QCell Signed Mariama Gina Bass As Brand Ambassador

source;Thepoint.gm QCell, the only Gambian privately owned telecommunications company in The Gambia, has signed Africa’s fastest woman in 100m race, Gina Mariam Bass Bittaye, commonly Gina Bass, as its Brand Ambassador. The signing, done also in celebration of Gina Bass’s achievement as the most decorated Gambian athlete, took place on Friday at the head office of QCell, which has succeeded to be the first GSM Operator to launch 5G in West Africa, graduating from the first to launch 3G and 4G in The Gambia. Success comes with a lot of hard work, QGroup Chairman Muhammed Jah remarked, saying commendably Gina did not achieve her success overnight. “She worked hard for many years to reach this level,” he appreciated the Gambian athletics ambassador. Chairman Jah stated that they believe that Gina would serve as true ambassador of QCell, adding that “she has the values” that QCell believes in.

Gina is Africa’s Usain Bolt, Mr Jah describes Africa’s fastest woman in 100m race, saying QCell wants to promote Gina to a level where everyone in the world would know she is a champion - a pride of The Gambia and Africa! A human development-centred business chief, Mr Jah also thanked the Gambia Government for giving his company the opportunity to be able to impact lives in the country. Chairman Muhammed Jah and team received a shower of thanks and praise from the Youth and Sports Minister Bakary Y. Badjie for the initiative, in appreciation for “everything they are doing in the sports sector”.

Minister Badjie pointed out that for many decades the upkeep of sports in the country has been between government and the national sports associations. “The private sector to a large extent stayed behind and watch government and the associations to finance sports activities,” he voiced out. However, he said, in recent years they have seen some of the private sector coming on board and supporting their efforts. “QCell has taken the lead in the real investment,” the Sports minister said. “They are not only supporting us during competitions but also with infrastructure.” He contends that there is nowhere in the world where the government makes an athlete rich. “What makes athletes rich is the endorsements they get from the private sector and signings for promotional activities,” he highlighted.'

They hope other companies in the country would learn from QCell and sign athletes in all sports disciplines in the country, the minister said, boosting the morale of Gina Bass: “We hope you will win an Olympic medal you so deserve this year.” As a ministry, he added, they would continue to do their best for sports development in the country, saying there is no sector that is exporting more talents out of the country than sport. Gina has done and continue to do well for The Gambia as a result of her dedication, commitment and love for what she does, applauded the Gambia National Olympic Committee President Beatrice Allen. The GNOC president added that they are confident Gina would make The Gambia proud in Paris during the Olympic Games later this month, although they would not weigh her down with undue expectations. Madam Allen thanked QCell for recognizing Gina, saying she hopes other private enterprises, businesses and donors would emulate QCell. Amie Sise, QCell Senior Marketing Manager, said Gina’s achievements resonates deeply with QCell’s values and aspirations.

“Gina is not just an athlete. She is a symbol of perseverance, dedication and triumph in the world of sport,” she extols Africa’s athletic queen, saying: “Her accomplishment on the track has been nothing short of extraordinary, aligning perfectly with QCell’s commitment to excellence and pushing boundaries. We are inspired by Gina’s journey and the impact she has made in the sporting world.” Further, she said: “Gina Mariam Bass Bittaye is very humble but her achievements are no small feat. Her values of hard work, determination and resilience mirror with our own corporate business, making her an idol representative of QCell,” she added. Commissioner Lamin Bojang, who deputised the Inspector General Police at the function, thanked QCell for recognizing Gina’s efforts. A small country though, The Gambia is full of talents, the Commissioner commends, saying “Gina is a manifestation of that talent we have as a country.” He echoed IGP’s commitment to advancing and supporting young Gambians in sport to unearth their hidden talents. He also encouraged Gina to continue her hard work and dedication to service.

Mustapha Bittaye, Gina’s Manager, said he was grateful for the partnership he believes will yield fruitful results and development. Gina, he observed, is determined to achieve anything in her strides and efforts. He also thanked Gambians for their support towards Gina. Amira Jagne, first vice president of the Gambia Athletics Association, said Gina’s dedication and exceptional athletic commitment has not only brought honour to The Gambia but have also inspired countless individuals across the nation. “QCell’s decision to sign Gina does not only indicate their commitment to supporting local talents but signifies their dedication to promoting sports and athleticism with the community,” she said, adding that the partnership would not only elevate Gina’s profile at the international stage but would also provide her the necessary support and resources to excel in her athletics pursuits. For her part, Gina Bass gleefully thanked QCell, her family, manager and everyone for their support. source: Thepoint.gm

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 .