UN Rep commends Jammeh for banning FGM

By Abdoulie Nget

The top official of the United Nations in The Gambia, Ms Ade Mamonyane Lekoeje, has commended President Yahya Jammeh for the decision to ban female genital mutilation in the country.
Lekoeje, who is the UN resident representative, spoke during the launch and signing of two anti-Ebola projects at the Sanatorium on Friday.

Gambia, Japan partner on Ebola prevention

By Abdoulie Nget

The governments of Japan and The Gambia on Friday signed and launched two anti-Ebola projects to support the country's preparedness against the hugely dreaded killer disease.
The projects are, 'The Project for the Reinforcement of Prevention and Control of Febrile Illness' and 'Support to National Ebola Prevention and Preparedness in The Gambia.'

Gambia receives 118 Cuban doctors

By Abdoulie Nget

Relations between The Gambia and the Republic of Cuba might have strengthened further after the official unveiling of no fewer than 118 Cuban doctors who were recently dispatched to The Gambia.
At a brief ceremony held at the Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital in Banjul on Friday, the Minister of Health, Omar Sey while welcoming the doctors said quality health service delivery was of top priority to the Gambia government.

Gambian Swimmers Shine in Dakar Swimming

By Omar Jarju Press Officer, in Dakar

Amadou Ndoye Diop of Yoff emerged as champion for the first time as three Gambian swimmers shined at the 28th edition of the Dakar-Goree Open Water Swimming competition held in Senegal on the 27th September 2015.

 Pap D. Jonga and Jegan Y. Jobe of Barra, and Momodou Lamin Saine of Bakau competed in the 4.5Km and successfully completed the race.

Barrow goes crystally clear

Swansea City winger Modou Barrow has refuted claims that he asked not to be included in Gambia’s World Cup qualifiers against Namibia because of Omar Jagne’s exclusion.

Rumours have been going that he refused to show up for Gambia-Namibia game for the simple reason that his close friend Omar Jange is not invited, which to Barrow is all false and fake. He was quick to react by saying that “I must say I am 100% disappointed with the claims that I rejected the call-ups because of my asking of the coach to include Omar Jagne or I will not come, it’s vital to note that all those stuffs are nothing but false and meant to tarnish my image.”

UN training for journalists on elections opens in Dakar

30 journalists selected across various media in West Africa are being taken through an intensive training class for two days to broaden their knowledge on the role of the media in the promotion of peaceful elections in West Africa.

The training workshop, organised by the United Nations Office for West Africa Dakar in partnership with the High Commissioner for Human-Bureau West Africa Rights (OHCHR-BAO), UNESCO Regional Office in Dakar, the United Nations Information Centre (UNIC), and the International Organisation of the Francophonie (OIF), is taking place in the Senegalese capital, Dakar. It is entitled, “The Role of Media in the Promotion and Conduct of Peaceful Electoral Processes in West Africa.”

91, 000 Gambians Suffer From Mental Illness – Report

Bakary Sonko

A new policy document on mental health under review by the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has revealed that 91, 000 or 10 percent of The Gambia's population aged 15 years and more had one form of mental illness or the other.
The 2016-2025 Mental Health Policy of The Gambia draft document is being reviewed by the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare in collaboration with partners.

SJAG Lambast, Caution GFF after disrespectful treatment to Journalist

The Executive Committee of the Sports Journalists’ Association of The Gambia (SJAG) strongly condemn in the strongest form the humiliation, disrespect, discomfort meted on our member sports journalists on Sunday, the 6^th September 2015 by the Executive Committee of The Gambia Football Federation (GFF), during the AFCON qualifier game between the Scorpions of The Gambia and the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon at the Stadium in Bakau.

Below is the protest letter signed by Alieu Ceesay, Assistant Secretary General of the Gambia Sports Journalist Association:

“We are journalists and professionals in our own rights and we deserved to be given the maximum respect like any other professional in any sector.

Gambia Gets First FIBA Accredited Referees’ Instructor

The first ever Gambian Basketball referees’ Instructor accredited by the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) was unveiled by The Gambia Basketball Association (GBA) on Monday at a ceremony held at Olympic House.

The Gambia National Olympic Committee financed Mr. Sang Marie Sambou’s trip through The Gambia Basketball Association to undergo International Referees Instructor and Refresher Clinic in Tunisia in April this Year.

The result was released last week with Mr Sambou registering flying colors and has been appointed as national referee instructor by the International Basketball Federation (FIBA).

Gov't moves to end open defecation

By Abdoulie Nget

The minister of Health and Social Welfare on Friday said the government of President Yahya Jammeh would adopt offensive disposition to eradicate the menace of open defecation in the country.
Omar Sey who spoke during the launch of a pronouncement to end open defecation in The Gambia by 2017 held at Dalagass Village in Central River Region said the new initiative will ensure proper sanitation and hygiene.

Ministry of Health receives donation of medical equipment

The Ministry of Health and Social Welfare on Tuesday received donations of medical equipment to boost the national health system for effective and affordable delivery of health services to Gambians.

The items were donated by United Nations Development Programme in Japan, the United Nations office in The Gambia and partners from China during a ceremony at the premises of the Department of Health Promotion in Kotu.

The medical supplies include a microscope, tubes, chairs, fridges, motorcycles, laptop and desktop computers and others.

Opinion: Opportunity knocks but once, is this true in Brufut’s case?

The saying, “opportunity comes but once,” might not be applicable in Brufut’s case because two opportunities came and went yet a third opportunity comes knocking at their doors again. But will Brufutarians allow this third opportunity to slip through their hands just like the earlier two did years ago? This is a question every native of Brufut especially the elders must ponder about with lots of reflection to what the future holds for youth and sports development for the coastal village because posterity will judge everyone within that village for what role they played.

GPU Asks Again: Nine years and still counting: Where is Chief Manneh?

Today marks nine years since Ebrima Chief Manneh, a senior reporter with the Daily Observer newspaper disappeared.

The Ghana-based Media Foundation for West Africa has since instituted a civil action against the Gambia Government at the Ecowas Court of Justice in Abuja, Nigeria.

Spanish donors doles out lenses to GFD

Javier De La Morena and Karmen Louzao, two Spanish philanthropist friends from Vigo city in Spain, on Monday donated lenses to the Gambia Federation for Disable at the GOVI headquarters in Kanifing.

The sort of lenses donated are myopia, longsighted and shortsighted glasses, which aims to help people with minor visual problem see better using lens.

ALERT: GPU calls for immediate release of Taranga FM Managing Director

The Gambia Press Union is calling for the immediate release of the manager of Teranga FM radio station, Mr Alagie Sisay, who was picked up on the night of Thursday July 2, 2015, at the premises of Teranga FM.

According to information gathered from staff and family members, two men suspected to be state security agents came for Mr Sisay shortly after breaking his fast.

Ebola Update: Gambia free but equipped in case

Modou Njie

By Abdoulie Nget

Just a day after Liberia reconfirmed Ebola Cases, The Gambia Government through the health ministry declared the country as Ebola free, but urged citizens to be vigilant.

In a media briefing on Thursday, Modou Njie, Director of Health Promotion under the health ministry declared The Gambia as Ebola free saying, “Ebola outbreak is not yet over as it is still in sub region, which is why we as Gambians should continue observing the preventive measures”.

Sending visually impaired kids to school can reduce street begging

Gaira Lamin

The head of Govi School for the Blind has called on parents to send their visually impaired children to school to be able to realise their potentials.

Ali Sallah told The Standard that the condition of visual impairment should not reduce one into street begging. 

Gambia Swimming Officials bid farewell to SG Yoro Njie

Yoro Njie

The Gambia swimming sports Association on Saturday 28th June 2015 observed farewell to its Secretary General Yoro Njie who has been recommended by the Federation Internationale de Natation (FINA) to officiate at the 16th FINA World Masters Championship 2015 at a press gathering held at the University of the Gambia law faculty hall in Kanifing. The championship will be held in Kazan, the Republic of Tatarstan, Russia, between 5 and 16 August 2015.

Yoro is the first Gambian ever to be appointed by the Federation Internationale de Natation (FINA) to officiate at the world masters championship.

Gambia’s African Medalists Present Accolade to GNOC

Gambian Athletes that clinched medals at the 2^nd African Youth Games in Mauritius last April, were at the Olympic House on Friday June 26, 2015 to present their medals to the Gambia National Olympic Committee (GNOC).

Edrissa Marong, 800m, Sengan Jobe, 200m and the Medley Relay comprising of Momodou Sey,  Suleyman Manneh, Sengan Jobe, and Edrissa Marong  clinched bronze medals at the African Championships held in Mauritius from 23 to 26 April 2015.

Gambia handed tough task in intriguing AAG draw

The Gambia men volleyball team are handed a tough task in their first ever appearance in the men indoor All Africa Games. The Gambia are up against five-time champions Egypt, while they are also up against 2011 host Mozambique and the 2015 hosts Congo Brazzaville, the other opponents will be Botswana and Nigeria  in pool A of the 11^th edition of All Africa Games 2015 in Congo Brazzaville. The Gambia claimed silver in Zone 2 qualifiers in Cape Verde from a pool that comprises of Senegal, Mali, Mauritania and Sierra Leone.

Bai Babou aiming for the top

 Just after two years, a footballer turned Rap Mbalax artist, Bai Babou has incredibly hit the top spot of Gambian music after failing to make the starting eleven on the football pitch.

In an interview, he said it was hard for him to make the starting IV but in music he is already among the top ten Gambian artistes, with his unique music style Rap Mbalax, and he hopes to be the greatest sensation in the industry shortly.

Below is the interview:

GAMWORKS, GFD pen D5M plus agreement

The Gambia Agency for the Management of Public Works and the Gambia Federation for the Disabled have signed a 5.6 million dalasis landmark agreement to assist in the delivery of agriculture, infrastructure and other livelihood support projects across the country.

Jammeh 68Kg defends national Kickboxing title

Landing Jammeh defends his crown as the national kickboxing champion on Sunday after beating a 67kg fighter Babucarr Bob17-9-0.

Two of the heavyweights most talked about fighters squared off at the B.O semega Janneh hall of Serekunda east, Landing pined Sundiata Keita in the maiden edition last year and his solitary win in that period comes off of a first round win over Sundiata 34-9-1-1 who is seemingly in the twilight years of his career. However, no doubt Babucarr Bob is still a strong threat in the heavyweight division in the country and he is still ranked among the best fighters despite losing on Sunday.

Swiss coach Raoul Savoy ready to lead a Gambian revival

The Gambia return to competitive action this weekend with a new coach as they travel to face South Africa in a 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.

Swiss Raoul Savoy is charged with reviving the Scorpions' fortunes as they comeback from a ban that saw them miss the 2015 Nations Cup campaign.

"We can write a new history now, we are starting from zero," he told BBC Sport.

GNOC receives Messi’s autographed Barca Jersey

The Gambia National Olympic Committee (GNOC) was recently presented with a FC Barcelona Jersey autographed by its star player Lionel Messi.

The jersey was presented to the President of Gambia National Olympic Committee (GNOC) Momodou Dibba by FUNDACIO FC BARCELONA envoy Mr. Oriol who was in The Gambia recently to supervise the regional FutBolnet tournament organized by Olympafrica Center of Serekunda East under the GNOC.

GAF won the security derby in the VB league

The invincibility of Gambia Armed Forces in volleyball seems unprecedented after Corporal Lamin F Bargie’s women recorded a resounding 3-0 triumph against the most successful side in domestic league Interior on Friday at the sellout Gambia High Lawn.

Abie Kujabi and Mariatou Gitteh were Gaf’s top scorer whiles at the Interior’s end youngster Mariama Ginadou was perfect on her spikes, middle Blocker Abie Barrow was not at her best on the net thus Gaf’s attacking competence was guaranteed throughout the game.

CCM gets new leadership

Lamin Camara

Mr Lamin Camara, the deputy permanent secretary, Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs is the new chairman of the Country Coordinating Mechanism of the Global Fund (CCM).

Camara and his vice chairman, Mustapha Kebbeh, were elected on Thursday by members of the CCM at an event held at Paradise Suites Hotel, replacing outgoing chairman and vice chair in Mr Madi Jobateh and Mrs Ramatoulie Jawara Ceesay who two-year tenure has expired.

Concern Universal supports Ebola preparation efforts

Although Ebola has been defeated in affected countries, the Gambia who has remained free of the virus continues to build her defence systems.

On Thursday, the minister of Health and Social Welfare, Omar Sey, received a donation from the Gambia offices of the international NGO, Concern Universal.

The Ebola kits, which include 5 personal protective equipment and forty-nine hygiene kits, are to help the country prepare better against Ebola.

Information ministry requests copies of print publication

The Ministry of Information and Communication Infrastructure has sent a letter to various media houses requesting that they furnish the institution with a copy of their publications.

The ministry explained that this will help the institution in playing its oversight function.  

Swedish-born Gambian artist releases first video

Sulayman Sallah, Swedish-born Gambian released his first video single titled "Yesterday was yesterday".  Sulayman Sallah who is also known as Righteous D Affirmative is working with his "Team Celebrity", which is a combination of three different labels (Dopeboy, Mayty Gang, & Roots Manifest) to move music to another level.

Gambia Swimming Association to hold regional competition in Barra

Gambia Swimming Association will hold its 6th 3KM Regional Competition in Barra on Sunday 31st May 2015 in Barra, North Bank.

The competition will feature top male and female national swimming champions from North Bank Region and other regions.

Alert: Gambian journalist Saikou Ceesay allegedly faces death threat for criticising Ecowas term limit proposal

On the evening of Sunday, May 24, the managing editor of Gambia Affairs, the only Gambia-based online newspaper, Mr Saikou Ceesay, has received a telephone call from an anonymous caller, who allegedly threatened to send thugs to kill him.

Two hospitals, SOS Basse benefit from Nigeria ambassador’s largesse

Mrs Esther John Audu, Nigeria ambassador to The Gambia, recently donated assorted food and hygiene items to the Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital (EFSTH), the Brikama Major Health Centre (BMHC), and the SOS Children’s Village in Basse.

International Education Summit Brings Global Education to Gambia

For the first stop on its 2015 TARGET trip, EDGE Institute is traveling to Banjul, The Gambia to conduct a six-day International Education Summit in partnership with Side-by-Side Organization The Gambia. The summit will feature three days of academic and practical skills training with secondary school students followed by three days of intensive teacher training.

GNOC to stage awards night, sports jamboree

On June 23, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the Olympic Movement will be celebrating its 66th Olympics Day.  According to statement from Olympic House, the celebration in The Gambia has now developed into much more than just a Day of Running.

Carayol ready to play international football for the Gambia

By Nishat LadhaBBC Sport

Middlesbrough winger Mustapha Carayol says it is the "right time" in his career to commit his international future to the Gambia.

Article 19 : Banjul, the capital of human rights violations

During its statement Statement at  56th ordinary session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights  on the situation of human rights and freedom of expression in the Gambia, ARTICLE 19’ discribed Banjul  as the capital of human rights violations.

Despite the resolutions and recommendations of your Commission, the Gambian government continues to systematically violate the most basic human rights of its citizens.

Commission urges Gambia to adopt information act

Pansy Tlakula

The African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights has called on The Gambia to join the group of nations that have adopted the commission’s Freedom of Information Act which guarantees citizens absolute access to information.

The AU’s special rapporteur on Freedom of Expression and Access to Information, Commissioner Pansy Tlakula gave the call yesterday at the Kairaba Beach Hotel where journalists, activists, and rights leaders converged to celebrate World Press Freedom Day.

Gov't, others eye malaria elimination

The Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the National Malaria Control Programme and partners such as the World Health Organisation have called for more robust efforts to help eliminate the deadly malaria disease.
The call, which is line with this year's World Malaria Day theme “Invest in the future, Defeat Malaria,” was made during the commemoration at Jarra Soma Town, in Lower River Region on Saturday.

Gambia: Information Minister meets GPU executive

The newly elected executive of the Gambia Press Union, led by the president, Mr Bai Emil Touray, today – April 22, 2015, paid a courtesy visit to the Minister for Information and Communication Infrastructure, Hon Sheriff Bojang.

Hon Bojang welcomed the GPU executive and congratulated them on their election. He assured that the government is both ready and willing to engage the media in talks with a view to smoothening relations.

South African Claim To Have Killed Seven Gambians In Xenophobic Attacks

Gambians from all walk of lives have reacted angrily to news of a man in a video posted online claiming to have kill seven Gambians in xenophobia attacks in South African.

EMIL TOURAY RE-ELECTED GPU PRESIDENT

Emil Touray

Members of the Gambia Press Union last Saturday at their 7th triennial congress held at the Gambia Telecommunication Multimedia Institute, GTMI, Kanifing, re-elected into office Mr Bai Emil Touray to steer the affairs of the union for the next three years.

Erratic power hindering health service delivery

Sheikh Omar Saho

Sheikh Omar Saho, a politician and former mayoral and parliamentary candidate for Kanifing Municipality and Serekunda Central, has said that erratic power supply in recent days was threatening the delivery of healthcare services.
Speaking to The Standard on Monday at the Serrekunda Major Hospital in Kanifing, Mr Saho described the situation “as an obstacle to health service delivery”.

Bahati provides ultrasound machine to Essau, trains Gambian doctors

A Spanish charity, Bahati Foundation, has donated an ultrasound examination machine to Essau Major Health Centre in Lower Nuimi District, North Bank Region.
The presentation of the gesture was followed by a week-long training of Gambian doctors and midwives on the use of the machine.

Gov't committed to enhancing food safety - Zainab Jallow

Zainab Jallow, the director general of Food Safety and Quality Authority, The Gambia, said on Monday that the government is committed to enhancing food safety for the public.
Ms Jallow made these remarks at her offices along Kairaba Avenue during a news briefing on World Food Day – April 7.
She said: “We want to make sure that the food is safe from farm to plate, which includes animal food, water and beverages. Our office was set up in 2012 and started operation in July 2013 and it is placed under the Office of the President.”

Ebola update: Gambia remains vigilant

Modou Njie

The director of health promotion at the ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Modou Njie has said the Gambia remains an Ebola-free country.
He said: “We have been very active in resource mobilisation and surveillance, which shows how vigilant we are towards taking protective measures against the deadly disease.”
Mr Njie made this remark on Monday during a news briefing with the journalists at the Health Promotion Office in Kotu.

Gov't to introduce new Polio vaccine

The Gambia Government will introduce a new Inactivated Polio Vaccine on April 1, 2015, the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare announced on Saturday.
The exercise will be done under the auspices of the ministry's Expanded Programme on Immunisation programme (EPI).

CEC orients students on career development

The Executive Director of Centre for Excellence Consultancy, Lamin Minteh has advised students of Stradford College to acquire the requisite skills and choose the right career paths for their development.
He gave the exhortation last Friday while addressing the students during celebration of the institution's Student Week on their campus near Westfield, Serekunda.

Tuberculosis has declined in The Gambia – Experts

Authorities in charge of The Gambia’s Tuberculosis Control Programme have said there has been a steady decline in the spread of the disease but warned that more corrective steps were needed for its total elimination.

They gave the observation on Tuesday at a day’s event marking World Tuberculosis Day at the TB Control office in Kanifing.

WHO, others provide Ebola training to health personnel

The World Health Organisation and partners such as the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare on Tuesday trained Gambian health personnel on existing procedures on how to manage an Ebola case. Though The Gambia is yet to register a confirmed an Ebola case, the organisers said it was fitting to boost the skills of healthcare personnel and as well provide them with the necessary equipment. The training took place at the Sanatorium Ebola Treatment Centre (ETC) at Saro along the Banjul Highway.