Public Utility Regulatory Authority (PURA) has disclosed to consumers of communication services that the PURA have received and is currentky processing about three (3) applications of private Television Stations intending to commence operations in The Gambia.
Spectrum Manager of PURA , Mr. Rodine Renner made these loud and clear announcement at PURA's 3rd Consumer Parliament held in Brikama College Campus, in Western Region.
The consumer parliament creates more awareness on the right of the consumers and places service providers on their toes regarding their obligations, products and srvices to consumers in a bid to finding solutions to the problems and concerns of both parties.
At the time of speaking, Renner said that PURA has received about three appications of private TV stations but do not disclosed the names of the applicants saying that " PURA is on the verge of processing the applications.
He told the gathering that " when we are ready,we will inform the public about the outcome of it" declaring that "anyone who is intrested in operating a community TV Station can send in application and PURA will look at it, whatever the outcome is you will be informed." He declared.
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Opinion/Editorial by Chief of Mission Ambassador Barry L. Wells
The U.S. will meet the climate challenge – in Copenhagen and beyond
The United States is committed to achieving the strongest possible outcome at the UN climate conference in Copenhagen. To demonstrate both this commitment and our interest in seeing the global community meet this goal, President Obama will travel to Copenhagen to participate in the conference. Copenhagen represents an important opportunity to work toward a global solution to climate change - more than 90 heads of state are expected to make an appearance at the conference. The world is watching.
Climate change is one of the greatest challenges facing our planet, and its impacts are already apparent. Sea levels are rising, oceans are becoming more acidic, storms are becoming more frequent and intense, glaciers and Arctic ice are disappearing, and water supplies are increasingly at risk. These changes threaten not only the environment, but also security and stability.
Climate change is a global challenge that demands a global solution. To this end, the United States has joined others in seeking an international agreement through the UN negotiating process. We support a legally binding agreement, but world leaders have acknowledged that reaching one in the short time frame of Copenhagen is unlikely.
With this in mind, it is crucial that all countries, led by major economies, do what it takes to produce a strong, operational accord that will get us started right away and help build the institutions needed to combat climate change. Danish Prime Minister Rasmussen first put the idea on the table for such an agreement that all world leaders could stand behind. It would serve as a strong and concise commitment that covers all of the major issues in the negotiations: mitigation, adaptation, financing and technology support; and transparency and accountability.
President Obama will lead the United States in doing its part. We are doing more to meet this challenge than ever before, both by supporting domestic policies that advance clean energy, climate security, and economic recovery and by vigorously international engagement. The U.S. is prepared to put on the table an emissions reduction target in the range of 17 percent below 2005 levels in 2020, ultimately in line with domestic legislation. This target puts us on a pathway toward a 30 percent emissions reduction in 2025 and a 42 percent reduction in 2030, in line with the President’s goal to reduce emissions 83 percent by 2050.
But the United States cannot solve the problem alone. Success will require action by all. To this end, all major economies will have to present mitigation plans in any new Copenhagen agreement and make clear that they intend to stand behind those plans. We are seeing encouraging signs in this regard.
Transparency is also fundamental in any agreement – it gives countries confidence that others are carrying out their commitments and allows the world to determine whether we are adequately reducing emissions. All major economies need to agree to a robust transparency regime in Copenhagen.
Ultimately, an international agreement will only succeed if it both complements and promotes sustainable development by moving the world toward a low-carbon economy. It must provide financial and technological support for countries, particularly the poorest and most vulnerable, to help them reduce emissions and adapt to climate change. Finding a solution to climate change can benefit all countries - driving investment and job creation around the world, while bringing energy services to hundreds of millions of the world’s poor.
Copenhagen is not the end of the process. It is part of our larger collective commitment to meeting one of the world’s greatest challenges. Copenhagen represents an opportunity to reach an accord that could start us down the path toward a legal agreement right away and speed the transition to a low-carbon global economy. It is important that we seize it. The United States stands ready to do our part, and we look to The Gambia to do yours.
End of Press Release
The United States is committed to achieving the strongest possible outcome at the UN climate conference in Copenhagen. To demonstrate both this commitment and our interest in seeing the global community meet this goal, President Obama will travel to Copenhagen to participate in the conference. Copenhagen represents an important opportunity to work toward a global solution to climate change - more than 90 heads of state are expected to make an appearance at the conference. The world is watching.
Climate change is one of the greatest challenges facing our planet, and its impacts are already apparent. Sea levels are rising, oceans are becoming more acidic, storms are becoming more frequent and intense, glaciers and Arctic ice are disappearing, and water supplies are increasingly at risk. These changes threaten not only the environment, but also security and stability.
Climate change is a global challenge that demands a global solution. To this end, the United States has joined others in seeking an international agreement through the UN negotiating process. We support a legally binding agreement, but world leaders have acknowledged that reaching one in the short time frame of Copenhagen is unlikely.
With this in mind, it is crucial that all countries, led by major economies, do what it takes to produce a strong, operational accord that will get us started right away and help build the institutions needed to combat climate change. Danish Prime Minister Rasmussen first put the idea on the table for such an agreement that all world leaders could stand behind. It would serve as a strong and concise commitment that covers all of the major issues in the negotiations: mitigation, adaptation, financing and technology support; and transparency and accountability.
President Obama will lead the United States in doing its part. We are doing more to meet this challenge than ever before, both by supporting domestic policies that advance clean energy, climate security, and economic recovery and by vigorously international engagement. The U.S. is prepared to put on the table an emissions reduction target in the range of 17 percent below 2005 levels in 2020, ultimately in line with domestic legislation. This target puts us on a pathway toward a 30 percent emissions reduction in 2025 and a 42 percent reduction in 2030, in line with the President’s goal to reduce emissions 83 percent by 2050.
But the United States cannot solve the problem alone. Success will require action by all. To this end, all major economies will have to present mitigation plans in any new Copenhagen agreement and make clear that they intend to stand behind those plans. We are seeing encouraging signs in this regard.
Transparency is also fundamental in any agreement – it gives countries confidence that others are carrying out their commitments and allows the world to determine whether we are adequately reducing emissions. All major economies need to agree to a robust transparency regime in Copenhagen.
Ultimately, an international agreement will only succeed if it both complements and promotes sustainable development by moving the world toward a low-carbon economy. It must provide financial and technological support for countries, particularly the poorest and most vulnerable, to help them reduce emissions and adapt to climate change. Finding a solution to climate change can benefit all countries - driving investment and job creation around the world, while bringing energy services to hundreds of millions of the world’s poor.
Copenhagen is not the end of the process. It is part of our larger collective commitment to meeting one of the world’s greatest challenges. Copenhagen represents an opportunity to reach an accord that could start us down the path toward a legal agreement right away and speed the transition to a low-carbon global economy. It is important that we seize it. The United States stands ready to do our part, and we look to The Gambia to do yours.
End of Press Release
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
More Females are Welcome Than Males
In The Gambia figures has revealed that more females are born daily than the males, as the females figures stands at 689,841 while men 670,840 according to the 2003 census.
Mathematically, if one compares the said figures, the difference between the females and the males is 19,oo1. The 2003, population and housing census put the population figures that is both males and females at 1,360,681 showing how fast our population has increased with more females are welcome than males.
Recalling in the 1973 census, the population of the Gambia was 493,499 and in the 1983 census, it was 687,817. this clearly shows that at every 10 year interval, the census has shown that our population increased. In 1993, the census gave a total count of 1,038,145.
Banjul, Kanifing Municipality and Brikama Local Government areas registered high population density.
For housing, the residents of Banjul and Kanifing are witnessing problems like high rent fees, limited housing space and poor accommodation.
In the Greater Banjul and Kanifing areas, it has in fact become easier to even squeeze water out of stone than to get accomadation.
Mathematically, if one compares the said figures, the difference between the females and the males is 19,oo1. The 2003, population and housing census put the population figures that is both males and females at 1,360,681 showing how fast our population has increased with more females are welcome than males.
Recalling in the 1973 census, the population of the Gambia was 493,499 and in the 1983 census, it was 687,817. this clearly shows that at every 10 year interval, the census has shown that our population increased. In 1993, the census gave a total count of 1,038,145.
Banjul, Kanifing Municipality and Brikama Local Government areas registered high population density.
For housing, the residents of Banjul and Kanifing are witnessing problems like high rent fees, limited housing space and poor accommodation.
In the Greater Banjul and Kanifing areas, it has in fact become easier to even squeeze water out of stone than to get accomadation.
Sir Dawda Jawara Felicitates President Jammeh
The former president of the Republic of The Gambia Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara, has felicitated The Gambian Leader, His Excellency Sheikh Professor Alhaji Dr. Yahya AJJ Jammeh on the occasion of the Eid-Ul adha (Tobaski).
The felicitation messages reads; on my behalf and on behalf of my family, I wish you Mr. President, your family and the entire nation a blessed Eid- Ul adha (Tobaski), may Allah the Almighty accept our prayers and continue to shower His blessings on our peaceful country, granting us long life, health, happiness and prosperity.
The felicitation messages reads; on my behalf and on behalf of my family, I wish you Mr. President, your family and the entire nation a blessed Eid- Ul adha (Tobaski), may Allah the Almighty accept our prayers and continue to shower His blessings on our peaceful country, granting us long life, health, happiness and prosperity.
Monday, December 7, 2009
Training on Money Laundering For Investigators
The Inter- Governmental Action Group against Money Laundering in West Africa (GIABA) organised four days training for Investigators on Detecting and Investigating Money Laundering and other Financial Crimes for English Speaking Countries from the 1st- 4th December 2009, at the Sheraton Hotel & Spa, in Banjul.
The ultimate objectives of the training is to equipt trainees with various investigation techniques and exposed them to evidentiary requirements necessary to prove common elements of money laundering offences. And to raised on how toidentfy money laundering targets, to create a networking forum and information sharing for aw enforcements and to to exposed traineers on how to use the computer to organise, analynise and present large volumes of financial evidence.
Welcming participants, GIABA National Correspondent of The Gambia and Executive Director of the National Drug Enforcement Agency, Mr. Ebrima Bun Sanneh said that the training workshop of such a nature is timely and important noting that it will equipt and broden tne knowledge of the participants.
According to him. The Gambia has become a household name in the sub- region for hosting GIABA meetings while calling on all to joined in the fight against money laundring and the financing of terrorism in the continent.
Director General of GIABA, Dr. Abdullahi Y. Shehu spoke at length about the importance of the training saying that it will gives participants the exprience and new skills in the conbating of money laundring and financing of terrorism in Africa.
He called on member states to implement recommendation 26 of the 40+9 recommendation on money laundering and terrorist financing that is countries to establish an Financial Intelligence Unit(FTU).
Dr. Shehu disclosed that the resource persons are all experts adding that 99 percent of the participants are either practitioners or retire practitioners.
Opening the training, Minister of Interior, Honorable Ousman Sonko said the The Gambia has been a keen partner of GIABA in the fight against money laundering and the financing of terriorism and has placed a high premium on capacity development for the law enforcement agencies and judicial apparutus of government.
'Therefore it is no suprise that The Gambia is hosting this important and timely investigation training in Banjul."
According to Sonko, the issue of monry laundering and financing of terrorism is a major concerns for many governments in many parts of the world, in which he labelled the West Africa region been vulnerable.
Minister Sonko stated that typologies have revealed that numerous money laundering cases in the region is becoming frequent whlie calling on governments to have an obligation to act together and work with other concerned nations and international bodies to combat money laundering and its crimes.
He positioned that the West Africa region is one of the least dveloped region of the continent but faces serious challenges due to its vulnerability to transnational arganised crimes, coupled with its limited resources and capacity to respond effectively to the challenges. Sonko stated.
Addressing the issue of money laundering, he suggested that the issue should be seen in the context of procecting domestic economies against criminals infiltration "but also to enhance the rule of law, intensify regional intergration alongside maintaining regional peace and stability."
He thanked GIABA not only for the continuous support that it provides to Gambian institutions but for choosing the Gambia to host the training.
The ultimate objectives of the training is to equipt trainees with various investigation techniques and exposed them to evidentiary requirements necessary to prove common elements of money laundering offences. And to raised on how toidentfy money laundering targets, to create a networking forum and information sharing for aw enforcements and to to exposed traineers on how to use the computer to organise, analynise and present large volumes of financial evidence.
Welcming participants, GIABA National Correspondent of The Gambia and Executive Director of the National Drug Enforcement Agency, Mr. Ebrima Bun Sanneh said that the training workshop of such a nature is timely and important noting that it will equipt and broden tne knowledge of the participants.
According to him. The Gambia has become a household name in the sub- region for hosting GIABA meetings while calling on all to joined in the fight against money laundring and the financing of terrorism in the continent.
Director General of GIABA, Dr. Abdullahi Y. Shehu spoke at length about the importance of the training saying that it will gives participants the exprience and new skills in the conbating of money laundring and financing of terrorism in Africa.
He called on member states to implement recommendation 26 of the 40+9 recommendation on money laundering and terrorist financing that is countries to establish an Financial Intelligence Unit(FTU).
Dr. Shehu disclosed that the resource persons are all experts adding that 99 percent of the participants are either practitioners or retire practitioners.
Opening the training, Minister of Interior, Honorable Ousman Sonko said the The Gambia has been a keen partner of GIABA in the fight against money laundering and the financing of terriorism and has placed a high premium on capacity development for the law enforcement agencies and judicial apparutus of government.
'Therefore it is no suprise that The Gambia is hosting this important and timely investigation training in Banjul."
According to Sonko, the issue of monry laundering and financing of terrorism is a major concerns for many governments in many parts of the world, in which he labelled the West Africa region been vulnerable.
Minister Sonko stated that typologies have revealed that numerous money laundering cases in the region is becoming frequent whlie calling on governments to have an obligation to act together and work with other concerned nations and international bodies to combat money laundering and its crimes.
He positioned that the West Africa region is one of the least dveloped region of the continent but faces serious challenges due to its vulnerability to transnational arganised crimes, coupled with its limited resources and capacity to respond effectively to the challenges. Sonko stated.
Addressing the issue of money laundering, he suggested that the issue should be seen in the context of procecting domestic economies against criminals infiltration "but also to enhance the rule of law, intensify regional intergration alongside maintaining regional peace and stability."
He thanked GIABA not only for the continuous support that it provides to Gambian institutions but for choosing the Gambia to host the training.
RASCOM'S 11TH ORDINARY MEETING
The eleventh ordinary meeting of the Regional African Satellite Communication (RASCOM) is holding its ordinary meeting from the 7-8 December 2009, at the Kairaba Beach Hotel.
The meting brought together RASCOM Assembly of Parties, Representatives of the African Union (AU), Diplomatic Corps, International Organisations among others.
In his welcoming remarks on behalf of the Minister of Information, Information and Technology of The Gambia, Mr. Yusupha Kah, Minster of Trade , Industry and Employment said that the event in Banjul is a manifestation of the high degree of importance The Gambia attaches to the RASCOM project.
He went on to say that the hosting of RASCOM is a manifestation of President Jammeh's commitment to the RASCOM Project as a true Pan- Africanism adding that president Jammeh has allocated a site for the construction of one of the two(2) Network Operating Centres of RASCOM in The Gambia.
Minister Kah urged partner signatories to collectiely lend continuous support to the RASCOM project saying that it aims to continuous mltiply the number of satellities dedicated to African under its viable and sustainable project.
In his introductory statement, Director General cumChief Executives Officer(CEO) of RASCOM, Dr. Jones A. Killimbe expressed his deep appreciation to the African Union for its roles in providing a platform in which the leaders renew their political will in supprt of RASCOM projects.
According to him, RASCOM is the only continential information communication technologyproject which cuts across the whole continent.
He then thanked all the RASCOM Signatories who responded positively and paid their contributions , while requesting for their contiunued active participation of all the members in fulfilling their financial obligations in RASCOM.
Reading a statement on behalf of Gambian Leader, Dr. Aja Isatou Njie-Saidy said that The Gambia is indeed proud to be associated with the lofty and commendable goals of RASCOM adding that the government of The Gambia is deeply gratified by the strides initiated by RASCOM to implement a satellite network for Africa.
For The Gambia, veepee noted that the creation of such a superstructure is an assurance to boost the country's drive towards attaining the middle income contry status in line wth the objectives of the national vision 2020.
RASCOM for the past years, Gambian no.2 selled out has demonstrated its usefulness as a body that seeks to harness the opportunities presented by the global information and communications landscape in addressing the gaps in Africa's telecommunication infrastructure.
According to Njie-Saidy, the launch of RASCOM Star one(1) Satellite in December 2007, has been a strong wake- up call f the continent's resolve to promote Pan- Africanism and the integration that "we seek as a Union adding that the launch of the satellite , is a dream come true and a milestone has been achived to emanicapte our continent from centuries of foreign hegemony, merciless exploitation, and margialisation. she positioned.
In his welcoming remarks on behalf of the Minister of Information, Information and Technology of The Gambia, Mr. Yusupha Kah, Minster of Trade , Industry and Employment said that the event in Banjul is a manifestation of the high degree of importance The Gambia attaches to the RASCOM project.
He went on to say that the hosting of RASCOM is a manifestation of President Jammeh's commitment to the RASCOM Project as a true Pan- Africanism adding that president Jammeh has allocated a site for the construction of one of the two(2) Network Operating Centres of RASCOM in The Gambia.
Minister Kah urged partner signatories to collectiely lend continuous support to the RASCOM project saying that it aims to continuous mltiply the number of satellities dedicated to African under its viable and sustainable project.
In his introductory statement, Director General cumChief Executives Officer(CEO) of RASCOM, Dr. Jones A. Killimbe expressed his deep appreciation to the African Union for its roles in providing a platform in which the leaders renew their political will in supprt of RASCOM projects.
According to him, RASCOM is the only continential information communication technologyproject which cuts across the whole continent.
He then thanked all the RASCOM Signatories who responded positively and paid their contributions , while requesting for their contiunued active participation of all the members in fulfilling their financial obligations in RASCOM.
Reading a statement on behalf of Gambian Leader, Dr. Aja Isatou Njie-Saidy said that The Gambia is indeed proud to be associated with the lofty and commendable goals of RASCOM adding that the government of The Gambia is deeply gratified by the strides initiated by RASCOM to implement a satellite network for Africa.
For The Gambia, veepee noted that the creation of such a superstructure is an assurance to boost the country's drive towards attaining the middle income contry status in line wth the objectives of the national vision 2020.
RASCOM for the past years, Gambian no.2 selled out has demonstrated its usefulness as a body that seeks to harness the opportunities presented by the global information and communications landscape in addressing the gaps in Africa's telecommunication infrastructure.
According to Njie-Saidy, the launch of RASCOM Star one(1) Satellite in December 2007, has been a strong wake- up call f the continent's resolve to promote Pan- Africanism and the integration that "we seek as a Union adding that the launch of the satellite , is a dream come true and a milestone has been achived to emanicapte our continent from centuries of foreign hegemony, merciless exploitation, and margialisation. she positioned.
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
World AIDS Day Commemoration
1st December every year is set by the United System(UN) and the world at large to focus on global awareness of the pandemic and generate positive action to stop the spread of HIV and eradicate AIDS.
rest of the world to commemorate the day at the Buffer Zone in Tallinding. The global theme for this year's celebration is " Universal Access and Human Rights".
The day is important in remaindering people that HIV has not gone away, and that there are many things still to be done by governments, organisations and individuals.
Speaking at the commemoration, Minister of Health and Social Welfare,Dr. Babucarr Gaye on behalf President Jammeh, said that the day is about raising money, increasing awareness, fighting prejudice and improving education about the epidemic worldwide.
The government of The Gambia, " is acting on her promise at the 2006 United Nations High Level Meeting on HIV/AIDS,to scale up towards universal access to HIV prevention, treatment, care and support by 2010". He explained.
According Gaye, HIV has reduced life expectancy by more than 20 years, slow economic growth, and deepened household poverty noting that in the Sub- Saharan Africa alone, the epidemic has orphaned nearly 12 million children aged less than 18 years. He disclosed.
Minister Gaye pointed out that, the government will continued to support the leadership role of People Living With HIV/AIDS by fully recognising their values and involvement.
He called on families, communities, institutions and as a nation to ensure that they all demonstrate their proactive role to collectively reverse the epidemic curve of the HIV/AIDS pandemic in the country.
rest of the world to commemorate the day at the Buffer Zone in Tallinding. The global theme for this year's celebration is " Universal Access and Human Rights".
The day is important in remaindering people that HIV has not gone away, and that there are many things still to be done by governments, organisations and individuals.
Speaking at the commemoration, Minister of Health and Social Welfare,Dr. Babucarr Gaye on behalf President Jammeh, said that the day is about raising money, increasing awareness, fighting prejudice and improving education about the epidemic worldwide.
The government of The Gambia, " is acting on her promise at the 2006 United Nations High Level Meeting on HIV/AIDS,to scale up towards universal access to HIV prevention, treatment, care and support by 2010". He explained.
According Gaye, HIV has reduced life expectancy by more than 20 years, slow economic growth, and deepened household poverty noting that in the Sub- Saharan Africa alone, the epidemic has orphaned nearly 12 million children aged less than 18 years. He disclosed.
Minister Gaye pointed out that, the government will continued to support the leadership role of People Living With HIV/AIDS by fully recognising their values and involvement.
He called on families, communities, institutions and as a nation to ensure that they all demonstrate their proactive role to collectively reverse the epidemic curve of the HIV/AIDS pandemic in the country.
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