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Momodou
Denmark
11698 Posts |
 Posted - 08 Feb 2018 : 15:24:20
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Commonwealth welcomes back The Gambia
BBC
The Commonwealth has welcomed The Gambia back as a member, following the democratic election of former estate agent Adama Barrow as president.
A flag-raising ceremony is being held at the Commonwealth headquarters in central London to mark the occasion.....
The Gambia quit the Commonwealth under authoritarian ruler Yahya Jammeh, who dismissed it as an "extension of colonialism".
Its application for readmission was backed by all 52 member states, who "welcome back their brothers and sisters to again play their full part in the Commonwealth family", the body's secretary-general, Patricia Scotland, said.
The Gambia's ambassador in London, Francis Blain, said the the West African state looked forward to contributing and benefiting from the "collective wisdom" of the nations which make up the body, AFP news agency reports.
Zimbabwe is also considering reapplying for membership of the Commonwealth, after President Emmerson Mnangagwa took office late last year.
It left the Commonwealth in 2003, after then-ruler Robert Mugabe accused the body of being hijacked by the UK and plotting against his government.
The Commonwealth had earlier suspended Zimbabwe's membership, following presidential elections marred by violence and allegations of rigging.
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/the-gambia-rejoins-the-commonwealth
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A clear conscience fears no accusation - proverb from Sierra Leone |
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Momodou
Denmark
11698 Posts |
Posted - 09 Feb 2018 : 12:02:37
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Gambia rejoins Commonwealth
The Poine: Friday, February 09, 2018
http://thepoint.gm/africa/gambia/article/gambia-rejoins-commonwealth
Commonwealth Heads of Government unanimously accepted The Gambia’s application to return to the Commonwealth, effective February 8, 2018, according to Foreign Affairs Ministry.
The Gambia had been a member of the Commonwealth since 1965, but quits the organisation in 2013 following former President Jammeh’s unilateral decision to withdraw the country’s membership, which the ministry described as regrettable.
The minister of Foreign Affairs, Ousainou Darboe, reflects on the very day that the country was withdrawn from the Commonwealth by the former President Jammeh, saying its consequences had had far reaching effects on our nation.
“It diminished The Gambia’s voice on pertinent issues at the global platform such as Climate Change, economic development and South-South Cooperation, which are vital to the development of this country,” he said.
He therefore dedicated what he called ‘a great moment’ to the young people of The Gambia.
Minister Dorboe further expressed optimism that The Gambia Judiciary will once more be able to recruit judges from other Commonwealth countries, enjoy immigration privileges in the United Kingdom, which he said were suspended in November 2015 under British Nationality (The Gambia) Order 2015, and also be able to actively participate in the commonwealth games and other sporting events.
“We also hope to tap into the trade and investment opportunities that the Commonwealth offers so that The Gambia can expand its economy and effectively participate in the global marketplace,” he said.
Meanwhile, the press statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad says the government of The Gambia recognises the role of the Commonwealth as an intergovernmental champion of small states, advocating for their special needs. It provides policy advice on political, economic and social developmental issues.
“Therefore, The Gambia is ready to regain its former glory on the international stage and reiterates its commitment to the fundamental values of the Commonwealth Charter.”
“It is the fervent desire of this government that our membership to the Commonwealth will usher in an era of socio-economic development to compliment the government’s ongoing efforts, especially for women and youth.
British High Commissioner to The Gambia, Sharon Wardle said that welcomes the move, saying it’s a sign of commitment to good governance, democracy and human rights.
Lindiwe Maleleka, political officer, Governance and Peace Directorate of Commonwealth Secretariat, pointed out that, since The Gambia left the Commonwealth, the heads of government of Commonwealth expressed regret for The Gambia’s leaving.
She, however, confirmed that all the 52 states have unanimously endorsed the Gambia’s return to Commonwealth’. She disclosed that The Gambia will now be invited to the upcoming Commonwealth meeting of heads of government in London.
Author: Fatou Dem
Boris Johnson welcomes Gambia’s Commonwealth rejoin
The Point: Friday, February 09, 2018
http://thepoint.gm/africa/gambia/article/boris-johnson-welcomes-gambias-commonwealth-rejoin
Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson of the U.K. yesterday welcomed the move after the Commonwealth Secretariat confirmed that The Gambia’s application had been approved unanimously by Commonwealth Member States.
“The Gambia’s return to the Commonwealth family is fantastic news. When I visited the country last year, I saw huge enthusiasm for the values and opportunities offered by our modern, diverse Commonwealth,” Mr. Johnson said.
In a statement released by the U.K. government, he pointed out that this shows that when a country commits to strengthening democracy, governance and the rule of law, it is welcomed back to the international community and the Commonwealth family.
“I very much hope to welcome President Barrow to the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting in London in April.”
Gambia’s Commonwealth rejoin, a blessing in disguise
The Point Editorial: Friday, February 09, 2018
http://thepoint.gm/africa/gambia/article/gambias-commonwealth-rejoin-a-blessing-in-disguise
Excitement swept across the country as Member States of Commonwealth unanimously accepted back The Gambia to the Commonwealth.
It is a blessing in disguise.
The British Commonwealth is a voluntary, intergovernmental organisation that seeks to promote mutual understanding, friendship and trade.
The Gambia has been withdrawn from the Commonwealth by the former President Yahya Jammeh in 2013 – a move that attracted withering criticism within and outside the country. On Thursday February 8, 2018, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad announced the readmission of the country to the Commonwealth after four years of absence.
In December 2017, legislators at the National Assembly unanimously endorsed a motion meant for The Gambia’s to rejoin to Commonwealth.
The motion was tabled by the minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad, Ousainou Darboe, it sought among other things to make The Gambia once more a fully fledged member of the Commonwealth.
Darboe said before lawmakers that Barrow government deemed it necessary for The Gambia to rejoin the Commonwealth since the country now promotes rule of law, democracy and human rights.
The British Foreign Secretary on Thursday February 8 welcomed the move, saying The Gambia’s return to the Commonwealth family is fantastic news. “When I visited the country last year, I saw huge enthusiasm for the values and opportunities offered by our modern, diverse Commonwealth.”
Meanwhile, the Foreign Affairs Ministry announced that The Gambia is ready to regain its former glory on the international stage and reiterates its commitment to the fundamental values of the Commonwealth Charter.
In the United Kingdom, citizens of Commonwealth countries retain the right to vote in general elections and a number of local elections. Commonwealth citizens can have their say, their opinion is appreciated.
In November 2016, Gambians living in the United Kingdom, have been greeted with a notice coming from the U.K. Election office, informing non-British Gambian and Commonwealth citizens about the revocation of their voting rights, and benefits henceforth, following Gambia’s withdrawal from the Commonwealth of nations, the Freedom Newspaper writes.
The paper added that the devastating news has hit many Gambian homes across the United Kingdom, especially those possessing indefinite leave to remain in the U.K., students, and professionals. Gambians living in Slough, and Birmingham, received their letters of revocation of voting, including other benefits this past week, while the rest of the U.K. were likely to receive their notices.
Commonwealth citizens are technically British subjects, they can avail the support of a British embassy or court in a country where their own nationhood is not represented. Many Commonwealth citizens still hold British passports, it is also far easier for Commonwealth citizens to immigrate to the UK than non-Commonwealth.
“There is nothing as sweet as a comeback, when you are down and out, about to lose, and out of time.”
Anne Lamott
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A clear conscience fears no accusation - proverb from Sierra Leone |
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toubab1020
12306 Posts |
Posted - 09 Feb 2018 : 13:28:34
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This American Author born in 1954 has some great QUOTES,here is just one,read the others in the link below:
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"Bananas are great, as I believe them to be the only known cure for existential dread. Also, Mother Teresa said that in India, a woman dying in the street will share her banana with anyone who needs it, whereas in America, people amass and hoard as many bananas as they can to sell for an exorbitant profit. So half of them go bad, anyway."
Anne Lamott"
Read more at: https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/anne_lamott_462088
quote:
Originally posted by Momodou
Commonwealth welcomes back The Gambia
BBC
The Commonwealth has welcomed The Gambia back as a member, following the democratic election of former estate agent Adama Barrow as president.
A flag-raising ceremony is being held at the Commonwealth headquarters in central London to mark the occasion.....
The Gambia quit the Commonwealth under authoritarian ruler Yahya Jammeh, who dismissed it as an "extension of colonialism".
Its application for readmission was backed by all 52 member states, who "welcome back their brothers and sisters to again play their full part in the Commonwealth family", the body's secretary-general, Patricia Scotland, said.
The Gambia's ambassador in London, Francis Blain, said the the West African state looked forward to contributing and benefiting from the "collective wisdom" of the nations which make up the body, AFP news agency reports.
Zimbabwe is also considering reapplying for membership of the Commonwealth, after President Emmerson Mnangagwa took office late last year.
It left the Commonwealth in 2003, after then-ruler Robert Mugabe accused the body of being hijacked by the UK and plotting against his government.
The Commonwealth had earlier suspended Zimbabwe's membership, following presidential elections marred by violence and allegations of rigging.
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/the-gambia-rejoins-the-commonwealth
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"Simple is good" & I strongly dislike politics. You cannot defend the indefensible.
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Edited by - toubab1020 on 09 Feb 2018 13:31:37 |
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Commonwealth welcomes back The Gambia
