Launch of cotton crimes campaign, Europe agrees new anti-trafficking law

Dear Anti-Slavery supporter,

NEW: Cotton Crimes campaign against child slavery

Anti-Slavery International is launching the Cotton Crimes campaign to step up action against child slavery in Uzbekistan 's cotton industry. Fresh evidence has emerged from this year's cotton harvest of children being forced from their classrooms into the fields to pick cotton for little or no pay. As the third biggest global exporter of cotton, Uzbekistan 's state-run cotton industry is reliant on forcing hundreds of thousands of children to work in order to reap Government profits of over US$1 billion annually. However, the Government continues to deny the use of state-sponsored slavery.

The single biggest destination for Uzbek cotton is the European market. Despite strong condemnation from the European Union over the use of child slavery in Uzbek cotton production, the EU continues to allow the Government of Uzbekistan to benefit from reduced trading tariffs for its cotton imports. The EU should not be financially rewarding Uzbekistan for using child slavery.

Thank you for your support - NJIE

Dear Njie,
As we look toward the New Year, I am thankful for the friends and supporters of Internews, who make our work with journalists, media professionals and communities around the world possible.
View a slideshow to meet some of the faces behind our mission to empower local media worldwide.

Internews and its partners work globally, often in difficult locations, to ensure that accurate, quality information reaches those who need it most. This year has been no exception, and I am immensely proud of the work we've done.

Last Day in 2010 to Make a Difference

Dear Njie, 2010 has been an eventful year, full of challenges and success. Donate today in honor of what we've accomplished together and make our plans for next year possible.

Holiday Wishes from Prevent Child Abuse America

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Dear Friend, We want you to be a part of our national movement to prevent child abuse and neglect.  We, at Prevent Child Abuse America, know that focusing on innovative prevention programming like that which focuses on home visiting, shaken baby syndrome, and sexual abuse, lays the foundation for children’s later growth and development and reduces the possibility of more serious problems occurring later in life. This kind of programming is happening now, in communities like yours, but it’s not everywhere, yet.

World Press Freedom Day 2011 to focus on 21st century media

16-12-2010 (Paris)- “21st Century Media: New Frontiers, New Barriers” is the theme of the next edition of World Press Freedom Day, which will be celebrated on 3 May 2011. Events are planned in more than 100 countries to celebrate the Day, which also marks the 20th anniversary of the Windhoek Declaration for the promotion of free and pluralistic media.

Director-General calls for safer working conditions for press

22-12-2010 (Paris)- The Director-General of UNESCO, Irina Bokova, has called for improved security for journalists and other media workers in areas of conflict or social unrest, to allow them to carry out their professional duties. The call comes after the death of Iraqi television journalist Omar Rasim al-Qaysi who was killed in a suicide bombing on 12 December.

ICFJ Holidays Greetings

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Happy Holidays!   Please help us to advance quality journalism worldwide with a year-end donation.   Dear Mamadou,   As we look ahead to 2011, we want to extend a special thanks to friends like you. Your generous support has made it possible for the International Center for Journalists to work for 26 years helping journalists all over the world to provide their communities with quality information. As you make your year-end donations, we hope you think of ICFJ.

Population Institute Greetings

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Dear Friends, As 2009 comes to a close I want to thank you for the support that you have given the Population Institute and your continuing interest in our work.  With your backing, we have made real progress in building public awareness about the implications of rapid population growth and in educating policymakers about the benefits of expanding international family planning assistance.

Presentation By Mamadou Edrisa Njie

Presentation By Mamadou Edrisa Njie Second Vice President Young Journalists Association of The Gambia (YJAG), Senior Staff Writer  of  The Gambia News and Report Magazine Weekly and Correspondent for the African Voice newspaper published in Ireland, UK at a day-long Training on Journalism for St Joseph Senior Secondary School in Banjul  18 December 2010.

The importance of information cannot be over emphasized. The capabilities of a well informed people cannot be compared to those who have been kept in ignorance. All of us need information to make important decision whether we are educationists, economists, business persons, or ordinary people. To talk when information is lacking is like talking for the sake of saying nothing. Information is indeed power.

Introduction to Journalism

Journalism is the production of news reports and editorials or putting together publication by different persons through media such as newspapers, magazines, ( Be it weekly, monthly, or quartly), radio, television, and the internet (online newspapers, and blogs).

In fact Journalism remains a noble profession like any other profession you can thing of e.g. Medicine, Law etc- rendering public service, and therefore, to be a journalist , one must be committed, be faithful to the facts, have integrity.

The primary role of journalism is often said to be the informing, educating, and entertaining of a general audience of either a newspapers, magazine, radio, television channel, or online news medium that is the internet.  Journalism as you already know serves the community as the ears and eyes of the public and helps in shaping and influencing opinions positively.  

Moroccan Export Caravan Arrives In Banjul

The Gambian Minister of Trade, Regional Integration and Employment Honorable Yusupha A. Kha, yesterday at the Sheraton Hotel and Spa in Banjul, welcome 165 Moroccan delegates to The Gambian soil at the symposium of the third edition of the Moroccan export caravan to Africa.
The third edition of the Moroccan caravan was the first time to be hosted by the government of the Gambia and was co-organised by The Gambia Investment and Export Promotion Agency (GIEPA), Gambia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), and the Ministry of Trade, Regional Integration and Employment.
The caravan is part of Morocco export's strategies to built economic and trade relationship between Morocco and other African countries including The Gambia.

UNICEF Reaffirms Commitment in the Fight Against Child Rights

NEWS BANJUL THE GAMBIA(MB)- UNICEF Communication Specialist, Sally Sadie Singhateh on friday presided over the Commemoration of this year's World Day of Prayer and Action for Children, where she renewed UNICEF'S commitment in the fight  against the abuse of the child Rights.

Gambia’s Financial Plan Estimates at D5 Million

NEWS BANJUL THE GAMBIA (MB)- Total Revenue and Grants is estimated to increase from an approved level of D5.50 billion to D5.65 in 2011, representing 17.82 percent of the Gambia’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), reveals the Minister of Finance  Honorable Abdou Kolley on the 29^th November 2010. Kolley, in a presentation of the Estimates of Revenues, Recurrent and Development Expenditures for Fiscal Year 2011 to National Assembly Members at the house of Parliament in Banjul.

Commemoration of A World Day of Prayer and Action for Children

NEWS BANJUL THE GAMBIA(MB)- UNICEF with its partners the Supreme Islamic Council and the Gambia Christian Council commemorates A World Day of Prayer and Action for Children at the Gambia College/University Main Hall; Brikama, West Coast Region last friday, 3 December 2010

Below is the full text of the media release; Why: For many years, UNICEF has worked with faith-based organizations around the world because, like many NGOs, they are often able to reach children in the most deprived communities where most government and secular services do not reach. Many faith-based organizations provide basic services to children and, through their actions, help create awareness and demand for essential services that governments, private sector, and NGOs provide for children.

Convention on the Rights of the Child turns 21

NEWS BANJUL THE GAMBIA(MB)- 21 years ago today a remarkable milestone for the protection and realization of the rights of all children - the Convention on the Rights of the Child – was officially opened for signature by United Nations Member States.

The Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) is the first legally binding instrument designed to protect and promote the rights of people under 18 years old. Its adoption by the UN General Assembly on 20 November 1989 is celebrated annually as Universal Children’s Day. It has now achieved near-universal acceptance, with ratification by 193 parties, UNICEF media release said. 

Deficiencies in Gambia’s Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Financing Terrorism compliance system

NEWS BANJUL THE GAMBIA(MB)- The Mutual Evaluation Report on The Gambia, by Inter-Governmental Action Group Against Money Laundering in West Africa (GIABA) in 2009, noticed knowledge and capacity deficiencies among reporting entities, including compliance officers of banks, as part of the major weakness in the country’s Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Financing Terrorism (AML/CFT) compliance regime.

Civil Society Groups, NGOS Brief Social Forum

NEWS BANJUL THE GAMBIA(MB)- Members of the steering committee of the social forum, the Gambia, on Tuesday 2 November 2010. Conveyed a meeting for civil societies NGOs and the media, at the Tango conference Hall on the Bertil Harding highway. The purpose of the meeting was to share with them some of the plans, which are being made, and also to solicit their full support and commitment to the planning process. Briefing the members of the civil society and NGOs, Amadou Taal chairman of the steering committee disclosed that, the Gambia Social forum and the Senegalese social forum are working together as co-hosts to this world event. According to Taal, it has now been agreed that a mini-social forum called the Senegambia social forum, to be held in Zinguichor from 25-27 November 2010.

Global Work Party on Climate Change a Success

NEWS BANJUL THE GAMBIA(MB)- Global Unification Gambia in partnership with Youth Alliance joined by youth groups, school children and others gathered at the Palma Rima Beach Hotel to celebrate the global work party on climate change.
The event was held on 10th October 2010 with the theme: “Re-thinking the Future”.
A large number of youth groups cleaned the beach, as part of the activities marking the event.
In his statemen delivered on the occasion, Ebrima S Dem the national representative Global Unification (GU) said the day is celebrated world-wide.
Mr. Dem hailed the youth organisations and school children for their active participation in the event.
He recognised the efforts of an American organisation called 350.org for their campaign on climate change, both in the US and other parts of the world.

Gambian Minister Advised To LDC Countries

NEWS BANJUL THE GAMBIA (MB)- The Gambia Minister for Forestry and the Environment Mr. Jatto S Sillah on the 10th November 2010 at the Paradise suites Hotel in Banjul, addresses participants on the regional preparatory workshop for climate change negotiations from least Development countries (LDC). The workshop came as a result of the preparation for the 16th conference of parties and 6th conference of parties acting as meeting of parties (COPMOP) to be held in cancum, Mexico, he says "you should make sure that you speak with one common voice loud and clear that will benefit our countries," he advised participants. He continued, “ you should ensure that the implementation of the two tracks continues from the first and second commitment period”.

Rural Women’s Celebration Calls for Investment

NEWS BANJUL THE GAMBIA (MB)- The government of the Gambia through the ministry of  Agriculture, the United Nations food and Agriculture organisation office in Banjul, and Action Aid International The Gambia (AAIG), join the rest of the international community to marked rural women’s day 16 October 2010. The celebration was marked in the forum of match past from Brikama community Radio Station to Brikama Senior School under the theme "Unite Against Hunger". 

Several banners and placards were used, most of which made an appeal to both government and international organisations. The messages reads: to end hunger support small holder women farmers’s. women farmers can end hunger, women farmers have the right to own and control land. Improve farming technology for women; can increase and reduce drudgety. 

Corruption A Major Problem To Economic Development- GIABA Report

NEWS BANJUL THE GAMBIA (MB)- The inter-governmental action group against money laundering in West Africa (GIABA) recently published a report entitle "On threat assessment of the money laundering and terrorist financing in West Africa", which has pointed out that corruption has long been a major problem across West Africa. It is a major predicate crime for money laundering due to both the frequency with which compacts occur and the aggregated sums of money involved, the report added that a senior source in a respected anti-corruption civil society organization. In Dakar estimated for instance that more than of all hundred funds in Senegal derives from corruption.

UNESCO’s Director-General condemns murder of Pakistani journalist Abdul Hameed Hayatan in Baluchistan

Abdul Hameed Hayatan © Let Us Build Pakistan The Director-General of UNESCO, Irina Bokova, has called on authorities to investigate the murder of Pakistani journalist Abdul Hameed Hayatan, whose body was found with gunshot wounds on 18 November outside of Turbat, in western Pakistan's Baluchistan province. “I condemn the murder of Abdul Hameed Hayatan,” said Ms Bokova. “An act of violence on a journalist is not only a crime against the individual victim. It also represents an attack on freedom of expression, which is a fundamental right and a cornerstone of democratic society. I call on the authorities in Pakistan to spare no effort in investigating this murder and bringing the culprits to justice.”

GIABA Report Exposes Private Sector Fraud

NEWA BANJUL THE GAMBIA (MB)- According to a publication made by the inter-governmental Action group for money laundering in West Africa (GIABA), entitled "Report on theaf and terrorist financing in West Africa", has highlighted that the most notorious form of private sector fraud is advance the fraud, which is better known internationally as “419 fraud” after the relevant section of the Nigerian penal code. The report added that, other forms of fraud are frequent too, and ranges from sophisticated stock market frauds to counterfeiting of currency. The report noted that in fact present a particular threat to formal financial sector. Indeed, sources through out the region have noted that both the considerable individual sums commanded and the close proximity of fraudulent operations to the formal financial sector, can be highly disruptive.

Women Human Rights Defenders Meeting In Banjul

NEWS BANJUL THE GAMBIA(MB)- The meeting that will provide African women human rights defenders from across Africa, Asia and Latin America is underway at the Kairaba Beach Hotel. The meeting is schedule from 4-6 November 2010, the international service of human fights (ISHR), conecas Direitos Humanos, Africa Centre for Democracy and Human rights (ACDHRS), East Horn of African Human Rights Defenders Network (EHAHRDN) West African Human Rights Defenders Network (WAHRDN/ROADDH) and the Women Human Rights Defenders international coalition are hosting the meeting of women human rights defenders. 

I 'M NOT OPTIMISTIC FOR A LEGALLY BINDING OUTCOME AT CO16` Cancun, Mexico says Dem

NEWS BANJUL THE GAMBIAAs world leaders, climate justice advocates and youth leaders are heading to the Mexican City of Cancun for the 16^th session of the Conference of Parties better known as COP 16 to be held from the 29th November to 10^th December 2010, our reporter caught with Mr. Ebrima Dem, an official youth participant at this conference, to give his view on the possible outcome of the climate negotiation.

Social Media - Over 40,000 Gambians on Facebook

NEWS BANJUL THE GAMBIA (MB)- As many as 40,000 Gambians are currently registered on the popular social networking website called Facebook, with a majority of them said to be young people from all walks of life in the country.
This figure was revealed during the Information Technology Association of the Gambia (ITAG) forum on 2 November 2010.

The forum supported by the West African Internet Governance Forum (WAIGF) was held at the Paradise Suites Hotel.

Poncelet Ileliji president of ITAG, and Gabriel Latjor Ndow, a private consultant, presented papers at the face-to-face forum, which was organised by ITAG in collaboration with WAIGF.

According to Ileliji, the number of Gambians on Facebook has caused great concern. He said many have been tying the knot through the web site, but that many marriages have also been divorced through Facebook.

He added that the social web site has made many office workers to be lazy in performing their duties, since they login to the web site during working hours in their offices.

“In fact, as early as 8 a.m. some office workers will be busy doing nothing, but only login to Facebook. Some cannot even attend to their customers during working hours, because of their attention given to the web site,” he stated.

The ITAG president further noted that, “if the trend is not given a uturn, it will greatly make many Gambians, especially the youths, to be too lazy at the office”.

He added that it is not proper for one to be browsing on such a social web site during working hours, and condemn the practice as a menace.

Mr. Ileliji further stated that due to the lack of an Internet policy in offices, with many requiring staff to be self-regulatory, the trend of such “nasty” act will continue.

He suggested that offices adopt Internet policies.

Adding his voice, Mr. Ndow agreed that many offices are seriously affected by the problem of staff logging in on Facebook and other social networking sites.

He also gave figures on the 2009 GSM subscribers in the Gambia.

Consultant Ndow said that, as at 2009, the GSM subscribers are as follows: Africell 636,000 which tops the list, followed by Gamcell 318,960, Qcell the latest GSM operator had 200,000 and Comium 145,000 subscribers in 2009.

He also gave the estimate of the percentage of the population with access to a computer in the country as follows: urban 7.71 percent and rural 1.06 percent.

The percentage of the population with access to the Internet, according to Mr. Ndow, is: urban 5.01 percent, and rural 0.24 percent.

The permanent secretary at the Ministry of Information and Communication technology, Jamal Micknas, officially declared the forum opened.

He said, among other things, that his ministry is looking into the challenges of the internet.

Mr. Micknas said that the ministry in collaboration with Gamtel signed a construction and maintenance agreement with the Africa Coast to Europe (ACE) submarine cable project.

The ACE project, he said, is geared towards addressing the issue of international bandwidth, and that access to the submarine cable will be through landing stations in the Gambia and other participating countries.

He also announced that Gamtel is embarking on implementing the Next Generation Network Project, to replace and upgrade the existing transmission network.

Spotlight On Increased Urbanisation In Africa

NEWS BANJUL, (MB)- While rapid population growth has had a significant impact on the
environment leading to increased pressures on the limited resources
and aggravating the problems of unemployment, the rate at which
urbanisation increases is causing a lot of strains on social services.
The increasing urbanisation is causing problems for the social
services in many parts of Africa, and has leads many countries to
rising of urban poverty. However, some outcomes are severe strains on
housing and health, water supplies as well as on the necessary
environment management in many parts of the continent. The worst
incidence of poverty of urban poverty can be spotted in many large
towns and cities in the region.
 Notwithstanding, it has been also documented that the HIV
prevalence rate is higher in growth centre. Also to be taking into
account is that a large number of migrants have settle in the urban
centres where there exists limited employment opportunities an social
amenities.
It is suffice to say that many urban based youths in Africa are now
venturing into skilled jobs such as carpentry, welding, driving, and
tailoring just to name but a few. On the other side of the coin, those
without these skills can be found busy at car parks, struggling daily
to make ends meet. This is necessary for their day to day survival-
they cannot stay a day without some cash in their pockets. Their
situation has led to petty thefts in many busy areas in our large
towns and cities.
The urban youth unemployment rate is very in the continent, which the
problem has become burning issues for many nations. The problem of
youth unemployment in Africa is a cause that all of is aware of from
the top executive down to the playing children in our homes.
 However, for youths who are not academically oriented, like most of
our rural youths, travelling to Europe through the back way is one
outlet they have, and which they have been making use of. It is our
view that the solutions to the problem require, among others, taking
initiatives that are innovative for the youth folks.
 Again, from urbanisation and migration perspectives, one would find
out that internal migration is an important factor in the distribution
of population in The Gambia. In urban areas, there are strong
incentives for the rural-urban drift because of perceive available
opportunities such as employment. For the rural- urban migration, on
the other hand, has also caused scarcity of labour in some areas and
has at the same time increased the size of the non-food producers in
many part of Africa, particularly in urban areas.
 This trend has made farm lands in urban areas to be used for
residential purposes and for other physical infrastructure
development. Farm lands have been reduced in the wake of rapid
population growth resulting mainly from immigration. It is a hard fact
that in this urban population many young girls are sexually active,
which has leads to the prevalence of unwanted teenage pregnancies and
to baby dumping.
 The increased in population is also accompanied by a corresponding
increase in the amount of waste generated in the form of sewage and
solid waste which, if properly managed or disposed can create serious
health and environment problems. e.g. contamination of ground water
resources, among other problems. Thus, such rapid growth has
contributed to the present level of poverty in many countries in
Africa.

UNESCO Director General condemns wave of journalist killing

“The wave of journalist killings we have seen in recent days is cause for deep concern and must stand condemned,” said UNESCO Director-General of UNESCO, Irina Bokova, following the murders of four journalists between 5 and 8 September. The Director-General urged national authorities in the countries concerned to do everything within their power to bring the assassins to justice.

Irina Bokova condemned the murders of Afghan journalist Sayed Hamid Noori, Angolan journalist Alberto Graves Chakussanga, and Iraqi journalists Safaa al-Khayat and Riad al-Saray as grave violations of the basic human right of freedom of expression.

“The work of media professionals is vital for the fundamental right of freedom of expression,” the Director-General said. “The defence of this right is all the more important in countries such as Afghanistan and Iraq where conflict has wrought so much damage to the social fabric of the nation. I trust the authorities will do their utmost in each of the cases to investigate the crime and bring the culprits to justice.”

Sayed Hamid Noori, a well-known former news anchor of Radio Television Afghanistan (RTA), was stabbed to death on September 5 in Kabul. Noori, 45, had become spokesman for the speaker of the Afghan parliament after leaving RTA but continued to be a committed political journalist, according to the non-governmental organization Reporters Without Borders (RSF).

Also on September 5, Angolan journalist Alberto Graves Chakussanga was shot dead at his home in Luanda’s Viana district. Chakussanga had presented a weekly, Umbundu-language news call-in program on private Radio Despertar.

Prominent Iraqi television anchorman Riad al-Saray, was shot dead on 7 September in Baghdad. Mr Saray, 35, presented religious and political programmes for al-Iraqiya TV, the state broadcaster. Reporters without Borders (RSF) said Mr Saray is the 15th al-Iraqiya journalist to be killed since the end of Saddam Hussein's regime.

On September 8, Iraqi journalist Safaa al-Khayat was killed by gunmen in the northern city of Mosul. Media reports say that Safaa al-Khayat was shot dead as he was leaving his house to go to work at Al-Mosuliyah television, a privately-owned provincial station where he presented a religious programme entitled “Our Mosques”.

The Director-General has condemned the killings of 36 journalists and media workers so far this year. According to the International Freedom of Expression Exchange, almost one in five of those who lost their lives was covering corruption, making that subject more dangerous than conflict.

UNESCO is the only United Nations agency with a mandate to defend freedom of expression and press freedom. Article 1 of its Constitution requires the Organization to “further universal respect for justice, for the rule of law and for the human rights and fundamental freedoms which are affirmed for the peoples of the world, without distinction of race, sex, language or religion, by the Charter of the United Nations.” To realize this the Organization is requested to “collaborate in the work of advancing the mutual knowledge and understanding of peoples, through all means of mass communication and to that end recommend such international agreements as may be necessary to promote the free flow of ideas by word and image…”

FGM Violation of Human Rights, Serious Health Consequences

NEWS BANJUL, THE GAMBIA(MB)- Be it known or not known, Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is a widely
accepted problem for many African girl child. FGM remains a health hazard, and a serious concern for many women activists in the continent i.e Africa.
  Women continue to face the consequences of the practice in numerous ways: it remains one of the main reasons for the high rate of maternal mortality and infant death in many African countries, coupled with
other practices such as early marriage. FGM is a gross violation of human rights.

Tribulation Facing Gambian Journalism

 NEWS BANJUL THE GAMBIA(MB)- Government of The Gambia under the leadership of President Yahya Jammeh has posed numerous problems to our democratic dispensation.

Journalists working with the private media generally remain skeptical about their protection and press freedom. In fact, for more than a decade now, journalists have been battling for their liberty as guaranteed by the Gambian constitution in the face of threats against a free press.

Volunteerism Can Fuel Greater Progress In Achieving the MDGs

NEWS BANJUL THE GAMBIA (MB)- It has been empirically established that there is great potential in volunteerism alleviating social ills and advancing national development. The impact of volunteerism and its activities result in huge benefits for civil participation and social inclusion. Volunteerism, provides the much needed local solutions to local problems as it ensures the enhancement of the pool of expertise and skills within the country. 
It engages the most valuable assets of our society, .i.e. youths and prepares them to take up their rightful leadership roles. Obviously, one stand- by saying that it can contribute for the advancement of any nation, if the youths are ready to take the challenges and lead. Governments on the other hand, also need to create incentives so as to maintain the scheme.  

Mosquitoes Are Enemies of Peace, Causes Economic Burden

NEWS BANJUL THE GAMBIA (MB)- Malaria is one of the most serious and complex health problem facing humanity in the 21st century, is making many African countries to spend billions on its health sector, as the disease is taking the lives of many. Malaria, is present in 102 countries of the world, I stand to be corrected. Malaria is mainly present in tropical and sub-tropical countries in Africa, Latin America and Asia and has made
many people to be poor, through spending on the disease to cure it.

Why Baby Dumping Becoming Rampant

NEWS BANJUL (MB)- Baby dumping is becoming very rampant in our today's society,especially in the African society, with young girls dumping their love ones in horrible place. One should always re-think how valuable life,
if one fully understand it, then one will not be found wanting of dumping a fellow human being who can be anything in the future.

"Human Milk For Human Beings"

From the 1st to 7th August, marks a very significant week in the promotion of Child Survival and Development, and good maternal health: it is World Breastfeeding Week.
The week is commemorated annually, serves to remind all the peoples especially mothers about the importance of breastfeeding, again it reminds all mothers that a great number of young children around the world are sick and hungry, with the highest rates of child mortality and morbidity recorded in Sub Saharan Africa, due to lack of exclusive breastfeeding.

The Concept and Practice of Free and Fair Election

NEWS BANJUL THE GAMBIA  -The phrase "free and fair' is commonly used in election discourse, and
it is for certain that many countries do use the phrase but do not go by the phrase, if we are true observants in the African continent, we will come to realize that many incumbents has has failed their citizens. Why are free and fair elections so important to politicians, ordinary persons, and the internationality community and all these insist on it ?

The Economy Booming: The People Dooming

The Gambia’s economy according to two recent fiscal theories is in a state of buoyancy. But does this translate to enhancing the lives of the ordinary people? KISSY-KISSY MANSA finds out.
A fleeting look at the state of The Gambia’s economy would render one to beam like a child presented with a new toy because of the experts proven reason that the country’s fiscal position is in good-shape.
If you dare stare at the economic position, you would jump to your feet and dance, but to no music because fiscal theories by both national and international experts predict that the economy is expected to perform even better. 

FINAL COMMUNIQUE OF THE 47^th ORDINARY SESSION OF THE AFRICAN COMMISSION ON HUMAN AND PEOPLES’ RIGHTS

HELD IN BANJUL, THE GAMBIA

FROM 12 TO 26 MAY 2010

                       ____________________________________________

1. The African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (African Commission), held its 47^th Ordinary Session in Banjul, the Republic of The Gambia, from 12 to 26 May 2010.

2. Honourable Commissioner Reine Alapini Gansou, Chairperson of the African Commission, chaired the deliberations of the Session.

3. The following Members attended and participated in the Session:

Sammy Muraya (Sudan) and Stanely Nyamwata (Kenya) doing a role-play exercise at the workshop. © UNESCO Journalists from three regions inEast Africa affected by conflicts spent a week together exchanging experiences and learning new strategies for reporting on conflict in a way that contributes to peace. The 12 journalists, who have variously reported on strife in Northern Uganda,Southern Sudan and Kenya’s Rift Valley, participated in a conflict sensitive reporting workshop from 17 to 21 May developed and run by the UNESCO-supported Centre for Conflict Sensitive Reporting (CCSR) at Rhodes University.

Lawyer Darboe Maintains Party Leadership

Party delegates of the opposition United Democratic Party (UDP) in Banjul, The Gambia has once again given Mr. Ousainou Darboe the chance to lead the party as a presidential candidate in the forthcoming general elections in 2011.
According to reports monitors in Jarra Soma UDP congress has it that Mr. Darboe went unopposed in the recently concluded congress of the party held in Jarra Soma, a town in the Lower River Region, though sources close to the UDP earlier predicted a tight race for the party’s candidacy.

SAAD M RASLAND GENERAL MANAGER THANKS PRESIDENT JAMMEH

I wish to write on behalf of my father, Saad M Raslan, who is currently based in Saudi Arabia to express his profound gratitude and appreciation to Your Excellency, the president of the Republic of The Gambia, Sheikh Professor Alhaji Dr Yahya AJJ Jammeh, for the numerous development and the tremendous achievements that you have registered in The Gambia since 1994.

WAIFEM Regional Course on Good Corporate Governance

The Central Bank of The Gambia is hosting five days regional course on the subject "Implementation of Effective Risk Management and Good Corporate Governance Practices" in Banjul, The Gambia from 14 to 18 June 2010, organised by The West African Institute for Financial and Economic Management (WAIFEM).

The course is designed to upgrade the knowledge and skills of participants in the assessment and management of financial risk. the course also aims at enhancing the understanding of attendees on the principles of good corporate governance practices. During the course participants will cover the following topics general overview of risk in the financial system, types of risks in the banking sector, instituting a risk management framework, tools and techniques, credit risk measurement and management techniques, commercial bank risk measurement and management techniques, etc.

Gambia: Most Peaceful Country in the Sub-Region- Chief Justice

NEWS BANJUL THE GAMBIA(MB- Chief Justice of The Gambia Emmanuel Akomaye Agim has said that The Gambia" is the most peaceful country " in West Africa. Chief Justice Agim was delivering his remarks during the opening of a seminar for economic and financial crimes for judges in english speaking countries in West Africa yesterday at the Sheraton Hotel and Spa in Brufut. The seminar was organised by The Inter Governmental Action Group Against Money Laundering in West Africa (GIABA) with support from the Commonwealth Secretariat. "You are all welcome to The Gambia, the Smiling Coast of Africa. 
"It is my opinion to say that and records has shown that The Gambia is the most peaceful country in West Africa". He also cited the latest Global Peace Index which rates the country 63rd most peaceful country in the world. Chief Justice stated that The Gambia has been ranked as the world’s 63rd most peaceful country in the Global Peace Index (GPI) for 2010. 

GRTS discovered More cocaine at Bonto Bonka

An additional 25 packs of suspected cocaine were discovered yesterday at the notorious Bonto Bonka by a GRTS crew.  The discovery came following a request by GRTS to take better pictures of the Bonto Bonka, which was approved by the executive director of the National Drug Enforcement Agency (NDEA) Benedict Jammeh.According to the public relations officer of the NDEA, Chief Inspector Abdoulie Ceesay, while the GRTS Cameraman was taking shots of the   Bonka with bright light, a bag was spotted in the Bonka. He said the crew immediately contacted the savvy NDEA boss, who quickly rushed to the scene. The NDEA spokesman added that the bag with the packs were then taken to the NDEA head office in Banjul and about 25 packs of suspected cocaine was found in it.

Gambia ranked world’s 63rd most peaceful country

News Banjul The Gambia (MB)- The Gambia has been ranked as the world’s 63rd most peaceful country in the Global Peace Index (GPI) for 2010. According to the Global Peace Index, released Tuesday, The Gambia ranks behind Ghana (48th) and Sierra Leone (53rd), Burkina Faso (57th) in West Africa, and ranks higher than Senegal (79th), Liberia (99th) and Nigeria (137th). Other West African countries rated are Mali (109th), Cote d’Ivoire (118th), and Mauritania (123rd).

Human Rights Activist Case Defence Make "No Case Submssion"

The on going trial of Edward Nebolisa Nwakame the Director of Alliance for Democracy and Good Governance (ADG) on Wednesday proceeded before Magistrate Hillary Abeke of Banjul Magistrates’ Court with the submission of ‘no case to answer’ by the defence counsel, Hagum Gaye.

In making her submission of ‘no case to answer’, the defence counsel for the accused Hagum Gaye submitted that there is no case for the accused person for giving false information to a public officer contrary to section 114 (a) of the Criminal Code Cap 10 Volume Three, Laws of the Gambia. She added that for the persecutors to sustain the conviction of the accused they must prove their case beyond all reasonable doubt. 

Plight of our elderly especially the females

As nature dictates, the elderly persons in our today's society at a certain stage in their lives, were heroes and heroines, who were once strong active and independent but with time to live on earth, they become frail and weak and in many case need support especially during the last days of lives.
Going by it, the young ones have to built concerted efforts in helping the elderly in their daily lives as they were the previous generations of people, they has worked extremely hard to get us the today generations where we are now. So it is indeed for us to pay due respect to them. When we talk about the elderly, they have always been in their days narrating stories to us how they had struggled to bring food to the family, pay for education, built the homes and ensure that our security is to the maximum.

Children And Human Rights

NEWS BANJUL THE GAMBIA(MB)-Children are among the most vulnerable groups on the earth especially in the African continent. They are also frequently the defenceless victims in the most degrading cases of abuse.
According to authentic figures, about 130 million children lack access to education worldwide, and over a 100 million are held in conditions amounting to slavery, back breaking labour, prostitution and begging.

Indeed, it is heart rendering to see children as young as 8 years engaged in child labour even here in the Gambia by assisting an elderly handicapped. They do so either begging or pushing whell chairs of cripples day in day out. Many of them can quite often be seen in towns in my country (The Gambia) like the capital city Banjul, Serrekunda, Brikama, Bakau, Farafenni, Soma, Bansang, Basse doing these jobs instead of going to school.

UNICEF and partners join together to help make the World Cup a win for children

NEWS BANJUL THE GAMBIA(MB)- According to information from UNICEF Office in Banjul has indicated that UNICEF cheered the kick off of the 2010 FIFA World Cup today. A series of partnerships and programmes around the global football championship will provide children with the opportunity to learn about their world, and help harness the power of sport to promote children’s rights.

“UNICEF is very excited to be able to give more children the chance to safely experience the thrill of the World Cup, whether they’re sitting in the stadium or watching from their own villages,” said Anthony Lake, UNICEF Executive Director from New York.

UNICEF calls on governments, donors and the private sector to end child labour

News Banjul The Gambia(MB)- Although the issue of child labour is not as serious here (in The Gambia) as it is in other countries, but still signs of it can be seen especially when girls below the age of 18 are encouraged, or sometimes, forced to work as housemaids, or to spend all day roaming the streets with a plate on their heads selling fruits or sweets, when they should be in school.

Gambia: Fuel Price Goes Up

News Banjul The Gambia (MB)- With effect from yesterday Wednesday, fuel price in The Gambia has increased, after an announcement was made over the state-owned The Gambia Radio and Television Services Monday 7th June 2010 announced that there would be increase in price of fuel starting Wednesday 9th June 2010 with is now effective in all parts in the country.

Drug Case Till End June

NEWS BANJUL THE GAMBIA(MB)- Twelve people of foreign origin – Venezuelan, Dutch, and Nigerian – have been charged before the Banjul Magistrate Court for drugs drug possession and trafficking offences. The accused persons have denied the charge.

All the 12 accused persons stepped into the dock as they were called one after the other, and informed the court that they were yet to secure legal representation. The court clerk was then instructed to read the three counts charges followed by an interpretation of the charges in the Spanish to four of the accused persons (sixth, seventh, eighth and eleventh) who claimed to have not understood the English version.

Gambia; Cocaine Worth over US$1 Billion sized from 12 Suspects

NEWS BANJUL THE GAMBIA (MB) -The National Drug Enforcement Agency (NDEA) of The Gambia has successfully made one of the biggest drug seizures in Gambian history in their quest to make the country a drug-free environment following the arrest of 12 suspects on Tuesday.

The suspects were said to have been involved in trafficking over 2 tonnes, 340kgs, 500 grams of cocaine worth over US$1 billion which was stored in a warehouse in Bonto and at the Baobab Island in Kuloro, Kombo East, Western Region.

Avian Influenza Poses Threat to Lives and Livelihoods of………

NEWS BANJUL THE GAMBIA(MB)- Avian Influenza poses a real threat to the lives and livelihoods of millions of people around the world, to the economy and to human health, words of Gambian Deputy Minister of Agriculture Mr. Kalifa Kambi presiding over the official opening of five days Sub- regional training of trainers for the Joint Rapid Response Teams in Banjul from 7 to 11 June 2010.

The training of trainers workshop comprises of experts from Agriculture, Health and Wildlife sectors from english speaking West African Countries namely, nigeria, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Ghana and The Gambia. The training is implemented within the framework of the Support Program to Integrated National Action Plans for Avian and Human Influenza (SPINAP-AHI).The training is co-funded by European Commission (EC) and African Union Interafrican Bureau of Animal Resources (AU-IBAR).

GIABA Set for Seminar on Economic, Financial Crimes

GIABA to hold 3rd Seminar on Economic and Financial Crimes for
Judges in English Speaking Countries in West Africa, Banjul, The Gambia, according to a press release from GIABA communication Unit in Dakar Sengal said.

This training is in line line with its mandate to facilitate the implementation of measures against
money laundering and terrorist financing in accordance with acceptable
international standards, GIABA functions as a forum for member States to discuss
matters of regional interest and share experiences.

Gambian's Banking Industry Remains Sound- Declares Vice President

Dr. Ajaratou Isatou Njie, Vice President of The Republic of The Gambia, yesterday told the 8th annual meeting of the Board of Governors of the ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development that the Gambian banking industry is expanding significantly and remains sound as it does not have significant foreign liabilities.
Presiding over the official opening of the meeting at the Kariaba Beach Hotel on the outskirts of Banjul, she said "Despite the global financial crisis, The Gambia's banking industry is expanding significantly and remains sound as it does not have significant foreign liabilities. Total assets of the commercial banks increased by 18.7% from D12.5 billion at the end of December 2008 to D14.8billion at the end December 2009. "The banking industry's overall capital adequacy ratio and asset quality are satisfactory. 'The industry's average's risk-weighted capital adequacy was 18.1% at end December 2009, well above the statutory requirement of 8%," she stated.

Africa: Inadequate, unreliable and Very Expensive Electric Power

NEWS BANJUL THE GAMBIA(MB)- The Gambian Minister of Energy has told more than three hundred delegates that are currently attending five days regional forum that inadequate, unreliable and very expensive electric supply is hindering Africa’s development.

Honorable Sira Wally Ndow Njie Gambian Minister of Energy has said this at the official opening of the workshop on Organisation of Electric Power Structure and Associated Training of the African Forum for Utility Regulators (AFUR), hosted by The Gambia Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) in Banjul from 31 May to 4 June, 2010.

Media Join Battle on the Way to Wrestle Disaster

NEWS BANJUL THE GAMBIA(MB)-The formulation of the Network of Disaster Management Journalists (NDMJ), according to its top brass is to be part of efforts to provide for an integrated and coordinated disaster management approach to enhance prevention, preparedness respond and mitigation of disaster using its mandate to sentization Gambians.
This was revealed by the President of the network, Mr. Karabulie Conteh at the launching of the network on 28th May 2010 at the Paradise Suites Hotel, in Kololi.
In cognition of the problems associate with disasters and other emergency situations, Conteh said the media can partner with its concerted efforts to prevent, prepare, manage and find solution to frequency disasters in The Gambia.

Youth organisation for African Unity to mark African Day

NEWS BANJUL THE GAMBIA (MB)- Africa Day, May 25th is marked to celebrate the freedom of Africa from colonial rule. As a Pan-African organisation, the Youth Organisation for African Unity (Youth O/AU-Gambia Chapter celebrates this day to promote public awareness of the Pan- African efforts towards African liberty, integration and development. It is our fervent desire to realise the unification of Africa.

A media release from the youth group states that they would continue to champion the cause of mobilising the whole country to mark the day in grand style.

AIO Conference and Genaral Assembly in Banjul

NEWS BANJUL THE GAMBIA(MB)- The 37th Conference and General Assembly of the African Insurance Organisation (AIO) opens at the Sheraton Hotel and Spa, in Brufut, and will runs from the 24th to 26th May 2010. AIO is the major umbrella body of all insurance operators in the continent. Its membership is made up of insurances, reinsurances, brokers, insurance training institutions and trade associations including supervisory authorities.
The AIO primary objective is of promoting inter- African cooperation and to develop a healthy insurance and re-insurance industry in Africa.
The 2010 meeting is themed "Survival of the African Insurance Industry in the Face of Global Financial Crisis", which according to the organisers is to map out ways in which they can survive in these difficult times and continue to provide services for other businesses as insurance is the foundation on which every other business is built.

WHO Briefing on Polio Virus

As 45 New Cases Reported in the African Region

NEWS BANJUL THE GAMBIA(MB) -The World Health Organisation (WHO) office in Banjul, today held a maiden press briefing in view of the growing thread of the wild polio virus within the sub-region.
Journalists were drawn from both print and electronic media across the country. The office of the WHO Representatives organised a briefing to keep journalists abreast of the latest developments and what can be done collectively to address the situation in The Gambia, Africa and at global level, as 45 new cases reported in the African region.
“Today a total of (45) forty-five new cases are reported to the WHO, in which nine countries confirmed cases are in the African region as at 14th May 2010″. This was announced by the WHO Representative in The Gambia, Dr. Thomas Sukwa.

YJAG visits URR radio stations

NEWS BANJUL THE GAMBIA(MB)- Members of the Young Journalists Association of The Gambia (YJAG) over the weekend arrived in Base Upper River Region URR, as part of their nationwide familiarisation tour of radio stations.

The members upon their arrival in the metropolitan city of Basse, visited relevant institutions including the three radio stations of the region, namely, GRTS Radio Basse branch, Paradise FM and Unique FM Radio Stations.

YJAG breaks provincial boundaries

NEWS BANJUL THE GAMBIA (MB)- The Young Journalists Association of The Gambia has recently gone nationwide after completing a hectic but thrilling tour of the country where it held series of meeting with Community Radio stations and some Senior Secondary Schools in the provinces.

Started on Friday 7th May, the three days tour that was undertaken by 20 members of YJAG, was meant to familiarize the young journalists with some parts of the country so as to better execute their oversight duties effectively and to disseminate factual information to the public as a good journalist is he who knows his country well.

ATA CONGRESS IN THE GAMBIA ENDS WITH PLEDGE TO BUILD NEW PARTNERSHIPS FOR TOURISM DEVELOPMENT

ATA Announces Tourism Industry Milestones Made at the 35th Annual Congress

NEWS BANJUL, THE GAMBIA, (MB) - The Africa Travel Association's 35th Annual Congress ended today with a commitment among Africa's tourism stakeholders to boost efforts to develop new public-private partnerships devoted to advocating for and developing the tourism industry in Africa. Honorable Fatou Mass Jobe-Njie, The Gambia Minister of Tourism and Culture and incoming ATA President, closed the event that was attended by more than 300 participants as well as press from Africa, Europe and North America.

In her closing remarks, the Minister highlighted the importance of tourism as an engine for economic growth and prosperity. She also said, "This may mark the end of a successful event, but it also marks the beginning of our joint efforts to work in partnership with the public and private sector to promote the travel and tourism industry to and within Africa. The Gambia was a proud host of this event and hopes that our infectious spirit will inspire other countries and tourism stakeholders to action."

At the meeting, ATA announced a number of milestones for making a strong case for increased investment in the tourism industry." ATA members and friends and supporters have shown that we are truly committed to promoting tourism to Africa as a means to promoting socio-economic development," said Edward Bergman, ATA Executive Director. "I know that when we return to our home countries, we will continue to work in partnership with tourism stakeholders in the public and private sectors to promote the industry and inspire others to follow our example."

Congress milestones include the following:

* The announcement of the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the Africa Union and ATA. The MOU, which was signed by Honorable Shamsa Mwangunga, outgoing ATA President, Minister for Natural Resources and Tourism of the United Republic of Tanzania, and Dr. Elham M.A. Ibrahim, Africa Union Commissioner for Infrastructure and Energy, declares that the two organizations will undertake a commitment to develop collaboration in the area of travel and tourism promotion.

* The launch of a joint effort by New York University's Africa House, the World Bank and ATA to make a case for developing Africa's tourism industry with the preparation of the joint publication The State of Tourism in Africa. Using facts, figures and stories, the report paints a picture of the current and potential impact of tourism on both a country's and a region's development strategy. The report also advocates for increased attention and resource allocation from national governments to the tourism industry.

* During the industry workshops and networking events, ATA and UNWTO engaged in discussions on how the two global organizations would pursue collaboration and cooperation in the areas of travel and tourism development in Africa in the future.

* The Gambia Organizing Committee announced its commitment to hosting the first "Carbon Off-Set Free" ATA congress. In addition to planting seedlings to grow an "ATA Forest" at the GIG Forest, the Committee limited the "carbon footprint" of the congress by ordering produce from the award-winning project Gambia is Good. GIG sources all its produce from local producers.

As a sign of his commitment to developing The Gambia's tourism industry, the President of The Republic of the Gambia, Sheikh Professor Dr. Alhaji Yaya A. J. J. Jammeh, hosted the delegates at a number of special events, including a visit to his home village, Kanilai, and a gala dinner and evening of entertainment at the Sheraton Hotel Spa and Resort.

In what has become an ATA congress tradition over the last few years, Shamsa Mwangunga (MP), ATA President and Minister for Natural Resources and Tourism of the United Republic of Tanzania hosted a special evening of dinner and dancing held at the five-star Ocean Bay Hotel.

On the first of two Host Country days, delegates visited James lsland and Juffureh. James Island is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, and was a base of transportation of slaves from The Gambia to other parts of the world. At James Island, delegates participated in a special memorial, in which they floated flower wreathes down the River Gambia and stood in a moment of silence. Delegates were also asked to consider making a donation for the restoration of the jetty to James Island. The project was organized in cooperation with U.S. Ambassador Barry Wells.

Following the day-long visit to James Island and Juffreh, the delegates enjoyed a special cocktail reception at the luxury hotel, Coco Ocean Resort and Spa. The evening event was co-hosted by the US Ambassador to The Gambia, Honorable Barry Wells.

Under the banner "Discover Africa's Genuine Warmth," the ATA-Gambia event brought together tourism ministers and more than 300 travel industry professionals from across Africa, Europe and North America for four days to explore the latest issues facing the travel trade industry, learn about "Destination Gambia," and advocate for increased resources to the tourism industry.

During the congress, delegates explored the following industry topics: Sustainable Tourism in The Gambia, Innovative and Interactive Marketing, Niche Markets and Emerging Trends, Standards in the Hotel Market in Africa, Connecting the Africa Diaspora to Destination Africa, and Hospitality and Tourism Education in Africa. Special sessions were held on tourism and development, advocating for tourism resources, and partnerships with airlines serving Africa.

For more information on ATA, please visit www.africatravelassociation.o