It
has come to the attention of the Office of the Registrar General that some
cable operators within the Greater Banjul Area and other parts of The Gambia
are allegedly engaged in the commercial transmission of the English Premiership
League Matches (EPL), using the beIN Media Group’s smartcards.
It is our information that the alleged perpetrators have not obtained licenses from the competent authority nor do they have the approval of beIN Media Group, who have the exclusive pay rights to broadcast the EPL in the Middle East and North Africa region.
The office of the Registrar General wishes to remind all those concerned that the distribution of the programme-carrying signals not bound for The Gambia, and for which permission has not been sought from the right holders, is tantamount to a violation of the Copyright Act of The Gambia 2004.
The perpetrators are hereby reminded that their activities not only prejudice the legitimate interest of registered businesses but also cause revenue loss to The Gambia since they do not pay tax for their alleged illegal activities.
In light of the above, the Office of the Registrar General hereby advisers, all those engaged and those who intend to engage in the alleged illegal business to cease and desist from the unauthorized importation, sale and distribution of beIN Media Group’s smartcards and decoders in The Gambia with immediate effect or else they will be prosecuted accordingly.
The cooperation of all concerned is, therefore, highly solicited.
(Press release: Registrar’s Office)
