Marina International School

Board Members (ID 1157)

• Alpha Amadou Barry
  Chairman Of The Board Of Governors
  Alpha Amadou Barry

  Alpha Amadou Barry served as the Country Managing Partner of the Gambia practice of Deloitte and Touche from 2003 until 2009 and then the head of Deloitte's Financial Advisory practice in West & Central Africa, which provides Corporate Finance, Transaction and Valuation Services and other services across Nigeria, Ghana, Gambia, and Cameroon. He was based in the Lagos office of Deloitte which serves as the headquarters of the Cluster where he was involved in building up the Corporate Finance Business Unit until December 2013. Currently, he is the Executive Chairman of Alpha Kapital Advisory, a boutique Financial Advisory firm based in The Gambia.

• Adama Deen
  Vice Chairperson
  Adama Deen

  Nationality: Gambian
  Academic Background:
  • Master of City Planning (Transportation) – Georgia Institute of Technology, USA
  • Bachelor of Arts in Economics (Honours) – California State College, Pennsylvania, USA
  Mr. Adama Deen is a seasoned development planner, infrastructure strategist, and senior policymaker with over four decades of leadership experience across the public and private sectors, both in The Gambia and internationally. His career has spanned strategic roles in transport, energy, ICT, and economic development, making him an influential figure in national planning and continental infrastructure transformation.
  Currently serving as a Commissioner at The Gambia’s State-Owned Enterprises Commission, Mr. Deen advises the government on the governance and performance of state-owned entities. He is also the Founder and CEO of Links Logistics & Consulting, where he provides high-level advisory services to government ministries and development partners on infrastructure development and national policy formulation.
  Mr. Deen previously held senior roles at the African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD), where he led multiple continent-wide infrastructure initiatives including the Programme for Infrastructure Development in Africa (PIDA) and the African Integrated High-Speed Railway Network Project. He also served as Managing Director of both the Gambia Ports Authority and the Gambia Public Transport Corporation, achieving record profitability and driving major reform and capital expansion.
  An accomplished academic and lecturer, Mr. Deen has taught specialised courses on transport infrastructure and public-private partnerships at the African Institute for Economic Development and Planning (IDEP/UNECA). He is a member of the American Planning Association and a strong advocate for sustainable infrastructure, education, and capacity building in Africa.
  Mr. Deen brings a wealth of experience in governance, planning, and education policy. He is committed to strengthening Marina International School’s mission by contributing his expertise in strategy, oversight, and institutional development to ensure academic excellence and sustainable growth.

• Mrs. Haddy Dandeh Jabbie
  Legal member
  Mrs. Haddy Dandeh Jabbie

  Mrs Dandeh Jabbie started her legal career in The Gambia in 2001 at Amie Bensouda and Co., representing clients in contract negotiations, drafting agreements and claims, transacting and negotiating real estate deals, and delivering corporate legal services.

  She has exceptional skills in civil litigation: handling criminal cases in the Supreme Court, High Court, and Magistrate Courts. She is highly regarded by her peers and became a part-time law lecturer at the Gambia Technical Training Institute.

  Haddy is a qualified expert in Alternative Dispute Resolution and completed a course at the University of Sacramento in California. She is now certified as a Trainer of Trainers (ToT) and has conducted training on Alternative Dispute Resolution.

  In 2010, Haddy moved to Comium Gambia Limited where she headed the Legal Affairs and Human Resources unit, developing partnerships and maintaining operator relationships with the telecom regulator. She was also responsible for the enforcement and collection of debts owed to the company. She structured commercial agreements and contracts between dealers and Comium.

  For the love of her profession and defending human rights victims, Mrs. Dandeh Jabbie undertakes pro bono work defending litigants who cannot afford legal representation. Her passion for women and child rights advocacy led to her active involvement in The Female Lawyers Association, The Gambia (FLAG) as a founder member. She has been the Executive of FLAG from its inception, since January 2016. She started as Social Secretary where she worked up the ranks to become Vice President, and then President, until her tenure ended in December 2021. Currently, she serves as a Senior Member of the FLAG Executive.

  In January 2019, Haddy was appointed as the Deputy Lead Counsel to The Gambia's Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission (TRRC). She headed the Sexual and Gender-based Committee at the Commission.

  Over the years, Haddy has worked on several consultancies. These include the training of service personnel such as lawyers, social workers, and the police on gender-based violence. Haddy was the local consultant on the Bill for the ending of child marriage and is currently the consultant on the review of the 2005 Children's Act of The Gambia.

  Currently, Haddy is the Board Chair of Action Aid International The Gambia, and before this was the Vice Chair and Board member. During the 2021 Action Aid International Annual General Assembly, Haddy served as the Elections Committee convenor and conducted a successful election on the appointment of the new Action Aid International Board Chair.

  She is also an Expert member of the Working Group on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights in Africa, which is part of the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights.

  Haddy is dedicated to her work and has an excellent attitude with her clients and colleagues

• Betty Sallah
  ChairPerson Education Committe
  Betty Sallah

  I hold a Masters of Education degree, and double diplomas from the Association Montessori Internationale in Primary and Elementary levels. My work and passion center on growth in knowledge and relationship with my students – it is an endeavor to make a connection geared toward establishing a stimulating, symbiotic learning environment, grounded in individual relationships and mutual trust- in attendance to the awakening of the individual in the context and collective of the prepared environment of the classroom.

• Mr. Jonathan Warner
  Director Of Schools
  Mr. Jonathan Warner

  Jonathan Warner - Director

  Qualification

  Master of Business Administration (MBA) – International Education Leadership, UCL Institute of Education (Expected 2025)

  Master of Science (MSc) – Geography, King's College London

  Post-Graduate Certificate in Education – Geography, Durham University (1997)

  Bachelor of Science (BSc) – Geography, Durham University

  Hobbies

  Outdoor Activities, Geography, Educational Leadership

  Languages

  Arabic (Elementary)
  Russian (Limited Working)
  English (Native or Bilingual)

  Certifications

  Parental Responsibility for International Schools
  Child Protection Refresher for International Schools 2024
  The Prevent Duty
  Child Protection Advanced
  First Aid Essentials for International Schools

  Email: director@mis.edu.gm

• Abdoulie Tambedou
  Chairperson Finance Committee
  Abdoulie Tambedou

  Mr. Abdoulie Tambedou is a seasoned finance executive and Chartered Certified Accountant with over three decades of experience in both the public and private sectors. He is currently the Group Director of Finance at the National Water and Electricity Company (NAWEC), a role he assumed after serving as General Manager of Gambia Ferry Services Company.
  Mr. Tambedou’s leadership portfolio includes serving as Managing Director of several key national institutions such as the Gambia Postal Services Corporation (2022–2023), the Social Security and Housing Finance Corporation (2020–2022), and the Gambia Ports Authority (2011–2012; 2017–2018). He was also the Director General of the Gambia Public Procurement Authority (2018–2020) and has held significant roles in international consultancy and hospitality finance.
  A Member of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) since 1994, Mr. Tambedou also holds an MBA in Strategic Management and Finance from the University of Wales, Cardiff Business School. In 2016, he was named the Best Student in Banking Law, Regulation and Corporate Governance by the Institute of Chartered Bankers of Nigeria. His professional development spans executive training in public procurement, strategy, leadership, and risk management.
  Mr. Tambedou has served on several boards, including Trust Bank Gambia Ltd, Gam Petroleum, and the Gambia Transport Services Company Ltd, and he is a longstanding Board Member of the Gambia Tourism and Hospitality Institute. As a founding member of the Financial Reporting Oversight Board of the Gambia Institute of Chartered Accountants, he played a key role in launching The Gambia’s first-ever Corporate and Financial Reporting Standards Committee in 2025.
  With deep expertise in financial governance, strategic planning, and regulatory compliance, Mr. Tambedou offers valuable experience and integrity to the Finance Committee of Marina International School. His vision is to help strengthen the school’s financial oversight, transparency, and long-term sustainability.

• Chilel Kaba Jawara
  Secretary
  Chilel Kaba Jawara

  ,

• Dr. Karen Forrest
  Ex-Pat Parent Member
  Dr. Karen Forrest

  At MRC Unit The Gambia, Dr Karen Forrest is a member of the Scientific Coordinating Council, reviewing and advising on projects to be undertaken in the unit. She has supported a range of clinical studies including acting as study coordinator.

  
  Dr Karen Forrest completed a post-graduate certificate in medical education and currently coordinates a program of continuing professional education for the staff of her department. She led sessions at national training events and has supported young doctors as they prepare for their West African College of Physicians primary examinations in internal medicine.
  
  In September 2016, Dr Karen Forrest was appointed as the Head of Clinical Services at MRC Unit The Gambia. This has allowed her to continue and develop her management and administrative skills. She set up systems for managing every aspect of work, including clinical governance, and led the department through major changes within the department, including MRC's response to COVID-19. Her responsibilities include being the clinical lead for the unit and in this role she sits on the Leadership Board.

• Omar A. Sarr
  Parent Member
  Omar A. Sarr

  Mr. Omar A. Sarr served as General Manager of Home Finance Company of The Gambia Limited until his
  retirement in 2022.
  He has more than 20 years of progressive experience in mortgage lending, financial services, and
  corporate governance.
  Prior to becoming General Manager of HFC, Mr. Sarr served as Operations Manager for 4 years. Prior to
  joining HFC, he worked for Household Finance Cooperation in New York, USA as Senior Loans Officer.

• Awa Jagne Jasseh
  Parent Member
  Awa Jagne Jasseh

  Awa Jagne is a seasoned senior manager with a wealth of experience across diverse industries, including corporate affairs, real estate management, and retail operations. With a strong background in strategic planning, and client relations, Awa is a recognised leader who brings a unique blend of professionalism, cultural awareness, and organizational expertise to her role as a Parent Member at the newly COBIS (Compliance) Member international school.
  Her career spans over two decades, during which she has successfully managed
  teams, coordinated complex projects, and developed innovative solutions to
  operational challenges. As a former Senior Manager at Elton Oil Gambia, Awa was
  responsible for brand development, marketing strategies, and corporate
  communications, demonstrating her ability to foster growth and maintain high
  standards. Her role in retail management further highlights her commitment to
  excellence, wherein she achieved significant financial growth milestones and
  implemented training programs to enhance team performance.
  Beyond her corporate achievements, Awa has extensive experience in private real
  estate management, overseeing property operations and tenant relations, construction projects, and client relations. Her meticulous attention to detail and strong negotiation skills ensure smooth operations and stakeholder satisfaction. Additionally, her contractual work with Benchmark involved report writing and tender evaluations, underscoring her analytical and decision-making capabilities.
  Awa holds a Post Graduate Diploma in Management Studies and a BSc (Hons) in
  International Hospitality & Tourism Management from the University of Surrey, along with a Diploma in French from the University of Brighton. Her multilingual abilities and international education reflect her global perspective, making her an ideal advocate for the diverse community of the international school.
  As a Parent Member, Awa is dedicated to fostering a collaborative environment that prioritizes academic excellence, cultural inclusivity, and the holistic development of students. Her leadership, coupled with her passion for education and community engagement, will contribute significantly to the school’s mission of nurturing future leaders.
  
  

• Mrs. Tisbeh Faye-Joof
  Education member
  Mrs. Tisbeh Faye-Joof

  Tisbeh Faye-Joof is the Manager of the Serology Laboratory at MRC Unit The Gambia at LSHTM. She also serves as an internal quality assurance auditor. She is the first and current President of Ndow's Class of 2001 Association, a registered non-profit association that supports the Ndow's schools in educational projects and development of the schools' facilities. Tisbeh has been a Marina parent since 2015. She has a strong interest in quality education for students and the use of innovative technologies to enhance teaching and learning. Her career spans more than 20 years in research and laboratory management. She is a member of the African Society for Laboratory Medicine.

  Tisbeh holds a bachelor's degree (Honours) in Biomedical Sciences from the University of Westminster (UK) and a master's degree in Total Quality Management & Organisational Excellence from Sheffield Hallam University (UK). She has undertaken training courses in leadership, management, coaching, project management, and monitoring & evaluation.

  Tisbeh is a certified trainer in laboratory leadership and management, certified by the Association of Public Health Laboratories (APHL). She provides mentorship to aspiring young scientists and trains local as well as sub-regional interns, funded by the West African Health Organisation (WAHO) under its Young Professionals Internship Programme (YPIP). She led her laboratory team to attain accreditations to international quality standards such as Good Clinical Laboratory Practice (GCLP) and ISO 15189. Adopting a culture of quality and excellence is her mantra.