By Own Correspondent – Top officials of the Gambia Committee on Traditional Practices Affecting the Health of Women and Children (GAMCOTRAP), Dr Isatou Touray Executive Director and Amie Bojang Sissoho program co-ordinator, were yesterday granted bail in the sum of D1.5 million each to be provided by sureties with landed property within the Greater Banjul Area. This development at the Banjul Magistrates’ Court followed another bail application made by defence counsel led by Amie Bensouda yesterday. The case attracted a large crowd, including members of civil society organizations. It would be recalled that Dr Isatou Touray and Amie Bojang Sissoho... Continue Reading
By Own Correspondent –Retired United States Senator Fred C. Whiting, who is currently on visit to the Gambia, yesterday told members of the Gambian media fraternity that a free press in a democratic society ensures free and fair elections and good governance. The occasion was a lecture held at the Gambia Press Union, where Senator Fred spoke to local journalists on the “The Role Media Plays in US Elections”. Noting that journalists in the US are extremely important, as they contribute to democracy, he said: “The media is the fourth estate or branch of governments; they entertain, educate and inform... Continue Reading
For most women, one of life’s most treasured treats is a heart-to-heart with a close girlfriend over a delicious cup of coffee. During October, coffee loving bosom buddies who pop in to a Mugg & Bean coffee shop will be in for a ‘pink’ surprise. Throughout the month, Mugg & Bean stores nationwide will be serving ‘pink’ cappuccinos in support of breast cancer awareness and education. Known as the ‘Pink Mugg Shot’, the initiative is a partnership between Novartis Oncology and Mugg & Bean coffee shops. These organisations joined forces on the initiative in a bid to find a novel... Continue Reading
By Nangayi Guyson – Kampala -Gays in Uganda say they have faced a year of harassment and attacks since the introduction of a bill — later shelved — that would have imposed the death penalty for some homosexual acts and life in prison for others. The legislation was drawn up following a visit by leaders of US conservative Christian ministries that promote therapy they say allows gays to become heterosexual. Recently, one of the Uganda’s newspaper known as “Rolling Stone” published a list of Uganda’s 100 “top” homosexuals, with a bright yellow banner across it that read: “Hang Them.” Alongside... Continue Reading
By Nangayi Guyson – Freetown – The government of Sierra Leone on Tuesday banned children under the age of 18 from taking part in this year’s pilgrimage to Mecca in a bid to combat child trafficking. “We will no longer allow children to accompany adult pilgrims to Mecca as has happened in the past. As a responsible administration, we realise that children are vulnerable and could be easily trafficked so this is why the stringent action has been taken.” Social Welfare Ministry Senior Permanent Secretary Brima Rogers told AFP that “there is now a moratorium on children leaving the country... Continue Reading
