Zenith Bank Issued Operational Licence

• Posted on January 5, 2010 at 6:07pm

Zenith is the Fourteenth Bank in The Gambia
 

Banjul, The Gambia (TNBES) The Central Bank of The Gambia has issued a licence to Zenith Bank (Gambia) Limited, to commence operations in the country under Section 4 of the Banking Act 2009.
The Central Bank in its quest is informing the public that the said licence was issued to the bank on 30th December 2009, for the Nigerian bank to conduct banking business in the country.
Zenith Bank (Gambia) Limited is a subsidiary of Zenith Bank Nigeria Plc, which is headquartered In Lagos, Nigeria.
According to the Central Bank, the commencement of operation by the said bank makes a total of fourteen (14) banks in the country. VOL:2 ISSN:2

Businesspeople Rejecting Gambian Currency Denomination

The 25 Butut Does Not Cost Even a Mint these Days

Banjul, The Gambia (TNBES) A press release obtained by The North Bank Evening Standard from the Central Bank of The Gambia stated that it has come to the notice of the bank that some businessmen\women and individuals refuse to accept the 25 Butut coin in settlement of business transaction or debt.
“These acts tantamount to undermining the objective of gaining and maintaining public confidence in the currency and preserving the value and integrity of the currency which is essential for proper functioning of the economy,” the Bankers’ Bank said recently.
It added that the public is reminded that the bank has the sole right to issue and redeem currency notes and coins in The Gambia in the form and designs as it may consider appropriate. The Central Bank of The Gambia once again wishes to inform the general public that the existing banknotes and coins continue to be legal tender at their face value.
According to the release, the banknotes and coins of all denominations issued by the Central Bank of The Gambia cannot legally be refused in payment of debt. It stressed that any person who refuses to accept Gambia currency notes and coins commits an offence and is liable to be punishment.
The Central Bank solicit the cooperation of the public in putting a stop to what they described an illegal practice. “The Central Bank in collaboration with the Inspector General of Police and other relevant authorities will take appropriate action against culprits,” the release concluded. VOL:2 ISSN:1

YAWMAL ASHURA: Time for budgeting and Stock-Taking

“There Is Nothing Better Than To Forgive and Forget” - Editorial 

VOL:1 ISSN: 45 “Yawmal Ashura”, the period which marks the beginning of another New Year in the Islamic Calendar was over the weekend celebrated by Muslims throughout the world.
But, what did this period mean? Well, for devoted Muslims, it is a period of stock-taking and reflection over their deeds during the past 12 months. So that people can repent over their sins, forgive each other for sins that might have been committed knowingly or unknowingly and look into the New Year with forward looking thoughts.
Equally, it is a moment for businessmen to study the up and downward trends of their business set-ups. In either case, the owner can make a sound and wise decision as a New Year process. If the business has made a positive growth over the past months, the owner then need to redouble that speed, maintain the steady growth and on the other hand, where as the opposite is the case, he/she needs to revisit the business.
For some governments, the New Year (Ashura) means going over their policies to ensure that they are workable, applicable to their citizens and whether or not these policies are in the interest of the public. Presidential pardons can usually be associated with this day, especially if a particular Head of State is a practicing Muslim as the period is marked by forgiving and forgetting, reconciliation and building strong and peaceful relations with neighbours, relatives, subjects and those that you are working with.
At this stage, there is an opportunity for every Muslim to open a new page into his/her life (where necessary) by living straight and being honest to yourself and with whom you are dealing with coupled with much devotion to your duty to God and Humanity.
For those who have experienced success in their endeavours, we wish them continuity and for those who have lived through a lot of hurdles and sets-backs, we pray that they are relieved out of the woods (troubles) and make headway in their efforts to realise their desired goals.
To All Muslims, The North Bank Evening Standard Say Happy Ashura engulfed with Peace, Love and Blessings that Comes with It.

Minister Attributes Problems in Food Security to Financial Crises

AS EU Charge d'Affaires Harps on Unforeseen Needs

VOL:1 ISSN:44 The recent financial crisis has exacerbated the problems associated with food security as it has led to further declines in government revenue and reduced economic activity, the Finance Minister said on Wednesday.
Hon. Abdou Kolley was speaking at the signing of the Contribution Agreement European Union-World Food Programme (EU-WFP) on food security at the Conference Room of the Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs in Banjul.
The contribution agreement of 2.64 million Euros is equivalent to 100 million Dalasis, which is meant to foster the realisation of food security in The Gambia. 

Biometric Identification System Arrived In Brikama

All National Documents to Go Biometric In 2010 

VOL:1 ISSN:43 The people of Brikama and it's environ on Wednesday December 22nd witnessed the opening of a new office that would take charge of issuing Biometric Identification System to the people of the Western region.
Speaking on behalf of the Minister of Interior, Mr. Yaya Sirreh Jallow, the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Interior told the gathering that the inauguration of another office of Gambia Biometric Identification System (GAMBIS) in the town of Brikama, Western Region of The Gambia is another historic event.
“The opening of the Brikama branch is another milestone in Government's effort to improve service delivery to the citizenry,” he said.