. The occasion adds to the ample evidence of my government’s commitment to our 2021 Energy Roadmap and National Development Plan. The addition of twenty (20) Mega Watts to our electricity generation capacity will significantly address the country’s power capacity gaps and serve as a catalyst to achieve and maintain regular electricity supply for the entire Gambian nation. Ladies and Gentlemen, This Power Plant project results from the Government’s belief that energy is a key driver of economic development. Thus, it has to serve a leverage to raise living standards and reduce poverty in the country. The project stands out as another means of accelerating the country’s key infrastructure investments to empower Gambian citizens through access to essential services. It is only through such huge development strides that we can attain and sustain the level of economic growth we desire. Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen, The rapid increase in the generation capacity of NAWEC and the expansion of its service within the past four years has been quite tactical.We are convinced it takes such innovative strategies to rekindle hopes and uplift the living standards of our people. The increasing demand for power, arising from the expansion of economic activities in the country, also makes it compelling for Government to redouble efforts in the energy sector. The strategy is to gradually replace the old generator sets with reliable ones and maintain a single national grid. Besides providing sustainable energy for all, it is equally necessary to work towards cost-reflective electricity tariffs in a systematic manner and within the right regulatory framework. We remain committed to the socio-economic development objectives as outlined in our National Development Plan (NDP), the AU 2063 Agenda and the AU/EU partnership for Green Transition and Energy Access. Accordingly, the energy sector has a critical role to play for the realisation of these development mileposts. To this end, the Ministry of Petroleum and Energy is establishing an Energy Platform to exploit sustainable energy solutions in order to propel agricultural development, facilitate trade and promote digital inclusion, among other objectives. We are also working with our development partners to mitigate the effects of climate change, increase our renewable energy uptake and improve energy efficiency in our homes, institutions and businesses. Let me stress that my government will keep up the momentum of infrastructure development countrywide. To stir economic growth, we need good roads, bridges, schools and hospitals to name a few examples, and all these developments require regular and reliable electricity supply. Therefore, this occasion marks a key milestone for the nation in the long quest for steady power supply. Alongside increasing the generation capacity of electricity are other projects to step up access, and expand the transmission and distribution network within a reinforced and reliable system. These measures will improve supply, increase customer connections and support investments. Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen,My government is aware of the fact that despite significant improvements on access to electricity since 2017, there remains a considerable portion of our population without electricity supply. To address this, in collaboration with our development partners, Government will, in the next three years, create access to over six hundred and eighty-five (685) communities countrywide. Our target is universal access by 2025, which is earlier than the 2030 Sustainable Energy for All target. I am happy to observe that, so far, most of the priorities of the NDP and the 2017 Energy Roadmap have been successfully fulfilled. This puts the energy sector on a firm footing for bigger successes. We will continue to encourage private sector participation. With these reforms, I am confident that our 2025 target will be attained. Against this background, a comprehensive Energy Master Plan development is being developed to set the pace. Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen, At this juncture, it is worth mentioning that the overall cost of this Power Plan Project is Twenty-eight Million, Four Hundred and Forty Thousand US Dollars (US$ 28.44). We are indebted, therefore, to the Islamic Development Bank for providing Twenty-five Million, Two Hundred and Twenty Thousand US Dollars (US$ 25.22 Million) of the cost. We convey special thanks to the President of the Bank, His Excellency, Bandar Hajjar and his staff for their unflinching support to The Gambia. Furthermore, we appreciate the efforts of the Ministry of Petroleum and Energy, the Board and Management of NAWEC and all stakeholders for the success of the project. However, I urge the Board and Management of NAWEC to re-double their efforts in boosting their generation capacity to support the Government’s initiatives across the country. Having said this, we express gratitude to the contractor, STX Heavy Industries of South Korea, for undertaking the works successfully.We recognise also the efforts of the Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs for facilitating the Government’s counterpart contribution of Three Million, Two Hundred and Twenty thousand Dollars ($3.22 Million). As a government, we commend all those who contributed to the success of the project. Ladies and Gentlemen, I renew my government’s pledge to continue on our development endeavours to power our homes, industries and economy into a brighter future. As we pursue our 2025 “Energy for all” agenda, I ask all citizens to remain vigilant and protect the infrastructure provided for you, and make the best use of the services put at your disposal. With renewed zeal and hope for a brighter future for all Gambians, I now declare the Brikama Plant Project officially inaugurated. God bless The Gambia!

Deportation Rumor Is Misinformation By Media _ Dr. Isatou Touray

The Gambia’s Vice President, Dr. Isatou Touray, has dispelled what she called misinformation carried by the media that the government signed deportation deal with Swiss authorities. Madam Touray made this remark on Friday afternoon, 12th February, 2021 when the Switzerland Vice President visited her. With regard to her visit to Swiss, VP Touray said: “My visit also triggered some misinformation at the time I went there. I can remember the media carried so much information saying that we went to sign ‘deportation’ of Gambians. It is not true and I want to dispel it here. It has nothing to do with deportation. Migration is broader than deportation and that was not what we went there for, and is not an issue.” She added: “Migration is a development matter and it is not about deportation alone, it deals with development of issues in terms of how we deal with our country and other countries.” Nonetheless, VP Touray said the visit was a very important one for the country, saying it marked the beginning of a strong partnership and trust between the two countries. She said they were there to sign two important agreements; one of them was migration matters and the other was air space agreement. “We also had other discussions with regards to bilateral and multilateral issues and to reconsider as a partner because Swiss is already known for its democracy, human rights, and process in development,” she said. Madam Touray added that Swiss is a small country coming out of a difficult situation and they need to look for partners that they can learn from, share best practices and also move together to make the world a better place. Iqnatio Cassis, Vice President of Switzerland, said his propose of meeting The Gambia’s Vice President is in regards to a meeting they had in Bern, where a Gambian delegation went to Swiss to sign an agreement and they decided to meet again in order to operationalize their Sub- Saharan Africa Strategy for Swiss for the next four years. “We started our trip by North Africa and went up to Mali, Senegal and we decided to have a stop here. We already discussed most of the issues in Bern last month to find operational ways in order to strengthen our relationships,” he highlighted. Among the issues they discussed, Cassis said, were bilateral operation in peace and security, human rights, detention- where they will visit the prisons to look at the conditions of the center of the population, and water management. He said water is a very important source of richness for The Gambia which needs capacity building in many ways in order to make it work out to give value addition to the country. Commenting on remittances, Swiss VP said because of Covid-19 remittances is decreasing. He thanked Gambia’s Vice President for welcoming the Swiss delegation to the Gambia. SHARE

Deportation Rumor Is Misinformation By Media _ Dr. Isatou Touray

The Gambia’s Vice President, Dr. Isatou Touray, has dispelled what she called misinformation carried by the media that the government signed deportation deal with Swiss authorities. Madam Touray made this remark on Friday afternoon, 12th February, 2021 when the Switzerland Vice President visited her. With regard to her visit to Swiss, VP Touray said: “My visit also triggered some misinformation at the time I went there. I can remember the media carried so much information saying that we went to sign ‘deportation’ of Gambians. It is not true and I want to dispel it here. It has nothing to do with deportation. Migration is broader than deportation and that was not what we went there for, and is not an issue.” She added: “Migration is a development matter and it is not about deportation alone, it deals with development of issues in terms of how we deal with our country and other countries.” Nonetheless, VP Touray said the visit was a very important one for the country, saying it marked the beginning of a strong partnership and trust between the two countries. She said they were there to sign two important agreements; one of them was migration matters and the other was air space agreement. “We also had other discussions with regards to bilateral and multilateral issues and to reconsider as a partner because Swiss is already known for its democracy, human rights, and process in development,” she said. Madam Touray added that Swiss is a small country coming out of a difficult situation and they need to look for partners that they can learn from, share best practices and also move together to make the world a better place. Iqnatio Cassis, Vice President of Switzerland, said his propose of meeting The Gambia’s Vice President is in regards to a meeting they had in Bern, where a Gambian delegation went to Swiss to sign an agreement and they decided to meet again in order to operationalize their Sub- Saharan Africa Strategy for Swiss for the next four years. “We started our trip by North Africa and went up to Mali, Senegal and we decided to have a stop here. We already discussed most of the issues in Bern last month to find operational ways in order to strengthen our relationships,” he highlighted. Among the issues they discussed, Cassis said, were bilateral operation in peace and security, human rights, detention- where they will visit the prisons to look at the conditions of the center of the population, and water management. He said water is a very important source of richness for The Gambia which needs capacity building in many ways in order to make it work out to give value addition to the country. Commenting on remittances, Swiss VP said because of Covid-19 remittances is decreasing. He thanked Gambia’s Vice President for welcoming the Swiss delegation to the Gambia

The TRRC Needs A Service Expert

have watched some key witnesses gave their testimonies at the TRRC with Lead Counsel Fatal. Admittedly some of Faal’s questions only required a “Yes” or “No” answer. However, some of the witnesses dive into an elaborative swim inviting sharky questions in their unnecessary paddle to safe shores. This got we wondering. Is the witness seat hot? Do they come prepared for a confrontation with Essa Faal? Are they intimidated by him? Or is it just Gambian to be elaborative? Sometimes I find Essa Faal overtowering but a witness worth his or her salt will be composed, focused and precise unless you have something to keep in a closet. The SIS as an Intelligence Agency has a significant role in collecting drug related information particularly exportation, importation, distribution and consumption in and outside the Gambia. They can assist in drug related investigation but should not be involved in the arrest and prosecution of drug cases. Essa Faal,s lack of functional security services experience sometimes affects his interaction with Security Offices. Their code of conduct and operations differs significantly from the civil servants. As such, it will be helpful to get a seasoned ex officer to help in questioning some of his witnesses.

IEC Clarifies Voter Registration Postponement

15 hours ago Yaya Dampha ALIEU MOMAR NJIE IS NOT DEAD About 30... - Gambian Talents Promotion | Facebook IEC CLEARS AIR ON POSTPONEMENT OF GENRAL VOTER REGISTRATION The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) has issued a statement indicating the reason behind the postponement of the commencement of the General Registration of Voters which was slated on the 14th of January to 26th of February 2021. It is stated in the statement that IEC has been hindered by the lack of clearance from the GPPA which is required before the release of funds by the Ministry of Finance. The electoral body further stated that failure in obtaining clearance from GPPA posted some logistical challenges relating to the procurement of materials and equipment needed for the successful conduct of the Voter Registration.However, IEC, in a statement signed bythe commission,s chairman Alieu Momarr Njai, assured Gambians that the delay in conducting the Voters Registration Exercise would not affect the electoral calendar as there is still room to conduct the exercise on time according to the released. It could be recalled earlier in October 2020, GPPA warned that IEC’s plan to go against its advice to contract a Canadian Company with the supply of electoral materials and issuance of voters cards will be ‘illegal’ and a complete disregard of the procurement act.However, the Electoral Commission contracted this year’s voter registration and supply of election materials to Electoral Service International (ESI) despite the GPPA’s refusal to approve the proposal. ESI was competing with Dermalog, a German company, Ekemp, a Chinese company, and Smart business group, a Gambian company’.

President Barrow Receives Commonwealth Secretary General

Foreign Minister Dr. Tangara receives Commonwealth Secretary General Her Excellency The Rt. Hon. Patricia Scotland Q.C. Banjul, 7th December 2020: The Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad, Dr. Mamadou Tangara, on Monday 7th December 2020 received the Secretary General of Commonwealth, Her Excellency The Rt. Hon. Patricia Scotland Q.C. in his office in Banjul. In welcoming the Commonwealth Secretary General, Foreign Minister Dr. Tangara commended her and the delegation for the visit to The Gambia. Minister Tangara informed her that The Government of The Gambia is committed to continue working closely with the Commonwealth to spur socio – economic development for The Gambia and all member states. He said partnership in the areas of Health, Judiciary and Education are crucial to the development Blueprint of the Government and extend his appreciation for the technical assistance by the Commonwealth in the areas of Human right, Rule of law, Good Governance, Education and Health. For her part, Her Excellency The Rt. Hon. Patricia Scotland Q.C. said her delegation is in Banjul to share with The Gambia opportunities crafted together for the country to tap and utilise. She expressed Commonwealth’s readiness to work with the Government of The Gambia in ensuring a better future for the youth and collaborate in the areas of Climate Change, Good Governance, and Rule of law and Financial Accountability. She used the opportunity to thank Foreign Minister Tangara for the accurate information he provided about the great achievements and initiatives taken by the Government during the past two years. In attendance was the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ms. Saffie Sankareh – Farage and other staff of the Ministry. It could be recalled that The Gambia formally rejoined The Commonwealth on 8th February 2018 following the unilateral withdrawal of the country by the erstwhile President Yahya Jammeh. President Barrow this afternoon received the Commonwealth Secretary General Rt. Patricia Scotland at the Governor’s residence in Kerewan, North Bank Region. According to Secretary General Scotland, the President made several commitments in relation to adhering to the Commonwealth Charter, Values, and other issues of difficulty in The Gambia when his government decided to rejoin the organisation of former British Colonies. While expressing her impression about the progress the government has made, SG Patricia said she met with several government Ministers that are determined to make a difference and deliver on the Sustainable Development Goals. She particularly commended the Ministry of Women, Children and Social Welfare on the issue of addressing domestic and sexual violence and advancing the rights of women and girls in the country to ensure their full participation. “We know that if any country is to be healthy and wealthy, we have to look after all our people and 50 per cent of our people are female, so taking advantage of the assets, the talents, the energy of our women and girls is going to be critically important for The Gambia.

Allow President Barrow, s Father To Rest in Peace

Of Darboe's Distateful Personal Politics Why the UDP leader needs to sanitise his rhetoric and leave President Barrow's father to rest in peace   By Yaya Dampha (Sweden)   I see it as a civic duty to respond to the unpleasant and ungentlemanly remarks by a veteran 72-year-old politician in the person of Lawyer Ousainou Darboe, the leader of the opposition United Democratic Party. Mr. Darboe's statement that "President Barrow did not inherit anything from his father" symbolises bad taste, which depicts the character of a man full of anger, rage and hot temper. This is the man who had throughout preached against politics of mudslinging, character assassination or insult during the Jammeh dictatorship. I used to admire Darboe's cool and collected approach to dealing with looming political conflicts. That is why his new line of politics has worried me, to call spade a spade and not a rake.

It is worthy to note that political parties that are devoid of ideological grounds or basis will have nothing to offer to the masses. Members of such political parties resort to talking about their opponents' personal and private lives. Even the parents of their opponents are not allowed to live in peace. Instead of championing issue-based politics or politics of development, these parties will campaign along tribal lines, with its members touting sentiments like 'ali Kari fasa', 'ali Kari la julo jo' (delo len jugal) or 'Kari batata bankola kula'.   Instead of selling his party's programmes and policies to the or what he intends to do for them if he is given the responsibility to manage our meagre tax revenue, the doyen Lawyer politician chose to blow his own trumpet. Maverick politicians are like gifted salespeople who must master the art of sales pitching. Wise politicians allow others to tell their story, especially with regard to their sacrifices. Statements like "I suffered and sacrificed a lot during the Jammeh era" is simply laughable. Who hasn't suffered? Even unborn innocent babies and their mothers are not spared by a regime whose leader sacrificed babies for rituals. Every Gambian tasted their own bitter pills or played their own part and sacrificed without expecting any personal rewards or benefits. All they care about was to free their once Sweet Country from a Mad Dog. Any attempt to defeat Mr. Jammeh was tantamount to solemn national duty.   Truth be told loudly and clearly, President Adama Barrow’s father (Mamudou Barrow) was not a politician. Mamudou's name only came to the public limelight when his son defeated Yahya Jammeh. He was not under any obligation to give his inheritance to Adama Barrow to develop The Gambia. Where has that happened in the world? Mr. Darboe’s remarks corroborate the fact that he endorses the insults and arrogance being peddled by the UDP supporters. How can insult be a crime in a village where elders okay the use of vulgar language? I have now believed that use of vulgar language is an accepted standard of normalcy within the UDP. If you see a child insulting and abusing others in the streets one should know that child learns that behaviour from home.  After more than half a century of self-rule, one might believe that politics of insult, violence, castigation and tribalism should have no place in our modern day Gambian politics.  A 72-year-old man should have been a good Role Model for the younger generations and not the other way around.   It is true that Lawyer Darboe used to get under the skin of former President Jammeh, although in a more responsible manner many a time. But what Darboe needs to understand is that President Barrow is not Yahya Jammeh who can easily be provoked to arrest or suppress his political adversaries. Such tactics are relics of the bygone era. Democracy requires politics of issues and not of personal attacks. It elevates arguments and instils principle of mutual respect and tolerance. It is not the state or the governing party alone that should uphold principles and dictates of democracy. The opposition parties vying for power should also respect the same very principles of democracy. Lawyer Darboe has failed the principle of fair play, mutual respect and upholding sacrosanct traditional values of limiting one's remarks to one’s opponent and not to their parents or relatives. It would have been an explosive affair if such unpleasant remarks were uttered by President Barrow. Our lousy media would have drummed it up and labelled it a threat, yet a clear provocation and punch below the belt is instigated by a veteran politician and the outrage is minimal, which in itself is alarming. Distasteful political remarks or innuendos are not what the world expects of Gambians to practice in a post-dictatorship era. We cannot build a Better Gambia in the absence of restraiing our utterances and allow our democracy to flourish. In essence, let us police ourselves and live in Peace rather than in pieces.  Ends

President Barrow Receives Commonwealth Secretary General

Foreign Minister Dr. Tangara receives Commonwealth Secretary General Her Excellency The Rt. Hon. Patricia Scotland Q.C. Banjul, 7th December 2020: The Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad, Dr. Mamadou Tangara, on Monday 7th December 2020 received the Secretary General of Commonwealth, Her Excellency The Rt. Hon. Patricia Scotland Q.C. in his office in Banjul. In welcoming the Commonwealth Secretary General, Foreign Minister Dr. Tangara commended her and the delegation for the visit to The Gambia. Minister Tangara informed her that The Government of The Gambia is committed to continue working closely with the Commonwealth to spur socio - economic development for The Gambia and all member states. He said partnership in the areas of Health, Judiciary and Education are crucial to the development Blueprint of the Government and extend his appreciation for the technical assistance by the Commonwealth in the areas of Human right, Rule of law, Good Governance, Education and Health. For her part, Her Excellency The Rt. Hon. Patricia Scotland Q.C. said her delegation is in Banjul to share with The Gambia opportunities crafted together for the country to tap and utilise. She expressed Commonwealth’s readiness to work with the Government of The Gambia in ensuring a better future for the youth and collaborate in the areas of Climate Change, Good Governance, and Rule of law and Financial Accountability. She used the opportunity to thank Foreign Minister Tangara for the accurate information he provided about the great achievements and initiatives taken by the Government during the past two years. In attendance was the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ms. Saffie Sankareh – Farage and other staff of the Ministry. It could be recalled that The Gambia formally rejoined The Commonwealth on 8th February 2018 following the unilateral withdrawal of the country by the erstwhile President Yahya Jammeh. President Barrow this afternoon received the Commonwealth Secretary General Rt. Patricia Scotland at the Governor's residence in Kerewan, North Bank Region. According to Secretary General Scotland, the President made several commitments in relation to adhering to the Commonwealth Charter, Values, and other issues of difficulty in The Gambia when his government decided to rejoin the organisation of former British Colonies. While expressing her impression about the progress the government has made, SG Patricia said she met with several government Ministers that are determined to make a difference and deliver on the Sustainable Development Goals. She particularly commended the Ministry of Women, Children and Social Welfare on the issue of addressing domestic and sexual violence and advancing the rights of women and girls in the country to ensure their full participation. “We know that if any country is to be healthy and wealthy, we have to look after all our people and 50 per cent of our people are female, so taking advantage of the assets, the talents, the energy of our women and girls is going to be critically important for The Gambia.”