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LeralMedia, Sinchu Alagie, Banjul (2024)

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?

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

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

26/08/2022

MoBSE SAYS WASSCE 2022 INITIAL RESULTS RELEASED INACCURATE

By: Amie Ndow

The Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education Thursday told media press conference that WASSCE 2022 results circulating on social media, showing mass failure is incorrect.

According to MoBSE, WAEC released the initial results when the entire WASSCE results were not out.

Louis Moses Mendy, the Permanent Secretary MoBSE said, “The results that was published by WAEC, came in when there were some outstanding results. Which I made clear when granted interview to West Coast Radio.”

"We had about 1458 results that were outstanding, when that number of 605 students with five credits including English language and mathematics was presented,” he added.

Permanent Secretary Mendy said, the outstanding 1458 students' results WAEC sent to them on Thursday morning has shown increase in the number of students with five credits including English and maths.

“As we speak instead of the 605 students who got five credits including English and Maths, that number has increased to 716 students with five credits including English and Maths. But let me also add that there are still some pending results that we are yet to receive from WAEC,” PS Mendy said.

The Deputy Permanent Secretary, Adama Jimba Jobe said, “The failure percentage is 5.9% which is about 884 candidates from the fifteen thousand (15,000) plus candidates. Fourteen thousand, nine hundred and fifty eight (14,958) so far with the results received have passed.”

Jobe added that the ministry is partially satisfied with this year's results as the failure rate has been brought down compared to the previous years but said the number of students scoring five credits including English and Maths has dropped.

Meanwhile, from the outstanding 1, 458 students, 742 students have five credits including English and or maths.

25/08/2022

GRA CONDUCTS TAX SEMINAR FOR GTHI STUDENTS

By: Amie Ndow

The Gambia Revenue Authority, earlier on Wednesday embarked on a capacity building tax training for students of Gambia Tourism and Hospitality Institute(GTHI).

The seminar enlightened students on the mandate of Gambia Revenue Authority, as GTHI has been recommended for significant revenue collection before the COVID-19 outbreak.

Ousman Bah, the Commissioner General Gambia Revenue Authority, said tax education is needed to bridge the void left by COVID-19 in tourists arrival in the Gambia. He said this education will expose participants to tax laws.

“Maybe some of you will end up owning hotels, bars and restaurants and other hospitality facilities. So, if you know your obligation as citizens and tax payers, you will be able to respect and comply with tax laws of the land without stress because you know what you are putting in is coming back to you,” he said.

The Deputy Director General GTHI Momodou Singhateh said tax collection is the foundation upon which GTHI is built.

“I can assure you that without the tax that was collected by the GRA, probably the GTHI would not have been in the position to provide you with the quality education that is being offered now. The reason is because GTHI is a subvented institution under the Ministry of Tourism and Culture and the subvention is coming from the Ministry of Finance. And one of the sources of revenue from the Ministry of Finance is the taxes that are being collected by GRA,” Singhateh said.

Omar Faye, a participant at the training has this to say.

“I am hoping to learn what tax is, in which position I should stand to be able to pay tax, where to pay the tax and also to get all the knowledge that is going to be delivered in this two day training.”

Students from the University of The Gambia, Gambia Technical Training Institute, Gambia College, Management Development Institute and Media Academy for Journalism and Communication also benefited from the training.

GRA said the seminar is part of their strategic plan implementation 2020/2024 goal number two to optimize client service delivery to improve customer relation and corporate image.

24/08/2022

TAXI DRIVERS SAY INCREASE IN CRIME HINDERS TAXI SERVICE

BY: Ndey Ceesay

Taxi drivers say increase in crimes across Gambia has obstacles on the taxi operation as criminals use taxis at night to carry out robbery and other inhumane crimes.

Lamin Ceesay, a driver said the alleged crimes committed by criminal taxi drivers lead to distrust in taxi services.

''Sometimes you will see a client enter in your taxi and take a look at you properly, If you ask why, they will be like I don't trust taxi drivers now. For me, how I work is that, anyone who comes and says I did not trust you, I usually tell them to look properly if you are not satisfied you drop off. This is really a challenge to me as a taxi driver. In the Gambia, we all maybe taxi drivers but we are quite different,'' Lamin stated.

Ebrima Sanneh, also a driver echoed similar statement.

''This has really hampered our work. The way the traffic was and now is different due to the fear people have towards taxi drivers. Sometimes clients will come and just look at your vehicle properly, take a photo of your vehicle or even take a photo of you the driver which should not be done by right. And all this is because of the criminal act in the country. Yes it is true that wherever you go you will find criminals, but not everyone is a criminal. Those taxi drivers working on the highway daily cannot do anything bad because people will see you and those committing this criminal acts are not always on the highway. Someone can pack his private car and use a taxi to commit these crimes,'' he said.

Another driver, Sainey Fofana asked police to revisit the licensing process.

''Most of these boys driving don't have driving licence. They borrow taxis and drive late at night. The police have a role to play by taking a proper look as to the kind of people they issue licences to. And also drivers should make sure they register under a garage so that if anything happens, chief de garage will know which particular driver commits a particular act,'' Sainey Fofana said.

Fatou Ceesay, a passenger said the government needs to put stringent security measures to cub the crime in the country.

“People are not even safe in their own houses now. These criminals are everywhere, they can even attacked you during the day. The government needs to measures that can tackle the increasing crime rate”, she said.

For the past five years, Gambia has seen an increase in criminal activities such as murder and armed robbery. These criminal activities produced paranoia and insecurity in the small West African country.