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The Government of The Gambia (GoTG) has declared a new State of Public Emergency effective 5th of August with a curfew from 10pm to 6am effective 6th of August 2020 for 21 days. This is a temporary measure in response to the recent high increasement of COVID-19 cases/infections in The Gambia. Under this declaration, the […]

COVID-19 Update: Government of The Gambia declares curfew

August 7, 2020 News,

The Government of The Gambia (GoTG) has declared a new State of Public Emergency effective 5th of August with a curfew from 10pm to 6am effective 6th of August 2020 for 21 days.

This is a temporary measure in response to the recent high increasement of COVID-19 cases/infections in The Gambia.

Under this declaration, the following regulations are in effect:

Nightly curfew between the hours of 22:00 and 05:00.
All houses of worship shall remain closed.
All educational institutions shall remain closed.
All non-food outlets in all markets shall remain closed, with exception of banks, pharmacies, drug stores, supermarkets, mini-markets, local corner shops, and essential food traders.
Markets may be open between 06:00 and 14:00 daily, though all markets and shopping areas shall be closed on Sundays for fumigation and sanitization purposes.
Land, sea, and air borders remain officially closed. Under the current State of Public Emergency, entry and exit of persons into The Gambia is suspended, except for diplomats, drivers of essential commodities, and persons seeking urgent medical attention abroad.
Flights into The Gambia may be permitted only to transport Gambians returning to The Gambia, diplomats, and humanitarian workers.
Any passenger, as noted above, seeking entry to The Gambia must be in possession of a valid certificate from point of departure indicating a negative COVID-19 test at least 72 hours before boarding.
Mandatory quarantine for all arrivals into The Gambia remains in effect.

Additionally, the Gambian government previously announced new temporary measures aimed at preventing the spread of COVID-19, effective from July 30 for 90 days:

Mandatory wearing of face masks in public places;
Temporary closure of non-essential public places; and
Prohibition of public and social gatherings

If you have questions on how the COVID19 crisis is affecting the Gambian economy, your business and how the Chamber can assist you. Contact the BLGCC on info@blgcc.be

Press-Release State House of The Gambia:

In exercise of the powers vested in him by Section 34 (1) (a) and pursuant to Section 34 (2) of the 1997 Constitution, President Adama Barrow declares a State of Public Emergency effective midnight tonight and a curfew effective tomorrow, 6th August 2020 throughout The Gambia for a period of 21 days.

The Public Health (Dangerous Infectious Diseases) Protection Regulations, 2020 shall continue to operate side by side with these new accompanying Regulations:

➡️All houses of worship (mosques, churches, etc.,) shall remain closed. Mosques or churches shall be used solely for calls to prayers or religious announcements. All forms of gatherings at mosques and churches are prohibited;

➡️Night curfew is hereby imposed throughout the jurisdiction of The Gambia from 10pm to 5am daily. Only persons on official COVID-19 duties, ambulances and public officials on essential assignments are exempted from the curfew. Anyone who violates the curfew commits an offence and is liable to a fine of Five Thousand Gambian Dalasi (D5,000).

➡️All educational institutions (Universities, Colleges, Schools, Madrassas, Daras, Majalis and Gamos) shall remain closed. However, Grade 12 students are exempted only for the period of their WAEC/WASSCE exams from 17th August to the 7th September 2020. These schools shall open solely for the purpose of administering exit exams;

➡️All non-food outlets in all markets throughout The Gambia shall remain closed. Exemptions are granted to banks and financial institutions, pharmacies, drug stores, supermarkets and mini markets, local corner shops and essential food traders. The markets shall be opened between 6am and 2pm daily;

➡️All markets and shopping areas in The Gambia shall be closed on Sundays for cleansing or necessary fumigation by Area and Municipal Councils;

➡️All land, sea and air borders of The Gambia remain closed. Entry and exit of persons into The Gambia is suspended except for diplomats, drivers of essential commodities and persons seeking urgent medical attention abroad;

➡️Only cargo and humanitarian flights bringing Gambians home, diplomats or humanitarian workers will be allowed subject to them seeking and obtaining prior approvals among other stringent conditions. Any passenger destined for The Gambia shall be in possession of a valid certificate from points of departure indicating that he or she took a COVID-19 test with a negative result at least 72 hours before boarding. A person who breaches this Regulation on the border closures commits an offence and is liable upon conviction to a fine of Five Thousand Gambian Dalasi (D5,000);

➡️The Armed Forces may be deployed pursuant to Section 187(1)(b) of the Constitution of The Gambia to support the civil authorities in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.

The president calls on the general public to remain vigilant and committed to the fight against the coronavirus.

Credit State House of The Gambia, US Embassy in The Gambia

As reported by European Union Delegation To The Gambia, the European Union recently launched a 2,5 Million EURO COVID-19 emergency response project for The Gambia. This compliments the effort the EU undertook since the outbreak of the corona virus in The Gambia such as procurement of medical supplies, protective clothing, facemasks, etc. and support for […]

BLGCC – Webinar IT/ICT/Telecom & 3D-printing sector in The Gambia in times of corona crisis: Challenges and Opportunities 03/09

July 28, 2020 News,

As reported by European Union Delegation To The Gambia, the European Union recently launched a 2,5 Million EURO COVID-19 emergency response project for The Gambia. This compliments the effort the EU undertook since the outbreak of the corona virus in The Gambia such as procurement of medical supplies, protective clothing, facemasks, etc. and support for the preventive measures undertaken by the Government of The Gambia, Red Cross and other NGO’s, and also support for locally made protective gear, facemasks, face shields, ventilators.

These signs of a concrete response by The Gambia international partners are a major driver for the organizing a Webinar on “The IT/ICT/Telecom & 3D-printing sector in The Gambia in times of corona crisis” on the 3rd of September 2020 from 11am (Banjul time) / 13pm (Brussels time) – 13pm (Banjul time) / 15pm (Brussels time) with the theme Challenges and Opportunities.

This in the presence of, among others, BICS, Disruptive Lab/PointClick Technologies and Make3D.

During the webinar IT/ICT/Telecom and 3D printing experts from the private sector will elaborate on the challenges and opportunities in times of corona crisis in The Gambia and Belgium.

BICS will share their experience as a company operating in the Telecom sector in Africa and Belgium. Disruptive Lab/PointClick Technologies and Make3D will share their experience operating in the IT/ICT/Cloud based and 3D-printing sector in Gambia.

Overview speakers:

– Frédéric Salmon, CCO, BICS

– Malik Khan, Founder & CEO, Disruptive Lab/PointClick Technologies

– Fatou Juka Darboe, Director, Make3D

For more information about our services in The Gambia, Belgium or Luxembourg contact us at info@blgcc.eu

BLGCC – Webinar IT/ICT/Telecom & 3D-printing sector in The Gambia in times of corona crisis: Challenges and Opportunities 03/09

DATE: 3rd of September 2020

TIME: 11am (Banjul time) / 13pm (Brussels time) – 13pm (Banjul time) / 15pm (Brussels time)

VENUE: Online/Webinar with Microsoft Teams

As reported by the Government of The Gambia (GoTG), The Gambia recently launched a 500 Million dalasi fund for coronavirus response. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) complimented this effort with a US$21.3 Million Disbursement to The Gambia to Address the COVID-19 Pandemic. These signs of a concrete response by The Gambia and its international […]

BLGCC – Webinar Healthcare sector in The Gambia in times of corona crisis: Challenges and Opportunities 25/06

June 2, 2020 News,

As reported by the Government of The Gambia (GoTG), The Gambia recently launched a 500 Million dalasi fund for coronavirus response. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) complimented this effort with a US$21.3 Million Disbursement to The Gambia to Address the COVID-19 Pandemic.

These signs of a concrete response by The Gambia and its international partners are a major driver for organizing a Webinar on “The Healthcare sector in The Gambia in times of corona crisis” on the 25th of June 2020 from 11am (Banjul time) / 13pm (Brussels time) – 13pm (Banjul time) / 15pm (Brussels time) with the theme Challenges and Opportunities.

This in the presence of, among others, InnovaRx Global Health and Ministry of Health and Social Welfare (Gambia).

During the webinar health experts from the private and public sector will elaborate on the challenges and opportunities in times of corona crisis in The Gambia.

InnovaRx Global Health will share their experience as a private company operating in the healthcare sector in The Gambia.

Ministry of Health and Social Welfare will share it’s insights in the coronavirus situation in the country.

Overview speakers:

– Dr. Ismail D. Badjie, CEO & Founder, InnovaRx Global Health

– Mr. Thomas De Beule, President, Belgium Luxembourg Gambia Chamber of Commerce – BLGCC

– Dr. Mustapha Bittaye, Director of Medical services, Ministry of Health and Social Welfare

For more information about our services in The Gambia, Belgium or Luxembourg contact us at info@blgcc.eu

BLGCC – Webinar Healthcare sector in The Gambia in times of corona crisis: Challenges and Opportunities 25/06

DATE: 25th of June 2020

TIME: 11am (Banjul time) / 13pm (Brussels time) – 13pm (Banjul time) / 15pm (Brussels time)

VENUE: Online/Webinar with Microsoft Teams

On Sunday the 26th of April 2020 H.E. President Adama Barrow of the Republic of The Gambia presided over 4th national address in relation to COVID19 crisis where he launched the governement’s covid-19 food support program worth of D734,254,864 to 84% of needy Gambian households across the country and announced the decision to defer the […]

H.E. President Adama Barrow 4th national address in relation to COVID19

April 27, 2020 News,

On Sunday the 26th of April 2020 H.E. President Adama Barrow of the Republic of The Gambia presided over 4th national address in relation to COVID19 crisis where he launched the governement’s covid-19 food support program worth of D734,254,864 to 84% of needy Gambian households across the country and announced the decision to defer the tax returns for businesses in the first quota of 2019.

Tax deferment qoute H.E. President Barrow:

“We are aware that about two hundred thousand (200,000) people are engaged in the retail and service sectors. To support this important business community, the tax returns for 2019 have been deferred from the first quarter of 2020 to the second quarter. In addition, there are ongoing reviews to tease out possibilities to further support Small and Medium Scale Enterprises.”

Quotes from H.E. President Barrow during the ceremony:

“My government recognises that Gambians deserve an urgent national response to both the health and socio-economic crises resulting from losses in productivity and remittances to Gambian households.”
He added that they will ensure that support provided to all citizens, especially the vulnerable, is real in value.

“Conscious of the difficulties that confront many households, the Government has devised strict measures to ensure that our food stock is secure. I am informed by the Ministry of Trade that supplies of rice, sugar, flour and other food items are available.”

“Transparency and accountability form the cornerstone of our governance system. To uphold these principles and guarantee financial discipline and management of the resources available for the pandemic, a single government account has been opened to cater for rapid one-stop financial transactions.”

Overview of Gambia Government COVID19 response:

➡️ Commended civil society groups, politicians, individuals, the private sector and friends of The Gambia for the support to communities in response to COVID19.

➡️ Measures in progress include upgrading of health care services, provision of social support and security reinforcement.

➡️ Together with World Bank, D12M worth of equipment for the Ministry of Health have been acquired and being transported to The Gambia from Turkey.

➡️ Assessment of COVID19 holding centres across the country completed with an initial 1000 hospital beds being prepared in case of mass escalation.

➡️ Food stock; rice, sugar, flour and other items are available for public consumption.

➡️ 2019 Tax returns for the retail and service sectors have been deferred from the first quarter of 2020 to the second quarter.

➡️ 121 prisoners pardoned in the spirit of decongesting the prisons and allow for social distancing.

➡️ Over Seven hundred and thirty-four million (D734, 254, 864) is now available to support 84% of deserving households countrywide.

➡️ Single government account has been opened to cater for rapid one stop financial transactions, in the spirit of transparency and accountability.

➡️ Donation Committee already set-up to coordinate all donations regarding COVID19 and a National Response Coordinator already identified.

➡️ 33 Ambulances procured as pledge during the tour will come in handy for COVID19 response.

➡️ 2000 tonnes of fertiliser available to support farmers in the upcoming rainy season.

➡️ Government committed to ensuring policies and programs are reviewed to provide the best possible service during COVID19.

If you have questions on how the COVID19 crisis is affecting the Gambian economy, your business and how the Chamber can assist you. Contact the BLGCC on info@blgcc.be

Credit State House of The Gambia, Kerr Fatou, The Chronicle

The Government of The Gambia (GoTG) has taken several measurements to contain the spread of Coronavirus (COVID19) since the first registered index case on the 17th of March 2020 in the country such as, suspending of flights/14 days Mandatory Quarantine for certain countries and a 500 Million Dalasis Emergency Fund: STATEMENT MINISTRY OF HEALTH: […]

Measurements against Coronavirus by Government of The Gambia (GoTG)

March 20, 2020 News,

The Government of The Gambia (GoTG) has taken several measurements to contain the spread of Coronavirus (COVID19) since the first registered index case on the 17th of March 2020 in the country such as, suspending of flights/14 days Mandatory Quarantine for certain countries and a 500 Million Dalasis Emergency Fund:

STATEMENT MINISTRY OF HEALTH: FIRST CASE OF COVID-19 (17/03/2020)

The Ministry of Health hereby inform the public that Gambia has registered its first case of COVID-19 this evening. The case is a Gambian female from UK. Ministry of Health is doing all it can to prevent further spread of the virus.

To prevent yourself and your family, always wash your hands with soap, do NOT touch your face, do NOT shake hands, keep away from public gatherings. For more info call 1025 help line.

Gambia Suspends Flights to Contain the spread of the Coronavirus

The 4th Cabinet session chaired by President Adama Barrow has been updated on the COVID 19 situation in the country. An immediate decision was taken that flights from thirteen (13) countries are suspended with immediate effect until further notice.

The decision follows the recommendation of the Health Expert Committee concerning the recent development on COVID-19.
Countries affected by the immediate flight suspension are the following:
1. The United Kingdom
2. Spain
3. France
4. Poland
5. Germany
6. Sweden
7. Denmark
8. Switzerland
9. Netherlands
10. Norway
11. Austria
12. Belgium
13. Portugal

Persons Travelling from 47 Countries Will Undergo 14 days Mandatory Quarantine

Cabinet has approved that individuals (Gambian & Non Gambian) travelling from 47 countries in Asia, Europe and the Americas to The Gambia will undergo mandatory quarantine for 14 days. This decision will be reviewed regularly and the public will be informed accordingly. The forty-seven countries are as follows:
Asian and Pacific Region
1. China
2. Republic of Korea
3. Japan
4. Malaysia
5. Australia
6. Singapore
7. Philippines
8. Indonesia
9. Thailand
10. India

European Region
11. Italy
12. Spain
13. France
14. Germany
15. Switzerland
16. The United Kingdom
17. Netherlands
18. Norway
19. Austria
20. Belgium
21. Sweden
22. Denmark
23. Czechia
24. Greece
25. Portugal
26. Israel
27. Finland
28. Slovenia
29. Ireland
30. Estonia
31. Iceland
32. Romania
33. Poland
34. San Marino

Eastern Mediterranean Region
35. Islamic Republic of Iran
36. Qatar
37. Bahrain
38. Pakistan
39. Egypt
40. Saudi Arabia
41. Kuwait
42. Iraq
43. Lebanon

Americas
44. United States of America
45. Canada
46. Brazil
47. Chile

President Barrow approves 500 Million Dalasis Emergency Fund For Coronavirus Response

In response to the Coronavirus (Covid19) pandemic, President Adama Barrow has approved an emergency response fund of D500m to the Ministry of Health for the effective, adequate, and timely response to the outbreak.

The BLGCC wishes to inform Belgian/Luxembourg companies that the Government of the Republic of The Gambia (GOTG) will soon be seeking competitive bids from third-party investors and contractors to support the expansion of the Port of Banjul. The GOTG, through the Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs and the Gambia Public Procurement Authority, is interested […]

The Gambia Port of Banjul Expansion project

March 17, 2020 News,

The BLGCC wishes to inform Belgian/Luxembourg companies that the Government of the Republic of The Gambia (GOTG) will soon be seeking competitive bids from third-party investors and contractors to support the expansion of the Port of Banjul. The GOTG, through the Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs and the Gambia Public Procurement Authority, is interested in exploring potential public-private partnership opportunities with Belgian/Luxembourg companies, including for port operations. For more information, please contact the Chamber for the latest updates on this opportunity.

Proposal Deadline:

The exact deadline for the release of a competitive tender is not yet known, but it is expected to be determined before the end of 2020.

Contact us:

Belgium Luxembourg Gambia Chamber of Commerce (BLGCC)

Gijzelaarsstraat 21, 2000 Antwerp, Belgium

Email: info@blgcc.eu

Tel: +32 3 232 68 88

BLGCC President Mr. Thomas De Beule held various meetings with the Gambian private and public sector and company visits while in The Gambia during his visit in January 2020. This included meetings with the CEO of GIEPA (Investment Agency), a dinner meeting and company visit with the CEO & Founder of Innovarx Global Health, attendance […]

BLGCC President engagements with Gambian private and public sector (January 2020, The Gambia)

February 5, 2020 News,

BLGCC President Mr. Thomas De Beule held various meetings with the Gambian private and public sector and company visits while in The Gambia during his visit in January 2020.

This included meetings with the CEO of GIEPA (Investment Agency), a dinner meeting and company visit with the CEO & Founder of Innovarx Global Health, attendance at the second day of the 5th TAFCON, conference & networking event with the theme: The Gambia’s, a meeting with TANGO (NGO body in The Gambia), a meeting with the CEO of the The Disruptive Lab, a company visit to Farm Fresh, a company visit to Finish Profiles, a field visit to GIKAY FARMS and more.

✅Do you want to know more about these Gambian private and public sector companies/associations/agencies in The Gambia? Contact us on info@blgcc.eu

BLGCC President Mr. Thomas De Beule held various meetings with Diplomatic Missions and Development Agencies while in The Gambia and Senegal during his visit in January 2020. This included an invitation for a meeting by the Head of Cooperation of the European Union Delegation to The Gambia, a courtesy call to the Honorable Consul of […]

BLGCC President Diplomatic Missions and Development Agencies engagements (January 2020, The Gambia and Senegal)

February 5, 2020 News,

BLGCC President Mr. Thomas De Beule held various meetings with Diplomatic Missions and Development Agencies while in The Gambia and Senegal during his visit in January 2020.

This included an invitation for a meeting by the Head of Cooperation of the European Union Delegation to The Gambia, a courtesy call to the Honorable Consul of Belgium to The Gambia, a meeting with the Intervention Manager of ENABEL in The Gambia, a lunch meeting with the Trade Commissioner of the Embassy of Belgium in Dakar, Senegal and more.

✅Do you want to know more about the activities of the Diplomatic Missions and Development Agencies in The Gambia? Contact us on info@blgcc.eu

BLGCC Gambian-Belgian New Year’s Reception (17/01/2020, The Gambia)

February 4, 2020 News,

The BLGCC Gambian-Belgian New Year’s Reception was held on the 17th of January in The Gambia at YOSH Restaurant in attendance Ambassador-At-Large for Development | CEO Global Properties LTD Mr. Saul Frazer and other High-profile public and private sector guests such as European Union Delegation Head of Cooperation team and Managing Director of GAMWORKS (public infrastructure body).

“Belgium Renews Partnership with Private Businesses in the Gambia” The Chronicle (newspaper):

“The President of Belgium Luxembourg Gambia Chamber of Commerce (BLGCC), Thomas De Beule is of the view that the private sector in The Gambia is getting bigger and more structured as he prepares for creating more visibility for them in Europe.

He was speaking to The Chronicle at the reception, last weekend which his chamber organized to create a networking session between the movers and shakers of business partners in both countries as well as public officials.

“It’s really our aim to let these two groups of people meet (Belgium and Gambians private sectors) and have discussions on ways to collaborate in win-win situations. As you can see it’s a mix of public and private officials and we are very happy with the turnout. The creation of the chamber basically is to network and to build a very strong relationship between Belgium and The Gambia,” he told The Chronicle.”

https://www.chronicle.gm/gambian-companies-to-be-profiled-in-europe-as-private-sector-partnership-heightens/

✅Do you want to know more about what the Belgium Luxembourg Gambia Chamber of Commerce (BLGCC) can mean/do for your company/association ?

➡️Contact us on info@blgcc.eu

On Sunday 17th of November 2019 the Belgium Luxembourg Gambia Chamber of Commerce – BLGCC co-organized a seminar on “Doing Business with Gambia, Ghana and Belgium” in Beijing, China with a focus on Belgium as a gateway to Europe and Africa within the “one belt, one road ” initiative. With speakers of the Embassy of […]

Seminar Beijing “Doing Business with Gambia, Ghana and Belgium” 17/11

November 26, 2019 News,

On Sunday 17th of November 2019 the Belgium Luxembourg Gambia Chamber of Commerce – BLGCC co-organized a seminar on “Doing Business with Gambia, Ghana and Belgium” in Beijing, China with a focus on Belgium as a gateway to Europe and Africa within the “one belt, one road ” initiative.

With speakers of the Embassy of The Gambia, Gambia Tourism Board, Wallonia Export-Investment Agency, BLGCC, the Gambia-China Business Council, the Belgium Ghana Business Council – BGBC and the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade Beijing Sub-Council.

The seminar was held during the Royal Belgian Economic Mission to China headed by HRH Princess Astrid from the 16th until the 22nd of November (largest ever, +630 participants) which one of our members A-Law International Law Firm participated in, A-Law has built a strong clients portfolio, foundation and reputation in creating a bridge of knowledge and business between Belgium/ Africa and China.

For more information on our upcoming Seminars and our support on The Gambia (and Senegal), Belgium and Luxembourg please contact us on info@blgcc.eu

#BLGCC #Gambia #Senegal #ALaw #Antwerp #Belgium #Luxembourg