Mass Axi Gye Out, Sheriff Gomez Takes Over

Confirmed official reports have spoken of the removal last Friday of Mass Axi Gye, the Secretary of State for Youth and Sports, from his cabinet post by President Jammeh. Mr Sheriff Gomez was appointed as replacement in the same breath, effective Friday 27 June 2008.

Mr Sheriff Gomez has served in a variety of senior positions over the years and is said to have acquired excellent leadership and communication skills.

Prior to his appointment, Mr Gomez, 48, was the National Youth Service Scheme Acting Assistant Director and Coordinator of National Enterprise Development Initiative (NEDI). He was also the Project Coordinator of Gamjobs, a Gambia government and UNDP project, focusing on youth and women.

Secy Gomez earlier served in the army as a career military officer, rising to the rank of Lieutenant. He has also worked in the Communications and Construction units of Gambia Civil Aviation Authority as a Tally Clerk.

Speaking to The Point shortly after the news of his appointment, Secy. Gomez said what is missing at the Department is direction and leadership, adding "and our priority would be to find out and to make a strategic plan for the Department of State for Youth and Sports that would provide the direction and leadership in order to put the Department in a better shape."

Secy. Gomez pointed out that it is part of his plans to come up with a blueprint for the department in which everybody in the area of youth and sports can work with.

He called on all stakeholders to closely work with the department in order to achieve the desired results.

Secy. Gomez holds a MSc. degree in Purchasing and Supply Chain Management (Business and Service Sector Management) from the London Metropolitan University; BA degree in English, History and Economics from Military Academy, Pakistan, among other achievements.