https://www.facebook.com/103499625557501/

LeralMedia, Sinchu Alagie, Banjul (2025)

06/11/2022

TANGO CHAIRMAN URGES PRESIDENT BARROW TO CUT GOV’t OFFICIALS TRAVELS, USE MONEY TO FEED GAMBIANS

The prices of basic commodities in The Gambia has been a nightmare for majority of its population.

Making the situation even worse, is the Russian-Ukrainian war which has disrupted the importation of good into many countries and The Gambia is no exception.

Given the current inflation in The Gambian markets, which has affected many vulnerable households, John Charles Njie, Chairman of Civil Society Organisation urged Gambians to remain firm in these difficult moments.

“Over fifty year of dead profiling, we are still poor, our people continue to go to bed hungry and wake up hungry. The nation is hungry, the nation is angry. To our young people
times have changed, open side businesses, be innovative. Yes things are difficult, we will get hungrier, prices will continue to go up, but no Gambian must give up”, Mr Njie said.

Government expenditures on travels has been over 200 million dalasi, and this according to Mr President Barrow “is normal compared to the expenditures of other head states”.

However Mr Njie stressed that, those millions spent on travels and per-diems could have been used to solve the many problems facing the country.

“A few weeks ago, thirty officials traveled to the UN for seven days, can this government tell us from 2017 to date how much money have been spent per travel in air tickets, in per-diems, could that money not have been used for basic necessities of the Gambian people?”, he asked

The Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs, Seedy Kinteh underlined how high cost of livings affect sectors.

“The high cost of livings has increased government projects and programs as well as eroded the much needed revenue to support the critical public service delivery in the low income countries”, finance minister said.

Minister said, “the ongoing surge in food and energy crisis are impacting the regions most vulnerable, this has left many countries particularly The Gambia at a very narrow base, yet the government remain committed to structural reforms in addressing the issue”.

The United Nations Resident Coordinator, Seraphine Wakana said, “the high cost of livings affects millions of people which can undermine social stability in several countries “.

“As a highly dependent economy, the Gambia’s economy has endured a number of downtowns such as drought in 2011, the political impasse in 2017, COVID-19 Pandemic and more recently the Ukraine war. These episodes has post severe economic challenges to the population”, Seraphine Wakana, UN resident coordinator said.

According the joint -in country October 2022 Regional Economic Outlook for Sun-Saharan Africa, the global food insecurity highest in Central River Region (CRR), is due to poor agricultural production, such as limited access to inputs and saltwater intrusion.

The prices of food commodities in The Gambia have been high even before the Russian-Ukrainian war, however, the impact of this war has upsurge the situation, living many at a very desperate condition especially the most vulnerable.

02/11/2022

11 MILLION DALASIS BUDGETED FOR 2022 NAYCONF- DIRECTOR ALHAGIE JARJU

The Executive Director of the National Youth Council, Alhagie Jarju said , 11 million dalasis has been set aside for the upcoming NAYCONF which will be held in Banjul between 15-23 December 2022.

“In terms of budget for the NAYCONF 2022, we are looking at a budget sum of 11 million dalasis. We want to hold this NAYCONF with a difference, much better from what we have done over the past few years”, he said.

Mr Jarju who updated reporters ahead of this event during a press conference held at Atlantic Hotel in Banjul, said the country has not held this event in the past two years as a result of the COVID-19 crisis.

He assured Gambians that this year’s NAYCONF will be one of the most successful one.

“We want assure every young person in this country that NAYCONF 2022 will be a successful one and is going to certainly be marked as probably the most successful NAYCONF we have ever hosted”, he said .

Mr Jarju underlined the objectives and the ideal of organising NAYCONF.

“Our objective for organising NAYCONF is to create a platform for youth voices to discuss issue’s that are affecting them to map a way forward and also to ensure their active participation to National development, showcase talents”, he said.

As the event is expected to bring together young people from all works of life across the country, Director Jarju unveiled some of the pre-preparations they have done so far in making sure that the event is a success.

“We have already laughed the National Organizing Committee, that have already started their meetings. And this committee is divided into sub-committees. The regions have also launched their local organising committees and they are really working hard to ensure they will bring in their delegates and meaningful participate in the activities of the NAYCONF”, said the Executive Director of NYC.

The Minister of Youth and Sports, Bakary Badjie, anticipated that this event will make changes when it comes to issues of youths of this country.

“We want NAYCONF not just to be an event, but an event that comes out with very good resolutions, to be an event whose outcome individuals and institutions follow and be able to implement to change the status quo of the young people of this country, to change the status quo of sports of this country, that’s our anticipation “, said the Minister of Youth and Sports.

The Deputy Mayor of Banjul Omar Touray said they are well ready to host the 2022 NAYCONF that will bring together over 2000 youth across the country.

It’s been over four year since the last NAYCONF was held in Basse 2017 as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The thematic areas that are expected to be discussed during the event includes, migration, employment, drug and substance abused, tourism, environment, sporting activities, entrepreneurship where young entrepreneurs will do pitches on any business ideas.

24/10/2022

COMMISSIONER JANET SALLAH NJIE SAYS FGM REMAINS ONE OF THE MOST COMPLEX HARMFUL PRACTICES

A special rapporteur on the rights of Women and Girls in The Gambia, Commissioner Janet Ramatoulie Sallah Njie said, Female Ge***al Mutilation remains one of most harmful practices , that violates the rights of women and girls thus posing threat to their lives.

Commissioner Sallah-Niie made these remark during a discussion on the Multi-Sectoral approach to address Female Ge***al Multination which was organised by the Raise the Young Foundation in partnership with the Equality Now at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara conference centre in Bijilo.

She said, despite several interventions the practice continues to persist in many African countries.

“Despite all these developments of human rights norms, the achievements in terms of protocols and ratifications, even criminalising the practice, FMG continues to persist. Millions of girls and women are still subjected to such practices. This has an obstacles to their education, personal growth and health”, she said.

She cited that, “ending such practices requires holistic approach that addresses the Multiple and intersectional-social and economic diverse including stronger laws and policies and their enforcement “.

As statistics showed that 92 million girls in Africa from the age of 10 and above have undergone FGM, Commissioner Sallah-Njie calls for collaborative efforts from both states, governments and Civil Society Organisations.

“It’s vital that we work together not only the commission, but governments, international and regional organisation and Civil Society Organisations , the media in educating the public, our religious leaders, traditional leaders, women , girls and even men to end FGM”, she concluded.

Dr Satang Nabaneh, Director of Programs , University of Dayton Human Rights Center said , “over 29 African Countries are still practicing FGM despite majority of these countries having laws that criminalised the practice of FGM”.

She cited that, in some countries like Gambia, the cross border act in conducting this practices FGM is also seen as a problem in fighting against the act.

“ We have seen the cross-border FGM, in which if your country criminalised FGM , you go to a neighbouring country. In the Gambia you go to Cassamance and In Kenya you go to somewhere else”, she said.

Equality Now is an international human rights organisation founded in 1992 to protect the rights of women and girls around the world.

Its campaign focuses on four programmatic areas such as, legal equality, ending sexual violence, ending harmful practices and ending sexual exploitation with a cross-cutting focus on the special needs of adolescents girls.

18/10/2022

MAJaC ORIENTS OVER FIFTY INTAKES INTO FOUNDATION & CERTIFICATE PROGRAM

The Media Academy for Journalism and Communication has on Monday oriented over fifty students into its foundation and certificate levels.

Speaking at the orientation session, the Managing Director of the school, Sang Mendy encouraged the new intakes to take their studies seriously and thus setting objectives that they will want to achieve.

“All of you came to this school with an objective and if you have no objective now as to why you are studying journalism, then you have to start working on that. If you just came here because someone had asked you to come here then there’s a problem because I wouldn’t know how to help you “, he said.

He added , “the school’s objective is to help students to acquire knowledge, skills and develop the right attitude towards journalism”.

He assured MAJaC’s commitment in making sure that every student attained their objectives at the end of the day.

He reminds the newly intakes of some of the courses they will come across.

“We are introducing you to courses that are different from what you did in Senior School, course that are practically new to some of you”, he stated.

Fatou Conteh, a new intake for the certificate program, expressed her enthusiasm and what she expects to learn.

“ I feel very happy to be given the opportunity because I believe MAJaC to be one of the leading journalism schools in The Gambia. And all I expect is to be given the best lessons”, she said.

The Media Academy as well known for its rigorous practicals and assignments, Ms Conteh said, “ I’m Mentally prepared for the assignments because I have been at the UTG and am used to such”.

A new intake for the foundation level, Ebrima Mbaye, said, “ he chose MAJaC due to the inspiration he had from the seniors of the said school.

He said, “I expect to be the best among lots in the field”.

The Media Academy for Journalism and Communication since its inception has offered professional training in journalism both in practical and in theory.

17/10/2022

Karim Benzema has won the men’s Ballon d’Or for 2022 after an impressive year for Real Madrid, guiding them to success in La Liga and the Champions League.

12/10/2022

QUESTION OF THE DAY:

Is Bob Kaita on the verge to freedom?

11/10/2022

HEALTH MINISTER SAID STATEMENT MADE BY PRESIDENT BARROW WAS NOT MEANT TO BE INSENSITIVE

The Minister of Health Dr Ahmad Lamin Samateh on 8 October 2022, briefed the media on the ongoing Acute Kidney Injury outbreak in The Gambia.

During the press briefing, Dr Samateh said, the statement made by President Barrow during his state of the nation address was not meant to be ‘insensitive’.

“He was actually portraying the disease trend, explaining to the people of this country a new phenomenon that we had not been seen. It was by no means meant to be insensitive. We have realised that some people took offence in that paragraph and we wish to sincerely apologise”, he said.

Even before the Acute Kidney Injury was discovered in the country, delivery of poor healthcare services in the hospitals was a cry for most Gambians.

However, the Health Minister claimed that, ensuring that The Gambian people receive the best healthcare have been very high President Barrow’s agenda.

“ The hospitals before and even during this AKI outbreak has received a lot of support, as Nurses and Doctors support these children who were sick due to AKI. Barrow’s government was at the forefront providing support, providing medical equipment”.

Minister Samateh without any hesitance praised the President for ‘his unflinching support to the healthcare system of the country’.

He said, the cause of death of these children is not concluded yet, citing that, “there are lot of things that needs to be done to know exactly the cause of death of these children”.

The number of the children in The Gambia who died from the Acute Kidney Injury has risen from 66-69 deaths as per the reports.

Photo credit: Ministry of Health The Gambia

08/10/2022

PRESIDENT BARROW COMMENDS HEALTH MINISTRY DESPITE NEGLIGENCE LEADING TO DEATH OF 66 CHILDREN

His Excellency President Adama Barrow during his state of the nation address on Friday, recommended the ministry of Health for their great work, despite negligence that lead to the death of 66 children in The Gambia who died of Acute Kidney injury.

“I commend the Ministry of Health for their diligence, particularly for the early detection of the outbreak and their sustained investigative efforts and control strategies”, he said.

Despite many pointing fingers at the Health Ministry and its agencies for blatantly failing to execute their duties in monitoring drugs and its related products exported into the country, President Barrow still went on to praise the Ministry in what he called, “Due to their timely intervention and the support from our partners, the outbreak is now under control, with only two cases reported in the last two weeks”.

He said, “ the child mortality figure of sixty-six (66) is not at much variance with the recorded data for similar periods in the past”.

Following the detection of the Acute Kidney Injury in The Gambia sometime in July 2022, investigations have revealed that this disease is a result of the drugs from India that were intercepted into the Gambia.

What is the use of having the Health Ministry and the Medicine Control Agency in The Gambia?

Is The Gambia a testing ground for other countries?

07/10/2022

PRESS RELEASE: by APRC on the deaths of 66 children in The Gambia due to medical “negligence”.

06/10/2022

WE IMPOSE IMMEDIATE CLOSURE OF RESTAURANTS/SHOPS THAT DO NOT MEET REQUIREMENTS –DIRECTOR OF SCIETIFIC AFFAIRS FOOD SAFETY AUTHORITY

In ensuring high quality of foods and proper hygiene in restaurants and markets selling products, the Director of Scientific Affairs at Food Safety Authority Bai Dodou Jallow said, they have food inspectors who visits markets and restaurants frequently to evaluate the products they are selling, with the aim of ensuring that safety and quality of foods in the Gambia is well monitored.

He said, in cases where a particular restaurant or individual selling foods or food products does not meet the requirements of the Food Safety Authority, there are various actions to be taken

‘’Some of the actions we take is that, we can give them improvement notice, and for others where it is very serious then closure is effected, if it is a restaurant, a shop or a certain factory, what we do is we close them for a period of time. And this closure normally goes with an improvement notice’, he said.

Often times, some shop keepers or those operating Mini markets would still sell expired foods to customers even after noticing the expiry dates.

However, in the operational monitoring of the Food Safety Authority, Director Jallow said, at their level, they usually visit markets and mini markets to confiscate some of the expiry food stuffs.

‘’We go to super markets and confiscate all the expired foods so that consumers don’t buy them. You don’t necessarily have to close the whole shop, but we make sure all the products that are expired are taken off the market’’, he underlined.

Aside from imposing closure or confiscation of expired food products, Mr Jallow claimed that, ‘’in some very serious cases we go for prosecution where we handover the case to the police, and the police do the prosecution and the person can be fine or imprisoned’’.

Fatou Sillah, a young business owner explains how she maintains good hygienic whiles preparing her meals.

“When preparing my meals, I make sure that I avoid cross contamination, because when it does, the food will not be hygienic. I separate most of my food stuffs so that it doesn’t cross contaminate. I always make sure that I clean continuously as I cook and most importantly making sure that I don’t have pests in the environment I’m preparing these foods ”, she said.

Sharing kitchen for different purposes is seen as a widely norms in most of our homes, however, Miss Sillah said, “I don’t share my Kitchen with anyone, my kitchen is for me only and no one. I’m the only one that steps in my kitchen in other to manage the environment I cook in”.

Despite starting up her business in just few months ago , she said, she catered for workshops and individuals and she’s yet to receive a single complaint.

04/10/2022

SOME YOUNG GAMBIANS REVEAL REASONS WHY THEY SMOKE CIGARETTE

Despite the harmful effects attached to to***co use, the consumption of the product remains a challenge in The Gambia, especially among the youthful population.

Although The Gambia does not have to***co manufacturing companies, research revealed that there are companies and businesses that import to***co and its related products into the country.

A lot of young people in the Gambia are involved in smoking ci******es at a very tender age due to many reasons.

Here is Bakary Jobe who reveals that he smokes ci******es mostly when is happy.

‘’I call myself a happy smoker, because I don’t smoke all the time. I usually smoke whenever I am happy, and in doing that I always make sure that I don’t smoke in places where there are people’’, he said.

Omar Ceesay, a 23 year-old said, smoking ci******es makes him forget all the stresses going on in his life.

‘’I never wanted to be involved in such a thing, but I was left with no choice. Being at this age without working is stressful and on top of that you have family issues, so this is why most of the time I smoke to release my stress a bit’’, he claims.

Muhammed Lamin Ceesay, a teenager, said he was involved in smoking ci******es due to peer influence.

‘’I started smoking when I used to sit in the ghetto, my friends will smoke and then pass it on to me, and never resist. This is why I became so addicted to smoking cigarette that a day will not pass where I don’t smoke cigarrete’’, he reveals.

Omar Badjie, the National Focal Point for To***co Control, said in order to make Gambia to***co free, the public has a role to play in making sure those found smoking in public places face the law.

''We have to do our best to make sure whoever smokes in your presence advise them that this is against the law if they refuse you report them to the police. Not to fight with them, not to do anything with them, just report them to the nearest police station. This will help'', he said.

The 2019-20 Demographic Health Survey conducted by GBOs shows, 17% of households smoke to***co daily.

To***co industry intervention remains a critical component that undermines and delays to***co control interventions as well as the to***co tax reform process in The Gambia.

However, to avert the use of To***co in public places many suggest that, all provisions of To***co Act 2016 and regulation 2019 should be strengthened and enforced in The Gambia.

13/09/2022

LAWMAKERS DEBATE ON RATIFICATION OF INTERNATIONAL LABOUR ORGANISATION INSTRUMENT

Members from different constituencies on Monday had their submissions on why the International Labour Organisation constitution should be amended or not.

The Member for Foni Kansala Hon Almameh Gibba in his submission said, “it’s important for The Gambia to join organisations like ILO, but what are the voting methods and what will The Gambia gain as country if it joined the organisation? how much will The Gambia contribute as a member to the ILO? we need clarity on that”, he asked the Minister.

Member for Serekunda constituency Musa Cham, in his submission raised concern that if The Gambia becomes a member of the International Labour Organisation, “are we ready as a country to see to it that our commitments are fulfilled, such as the worker’s rights”, he cautioned.

Foni Bintang Karanai representative Bakary K. Badjie said, members should be given time to look into the document before ratifying it.

He argued that, “in most cases, some of these instruments do not even benefit the people at the end of the day. Let’s go back and consider our Labour Act first before ratifying this document”, he said.

Member for Foni Jarrol Kebba T. Sanneh , said “most of these international documents do not have any benefit for our people, we are just there taking pictures and receiving per-diems. International treaties are never fair to Africans and we need to look at that”, he stated.

Member for Banjul North Modou Lamin B. Bah said, “the document is timely, but however, if we are going to give our consent through assumptions, I want the Hon minister to tell this Parliament what impact will this document have on Gambians”, he asked.

The session, which was brought to the parliament by the Minister of Justice on behalf of the Minister of Trade, Industry, Regional Integration and Employment. was adjourned until Thursday 15 September 2022 at 10am.

08/09/2022

BREAKING NEWS:

The Queen of Britain has died peacefully at Balmoral this afternoon.

The King and The Queen Consort will remain at Balmoral this evening and will return to London tomorrow.

07/09/2022

The Ministry of Health reveals the causes of Acute Kidney Injury in The Gambia

04/09/2022

GAMBIA GOV’T REACHES AGREEMENT WITH OIL MARKETING COMPANIES

The Government of The Gambia in a press release said, it has reached agreement with oil Marketing Companies to maintain fuel prices.

This agreement came following intense negotiation with the Oil Marketing Companies, and as such drivers are asked to resume operations while the prices of fuel remain unchanged.

The sudden shortage of fuel across The Gambia has sparked a lot of public outcry as vehicles are due to lack of fuel, resulting in people to struggle to commute home from work.

This is not the first time for Gambia to experience shortages of fuel across all parts of the country.

01/09/2022

YOUTH PARLIAMENTARIANS DEBATE ILLICIT DRUGS; SUBSTANCE ABUSE AMONG YOUTH

By Ndey Ceesay

Youth Parliamentarians Thursday August 31st 2022, debate illicit drugs and substance abuse by young people in The Gambia.

The young parliamentarians give submissions on the effects of drugs on youth and steps the government can take to address the menace.

Hon. Mariama Ceesay Banjul North says drugs and substance abuse is a recipe for criminal activities.

“The use of illicit drugs and harmful substances are high in my constituency which is a concern. This has a great effect on youth, because it can make them engage in stealing, unnecessary fights and committing crimes when they take these drugs,“ she says.

The representative for Persons with disabilities Cherno Ceesay says, The Gambia as a nation should protect young people saying most crimes youth commit are mostly by those into drug abuse.

Hon. Amat Cham Baddibu Central calls on the National Drug Law Enforcement to boost measures that will curb use of illicit drugs among youth.

Fatoumata Jabai Wulli East stresses the need for the government to employ youth if it wants to gain momentum in fighting drugs.

“People who are involved in the use of drugs are either dropouts from school or not working. In order to solve these issues, the government should provide enough job opportunities for young people so that they will have something meaningful to do,” she says.

Essa Sanneh Latrikunda Sabiji constituency says, “The use of drugs in The Gambia is a National issue and if the government did not take measures then the future of this country, which is the youth will be in shambles.”

The use of harmful drugs and substance abuse among Gambian youth has been a concern for many.
The use of harmful substances makes youth involved in criminal acts.

Drug trafficking is also on the increase despite a crackdown on drugs by the law enforcement with many questioning the effectiveness of the National Drug law enforcement Agency.

30/08/2022

UNEMPLOYMENT A PUSH FACTOR FOR IRREGULAR MIGRATION IN GAMBIA- NYP REP LOWER BADDIBU

By: Ndey Ceesay

The National Youth Parliament The Gambia Tuesday 30th August 2022 continued proceedings at the lawmaking house in Banjul where it discussed irregular migration and its effects on youth.

The Nominated member for West Coast Region, Hon. Sarata Ceesay moved the motion and argued that, “Irregular migration is alarming in the country, thus contributing to under-development of The Gambia.”

The representative for Lower Baddibu said, “Unemployment is contributing to the high rate of irregular migration in The Gambia.”

The government should create a system that people can trust. Employment should be catered for youth from different dimensions across the country,” he said.

The Deputy speaker National Youth Parliament Hon. Ndegen Jobe called for a revisit in the curriculum.

“If we are more educated and less employed, then people (are) likely to take the irregular journey. It’s important we inculcate entrepreneurship. Again we have limited on the effects of irregular migration. We need to go back and look at the curriculum, only then we can solve the problem,” she said.

The Serekunda West representative Hon. Amie Jallow believed, “Poor wages for civil servants is push factor forcing many civil servants to leave their jobs and embark on the perilous journey.”

In this revolutionary world, young people you should be at the centre if any development is to take place. This can be achieved if they are given avenues to voice their concerns and issues affecting them.

29/08/2022

FIRST ORDINARY SESSION OF NATIONAL YOUTH PARLIAMENT

The National Youth Parliament of the Gambia, held its 9th inaugural session on Monday at the Assembly building in Banjul.

The young parliamentarians will conduct parliamentary sittings until Wednesday 31st August 2022, in demonstrating participation in decision making.

The Speaker of the assembly, Hon, Omar Cham said, the session will avail the young parliamentarians the opportunity to look at the laws and policies governing young people in the country.

‘’This new dawn will give us the opportunity to critically assess the status quo of young people as well as the laws, policies and initiatives governing youth. We will discuss and debate on key matters confronting the lives, welfare and wellbeing of the youth of this beloved country’’, he said.

Hon. Bakary Badjie, Minister of Youth and Sports, applauded young parliamentarians and assured them of future engagement.

‘’Let me assure you that as a Ministry and government in general, we will continue to engage with you as much as necessary and further strengthen our collaborative work in all areas of concern to the youth constituency that we professionally and voluntarily served,’’ he said.

He urged youth representatives to show commitment and be realistic in their submissions.

‘’The ordinary session is an opportunity that gives youth a platform to voice their concerns in a free and democratic space. It is therefore important that all of you present here and participating in the ordinary session take it seriously,’’ Minister Badjie said.

Hon Badjie equally challenged young leaders to extend advocacy in the areas of ‘’drug abuse, climate change and livelihood skills acquisitions.’’

The UNDP country Rep Aissata De, highlights the importance of young parliamentarians discussing issues related to young people.

‘’With increasing demand for civic engagement, accountability, and transparency, this youth parliament provides a strategic opportunity to enhance participation of young Gambians in political discourse’’, she said.

The session of the Youth Parliamentary Sittings is adjourned to Tuesday 30th August 2022 for continuation of proceedings.

By: Ndey Ceesay

LeralMedia

06/11/2022

02/11/2022

24/10/2022

18/10/2022

17/10/2022

12/10/2022

11/10/2022

08/10/2022

07/10/2022

06/10/2022

04/10/2022

13/09/2022

08/09/2022

07/09/2022

04/09/2022

01/09/2022

30/08/2022

29/08/2022

Address

Website

Alerts

Contact The Business

Videos

Baba Jah attacked after he’s heard insulting Lawyer Essa Faal!

The first female mayor of the Gambia.

Burr Banjul rejoicing!

Shortcuts

Share

Category