Two Cabinet ministers Removed, Justice Zainab resigns

His Excellency Adama Barrow, President of the Republic of The Gambia, acting under Section 71(4) (c), today, 12 July 2024, accepted the resignation of Honourable Haddy Jatou Sey, Minister of Basic and Secondary Education, who resigned for personal reasons. His Excellency the President thanked her for her service and wished her all the best in her future endeavours.

In a related development, the President, acting under Section 71(4)(b) of the Constitution, relieved the Minister of Communication and Digital Economy, Ousman Bah, of his duties. In the meantime, Professor Pierre Gomez, the Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Technology, will oversee the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education. Dr Ismaila Ceesay, the Minister of Information, will oversee the Ministry of Communication and Digital Economy until further notice. In separate development, High Court Judge Zainab Jawara Alami has resigned. She was reported to have got an international appointment. Source: State House

GRA Generates D10.4 Billion In Six Months

By Abdoulie Nyockeh

Gambia Revenue Authority’s Commissioner General Yankuba Darboe has disclosed that overall revenue generation from January to end June “stands at over D10.4 billion” within six months. He revealed this quantum leap in revenue generation in a recent interview with Peter Gomez’s Coffee Time program at West Coast Radio.

Asked by Peter the amounts GRA collected for the month of May and June, CG Darboe said that over D1.7 billion was generated in May and over D1.5 billion in June. He reiterated the annual revenue target of D19.2 billion in 2024 GRA has been tasked to generate by Government through the Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs. As at end June, which is halfway this year, GRA is left with D8.8 billion to be collected in order to achieve its annual revenue target of 2024, he said. Asked about the secret behind their resounding success, CG Darboe was quick to underscore the efficacy of the digitalization system GRA has introduced. The new digitalization system has contributed immensely to helping GRA leap and improve in revenue collection over recent years. The smart technology introduced had greatly eased and closed some of the major leakages hindering GRA’s revenue collection over the years, the provident Commissioner General confirmed. CG Darboe also recalled the challenges over having the new tech system in place before people or taxpayers in the country could cherish and appreciate some of the reforms GRA has introduced. “At the level of GRA, we are however used to certain emerging challenges from the public,” the astute GRA boss said. “But at the end of the day, people do appreciate more, and some would even say this new technology could have come earlier on.”

He cited the ASCUDA++ to the ASCUDA World, saying when this technology was introduced, there was a lot of hue and cry but at the end of the day people have come to appreciate the system. He further gave an apt reference, saying: “Also, when GRA introduced the digital tax stamp, there was a lot of noise. But today, visit supermarkets, manufacturing companies and factories; they are all using the digital tax stamp. This will help GRA to generate what is meant for Government in fair and transparent manner.”

89 Senegambian Migrants Died In A Boat Crash

According to reports monitored on CNN migrant boat from Gambia Senegal boarder capsized leaving dozens dead At least 89 migrants died when their boat capsized off the coast of Mauritania on Monday, the Mauritanian state-run news agency reported on Thursday. The Mauritanian Coast Guard’s officers recovered the migrants’ bodies who were aboard a large traditional fishing boat when it capsized, the agency said. Nine people were rescued, including a 5-year-old girl, the agency reported. The boat capsized off the coast, in the Atlantic Ocean, about 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) from the country’s southwest city of Ndiago, the state-run news organization said. The boat, which left the Gambia–Senegal border six days ago, was bound for Europe and had at least 170 migrants on board, the agency said, citing survivors.

Thousands of West African migrants take on perilous crossings on the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea to reach Europe in search of jobs and opportunities every year. According to a 2024 report by the International Organization for Migration (IOM), the crossing on the Atlantic Ocean is considered incredibly dangerous due to the length of the journey to Europe, “with migrants often stuck at sea for long periods on inadequate boats in areas of the Atlantic Ocean lacking dedicated rescue operations.” This is a developing story and will be updated source cnn

Green Power Investors To Be Refunded Their Monies

Recently Jarranews have reported the police opperation which resulted a closed down of the Green Power Company and the subsequent detention of staff. Following the pooice investigations Investors are asked to report to Kairaba Police Station to collect their monies. According Grren Power Company staff in the company's whatsapp group "The update we sent for everyone (on the day of our detention) is no longer going to be used ... It has been said that each individual should report for him or herself... You should report for you alone... Your investors should report for themselves one by one...failure to report don't expect anything from them. Nobody is detained now.Said a senior staff of the company. "Tell all your investors... And the money you should claim as an investor is only your deposit. The money from wave to the company. No profit or extra investment in City partner should be shown," said a Green Power Staff states in the Company's Staff WhatsApp Group messages today By Jarra News Stringer

Police Investigations At Green House

Developing Story: Green Power Company under police Investigation: Police says they have given all investors one week to come and report to the police station and make your statement in order to get back their money...next week you can be given a chance of three days. Sources said the managers were detain for imvestigation. According to Staff who spoke to jarranews Stringer the police take over Green Power Company currently in a Green Power however this cannot be independently comfirm from the police .

GPA Leader Advices BAC Chairman To Respect Authorities

Dear Chairman Yankuba Darboe and Honourable Councillors, As leaders of the Gambia Action Party, it is our responsibility to uphold the highest standards of ethical conduct and respect for the institutions of our government. Recent events have brought to light concerns regarding the actions of some within our ranks. It is imperative that we understand the role of government and the importance of abiding by established programs and policies that serve the interests of our citizenry. As leaders, we must lead by example, demonstrating a commitment to peaceful dialogue and adherence to due process.

Attacking state agents, especially security personnel, is not only unethical but also undermines the rule of law and jeopardizes the safety and security of our communities. We must refrain from engaging in any actions that incite violence or disrupt the operations of those tasked with serving the public good. I urge each of you to focus your efforts on addressing the needs and aspirations of the people we serve. Let us work tirelessly to improve the lives of our constituents and contribute positively to the development of our communities. Furthermore, I implore Chairman Yankuba Darboe and his councillors to refrain from interfering with the activities of those assigned with road expansion and decongestion efforts. Let us respect the mandates entrusted to various agencies and work collaboratively to achieve our common goals. In conclusion, let us remember that leadership is not by wish but by the will of Allah. Let us lead with integrity, humility, and a steadfast commitment to the betterment of our beloved nation. Sincerely, SERVANT MUSA OUSAINOU YALI BATCHILLY Secretary General and Party Leader of the Gambia Action Party, GAP