Friday 27 Is Tobaki

Friday 27, Gambians will observe Tobaski, according to The Gambia Supreme Islamic Council headed by Alahagie Mahamadou Lamin Touray.
Accorging to Touray, the council have received clear information that Saudi Arabia will observe Tobaski on the 27 November and The Gambia will also observe it on the same day.
According to reports reaching Mansa Banko indicated that, some major towns and villages in the country will not observe Tobaski on Friday but on Saturday.
The reasons for not observing Tobaski on Friday , most of them who spoke to Mansa Banko said that the day is "not correct" and the correct day is on saturday.
They went on to say that Supreme Islamic Council should base their finding on the sighting of the moon but not to say that "we will observed Tobaski" as far as Saudi Arabia is observing it, which they totally disgreed.
One Imam who spoke to Mansa Banko but beg for cover said that "anybody who observe Tobaski on the 27 is on the wrong path".
He added that muslims should pray," if they have seen the moon" but not just to say that other countries like Saudi Arabia is observing Tobaski or Koriteh Feast so we should also observe.
He called on Isalmic Leaders in the country always be preaching what is right and preaches the word of Allah and the teachings of Prophet Muhammed(SAW).

'" Trade Fair Is Successful" Cherno Jallow

The Gambia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) official closed the fourth(4th) biennial Trade Fair at a press conference held on the 25th, November,2009 at the Independence Stadium in Bakau.
Addressing the journalists during the press conference, Chief Executive Officer of GCCI, Mr. Cherno Jallow declared that this year's Trade Fair is indeed more successful compared to the past years, that is in 2003,2005 and 2007.
Reasoning that this year have over 200 exhibitors especially from South- East Asia, that is the Republic of China on Taiwan.
According to him, this year the number of stall has increased compared to last fair and also the number of international participation.
Mr. Jallow added that many international participants have shown intrest for their participation, but due to space constraints, GCCI was forced to limit the number of international exhibitors.
CEO Jallow spelled out that the chamber is working on modlities so as to slove the space constraint for the comming Trade Fair adding that the space at the stadium is small.
Jallow noted that electricity, water and accommodation was excellent for the period of the trade fair as many exhibitors revealed to him during his visit to stalls.
He then thanked Africell their main sponsors and Global Properties their official partner for accepting their invitation to sponsor and partner with the chamber.
President of GCCI, Mr. Bai Matarr Drammeh, retriate the comments of the CEO noting that this year's Trade Fair ius one of its kind.
Africell Communication Officer, Mr. Peter Brian and General Manager Global Properties all express satifications noting that they are proud to be associated with the chambers.
Coordinator Trade Fair, Madam Beatrice Allen chaired the conference with was punctuated with questions from the press.

GPU 20 PROFESSIONAL REPORTERS

The Gambia Press Union (GPU), yesterday afternoon finally selected what they called the GPU 20 professional reporters for a 2-year education in core journalism skills, according to our high place sources at the press union.
Sources disclosed that GPU 20 are called professional reporters , because they aim to bring the media up to international professional media industry standards and the GPU'S Code of conduct.
The following are the GPU 20, revealed by our sources; Alice Gai Voice, Haddija Jawara Business Digest, Namory Trawally Sport Digest, Fatou I. Touray Gambia Info, Amonata Sanneh Online( Smiling Coast. com),Mariatou Ngum and Musa Ndow Daily Observer, Sang Mendy, Sainey Darboe Today with Momodou S. Jallow Today/Hilltop FM, Awa B.Bah, Annia Gaye, Musa Barrow, Isatou Bittaye Foroyaa, Sanna Camara, Lamin Njie, Saikou Ceesay Daily News, Nfamara Jawameh and Sainabou Kujabi The Point, and Sainey Bayo Freelance.
According to our sources special considerations were also given that is Radio experience, Teaching experience, photograph and Visual impaired.
In an telephone coversation with GPU Executive Director, Mr. Alota , he confirmed the final selection of GPU 20.
MANSA BANKO WILL KEEP UPDATING ITS READERS ON ACCOUNTS AT THE GPU SECRETRIAT.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

United Nations Declares Gambia’s Detention of Chief Ebrima Manneh

a Violation of International Law, Calls for Immediate Release

Washington, D.C., November 18, 2009 – In response to a petition filed by attorneys from Freedom Now

and Hogan & Hartson LLP, the United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention has issued an

opinion affirming that the arrest and continued detention by the Gambian government of Chief Ebrima

Manneh, a senior reporter for the Gambian newspaper, Daily Observer, are without legal justification and

in violation of international law. In its decision, the UN called for the Gambian government to release Mr.

Manneh immediately.

Freedom Now Chair Jeremy Zucker stated: “We are strongly encouraged that the Working Group has

issued a clear and direct opinion in support of Mr. Manneh. We urge the Gambian government to release

Mr. Manneh immediately.”

On July 7, 2006, two plainclothes agents of Gambia’s National Intelligence Agency arrested Manneh in

the Daily Observer’s Banjul office. The agents did not inform Mr. Manneh of the reason for his arrest;

whatever the reason, it was clear that he was detained solely for peacefully exercising his right to freedom

of expression. Mr. Manneh has not been charged with a crime nor given a trial. Instead, he remains

imprisoned incommunicado, while the Gambian government disavows his arrest and detainment.

Reports from Gambia indicate that Mr. Manneh may be subject to deeply inhumane treatment while in

detention. According to the U.S. State Department, Gambian security forces have used various forms of

physical and mental torture against Gambian political prisoners. In addition, Mr. Manneh has suffered

serious health problems during his detention yet has generally been denied access to medical care.

The UN decision is the latest in a growing number of demands for Mr. Manneh’s release. Last year, the

Community Court of Justice of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) declared

that Mr. Manneh’s detention violates international law. The Court demanded that Gambia release

Mr. Manneh and pay damages to his relatives. U.S. Senators Durbin, Feingold, Casey, Murray, Lieberman

and Kennedy echoed these demands in an April 22, 2009 open letter to Gambian President Jammeh. The

Committee to Protect Journalists also has called for Manneh’s release. To date, the Gambian government

has ignored these demands.

In response to the UN decision, Senator Durbin, the Assistant Majority Leader, stated: “This judgment by

the United Nations adds a new and important voice to the growing chorus of those calling for the

immediate release of Chief Ebrima Manneh who, for three long years, has been held incommunicado and

without charge or trial. The UN’s judgment is more than a powerful rebuke of the Gambia government; it

is a warning to all regimes holding political prisoners without cause. Freedom Now and the Committee to

Protect Journalists should be commended for their tireless work, not only on behalf of Mr. Manneh, but for

thousands of political prisoners languishing in prisons across the globe.”

Senator Russ Feingold, Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on African Affairs,

stated: “I am deeply troubled that Chief Manneh remains in detention incommunicado and without trial.

The UN Working Group has affirmed that this is a violation of the most basic human rights. If the

Gambian government does not immediately release Manneh or provide information about his

whereabouts, the international community should take action to make clear this is unacceptable.”

Freedom Now, a non-profit, non-partisan organization that works to free prisoners of conscience, and

Hogan & Hartson, an international law firm, welcome the UN’s decision. They call on the Gambian

government to release Mr. Manneh immediately.

Contacts: Jeremy Zucker 202.468.4648 / Erica Mintzer: 703.623.8767

"ABUSE - FREE CHILDREN LEARN BETTER"

Children who are protected from abuse, violence and exploitation are eager to attend school and become better learners.
According to (The Gambia) Education Sector Report, 2008-2011 Medium-Term Plan , it is an established fact that children who are attending school are less vulnerable to child labour and child trafficking, and they recover more quickly from the traumatic effects of abuse, violence and exploitation.
The 2008-2011 report stated that violence, abuse and exploitation can keep girls, in particular out of school.
It went on to state that in achieving universal access to primary education as part of the Millennium Development Goals(MDGs) cannot be achieved without efforts to eliminate the barriers that keep children out of school, such as gender discriminations and child labour.
The report highlighted that studies have shown that even while in school, children continued to be vulnerable to abuse, violence and expliotation , including corporal punishment , sexual abuse and expliotation sometimes in the hands of the very teachers entrusted with their care.

365 Days of Action to End Gender Violence

The Sixteen Days of Activism Against Gender Violence is an international recognised held every year and the campaign commence with the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against women(25 November) and ends with International Human Rihghts Day (10 December), Mansa Banko can reveal.
The commemoration of the 16 days of activism against gender violence is from the 25 November to 10 December, 2009. The 2009 global theme; "COMMIT ACT DEMAND" We Can End Vio;ence Against Women.
"If we want to see real change in our women's lives in the continent, there need to be action every single day of year, we need to stretch 16 Days of Action to 365 Days of Action on Gender Violence"
Since the campaign's inception in 1991, the 16 Days days of activism has help to help raise awareness about gender violence and highlight its effect on women globally.
The campaign also aims to highlight the connections between women, violence and human rights and empower survivors to speak.
Violence against women takes various forms, such as physical abuse, rape, sexual harassement, Female Genital Mutilation(FGM), early marriage, demostic violence, girl child abuse etc.
In The Gambia, it is a well known fact that violence against women is prevalen and occurs in every day. The support from males for the fight to end violence against women has remained undeveloped. Many gender activists are still regarded as trouble makers rather than genuine human rightss activists.
We called on all governments to be accountable, international agencies, civil society organisations to rise up to the challenge and unite to end all forms of violence against women. The law enforcement agents and the judiciary acting to protect vulnerable women and girls from various forms of violence.

WAICA & GIABA Education Confenference

The West African Insurance Association(WAICA) in collaboration with Inter-Governmental Action Group Against Money Laundering in West Africa (GIABA) is organising Education Conference from the 22-25 November, 2009 at Jerma Beach Hotel, Banjul and is hosted by Insurance Association of The Gambia (IAG).
The theme for the conference is The role of the insurance industry in combating money laundering and other financial crimes
The WAICA -Banjul confeence that IAG is hosting is first of its kinds, since WAICA was founded in 1973 as it has never had a conference in collaboration with another international institution.
In his welcoming statement, President of IAG, Mr. Dawda Sarge, said that the theme for the conference is indeed apt given the spate and growing number of financial and economc crimes that continues to threaten the decency and interity of our society, undermine our political democracy and enervate the ule of law.
Sarge saluted WAICA and GIABA for what he describes as their commitment to a safer and more secure financial system in our sub-region.
Mr. Sarge, further exhort WAICA, GIABA and other sub-regional organisations to deepen collaboration for a stronger position to confront the many money laundering and financing Terrorism.
Secretary General and Chief Executive Officer of WAICA, William Coker, stated that since WAICA was established in 1973, they have been holding Educational Conferences in all member states on a rotation basis.
He noted that WAICA works with other international bodies within West Africa with a view to enhanching the efforts of ECOWAS in the social-economic intergration within our sub-region
According to him, the insurance industry is an integral part of the financial industry in any country and as such is vulnerable and prone to abuse and misuse by anyone just as other sectors of the financial industry.
Coker revealed that, WAICA executives committe is currently working hard to create and establish another sub-regional institution in the form of a Reinsurance Company to be located in Freetown, Sierra Leone.
Director General of GIABA, Dr. Abdullah Y. Shehu commended the government of The Gambia for enacting the laws on Anti -Terrorism amongst other laws noting that The Gambia has put many laws on money laundering and also establishing the Financial Intellengce Unit(FIU).
He spelled out that GIABA was set up by the Authority of Heads of states and Government of the ECOWAS stating that they work collaboratively with other institutions as far as money laundering and financing terrorism menance is concern.
Dr. Shehu explained that GIABA membership consists of ECOWAS member countries.
In declaring the conference opens, Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs, Honorable Abdou Kolley, welcomes WAICA, GIABA, and all other participants that are in attendance to the smiling coast of Africa The Gambia.
According to Kolley, the insurance industry sector is partners in the socio- economic development of any nation noting that they contribute to the trade, and commerce for the development market.
Minister Kolley said that money laundering is a crime as it affect any economy of a country adding that money laundering can cause billion of losses to a country.
He added that money laundering and financing of terrorism are thread to the good functioning of any financial system and can create both national and international threads.
Kolley noted that the Gambia has enacted many laws pertaining to combatingmoney laundering citing the enacting of the Anti-Terroriem law enacted in 2003, the convention on illict traffic in drugs etc.
Minister Kolley futher stated that the Gambia has establish its inter - ministerial committee consisting of the relevant ministeries and governmental departments such as Finance and Economic Affairs, Justic, Interiorand othet departments like Drug Enforcement Agency and the Dentral Bank of The Gambia.

A Tribute To Late Habibu Ceesay

This is to add my voice to the many tributes to Mr. Habibu Ceesay, 27 year old who died peacefully in his sleep on Saturday morning 22nd November, 2008. 

The untimely death of so young a talent and the surprising and shocking manner in which it happened is a very sad story to be hold. By all accounts, young Habibu Ceesay whose hallmark was to show how full of life he was, being both jovial and committed to journalism, his chosen vocation in life, it is only death itself, which knocks at any hour and place irrespective of its victim's disposition, that could deal such a mighty blow on Ceesay himself, his brother Hassum, other family members and colleagues in the journalism fraternity.

The more we hear and read about this here today and gone tomorrow story, the sadder we feel at the loss all of us and our country suffered as a result of Ceesay's death.

Alas, as fate had it, this potential top reporter, sub-editor, editor and even publisher, just manage to take a few steps up the ladder of journalism before his life was cut short abruptly and everything came crashing down. In few years he had worked as a journalist, he managed to leave footprints at the Independent, The Daily Observer, The Point, Today and finally Business Digest Newspapers. His change of employers is more indicative of failing in our profession than on his part. The important point to note is that these experiences left him a unique blend of different editors of varying calibre and qualification, as he enriched and deepened his knowledge of journalism and its practice in The Gambia. The tragedy about him is that he would have learned so much more and consequently contributed more if he had lived longer in this world.

Ceesay, a native of Panchang Village in Upper Saloum, Central River Region. He graduated from Armitage Senior Secondary School in Janjangbureh after completing his education at Kaur Middle School.

Apparently, his first job was as a freelance contributor at the Independent, where the bug to be a journalist first bit him and got him hooked for life. His friends and colleagues will always remember him for his concern for justice, human rights, the pursuit of truth and for his hard work and discipline. 

Mansa Banko wishes to extend sympathies to the immediate family, to his colleagues and friends. We pray that 'HIS SOUL REST IN PERFECT PEACE'. 

 

   

Conference To Access Progress in Achieving Gender Equality

Over 28 ministers in charge of gender affairs and high level participants from over 43 countries will gather in Banjul tomorrow at the Kairaba Beach Hotel to attend the 8th African Regional Conference on women (Beijing +15) that the Gambia government is hosting from 16-20 November, 2009.

 They will be joined by a wide cross section of various key stakeholders including regional and international organisations and representatives of the civil society organisation.

The conference will take stock of progress achieved in Africa since the Beijing Summit on women fifteen years ago, and identify pending challenges for the implementation of the 12 critical areas of the Beijing Platform for Action.

Vice President, Dr. Aja Isatou Njie-Saidy and Mr. Abdoulie Janneh, United Nation Under Secretary-General and Executive of Economic Commission for Africa.(ECA)  

The government of The Gambia has inked an agreement with the African Union for the hosting of the Ministerial Meeting of women ministers in Africa.
The signing ceremony was held at the Kairaba Beach Hotel on Sunday, with was witness by AU delegates, Government Officials, NGO delegates, Press among other dignitaries.
Vice President , Dr. Aja Isatou Njie Saidy signed onbehalf of the government of The Gambia whiles Ms. Litha Musyimi-Ogana pens for the AU.
After the siging ceremony, Ms. Musyimi-Ogana, thanked the government of the Gambia for acceptin to host such an important meeting adding that the Gambia is good at hosting such meetings.
She explained that the signing agreement is called "Signing of Host Agreement" that is the Gambia has agreed the terms and conditions for hosting the ministerial meeting that will take place on the 21st November, 2009, in Banjul.
She further thanked the government for also hosting a successful AU Experst/Ministerial meeting from the 13-14, November, 2009, at the Jerma Beach Hotel.
Vice President , Dr. Aja Isatou Njie-Saidy, thanked the AU Commission for choosing The Gambia and promise the AU delegates that the country is ready to host yet another successful meeting.
veepee Njie-Saidy promise AU delegates that the government will not fail in hosting the meeting saying that " come 21st november we will host a very successful meeting as the Gambioa have been well known for hosting such meetings.'
As at the time of writing of this piece , 43 Women Ministers has confirmed their comming to the Gambia to attend the meeting.

Online Communication Training

Fifteen selected media personnel from both print and electronic media houses are benefitting from online communication training at the Gambia Press Union Office, No.5 Garba Jahumpa Road Bakau Newtown.

The training will runs from 16-20 November,2009 and is funded by democracy and Human Right Fund in collaboration with the United State Embassy in Banjul.

The training among other things is to provide a more indepth knowledge on computer and communication security by focusing only on a selected numbers of tools and to make sure that participants get enought hands on time with the tools.
In chairing the ceremony, Mr Swaebou Conateh, Editor- in-chief of The Gambia News and Report Magazine said that the training is timely noting that it will explore participants to the use of new technologies in their profesional work effectively.
Veteran Journalist Conateh, thanked the United States Embassy in Banjul for for funding the training adding that the Embassy has been very supportive to the Gambia Press Union.

Mr Emil Touray, Secretary General Gambia Press Union(GPU), in the media fraternity, there are some who have little knowledge about online journalismand computer security but was quick to say that with this kind of training he is certain that participants will be well equipt.
He told participants to share the knowledge and experiences with their colleagues and to make best use of the knowledge gained during the training.
Mr Sam Sarr, Editor Foroyaa, Mr. Gearge Christineson, Trainer Consulant spoke at length.

Chain mail

BE STRENGTHENED!

TEARS ARE FOR BABIES.....WORRIES ARE FOR FOOLS... When a man lifts you up, it's definitely to the height of his hands, but when GOD lifts you up it's limitless, seek HIM now and forsake all else and be uplifted forever!!! Tell me about the law of gravity that states anything that goes up must come down and I will introduce you to the law of aerodynamics that states that it is possible that something can go up and remain there. Before this year runs out, u shall find yourself somewhere that u can't even bring yourself down. Your blessings shall never come down, u shall never fail, the law of gravity will never work in your finances, business, family, all area of your life, etc. The devil is a liar. You may be going through a tough time right now but God is getting ready to bless you in a way that only He can.. Keep the faith. The love of God is like the ocean, you can see its beginning, but not its end... This message works on the day you receive it. Pass this on to your true friends. Something good will happen to you; something that you have been waiting to hear. This is not a joke; someone will call you by phone or will speak to you about something that you were waiting to hear. Do not break this prayer; send it to a minimum of 15 including the person who sent it to you.. Stay Blessed,

Chain mail

BE STRENGTHENED!

TEARS ARE FOR BABIES.....WORRIES ARE FOR FOOLS... When a man lifts you up, it's definitely to the height of his hands, but when GOD lifts you up it's limitless, seek HIM now and forsake all else and be uplifted forever!!! Tell me about the law of gravity that states anything that goes up must come down and I will introduce you to the law of aerodynamics that states that it is possible that something can go up and remain there. Before this year runs out, u shall find yourself somewhere that u can't even bring yourself down. Your blessings shall never come down, u shall never fail, the law of gravity will never work in your finances, business, family, all area of your life, etc. The devil is a liar. You may be going through a tough time right now but God is getting ready to bless you in a way that only He can.. Keep the faith. The love of God is like the ocean, you can see its beginning, but not its end... This message works on the day you receive it. Pass this on to your true friends. Something good will happen to you; something that you have been waiting to hear. This is not a joke; someone will call you by phone or will speak to you about something that you were waiting to hear. Do not break this prayer; send it to a minimum of 15 including the person who sent it to you.. Stay Blessed,

you are invited to join freedomhouse

Colleagues come forward and join FreedomHouse-The Gambia, it comprises of a group of youths that are engaged in the promotion of freedom in The Gambia, Africa and the world at large.
Best Regards.
National Coordinator
Mamadou Edrisa Njie