What were the top stories of 2014? Here are our picks!
March, 2014– Gambians welcomed the rebirth Sheriff Bojang’s Standard Newspaper. The Bakau-based daily that was ordered to cease operation in 2012 was asked to reopen by President Jammeh.
George Christensen, a veteran broadcast journalist said:”The re-opening of Standard is good for the plurality of the media. We hope that the diverse articles and news coverage will continue to contribute towards free expression.”
May, 2014– The 11th edition of the International Roots Homecoming Festival was held. A musical jamboree was staged featuring international reggae giant, Sizzla Kalonji. Organised by the Ministry of Tourism and Culture, the festival, which began in 2003, attracted over 200 participants across the world.
What’s On-Gambiawas invited to cover the festival.
June, 2014– The country’s only teaching hospital, Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital successfully conducted a brain tumor surgery. It was the first of its kind in the hospital’s history, reported the Daily Observer.
The operation was performed by a young neurosurgeon, Dr. John Jabang. He attended the University of The Gambia and later proceeded to Sheikh Anta Diop University in Senegal to study neurosurgery.
July, 2014– The Journalism and Media Studies Programme of the University of The Gambia (UTG) was officially launched.
Fourteen students, most of whom are practicing journalists, are currently undergoing a four-year Bachelor of Arts Degree for the first time since the establishment of UTG.
“I am proud because this is an indication of us making it happen in this country,” said deputy vice chancellor, Dr. Omar Jah.
August, 2014– President Jammeh was in the USA to attend Obama’s US-African Leaders Summit. According to media reports, it is the largest event any US President has held with African heads of state and government. The theme of the Summit was "Investing in the Next Generation."
President Jammeh was accompanied by a high-powered delegation including First Lady Zineb Yahya Jammeh and cabinet ministers.
October, 2014– The famous Islamic scholar, Dr. Zakir Naik was in the country to deliver public lectures. Accompanied by his wife, he was received at the Banjul International Airport by Foreign Affairs minister, Balla Garba Jahumpa.
Dr. Zakir, who has close to six million followers on Facebook, was invited by the Gambian leader.
October, 2014 – The 20th anniversary of the July 22nd revolution was celebrated. The government held various activities to mark the day. Thousands of Gambians, from all walks of life, converged at the Independence Stadium where they welcomed President Jammeh and African heads state like Senegal’s Macky Sall.
As part of the celebrations, some new structures were inaugurated in the country. The most popular among them are the Mall of The Gambia and the new National Assembly Building.
November, 2014- The First Lady of the Republic, Her Excellency Madam Zineb Yahya Jammeh launched her foundation, Operation Save the Children.
The occasion, held at the Kairaba Beach Hotel, was graced by the president, vice president and Women's Affairs minister, members of the National Assembly, UN agencies’ officials and scores of high-profile dignitaries within and outside the government.
The foundation aims at offering vulnerable children a better future. The First lady said: “they deserve our protection and support."
December, 2014– Gee became the first Gambian artist to launch an album at the Independence Stadium, Bakau. It was a landmark step in the history of Gambian music.
Hundreds of music enthusiasts came to see him on stage belting out his latest tunes. Gee said: “I want to thank the entire Gambia for believing in me!”
December, 2014- The Gambia was awarded the 'Fighting Hunger Award' by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) in recognition of the country's strides as one of thirteen countries to have moved closer to eradicating hunger.
President Jammeh used the opportunity to declare that his government is committed to eradicating hunger by year 2016.