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REVISED 2020 AND PROVISIONAL 2021 GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT

The Gross Domestic Product for the year 2021 is estimated at a growth of 4.3 per cent compared to the 2020 revised growth of 0.6 per cent showing an increase of 3.7 per cent. In 2021, GDP at constant market prices is estimated at GMD 64.8 billion compared to the revised estimate of GMD 62.1 billion in 2020. This increase is mainly attributed to the recovery from the negative effects of the global COVID-19 pandemic which resulted in an increase in the economic activities in industries within the Agriculture, Industry, and Services sectors.GDP at current market prices is estimated at GMD 104.9 billion in 2021 compared to the revised estimate of GMD 93.3 billion in 2020. GDP per capita is GMD 44,696 which is equivalent to US$ 867 in 2021 as opposed to GMD 40,936 which is equivalent to US$ 802 in 2020. The Services sector continues to be the major contributor to GDP with a share of 57.5 per cent followed by the Agriculture sector with a share of 24.1 per cent and the Industry sector with a share of 18.4 per cent.For the year under review 2021, the Agriculture sector is estimated at a growth of 4.7 per cent compared to the revised growth of 10.6 per cent in 2020 showing a decline of 5.9 per cent. This decline is mainly attributed to the decrease in the production activities of Crop registering a growth of -9.1 per cent and Livestock registering a growth of -9.6 per cent.The Industry sector registered a growth of 10.4 per cent in 2021, which is 2.2 per cent more than the revised growth rate in 2020. The increase in growth in this sector is as a result of an increase in the economic activities of Construction registering a growth of 20.5 per cent and Electricity supply registering a growth of 7.0 per cent.The Services sector is estimated at a growth of 1.9 per cent in 2021 as against the revised growth of -5.0 per cent in 2020 showing an increase of 6.9 per cent. This increase is mainly attributed to the recovery from the negative effects of the global COVID-19 pandemic which increased the economic activities in Arts, entertainment and recreation with a growth of 33.7 per cent; Accommodation and food service activities with a growth of 20.2 per cent; Finance and insurance activities with a growth of 6.5 per cent; and Other service activities with a growth of 6.4 per cent.GDP BY EXPENDITUREGDP by expenditure at current market prices shows that Final consumption expenditure which is an aggregate of consumption expenditures of households, general government, and non-profit institutions serving households is estimated at GMD 102.7 billion in 2021 with a growth of 2.3 per cent, accounting for 96.5 per cent of GDP; compared to the revised estimate of GMD 90.3 billion in 2020 registering a growth of 1.5 per cent,  accounting for 95.9 per cent of GDP.  Gross fixed capital formation which constitutes expenditures on construction, machinery and equipment, and cultivated assets is estimated at GMD 34.1 billion in 2021 with a growth of      -2.3 per cent compared to the revised estimate of GMD 30.2 billion in 2020 with a growth of 44.1 per cent. Gross fixed capital formation accounted for 32.1 per cent of GDP both in 2020 and 2021.Finally, the Trade Balance which is the difference between exports and imports of goods and services contributed -27.9 per cent and -28.6 per cent to GDP in 2020 and 2021 respectively. However, the Trade Balance registered a growth of -11.6 percent in 2021 compared to the revised growth of 81.8 per cent in 2020.  

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Police clamp down on foreign commercial drivers

The Gambia Police Force has announced it embarked on measures to clamp down on the use of commercial vehicles by foreign nationals and the use of private vehicles for commercial purposes on public roads. The Police said in its Poliso magazine that the move is meant to curb road traffic accidents. The exercise that began a week ago, also saw the Police impound tricycles used as commercial vehicles. The police say the situation of the commercial tricycles is being reassessed in line with the Motor Traffic Act and Regulations. Commercial tricycle users and operators have called on the authorities to allow the much-needed means of transport back on the roads.

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African Liberation Day Declared Public Holiday

The Office of the President informs the general public that His Excellency, President Adama Barrow has declared Wednesday 25th May 2022, a Public Holiday throughout the country, in commemoration of the African Liberation Day.

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Fire Destroys large part of Fajikunda Health centre

A fire outbreak on Friday evening destroyed a large part of the fajikunda health Centre leaving several key units unrecognised. The units include the reproductive, child health, public health office, the pharmacy, and the vaccine storage room, causing huge disruption to service delivery at one of the busiest health facilities in Kanifing Municipality. Ramatoulie Camara, the Officer in Charge of the Health Centre says the incident paralyses services at the health facility. She paid tribute to the residents of Fajikunda who helped to put out the fire. Alhagie Sankareh, the Regional Health Director for Western One Region, who visited the scene, said the incident affected what he described as the nucleus of the facility.  The cause has not been established yet.

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Consultation on the Victims Reparations Bill in progress

A three-day National CSO/Victims Consultation on the Victims Reparations Bill organised by the Ministry of Justice in partnership with the American Bar Association’s Rule of Law Initiative is underway. The consultation is centred on formulating a representative and inclusive draft reparations bill to present to the government as it finalises the white paper for the implementation of the TRRC recommendations.Solicitor General Hussein Thomasi said the Gambia government and people have resolved to improve the country's human rights situation, the constitutional, legal, and institutional framework. Ismene Zarifis of the American Bar Association assured her association’s support to the Gambia’s justice sector in pursuing justice and accountability.  The Chairman of the Victims Centre Sheriff M. Kijera, said the TRRC reparations program does not adequately address remedial pathways to cater for long-term medical assistance and psycho-social rehabilitation for victims. He said the financial compensation on its own is not enough, and that long-term medical and livelihood supports are essential components of the government's reparations program. Mr. Kijera said victims felt that measures taken by TRRC were inadequate and recommend a post-TRRC reparations committee that would include victims.

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Accused Kerr Mot Ali arsonists remanded in custody

Fourteen men, Omar John, Ali Ceesay, Abdou Mbye, Ali Secka, Ali Ceesay, Musa Mbye, Haddim Ceesay, Mod Talla Secka, Modou Habib Secka, Abdoulie Sowe, Batch Samba, Modou Habib Secka, Sheikh Sey and Mustapha Ceesay are jointly charged with two counts of conspiracy to commit felony and Arson at Kerr Mot Ali the May this year.All fourteen are said to have conspired to commit a felony with Arson and willfully and unlawfully set fire and burned the houses of Musa Secka, Lamin Sowe, and Alagie Ousman Secka to ashes at Kerr Mot Ali. All accused persons pleaded not guilty on both counts as they appear before magistrate Sainey Joof at the Bansang Magistrate court. The prosecution applied for the case to be transferred to the high court and the accused remanded in custody, citing that the court lacks jurisdiction to entertain the case in accordance with the special criminal code. The case was transferred to the high court and all accused persons were remanded in custody.

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Minister for Basic and Secondary Education tours schools

In her first official outing since re-appointment as the Minister for Basic and Secondary Education, Mrs. Claudiana A Cole embarked on a familiarisation visit to several schools. The schools include New Jeshwang (Kandiba) Lower Basic School, Latrikunda Sabiji Upper Basic, Senior Secondary School, and Muslim High School in Brusubi. The visit accorded her the opportunity to see for herself current ongoing projects the sector is embarking on. At New Jeshwang LBS she saw the construction of twenty-four classroom and twelve office block funded by the MRC Holland Foundation. The construction when complete will accommodate more than 2000 pupils. The Minister then toured the Latrikunda Sabiji UBS and SSS where a magnificent 24 classroom facility was recently handed over to the school after laying the foundation stone one year ago. The 24 classroom block has 6 offices with rams that catered for the differently able persons. In addition to the classrooms, twenty-two toilets were built for the 2688 students and staff of the two schools combined. The Minister and her team also went to the New Muslim High School in Brusubi. The school was relocated from Banjul to Brusubi in the 2021/2022 academic year due to its close location to the Ports and the terrible conditions of the structures. The new Muslim High School in Brusubi is a State-of-the-art facility that has 24 classrooms and 16 toilets and accommodates 1611 students including the Arab section. The familiarization tour gave the Minister the opportunity to meet and discuss with school heads who shared with her some of the challenges the schools face and appealed to her office to help in addressing them. Honourable Cole assured them of her Ministry's commitment to ensuring that the needs of the schools are met.

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SIX MONTHS ON, GUNJUR STILL MOURNS MISSING MIGRANT BOAT

Family members of close to 200 migrants still lived in a perpetual state of anxiety, trauma, and uncertainty as the boat carrying their relatives is still missing. Spain-bound migrant boat left the shores of Gunjur on the 8th of November 2021 for a journey that is supposed to last not more than 15 days, but   222 days and still counting, their whereabouts are still unclear. Over 30 of the hundred-plus migrants are all natives of Gunjur in Kombo South of the West Coast Region, a community that has recently become the epicentre of the perilous journey. Without any information on their fate, this is already a tragedy for Gunjur and the family members of the rest of the migrants in other parts of the Gambia and Senegal.Family members are deeply concerned about the fate of the migrants. “Even if they are dead, we just want to know what happened to our relatives”, Mba-Fatou a mother of one of the migrants said. “Our situation is worse than losing a loved one. We are totally traumatised, and I find it difficult to sleep at night. We want the government to help us know the situation of this boat” she added. The migrants on board were mainly from within the West Coast and the Lower River Region of the Gambia and other parts of Senegal.Family members are desperately waiting for news about their loved ones so much so that they take every piece of information seriously. Since the incident occurred, several reports circulated on social media indicating that the missing migrants were intercepted and detained in Mauritania. Upon receiving those unconfirmed reports, Kebba K. Barrow the National Assembly member for Kombo South said they engaged the Foreign Affairs Ministry to follow up on the issue. Mr. Barrow said that the Foreign Affairs Ministry had engaged the Mauritanian authorities on the information but were told that those detainees are none Gambians. 

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Police Trained on Sexual and Gender-Based Violence

Police investigators of the Gambia Police Force are being trained on sexual and gender-based violence. The nine-day programme is expected to equip police investigators and operatives with the skill in delivering quality service in dealing with SGBV cases. The training is rolled by GIZ with support from Police Programme Africa.

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Police track and seize counterfeited number plates

The Mobile Traffic Unit has confiscated over 100 counterfeited motor-vehicle number plates. The police say the suspects unlawfully changed private number plates to commercial plates. The suspects on their own accord applied yellow paint on private number plates, without formally applying for a change of class of the vehicle registration. The assistant police Public Relations Officer Inspector Alieu Jamanka said the suspects have already been charged, and are awaiting trial.

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Government to Release White Paper on TRRC Recommendations

The Attorney General and Minister of Justice Honourable Dawda Jallow has disclosed that Cabinet's conclusions on the Government’s stance on all the recommendations in the TRRC report will be released on Wednesday 25th May 2022. Mr. Jallow’s comments follow a cabinet review of the draft White Paper developed to look into the recommendations of the Truth Reconciliation and Reparations Commission's (TRRC) report.  

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GFF LAUNCHES BROADCAST RIGHTS AGREEMENT WITH FIFA

The Gambia Football Federation on Thursday officially launched a broadcast agreement signed with the world football governing body FIFA a forthright ago.  The agreement is to live stream first division male and female league matches through FIFA+ Project. Lamin Kaba Bajo the president of GFF claims that clubs will benefit from the contract which runs from 2022 to 2026.  He said 20% of the revenue will be paid to GFF. It’s not clear how much will be paid to clubs and how the revenue paid to GFF will be distributed to clubs. GFF disclosed that EyeAfrica TV is the broadcast partner that will produce the matches and send signals to “Eleven Sports”, the Sports Channel that will live stream the games. This is set to start with a few selected games in this current season. The Federation said from next season, no broadcast entity in the Gambia or outside will be allowed to broadcast the games live on radio or TV.  GFF believes the deal will help sell Gambian players to the international market and also boost the socio-economic advancement of the teams.  FIFA launched FIFA+ in April to provide access to live football matches from all its members and is available on all web and mobile devices.

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PRESIDENT BARROW RETURNS TO BANJUL AFTER 10-DAY TOUR OF PROVINCES

President Adama Barrow returned to Banjul on Saturday to a hero’s welcome after spending 10 days touring the provinces.Thousands of supporters lined the highway to welcome the President as he crossed the Brumen Bridge in Kalagi, marking his entry into the West Coast Region (WCR) and completing the first leg of his Meet The People Tour.President Barrow was seen off at the Lower River Region (LRR) – WCR border by Governor Sidi Lamin Bah and regional officials. He was received on the other side by the Governor of WCR, his deputy, chiefs, alkalolu and other regional officials.Supporters of the NPP and its alliance partners had mobilised from early afternoon, creating a carnival atmosphere with singing, dancing and cultural displays.Waving to the cheering crowds, the President’s motorcade made slow progress out of Kalagi, with several stops along the highway.At Kuloro, supporters greeted him with fanfare before the entourage proceeded to Brikama, where thousands more filled the main intersection. Jubilant crowds swarmed the presidential vehicle and escorted it out of town.Similar scenes were repeated along the Brikama-Serekunda Highway, in Farato, Busumbala, Lamin and at the Airport Junction, where supporters lined the road to cheer the President.At Yundum Barracks, President Barrow stepped out of his vehicle to acknowledge the Gambia Armed Forces band, which had mounted a tent to add to the ambience.After the long procession through WCR, the President arrived in Abuko where he was received by officials of the Kanifing Municipality. He greeted the line of officials before continuing through Kanifing, waving to crowds that lined the streets.At Tallinding, he was welcomed by the Speaker of the National Assembly and leader of the APRC, Hon. Fabakary Tombong Jatta, and his executive.The motorcade then moved through Westfield, where supporters staged a final show of force, before proceeding to Denton Bridge for the official handover ceremony. From there, the entourage headed to the Never Again Arch in Banjul.In the capital, supporters staged a massive reception and accompanied the motorcade to State House, marking the official end of the welcome ceremony.Addressing supporters, President Barrow thanked them for the extraordinary show of support and pledged to continue championing national development. He described the upcoming December election as a foregone conclusion, given the unprecedented support received in WCR, Kanifing and Banjul.Inside State House, he was received by Vice President Mohammed B.S. Jallow.Earlier in Mansakonko, President Barrow had assessed the first leg of the tour as very successful, saying it gave him a true understanding of the situation across the country. He pledged to continue prioritising infrastructure, social services and capacity building.The second leg of the tour, covering the West Coast Region and Greater Banjul Area, will resume after a short break.

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Gambia, Senegal Launch Sensitisation Campaign on Border Densification Exercise

The Gambia and Senegal on Friday launched a sensitisation campaign to educate border communities on the ongoing border densification exercise and dispel misinformation and disinformation surrounding the process.Speaking at a community gathering in Njaw, Central River Region, National Security Adviser and Deputy Chairman of The Gambia’s Boundary Commission, Abubacar Jeng, said President Adama Barrow is paying close attention to the exercise and considers it a matter of national importance.Mr Jeng clarified that the exercise does not involve the demarcation of a new border, but rather the densification of the existing boundary to make it more visible and clearly identifiable.He acknowledged that the international boundary cuts across communities on both sides and assured residents that the exercise would not result in the loss of land belonging to individuals or communities.“The border is not being demarcated; it is being densified to make it clearer,” Mr Jeng said, while expressing confidence that communities on both sides would continue to coexist peacefully, as they have done for generations.(Abubacar Jeng, National Security Adviser and Deputy Chairman of The Gambia’s Boundary Commission)Chairman of Senegal’s Boundary Commission, General Saihou Camara, echoed the call for calm and peaceful coexistence. He urged residents not to take the law into their own hands should disputes or concerns arise during the exercise.General Camara advised community members to seek assistance from the appropriate authorities in either country to resolve any issues that may emerge.Representing GIZ, Dr Abdul highlighted the importance of clearly defining and identifying international boundaries. He explained that the densification exercise would improve clarity along the border and help reduce the potential for cross-border disputes and conflicts.The Prefect of Kaffrine, Madam Fall, also underscored the longstanding peaceful relations between communities on both sides of the border. She encouraged residents to preserve the spirit of cooperation and peaceful coexistence that has characterised their relationship over the years.The Chief of Upper Saloum, Alhaji Demba Sey, and his Senegalese counterpart spoke of the deep historical, cultural and social ties that bind communities in the border areas.Other speakers included alkalos and youth representatives from both The Gambia and Senegal, who also emphasised the importance of maintaining peace and understanding among border communities.The gathering marked the beginning of a wider sensitisation campaign aimed at reassuring communities about the objectives of the densification exercise while addressing concerns and combating misinformation and disinformation.Authorities from both countries urged residents to rely on verified information from the Boundary Commissions and relevant government authorities throughout the exercise. 

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CAVB Honours Gambia Volleyball Federation for Contribution to African Volleyball 

Sal, Cape Verde, October 4, 2026 - The Gambia Volleyball Federation (GVBF) has been honoured by the African Volleyball Confederation (CAVB) among 18 national federations recognised for their performances, achievements and continued contribution to the growth and development of volleyball in Africa.The recognition was presented during the CAVB Ordinary Congress in Sal, Cabo Verde, with the award received on behalf of The Gambia by Bai Dodou Jallow, President of the Gambia Volleyball Federation.The continental recognition acknowledges the efforts of national federations in strengthening competitions, developing volleyball programmes, expanding participation and creating greater opportunities for athletes, coaches, officials and other stakeholders.For Gambian volleyball, the honour represents another important milestone in the country’s continued development and participation in the sport at continental level.The latest recognition also carries historical significance. In 2015, The Gambia received a similar continental recognition from CAVB, highlighting the country’s contribution to the development of volleyball.More than a decade later, the latest honour reflects the continued work of the Gambia Volleyball Federation to develop and promote the sport through national competitions, athlete development, regional and continental participation, and increased opportunities for Gambian volleyball players.The Gambia has continued to make its presence felt in both indoor and beach volleyball, with its teams and athletes competing in various CAVB competitions.The recognition is also a tribute to the collective efforts of athletes, coaches, clubs, referees, technical officials, administrators, volunteers and partners who continue to contribute to the growth of volleyball in The Gambia.For President Bai Dodou Jallow and the GVBF, the honour provides renewed motivation to build on the progress achieved and continue working towards a stronger and more competitive volleyball system.From the recognition received in 2015 to the latest honour in 2026, the Gambia Volleyball Federation continues to be recognised as part of the broader development of African volleyball.The latest CAVB recognition is therefore both a celebration of past efforts and an encouragement to keep investing in the future of Gambian volleyball.

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KABADA ROADS A MILESTONE: PRESIDENT BARROW PROMISES FULL ELECTRIFICATION OF LRR

President Adama Barrow has hailed the completion of the 200km Kabada roads project as a major milestone in The Gambia's infrastructural transformation. He was speaking in Jarra Wellingara Ba and Kiang Kwinella as he wrapped up the first leg of his Meet the People Tour.The President also promised to electrify the remaining communities in Lower River Region (LRR).After nearly eight days in Upper River Region (URR) and Central River Region (CRR), President Barrow crossed into LRR at the Sofanyama Bridge, which marks the boundary between the two regions.Governor Ousman Bah of CRR, alongside his Deputy Sainey Mbye, chiefs, alkalolu and regional security chiefs, saw off the President. He was received on the other side by Seedy Lamin Bah, the Governor of LRR, and regional officials, before greeting a long line of local dignitaries. After traditional ceremonies, the entourage proceeded to Wellingara Ba in Jarra Central.At Wellingara Ba football field, supporters surrounded the President’s motorcade chanting slogans in a carnival atmosphere. The meeting opened with prayers, followed by welcoming remarks from Alkalo Ali Baldeh, who reaffirmed his support and loyalty to President Barrow and assured him of votes in December.Other speakers, including Chief Ansumana Kanaji of Jarra East, Lady Councillor Sira Sabally, youth representative Lamin A. Jobe, National Assembly Member Honourable Haruna Barry and Paramount Chief Yahya Jarjusey, all renewed their support and vowed to mobilise for the President ahead of the December polls.They acknowledged the positive developments but appealed for expansion of the electricity network, more investment in agriculture, provision of cold storage facilities for women gardeners, and vaccines to protect livestock.Responding, Minister of Agriculture Dr Demba Sabally said the government will embark on a massive livestock vaccination campaign next year. He added that the government has already provided nine tractors, tilled hundreds of hectares in several communities in LRR, and built seven cold storage facilities to support women.President Barrow thanked the people of Jarra for the impressive turnout, saying it underscores the strong support he enjoys in the area. He noted that LRR has the lion’s share of his road infrastructure drive, with 200km already completed, and appealed for patience for more to come.He said he feels emotional whenever he visits Kabada, where decades of isolation left the region underdeveloped.On electricity, the President said out of 1,800 settlements nationwide, only 300 remain without electricity, adding that contracts have already been signed to connect them. He declared that his “long hand of development” will reach every community.From Wellingara Ba, the entourage proceeded to Kwinella in Kiang Central for the final meeting in LRR, where supporters lined the main road to welcome the President.Speakers heaped praise on the government for opening up what was once an isolated part of the country. Elder Fabubu Bah said the road network has opened new corridors and made the region accessible. He promised the people will repay President Barrow with votes, saying opposition ballot boxes “will come to Kabada empty and will leave empty” to loud applause.NAM for Kiang Central, Hon. Yusupha Bah, recalled the difficulties Kabada faced in the past and contrasted it with the present, where all major roads are paved, describing it as an unprecedented feat that makes President Barrow the preferred candidate. He predicted a landslide victory.The meeting was cut short by heavy rains, forcing President Barrow to deliver a brief address. He thanked the people of Kiang for their support and promised to inaugurate the 200km road network later this month.

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GAMBIA-SENEGAL BOUNDARY SENSITISATION SET FOR FRIDAY

The Gambia-Senegal Boundary Commission has held a preparatory meeting in Njaw, CRR, ahead of a joint sensitisation campaign on the boundary densification exercise.General Saikou Seckan of the Gambia Armed Forces said the boundary was demarcated in 1904 and stressed that the sensitisation team’s role is to explain the exercise and allay concerns among border communities.Colonel Gueye of the Senegalese Territorial Army said the exercise aims to clarify the existing boundary. He assured residents that it is not intended to take away their land, but said landowners must comply with the laws of the country where their land falls.Lt Col. Lamin Krubally, Farafenni Commanding Officer, stressed the exercise's importance to national security, while Dawda Fatty, Director of Lands and Survey, highlighted the strong family ties between communities on both sides.The local chief welcomed the initiative, saying “The farms are older than the boundaries.”The joint sensitisation campaign launches Friday at Njaw CRR. Delegates from both The Gambia and Senegal and international agencies are expected to attend.

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PRESIDENT BARROW PLEDGES ADDITIONAL D50M FOR WOMEN, ANNOUNCES FINAL PHASE OF CRR ELECTRIFICATION

President Adama Barrow has pledged an additional D50 million to empower Gambian women and strengthen their participation in national socio-economic development.President Barrow made the pledge in Kaur and Kalen Jawbeh during his ongoing Meet the People Tour in Central River Region North. He also disclosed that the government has awarded contracts for the second and final phase to provide electricity to the remaining communities in the region.The President was speaking at a joint meeting in Kaur for Lower Saloum, Upper Saloum and Nianija Districts.The meeting opened with statements from community leaders who thanked the President for unprecedented developments in roads, electricity, health and education. While acknowledging the gains, they appealed for expanded access to electricity and clean water, and support for farmers affected by poor rainfall this season.They renewed their loyalty to President Barrow and pledged to ensure a landslide victory for the NPP-led Grand Alliance in the December polls.The National Assembly Member for Lower Saloum, Honourable Sainey Jawara, commended the developments but appealed for fast-tracking of electricity to cover the remaining communities in CRR North.Minister of Lands, Regional Government and Religious Affairs, Honourable Hamat N.K. Bah, described Kaur as a former major commercial hub whose economy declined due to decades of neglect. He said President Barrow will rebuild the town through a new port and modern road network.Minister Bah also warned Chiefs and Alkalolu to desist from allocating state lands to foreign individuals for agricultural purposes without approval from his Ministry. He said the government has approved a new Land Policy that protects state lands from encroachment, and warned that violators will face consequences.In his address, President Barrow thanked the people of Nianija, Lower and Upper Saloum for the massive turnout, describing it as a vote of confidence in his leadership.On women’s empowerment, he said the additional D50 million for women farmers and entrepreneurs will bring his government’s total allocation to women to D100 million.On energy, President Barrow said his government has achieved unprecedented expansion in the last nine years, with contracts already signed for the remaining unelectrified communities in CRR. The announcement was greeted with applause.From Kaur, the entourage proceeded to Kalen Jawbeh in Sami Constituency, where thousands staged a massive reception.Community leaders in Sami and Niani also praised the government for life-changing projects, noting that 63 villages in the area now have electricity. They, however, cited insecurity, robbery and cattle rustling as major challenges and appealed for a PIU post to address the problem.At the same meeting, Kuntaur Area Council Chairman, Saihou Jawara, presented eight motorbikes to community health workers to ease mobility and improve rural healthcare delivery.Responding, President Barrow said 204 villages have been connected to the grid in the last nine years, compared to only 40 villages in 52 years under the Jawara and Jammeh administrations. He said the remaining eight villages will soon be connected and urged patience.On security, President Barrow assured that the government takes the matter seriously and will deploy a PIU unit to fight robbery and cattle rustling in border areas.He appealed for massive support in the December election, saying the vote will determine whether Gambians choose progress or a return to underdevelopment. He cautioned supporters against overconfidence and urged hard work to secure a resounding victory for the Grand Alliance.He thanked the people of Sami and Niani for the huge turnout despite the late hour, expressing hope that the support will translate into votes.

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