Dwelling in The Gambia

SUMMARY
I take pleasure in touring in West Africa, particularly in culturally wealthy areas that mix nature with fashionable infrastructure improvement. Each my air and street journeys on this ECOWAS area over the previous 15 years have been each academic and rewarding for me. I'm culturally surrounded with range in languages, faith, tradition, meals, structure, local weather, financial life, natural world.

The acquired data can't be quantified in financial phrases, and I'll advocate these adolescents to our adolescents to understand and tolerate different cultures, thereby decreasing conflicts and conflicts between neighboring nations. In one other place, I wrote and carried out a number of seminars about working and dwelling in Ghana about 11 years in the past.

At present, Ghana's success story is seen to everybody, and this nation of Ghana has turn out to be among the finest economies within the subregion. I introduce you to a different rising financial system, The Gambia.

Earlier than the entire world is flooded right here and you might be excluded, take my recommendation severely and make investments, work, dwell or trip on this lovely nation to search out out what I'm speaking about. I like this peaceable nation, blessed with hospitable folks. Gambians welcome you with a naturally inspiring smile. Gambia is certain to a historic river wealthy in pure assets of seafood, animals and therapeutic powers. Welcome to Gambia, the smiling coast of West Africa.

From the pure great thing about Makasutu Village, the historic websites of Kunta Kinteh Village, James Island, Kachikally Crocodile Pool, Kanilai Farm and lots of different sights to the seashores and the folks you'll not wish to depart. No surprise that within the final 10-15 years so many returning vacationers have come to the Gambia that I met. They arrive from throughout Europe, America, Asia and Africa. On the seaside, the fantastic thing about the ocean, the sand and the solar are paying homage to Mom Africa.

How in regards to the funding local weather, very low-cost and investor-friendly. With a secure financial system with a single-digit inflation fee and an trade fee of 1.zero USD = GMD26 (as of 9 April 2010). Gambia is a multicultural nation with many immigrants from West Africa, Europe, the Americas, the Center East and Asia, who're always dwelling as buyers, working with a number of NGOs, some retired buyers, whereas many others are in import firms and have a number of procuring malls , In Gambia there are buyers, volunteers, professionals who pursue their careers, and holidaymakers who've made this peaceable nation their vacation spot. Welcome to the Gambia, the place there is no such thing as a discrimination based mostly on faith, perception, shade, race, gender, social standing, incapacity and tolerance for corruption. Proceed studying! Alsamadeh!

MARKET
The principle markets are in Banjul, Serrekunda and Brikama. Right here you should buy staples reminiscent of fish, meat, greens, clothes, jewellery and style equipment. The locals greet folks with a pure smile after changing the non secular greetings: "Asalamalekun" (peace be upon you). Historically, Gambian girls go to the market day-after-day to purchase what they wish to prepare dinner. You will be seen with the plastic baskets with holders crowding on the busy markets to purchase contemporary fish, meat, greens, and take time to greet one another and ask one another. 39; Households, relationships and get data on present social occasions and different gossip girls. Nonetheless, some elites desire to buy in procuring malls round Kairaba Avenue and purchase giant portions of meals to retailer at house.

Mini markets or so-called supermarkets are competing within the higher Larger Banjul with the standard markets. There are additionally comfort shops known as "Fulah Retailers", that are primarily owned by Mauritanian residents and in some circumstances Guineans. Right here you'll get the domestically baked bread "Tapalapa". Usually this can be a lengthy, banana-shaped, oven-baked bread that's often transported by bicycles by the suppliers within the morning, at midday and within the night. I desire to purchase this product when it's contemporary, it's softer and extra interesting than the previous, hardened and uninviting ones. A full one is for D5 and half is D2.50. The bread is often bought with a pleasant unfold of butter, mayonnaise, egg, potatoes and spices with jumbo or maggi sauce, relying on the preferences of the customer.

There may be additionally "Senfu", which is crumbly and less expensive, bought for D3 for a full roll. Nonetheless, I've seen that the "Senfu" just isn't as satisfying because the "Tapalapa" that may hold me operating all day, like a bowl of "Fufu" that almost all Nigerians, Ghanaians and Sierra Leoneans in The Gambia , The native "fufu" are, not like in Ghana and Nigeria, constructed from "Saddam Rice" as it's domestically known as, floor into powder and boiled in a pot to a strong paste. The preferred lunch among the many Gambians is the Jollof rice, domestically known as "Benechin". There are a number of sorts of stews to eat the rice flour, reminiscent of Plasas, Tremendous Ganja, Damoda, and many others. I benefit from the Gambia breakfast of Thura Girthe, which may be very wealthy in protein. It is a mixture of well-beaten rice made with floor peanut and a portion of yogurt "bitter milk".

Gambians eat collectively. In small teams of 5-Eight folks is often seen consuming from the identical bowl. However when a customer seems, she or he is pressured to affix them and share it. That is the real love that I can nonetheless see someplace. In the event you suppose there is no such thing as a free meal, you might be mistaken. Come to the Gambia! This explains the rationale for a really low or non-permanent crime fee. At the very least lunch is assured for all who dwell in Gambia. Meals is shared, no person goes house hungry. Ladies additionally waste loads of meals, at all times getting ready for guests to fulfill whereas consuming. They wrap the rice meals in giant, broad bowls with a lid and wrap them in a standard method with a material that protects the meals from spilling, and carry them to their husbands at their respective workplaces to allow them to eat with collections. Generally they journey lengthy distances to ship the meals, reminiscent of a lamin dwelling household and a husband who works in Serrekunda.

WORKING HOURS

The official working hours are Monday by way of Thursday from 8:00 to 16:00. Friday is half a day. Most Gambians are Muslims, and so they go for the Friday prayers within the afternoon. Though the idea of "African time" nonetheless prevails within the inhabitants, that is frequent amongst authorities workers, the personal sector is healthier. Most critical enterprise appointments start at 9 am regardless of being scheduled for Eight am.

The principle cause for late arrival at work could also be that industrial automobiles are usually not accessible for transporting employees to their respective workplaces. Even at workplaces, the Gambians don't forget to take their Chinese language natural tea known as "Atire".

GAME OF FOOTBALL

A customer who's in The Gambia for the primary time will suppose that the soccer recreation originated from right here due to the love and fervour of the sport. There are a selection of playgrounds that by no means go unused to the wild teenagers who prepare in non secular life and play each day video games, particularly within the evenings after work or in school. On the weekend you'll discover within the morning that everybody performs the sport he loves probably the most; Soccer.

The discussions of most of those youths, which make use of half of the nation's inhabitants, give attention to the European Video games. Groups like Manchester United, Chelsea, Manchester Metropolis, Arsenal, Barcelona, ​​Actual Madrid, AC Milan and different massive groups have passionate followers in The Gambia.

There are numerous soccer viewing facilities making a fortune and most Gambians are displaying the dwell video games. Though a few of these children could not know the capital of Nigeria, they typically inform me their Lagos, however they definitely know all of the European membership managers, first lineups and transfers of those key gamers, to not speak in regards to the newest leads to the premier or championship.

The nationwide crew of Gambia, known as "Scorpion", is conscious of this, and also you dare not say one thing unhealthy in opposition to this crew, in order to not endure the wrath of my soccer lovers. A loss within the recreation when enjoying "Scorpions" will flip the entire nation right into a graveyard, "a interval of mourning". However with a revenue; The Brazilian samba dancers will envy the dance steps of the 2 girls and boys who sing: "ho, ho ho ho, ha, ha, ha, ha..haleyomii". To make buddies with Gambians, it's really easy to simply go to a soccer theme!

BEACHES

The weather conditions in Gambia differ barely from different ECOWAS nations. There is just one rain cycle that begins round June and ends round October. Not like different nations the place there are chilly intervals, it's often sizzling throughout the wet season.

The Hamattan interval begins from November to February. Nonetheless, the climate generally experiences irregular modifications. The seashores are clear and assist vacationers who wish to expertise the fantastic thing about the solar, the ocean and the sand of Gambia.

There are a number of seashores to go to. From Banjul seaside to Palma Rima, Senegambia and as much as Sanyang. There are such a lot of personal seashores alongside this line. Most white vacationers, known as "toubabs", are often welcome on these seashores, which provide enticing conventional bars with pure juice, canned drinks, barbecue and particular preparations for guests.

The "lobster" menace has been lowered, and many of the busy seashores are being patrolled by vacationer police to discourage "undesirable buddies." The seashores are besieged by virtually all Gambians throughout festive occasions or at massive music concert events or exhibits.

FESTIVE TIMES

A customer arriving in Gambia at Easter or Christmas will suppose that each one Gambians are Christians, with the celebration and the feast. Additionally on the Muslim festivals of "Koriteh or Tobaski" one will give the impression that there's not a single Christian within the metropolis.

That is the sweetness and variety of Gambian hospitality and tolerance of different religions in Gambia. Individuals take pleasure in good music. The native artists are cherished, a few of them are Jalibah Kuyateh, Titi Kololi, Freakie Joe, Asan Njie, Olugander and Sambou, simply to call a couple of.

The ladies, younger and previous, like to bounce. The bodily dances of leaping and kicking the air are frequent and I typically surprise the place the ladies get the additional power and energy from. Some younger males, who are usually not used to those dancers, don't dare to problem these girls in a dance contest if they don't wish to be hospitalized.

The leisure business is due to this fact very dynamic. Most individuals loosen up watching house movies from Nigeria, Senegalese and Ghana. There are a number of video shops the place you'll be able to select the newest Nigerian films. Most banks and lodges present international channels like DSTV, CNN, AlJAZEERA, EUROSPORT and many others.

PAID WORK IN GAMBIA

Aside from nationalities of ECOWAS, that are allowed to work unhindered in some key authorities sectors reminiscent of schooling and justice, different nationalities could solely work as foreigners and should obtain in-depth examination and approval from the Immigration Division earlier than they are often accredited to cooperate with the federal government.

Buyers could, nevertheless, rent their employees supplied that they've enacted immigration legal guidelines to acquire a piece / residence allow. There are openings all year long for certified academics at excessive faculties all through the nation.

Most vacancies are often stuffed by Nigerians, Ghanaians, Senegalese, Sierra Leoneans, Liberians and a handful of different ECOWAS nationals. There are additionally vacancies for lecturers on the College of The Gambia, a number of skilled coaching institutes and different schools such because the Administration Growth Institute (MDI), the Gambia School and the Gambia Technical Coaching Institute (GTTI).

Nonetheless, the remuneration of personal establishments is larger than the federal government wage scale. Most secondary faculties within the provinces require academics, however most academics desire to maneuver to city cities that depart rural villages with out certified academics.

The federal government-subsidized faculty reimbursement bundle for non-Gambian academics ranges between 3,500 and 4,000 DZ per shift (morning or afternoon), relying on preliminary expertise and {qualifications}. The personal faculties pay between 4,500 and 10,000 D. relying on the instructor's faculty and expertise.

Most colleges desire academics who've Gambian expertise, which implies they've been instructing in Gambia for a couple of years to know the system. The mixture of each layers means extra revenue. Most public faculties desire to pay full pay for the morning shift and half the wage for the afternoon shift. There are a number of different methods to earn revenue by having some academics arrange classes for the scholars after faculty. Most academics typically go to high school, which pays extra, and every semester is witness to a mass shift of academics.

The coveted faculties are: Marina Worldwide, SBEC, Zenith, SOS, Scanaid and West African Worldwide. Linguistics and science are the popular topics which can be ceaselessly in demand. English language, English literature, arithmetic, additional arithmetic, physics, chemistry, biology, agricultural sciences, utilized electrical energy, and many others. are "sizzling truffles" for most colleges.
ECOWAS-qualified academics (holders of M.Sc, B.Sc. and HND within the topics talked about above) are usually employed at grammar faculties in Gambia.

Different professionals wanted for work within the personal sector are:

1. Attorneys with LL.b levels who've efficiently handed the regulation faculty and have been known as as a lawyer
Judges on the Ministry of Justice.
2. Skilled graphic and web site designers.
3. Skilled advertisers.
4. Technician for desktop and laptop computer repairs.
5. Automotive technician.
6. Theater Artwork and Dramatic Artists.
7. Movie Administrators & Producers.
8. Skilled Actors & Actresses.
9. Radio and tv program moderators.
10. Fish farming & husbandry
11. Aquarium Manufacturing & Goldfish Rearing.
12. Coach for management improvement.
13. Trainers in distinctive expertise and professions.
14. Cottage Business Setup Coach (physique lotions, soaps, cartons, shoe polish, and many others.)

The monetary business has skilled phenomenal progress. Currently, extra banks have joined the league. There are actually fourteen banks within the Gambia. Most of those Nigerian banks are opening branches and wish extra employees.

Nonetheless, it's far cheaper to rent the locals than to to migrate from the banks. The identical rule applies to the lodge and tourism business. Non-governmental organizations (NGOs), NGOs, are allowed to usher in their employees.

Volunteers are additionally welcome in Gambia. Volunteers can acquire cultural expertise and worldwide expertise on this peaceable nation. For vacationers I like to recommend a go to to this small however distinctive nation for many who are on the lookout for a peaceable, inexpensive and memorable African retreat (PAMAR!).

INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES

1. ECOWAS CITIZEN

The federal government welcomes funding in all sectors, however as a result of significance of meals safety, agriculture is given particular consideration by every nation. Different sectors, reminiscent of actual property and actual property, mining, lodge and tourism, well being, schooling, manufacturing and agro-allied sectors are key areas on which the state can present incentives, tax breaks and full help.

The residents of ECOWAS benefit from the free motion of individuals and items inside the block of 16 nations. The capital wanted to settle in Gambia to work, dwell, make investments or trip there's a lot decrease than in different ECOWAS nations. As energy tariffs have declined (due to the federal government's initiative), the electrical energy firm NAWEC is striving to make sure a secure energy provide, and lots of firms rely closely on this secure energy provide.

Instances of armed theft are very uncommon. I've not seen or seen any armed theft up to now six years. I examine such assaults within the provinces a couple of years in the past in one of many newspapers solely a few times. Individuals transfer with out concern of harassment or assault. Theft of cell telephones is often frequent.

Properties are inexpensive and rents of 1 to 3 months upfront are required. The individuals are heat and hospitable. For simply D500 a month, area will be rented in busy areas reminiscent of Brikama, Latrikunda, Lamin, Tabokoto, Wellingara and coastal roads.

Relying on the completion of the style and abundance of busy highways, these 2-bed, fully-serviced flats provide between 1,500 and a pair of,500 dinars per thirty days in these areas. Residents of ECOWAS can enter and settle within the nation if they've the chance to start out small companies.

For these clever inhabitants of the nation, there are a number of firms you can select from and that work effortlessly on this investment-friendly nation. The primary time you come to the Gambia, it's important to plan and put together first. He must know what to do and the place to remain, and to have ample details about the tradition and enterprise local weather.

2. WORLDWIDE INVESTORS (MEDIUM / BIG ENTERPRISES)

The particular areas, sensible buyers, can rush into the ability earlier, from our detailed analysis outcomes are:
A) Institution of a personal college with dorm to draw all ECOWAS residents.
B) Meals like MacDonald 's, Hen George, Briggs, Candy Sensation, Tantalizer, TFC, and many others
C) Botanical backyard / love backyard within the vacationer areas.
D) Building of low-cost homes which can be bought or rented to individuals.
E) Peanut processing manufacturing facility.
F) Feed mill for poultry, rabbits and turkey manufacturing.
G) Cashew processing manufacturing facility (CNS oil, brake oil, glue, rubber, electrical wires, and many others.).
H) Pure Saftkonservenfabrik (fruits reminiscent of mangoes, oranges, limes, and many others. abound).
I) Recent flower manufacturing and export.
J) Canned fish / meals packaging for export.

There are one other 90 firms we interviewed to be potential immediate money-makers for sensible buyers. Please request an in depth mission profile for this. The Gambia Funding Promotion and Free Zones Company (GIPFZA) welcomes buyers with distinctive tax-deductible choices, authorities help and non-bureaucratic processing of the required paperwork to allow fast deployment and funding in Gambia.

To get a good suggestion of ​​the enterprise local weather, I encourage all potential buyers to learn The Gambia Enterprise Listing.

INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENT AND BUSINESS WORLD

Gambia, whereas small, has a sturdy financial system with fourteen industrial banks, 4 GSM firms and a superb variety of airways serving the sub-region and the skin world. There are greater than 5 each day newspapers, round eight radio stations and lots of worldwide customary lodges, together with the 5-star Sheraton.

The principle roads from the airport to many of the busy procuring facilities like Kairaba, Brufut, West Discipline, Senegambia, Brikama, Latrikunda and Banjul are all paved with well-lit avenue lamps. Clear, contemporary and handled faucet water is accessible 24 hours a day in most properties.

Communication and Web companies are comparatively cheaper than most different nations. The price of beginning a enterprise in Gambia is less expensive, each within the quick time period and the long run. The actual property enterprise is experiencing an enormous upturn with 30% return each year, and the Meltdown phenomenon just isn't simply recognizable within the Gambia.

Gambia is a vacationer vacation spot, and repeated guests are commonplace on this lovely and peaceable, affectionate, smiling Gambian coast. Though the Gambia is a tax-based financial system, the federal government generates substantial revenues from tourism and exports of agricultural commodities reminiscent of peanuts, fish, cotton and strong minerals.

Every resident should have a TIN quantity (tax identification quantity) earlier than a checking account will be opened. Day-after-day new buildings are added, and it's well-known that almost all homeowners promote their telephone contacts to those that are enthusiastic about renting or letting these properties in high-rise buildings on the Senegambia, Kairaba, Fajara, Westfeld, Tallinding, Tabokoto, Abuko , Lamin, yundum and many others.

Gambians within the diaspora hurry to take a position on this excessive yield actual property sector. A customer who final visited the nation a 12 months in the past will see a exceptional distinction on this infrastructure improvement. The Gambia is a clear nation, particularly with the introduction of month-to-month cleansing workouts known as "SETSETAL". It is a particular cleansing day for anybody who's free on the final Saturday of the month between 8pm and 1pm.

Municipal officers make sure that waste is disposed of correctly and that compliance with the regulation is ensured, that each one outlets and companies are closed probably the most and no industrial car actions happen till the tip of the cleansing work.

From a well being standpoint, it's protected to dwell in Gambia as a result of the well being system may be very environment friendly and has the perfect medical employees on the planet. There are a number of well being facilities which can be effectively distributed all through the nation and ambulances can be found to rapidly evacuate emergencies to the Royal Victoria Instructing Hospital, RVTH, Banjul, the place sophisticated circumstances are often taken.

Guests coming for the primary time are suggested to take the really useful acceptable vaccinations. Residents of ECOWAS should vaccinate in opposition to yellow fever, meningitis, polio, and many others. and make it possible for they're stamped on their yellow playing cards. That is much more critical as you drive to The Gambia on the street by way of Benin, Togo, Ghana, Burkina Faso, Mali and Senegal. In the event you shouldn't have a legitimate yellow card, you'll be able to price fines that it's important to pay!

The medical service is free for Gambians, except for the registration card, which is simply D5. ECOWAS residents, nevertheless, should pay the prices of therapy and hospitalization relying on their therapy. Vacationers visiting The Gambia ought to have journey insurance coverage throughout their go to

Transportation inside the nation is inexpensive. Altering from one place to a different is fairly simple. There are three classes of business street transport. First, it's the industrial bus, which permits solely a most of three passengers in a row, which is handy in distinction to 4 in a row in different nations. One of these bus goes round the principle locations reminiscent of Banjul to Serrekunda (D6), Banjul to Tabokoto (D10), Banjul to Brikama (D15), Serrekunda to Senegambia (D5) and many others.

The second class is the yellow and inexperienced painted taxis, which deliver most vacationers and locals on D5 for take-off or constitution site visitors, known as "City Journey". The final class is the inexperienced painted and branded vacationer taxis for vacationers to and from the airport, lodge areas, most seashores and historic websites for brand new guests. They're costlier than the yellow painted ones.

Exceptions, although vital, are, for the primary time, to encourage guests to keep away from rush hours, reminiscent of 7-8am and 4pm, particularly when commuters go to work or return from work. Coming back from Tabokoto, Lamin, Westfield, Serrekunda and Brikama within the morning to Banjul and residential within the night is at all times very hectic and costly to take a taxi. The bus stops are often overloaded and the site visitors is chaotic round these intervals.

There are numerous well-organized tour operators with luxurious air-conditioned buses to select up all guests and vacationers who prepare their visits to and from the airport. Additionally they work with most lodges touring to historic websites and within the cities.

There are ferry companies to move folks throughout the Gambia River. From Barra to Banjul is simply D25. Guests can attain the nation both by way of the Gambian border with Senegal at Hamdallah or from Guinea and Cassamace, Senegal by way of Basse. By aircraft is the one airport in Yundum. Banjul Worldwide Airport is likely one of the greatest within the subregion with the longest runways and fashionable radial services.

The airport just isn't at all times crowded, and vacationers ought to at all times inform somebody about airport pick-up, particularly on weekends when enterprise actions are low. Nonetheless, taxis are at all times accessible for D500-D800, relying on the space, often between 15 and 30 km from the airport.

On the airport, there's an trade workplace to trade cash from different currencies reminiscent of Euros, {Dollars}, Kilos and CFA in Dalaisi. For Visa Card airways, there's an ECO financial institution ATM on the airport. Financial institution PHB and Belief Financial institution even have their ATMs on the airport.

On arrival within the nation once you say "Nagadef?" Hear. Means, how are you, simply reply "Jamarek", which implies I'm effective. Say after a shake "Jerejef," which implies "thanks."
Jerejef, Jarama, Baraka (means in Three totally different nationwide languages).

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