Royal Victoria Teaching Hospital, Banjul, The Gambia

Built in 1853 by the Government of Great Britain, the Royal Victoria Hospital was officially handed over to the Gambian Government in 1953.

RVH has recently become a teaching hospital for the newly created University of The Gambia Medical School located in Banjul.

It champions the cause for both optometrists and patients and strives for an eye care dispensation that will best serve their needs.

In addition to practising optometrists, dispensing opticians, and students in eye care related professions, the hospital also has the following departments: internal medicine, surgery, pediatrics, and gynecology / obstetrics.

RVH is a tertiary health care institution and the central referral point for all health centers and hospitals throughout the Gambia.

The Bakau Health Center
The Serrekunda Health Center
District Health Team - Farafenni
The Banjuluding Health Center
The Brikama Health Center
The Sibanor Health Center
The Women’s Health Clinic
The Mansakonko Health Center
District Health Team - Kanfing

“Allied specialty units” located within the RVH include: pathology; radiology; dentistry; ear, nose, and throat; orthopedics; and laproscopic gynecology and a department specialising in laboratory and clinical research.

The Hospital is always looking to recruit skilful and willing ophthalmic surgeons, nurses and technichians, opticians, biochemists, and anaesthesiologists who want to volunteer their time and knowledge for the betterment of ophthalmic care in Africa.

Power Up Gambia

At 4 p.m. on a Saturday afternoon, I was startled when the lights came on; the lights never came on after 2 p.m. on the weekends. The adrenaline really kicked in when I was invited to observe an emergency cesarean section - a first for me. When the infant emerged I felt my heart racing from excitement and awe!

But no matter how many times the technician suctioned out the nose and mouth, the infant did not utter a sound. After twenty five minutes the technician and nurse both gave up. The surgeon later explained that the baby had suffocated in utero. If only they had had enough power to use the ultrasound machine for each pregnancy, he would have detected the problem earlier and been able to plan the C-section. Without early detection, the C-section became an emergency, moreover, the surgery had to wait for the generator to be powered on. The loss of precious minutes meant the loss of a precious life. At that time, in that place, all I could do was cry.

And later, when the maternity ward was too hushed, I cried again. A full-term infant was born weighing only 3.5 pounds. In the U.S., the solution would have been obvious and effective: incubation. But without reliable electricity, the hospital did not even contemplate owning an incubator. This seemingly simple solution was not available to this newborn girl, and she perished needlessly.

Reliable electricity is at the forefront of every staff members' thoughts. With it, they can conduct tests with electrically powered medical equipment, use vaccines and antibiotics requiring refrigeration, and plan surgeries to meet patient's needs. Without it, they will continue to give their patients the best care available, but in a country with an average life expectancy of only 54 years of age, it's a hard fight to win.

In the U.S., 2007.

Reliable electricity is not even an afterthought for me; it's part of the fabric of my life. I'm working on a laptop, cramming for my physics exam, waiting for the train. Tonight I'll enjoy bright lighting at my former elementary school's fair, where I'll be displaying everyday articles from the Gambia. After a comfortable night's sleep, tomorrow will be dedicated to creating a presentation for business leaders on a computer and printer. There are nearly a dozen meetings with potential donors next week, each in a pleasantly lit room. In between meetings, I'll be studying for the medical school entrance exams, telephoning friends, listening to music.

To say that my experience in the Gambia was life-changing is not overstating the case. I feel luckier than ever: healthcare is my passion, and I am able to study medicine in one of the world's most electrically and medically advanced countries. I smile knowingly at light bulbs, and the thought of studying after sunset actually makes me happy. The medical equipment available to us is staggering, the tests amazing, the procedures mind-boggling. It's a lot to learn, and it all takes reliable electric power.

via powerupgambia.org

Posted via email from gambia's posterous

Gambian philanthropist donates to Tanka-Tanka

Pa Dodou M.E. Jallow, a Gambian based in Holland yesterday donated some medical gadgets to the Tanka-Tanka Psychiatric hospital in Brusubi.

The equipment included a digital blood pressure machine and two stethoscopes for the inmates.

Speaking at the presentation, Mr. Jallow said he deemed it necessary to support the Gambian psychiatric hospital as this is his home country.

Jallow, who is also a staff of GGZ Central Institute (Psychiatric Section) in Holland, added: “My institution gives us the possibility of supporting mentally imbalance people, so being a Gambian national I found it to be something of priority.”

He disclosed that the gadgets worth roughly about three hundred euro (€300), noting that more donations for the hospital are in the pipeline.

Jallow finally called on other Gambian based abroad to support sectors in The Gambia.

via today.gm

Posted via email from gambia's posterous

International Women’s Day 2011

The Gambia joined the rest of the world yesterday March 8th 2011, to observe International Women’s Day.

In a national address to mark the day, Aja Isatou Njie-Saidy, the Vice president and Minister of Women’s Affairs recounted on the success registered by the Gambia government in women’s affairs.

via observer.gm

Posted via email from gambia's posterous

Gambia: 16 Marina Students Off to U.S.

Sixteen students and three teachers from Marina International School, on Monday, 7 March 2011, left Banjul for the United States of America to attend United Nation's (UN) global conference organised for students from all over the world.



The students are all members of Model United Nation Club (MUNC) of Marina and are expected to join over 3000 other students mainly from US and other countries at the United Nation's Headquarters in New York. During the conference, students are expected to discuss wide range of issues that are of global importance; such as WHO and World Bank.

Speaking to this paper shortly before their departure, Ben Richards, coordinator of the club, said that the conference would serve as an avenue for students to step into the shoes of UN ambassadors that represent different countries around the world. According to him, during the conference, students would be put in various committees of UN body in which they would have the opportunity to comment on issues of global importance.

BBC News - Malaria risk warning to last-minute holidaymakers

Travel websites offering late deals to destinations where malaria is a risk should carry clear warnings, say experts.

The call comes from doctors who had to treat three patients in a week, all of them UK citizens who had returned from "winter sun" holidays to The Gambia.
All three patients, in their 40s and 50s, had booked their holidays with the same travel website.
None had sought proper medical advice before travelling.
If they had, they would have been told that malaria is endemic in the Western African country they were travelling to and advised of the need to take appropriate precautions.
Simple measures like covering up the skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts and trousers and using insect repellent, as well as taking malaria prevention tablets, can help avoid infection with the parasite that causes the disease that is transmitted by mosquito bites.
The three patients that the doctors at the James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough treated all had the most serious form of malaria - falciparum malaria.

"And as well as doing your own research about the area you will be travelling to, make sure you leave yourself enough time to see a doctor, either your own GP or one at a travel clinic, for advice," he said.
A spokeswoman from Abta said most travel websites did carry information about the risks of malaria, but that this was not always "upfront".
She said there was also an onus on the consumer to check properly for advice.
"When people are in a hurry not everybody will look in true depth and do all the research they need to.
"We recommend travellers follow Foreign Office advice," she said.

via bbc.co.uk

Posted via email from gambia's posterous

Gambia Beach Hotel Investment For Sale - Kololi

This property is located on the beach front in the main tourist area known as Palme Rima. The plot is 80 m by 212m and is fenced on all sides.

On the plot are 3 partially completed developments consisting of

14 x 1 bedroom apartments

14 x studios

7 x 2 bedroom apartments

There is a further strip of vacant land with space for a similar development or a number of individual properties.

Kololi is a resort town on the shore of the Atlantic Ocean in Gambia. Kololi is the main tourist area of the Gambia, with the main hotels such as the Senegambia and the Palma Rima. Kololi is monitored by the Gambia Tourist Police.

Gambian Champions Pull out of Champions League

Gambia champions Wallidan have pulled out of this year's African Champions League for financial reasons, club officials said.The club now face an automatic three-year ban for withdrawing from the competition, which the Confederation of African Football will ratify later this year.What a terrible shame that there is no one and no body to help.How much money is really needed to keep this game on and keep the Gambias top teams in the Champions league? How would we feel if Liverpool went under and were unable to take their place in the European Champions League....well, pleased I know but say it was Villa or Hull? All around the Gambia you see the premiership football shirts with names of Drogba, Essien, Toure and Adebayore, to name just a few. The English game is awash with cash. I dont begrudge anyone getting the best rate for being the best at their job. I do just wish that the support and enthusiasm in the Gambia for the Premiership be recognsed, and maybe every now and then, when its need, some small change be lobbed that way.

My Gambia Football Experience


The International Stadium
Bakau Utd at the FA Cup


In 2007 we were welcomed to the Gambia FA cup final in the Serrakunda Stadium, joining the Bakau Utd section for a real Gambian football experience.The atmosphere beat any game I have been to and the drive home through the football traffic in Serrakunda was hilarious, with the sisters of our guide heckling the Banjul fans from the back of the jeep.

Inside the theatre of dreams Bakau
For 20 delassi each we crowded into a little cinema in Bakau to watch 2 premiership games similtaneously, one on a big screen and one on a TV next to it. It was roasting hot and heaving with more spectators trying to catch some of the game through the curtained windows.The room was decorated with graffitti saying "Theatre of Dreams" "Pele" and "Beckham", and I would rather have been there than in the bar at the Senegambia where I caught a bit of the Sky Monday match. But take youselves a bottle of water each which has been half frozen in the freezer!



Every evening my sons played football on the flat hard stretch of sand at the top of Cape Point beach. They were invited to play by whoever was there playing as we walked by. All age groups, all abilities, mostly in Chelsea shirts.My youngest struck up an understanding with the boys of KP Utd and we were able to leave them a new ball and some football gear when we left and have since sent over last years kit from his Sunday league team. It doesn't take much thought or imagination really.

Gambia Local Tourist Guide

The Gambian tourist industry is dominated by the big boys. Even the ex pats running the fishing trips are beholden to the big tour operators for their bookings, and they get paid a fraction of the fee you might pay having booked it in the hotel. It is only recently that you could find a flight with an airline that was not booked through Gambia Experience or Thompsons. Those tourists wishing to go it alone, or local guides who wanted to provde a more local tour find it more problematic.

There is room for all levels of organisation in the holiday industry and thank god that the internet has enabled us all to chose the type of holiday we want. With that in mind let me direct you to Abdul Ramon Conteh who runs Abduls Safari tours Mr Conteh has been able to get his ground operator license through working in partnership with a Dutch company to form the Arch Tours, specialising in the sorts of trips you would want to go on if you really wanted to see Gambia. The best thing about it is that you will not feel like you are part of a herd; these are small trips in jeeps or a mini bus at its biggest, led by local drivers and guides, and with the flexibility to change the time of the toilet stop, and not waste time getting 40 people their chosen drink in the cafe. You wont be sitting on the bus waiting for evryone taking their time on the toilet break. I know we are all tourists, but just as with everything else in life, we like to do things in different ways.

The tours themselves are very well thought out and just the sort of trips you would take guests on if they were visiting you; the ferry trip to Barra and then Senegal for another stamp in your passport, the slavery tour and the river trips. If you dont do anything else with your trip to the Gambia, please do the "4 tours in 1 day" Its all possible because you are not part if a big group, trouping on and off coaches and waiting for other people. You will see so much of the Gambia as well as taking in all the local sites of interest, ending with a couple of hours on the beautiful, no-one for miles, Paradise Beach. Really, you need never leave the hotel again once you've done this trip. Although once you've got the tatse for it?

Beach bar and restaurant for rent in The Gambia

Have you ever dreamt of runing a beach bar and restaurant in the sun. If you are just a little tired of life at the office, then consider this successful beach bar business available to rent here in the Gambia, West Africa.

This very nice, very successful beach bar, restaurant and lounge is is situated in a prime position between the newly opened five star hotel, The Coconut Ocean and the well known Bijilo Beach Hotel.

The building consists of a lounge, bar, kitchen, verandah and roof terrace situated in grass gardens leading directly down to the beautiful white sand Bijilo Bach and the Atlantic Ocean.

This established and successfull beach bar and restaurant offers a turn-key business opportunity for any enterprising owner looking for a great beach side location combined with a fantastic revenue stream. and the business is available for rent on a 12 month contract with possibility to renew.

A perfect frontline beachside restaurant and bar with full license, trained staff and an established clientelle is considered one of the best bars in The Gambia the place to be, for both the expat, tourist and the local communities. This is in an area of rapidly expanding tourism, yet it retains a very special tranquility, beauty and ambience.

The new bar owner can take over the rental contract for the house and business and move in at any time. A complete inventory of all of the furniture, equipment and assets of the bar can be sent to any qualified person who is interested in owning a successful beach bar. Just request it and we’ll send it.

Fall in Incidence of Malaria in The Gambia

The incidence of malaria has fallen significantly in Gambia in the last 5 years, according to a study carried out by experts there with support from scientists based in London.

Malaria is a major cause of illness and death in Africa, including Gambia. Investigations into ways of controlling malaria have been underway in Gambia for more than 50 years and, since 2003, efforts to deliver malaria interventions to pregnant women and children under 5 – including intermittent preventive treatment, the use of insecticide-treated bed nets (ITNs) and indoor residual spraying - have been stepped up considerably.

Malaria is one of the world's biggest killers, responsible for over a million deaths every year, mainly in children and pregnant women in Africa and south east Asia. It is caused by the malaria parasite, which is injected into the bloodstream from the salivary glands of infected mosquitoes.

In areas where transmission rates of malaria are high, death occurs most frequently in young children, usually as a result of severe anaemia. Surviving children rapidly develop immunity to the disease and severe malaria is rarely seen in older children. Where transmission rates are lower, the proportion of older children infected with malaria increases – in older children, malaria can lead to even more serious complications as the parasites reach the brain.

The authors sought to investigate the changes that have occurred in Gambia over the past nine years, their potential causes, and public health significance. They analysed original records in order to establish the numbers and proportions of malaria inpatients, deaths and blood-slide examinations at one hospital over nine years (January 1999-December 2007) and at four health facilities in three different administrative regions over seven years (January 2001-December 2007). They obtained additional data from single sites for haemoglobin concentrations in paediatric admissions and for the age distribution of malaria admissions.

At each of the four sites with complete slide examination records, they found that the proportions of malaria-positive slides had decreased by 82%, 85%, 73% and 50% respectively between 2003 and 2007. Meanwhile, during the same period at the three sites with complete admission records, the proportions of malaria admissions fell by 74%, 69% and 27%. Proportions of deaths attributed to malaria in two hospitals fell by more than 90%.

The team also recorded a substantial shift in the average age of children who were admitted to one hospital with malaria after 2004, with far fewer under 5s being admitted after that year. The average age until 2004 was similar to that recorded ten years previously, so the finding of a trend towards older ages of malaria cases was new. A more substantial decrease of malaria admissions in younger children is likely to be largely due to increased use of ITNs, since this intervention is targeted at children under 5, but it may also reflect a situation in which children are taking longer to acquire immunity.

The team considered possible reasons for the decrease of malaria in Gambia. Changes in rainfall cause some fluctuations in malaria from year to year, but could not account for the progressive reduction recorded since 2003, while socio-economic changes, improvements in communications and access to education may also have helped, although these factors tend to have a more gradual impact rather than the rapid changes reported at the different sites. A change in chemotherapy is likely to have played a substantial role – until 2004, chloroquine alone was mainly used but as parasite resistance to this drug had increased to high levels, the first-line treatment of choice became sulphadoxine plus pyrimethamine (SP) combined with chloroquine, from early 2005 onwards. SP has prophylactic as well as curative properties which may have been important.

The most substantial change in measures to prevent malaria has been the increase of coverage of ITNs, which thanks to well-publicised initiatives from the Global Fund, UNICEF and WHO increased threefold between 2000 and 2006 (49% of under 5s in Gambia are now reported to be sleeping under ITNs – the highest reported coverage in Africa).

David Conway, of the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, who is based at the Medical Research Council Laboratories in Banjul in Gambia, is one of the study's authors. He comments: 'These findings support the proposal that increased investment in malaria interventions in Africa can have a major effect on reducing morbidity and mortality from the disease. We need to consider the possibility of future elimination of malaria from some areas in Africa, but we also emphasise the importance of continuous surveillance, and there is no room for complacency with this disease'

5 Bedrooms in Kololi

5 bedroom house in Kololi for sale £140,000
Prime Location huge compound
Generator
Air condition in four rooms
All rooms have fans
Boy's quarters.
Water tower.
car porch
About 10mins form Senegambia and beach
Mature garden with fish pond.
Very large kitchen and living room.
Will be leaving beds and tv's.

Organisation of African Union Conference Presidential Villas

Building Spec.and Inventory
Plot Size: 464 sqm
Total floor area: 155 sqm
Foundation and slab: Reinforced concrete
Blockwork: sand/cement (15cm thick) with damp proof membrane
Beams/UntoI/coliimn Reinforced concrete
Internal & External Render 12mm sand/cement
Roof: Timber, Trusses 5 purlins with Harvey roofing sheets
Eaves: 6mm plywood
Ceiling, moulded Gypsium plaster
Internal Doors; semi solid moulded mahogany doors and frames
External Door. Mahogany (front); Alluminium (kitchen backdoor)
Windows: white powder coated with 6mm tinted glass with mosquito gauze and steel burglar proofing
Floor Tiling: 50 x 50cm polished porcelain tile and 30 x 30cm ceramic tiles
Skirting: Timber and ceramic
Kitchen Cabinet Solid Oak cabinet, stainless steel extractor with acrylic kitchen sink
Electrics: circuit breaker distribution board
Chandeliers in living and dining rooms
Ceiling lights in all other rooms and corridors
External lights in all four walls and veranda ceiling

DECORATION
Three coats of washable paint on all external and internal walls and ceiling. Brick claddings on all external comer walls and around windows

Paved Drive way, Grass Lawn all around the compound with ornamental and fruit trees

LIVING ROOM (28sqm)
Centre table is a130cm x 120cm x 35cm marble base with 3.5cm thick glass top
Side coffee tables: 70cm x 70cm x 40cm marble base with 3.5om thick glass
TV cabinet is a 260cm x 35cm x 35cm marble base with 3.5cm thick glass top with a 29 inch LG flat screen TV with two external speakers
Hi-fi with radio cassette and DVD player
Home theatre with five speakers (surround system)
3x2x1 leather settees
3m x 2m Moroccan rug
2 table lamps on each side coffee table
1m x 50cm wall paining
Three pairs of curtains with daylight fabric and fabric pelmet
One 18,000btu plasma split Air conditioner

DINING ROOM (14sqm)
One 12,000btu Air Conditioner
Marble and glass dining table with six leather chairs (cream)
1.5mx 50cm painting
A2m x 1.5m Moroccan rug

VERANDA(12sqm)CORRIDOR (26.8 sqm)LINEN CUPBOARD (1.2sqm)

KITCHEN (14sqm)
One fridge Freezer
A microwave
Electric Kettle in stainless silver and black
Gas cooker fitted with gas bottle
45 piece home starter set which comprise the following
Two non stick saucepans, Non-stick stir and fry pan. Non stick fry pans, 16piece cutlery set, 5 piece rivet knife set, 5 piece soft grip kitchen tool set, 30 x 20cm chopping board, scissors
6O piece ceramic starter diner set
A set of floral kitchen towels
Iron board and electric iron
Internal trash bin for kitchen

GUEST BEDROOM 1
(12sqm)12000 btu plasma split Air conditioner
A Double bed spread with bed linens to match bedroom curtains and matching pelmet cover
One bedside cabinet with two chests of drawers and a bedside lamp
A matching three door ward robe with bath towels inside
A wall painting of 80cm x 50cm

GUEST BEDROOM 2 (12 sqm)
Exactly the same furnishing as Guest Bedroom 1 MASTER BEDROOM (20sqm)
18,000 btu plasma split Air conditioner
A King size bed spread with bed linen matching curtains and pelmet covers
Two bedside cabinets with bedside lamps on each cabinet
A bed side rug
A five door wardrobe with bath gowns and complete set of bath towels
A Dressing table with dimensions of 1.21 x 45 x 75 with a stool
A bedroom TV measuring 1.80m x 58.5cm 49cm with a 18inch flat screen home theatre cinema

ENSUITE (6sqm)
Acrylic bath tub
A semi circular glass cubicle on tray
Wash Hand basin on timber vanity unit
White porcelain WC
Stainless silver and glass toilet accessories

SHARED SHOWER ROOM FOR THE TWO GUEST BEDROOMS (5.25sqm)
Shower area fitted with shower curtain and shower unit
Stainless silver and glass toilet accessories
White porcelain WC and Wash Hand Basin
All water heaters are outside the house
Two door wall wardrobe

VISITOR'S TOILET (3.75sqm)
White porcelain WC and Wash Hand Basin
Stainless silver and glass toilet accessories

Why are you buying the property?

Is this for retirement, a holiday home, a holiday home that you want to pay its way or a pure investment. If you are buying a property as an investment, see our Guide to Buying Property as an Investment.Which country and area will suit you best? If this is an investment, where are you likely to make the most money? Which type of property is best for you? Villa, apartment, townhouse. This is not always obvious. How are you going to pay for the property? Are you going to take out a mortgage? If so, where and for how much? What are you doing to guard against the risk of fluctuating exchange rates? How are you going to manage the property? If you want to let the property, who are your target tenants? Who will manage the lettings? How much money will you make? Who should be the legal owner of the property? The right choice here can save you £/€/$THOUSANDS, even on an ordinary holiday home. See below for more information.We will be happy to assist you with all of these issues.

Why Buy in Gambia

In the endless search for equity growth and rental yields property investors are searching further and further afield. Dubai, Bulgaria, Croatia and Turkey have all enjoyed their 15 minutes of fame as an overseas property hotspot and the markets there continue to thrive despite the threat of the bubble bursting. Costa de la Luz and Cape Verde are currently enjoying the limelight but a real opportunity lies on the West African coast in the former British colony of The Gambia. The Gambia is a 6 hour flight from London and has blossomed into a world class tourist resort over the last decade with five star hotels, fine dining, fantastic beaches, water sports, sports fishing and many other quality sporting and leisure pursuits. The Gambia is peaceful and stable. Crime rates and the cost of living are among the lowest in the world. Property ownership is part of the Gambian constitution and the conveyancing system is transparent and straightforward when done professionally. The Gambian government is totally committed to free enterprise. Luxury brand new four bedroom villas range from 80,000.00 GBP to 150,000.00 GBP dependant on location and proximity to the beaches. These properties can rent for up to 10,000.00 GBP per annum to United Nations or embassy staff. Building land is readily available and prices start from less than 1.00 GBP per square metre. Construction costs are a fraction of those in Europe and opportunities exist for commercial, residential, and tourist developments.

Utility Bills in the Gambia, and other Useful Information

Electricity is billed on a monthly basis with a minimum standing charge regardless of occupancy based on the electrical capacity of the property. Actual units of electricity used are paid on top of this standing charge. There are prepaid electricity meters available - Cash Power - where preferred.
Telephone access is provided by Gamtel (the equivalent of BT in the UK). They bill on a montly basis.
Mobile access is provided by Africel and Gamcel with Alcotel on its way. These only operate through the purchase of sim cards and top-up credit cards which are widely available. There is little to choose between these providers on pricing or reliability.
The internet is provided by both Quantum who offer Broadband and Gamtel who offer a dial-up connection. It should be noted that VOIP is illegal in the Gambia. The internet is also billed monthly.
Satelite TV is available with widely varying packages. Expect to pay equipment, installation and set up fees together with a monthly standing charge.

Other Useful Info
High calibre maids, gardeners and security staff are readily available, many with extensive experience gained in the luxury Gamban hotels. There are many European, Gambian and Arabic property maintenance firms with cost and quality varying considerably. We can provide suitable companies including references where necessary. As with most conveyancing transactions the purchase price is dependant upon a number of factors predominantly location, size and quality of the property/land being tendered.
There are annual payments for land rent and local taxes to be made. The land rent is a minimal fee and indicated on the lease document where the property is purchased as leasehold land.
Local rates are based on the rateable value of the land assessed by the Tax Office. The rateable value accounts for both the land and building value dependant upon type, location and use class. When this value is decided the Area Council determines the percentage to be charged for local rates. These rates are also minimal. .

The Gambia

The Gambia is one of Africa's smallest countries and unlike many of its West African neighbours it has enjoyed long spells of stability since independence. The Gambia is Europe’s closest tropical destination , lying along the mangrove- and jungle-tangled banks of the Gambia river, and stretching from a short Atlantic coastline of sandy beaches into the heart of West African sahel.The gambia is the holiday destination, especially for winter sun holidays, for tourists from all over Europe.

President Yahya Jammeh seized power in a bloodless coup in 1994 and has ruled with an iron fist ever since.

Stability has not translated into prosperity. Despite the presence of the Gambia river, which runs through the middle of the country, only one-sixth of the land is arable and poor soil quality has led to the predominance of one crop - peanuts. This has made The Gambia heavily dependent on peanut exports - and a hostage to fluctuations in the production and world prices of the crop. Consequently, the country relies on foreign aid to fill gaps in its balance of payments.

President Jammeh wants to turn The Gambia into an oil-producing state. He says this could usher in a "new future". However, the country has yet to strike crude oil.

Tourism is an important source of foreign exchange, as is the money sent home by Gambians living abroad. Most visitors are drawn to the resorts that occupy a stretch of the Atlantic coast.

In 1994 The Gambia's elected government was toppled in a military coup. The country returned to constitutional rule two years later when its military leader ran as a civilian and won a presidential election. But the credibility of the poll was questioned by a group of Commonwealth ministers