Land allocation enquiry commission set up

By Alhagi Ceesay &Aji Fatou Jammeh

His Excellency the President Sheikh Professor Alhaji Dr Yahya AJJ Jammeh on Friday afternoon presided over the swearing-in ceremony of members of a commission of enquiry into matters of land allocation in The Gambia.

The ceremony which took place at State House was witnessed by the Vice President Aja  Dr Isatou Njie-Saidy, the Secretary General and head of the  Civil Service Dr Njogu Bah and cabinet ministers.

I will not allow economic sabotage and illicit drugs in my government

By Alhagie Ceesay

His Excellency the President Sheikh Professor Alhaji Dr Yahya AJJ Jammeh has stressed that he would he will not allow sabotage and drug peddling in his government in whatever form.

The Gambian leader made this remarks yesterday during a meeting with the officials of the Gambia Ports Authority, the National Water and Electricity Company (Nawec) and the security chiefs.

He pointed out that it is disgusting for him to always cut his annual leave to address some unpleasant situations.

He expressed his dissatisfaction over the recent frequent and long periods of power failures and blamed the Nawec officials for negligence of duty. As a result of this negligence, President Jammeh went on, the transmission system and other vital instruments go faulty.

APRC Spain Chapter Meets VP Njie-Saidy

The President of the APRC Chapter in Spain Alagie Sanyang and head of the association of Gambian Women against FGM in Spain Mamma Samateh yesterday met with the Vice President Aja Dr Isatou Njie Saidy at State House. Mr. Sanyang recently led a 15 man delegation from the APRC Bureau in Spain to attend the 16^th anniversary of theJuly 22^nd revolution. They were led to Statehouse by APRC heavyweights including the National Mobiliser Mayor Yankuba Colley.

Gambia gov’t officials discuss investment plans with Omani investors

By Alhagi Ceesay

Senior Gambia government officials Thursday 5^th August 2010 had a closed door meeting with a delegation of investors from the Al Sultanah International Holdings, an Omani-based firm. They were led to State House by the Gambia’s Ambassador at large, Mr Ebrima J T Kujabi.

Speaking to journalists after meeting with the Gambian authorities, Zakariya Al Ghassani said their discussion was mainly centred on business opportunities and possible investment in The Gambia. He revealed that this is their second visit to The Gambia and expressed delight and happiness on the warm welcome accorded to them by the Gambian people. He said they are assured that they will have the full backing of the government.

Gambia celebrates World Population Day

By Fatou I. Touray

Celebrations marking 2010 World Population Day is observed on July 11th each year but this year it was postponed to August 5th. The celebrations took the form of a march past by students, voluntary organizations and a cross-section of the general public from Westfield junction to The Gambia Bureau of Statistics (GBoS) accompanied by the Army Band. Vice President Isatou Njie-Saidy delivered a statement on the occasion.

This day was established to focus attention on the urgency and importance of population issues. The theme for this year is: “Every one counts” thus underscoring the importance of data for development and the focus is on the 2010 round of population and housing census, data analysis for development and UNFPA’s lead role in population and development.