Monday 20th February is a public holiday
President Barrow has declared Monday 20th February 2023 a public in observance of the 58th Independence anniversary.
Continue Reading >>President Barrow has declared Monday 20th February 2023 a public in observance of the 58th Independence anniversary.
Continue Reading >>President Adama Barrow has on Tuesday presided over the signing of performance contracts between the Executive and three State-Owned Enterprises—GPA, GNPC and SSHFC.Following the signing, President Barrow said the three SOEs are ‘extremely important’, and their operations significantly impact the lives of Gambians and the government's economic performance. “It is no secret that State-Owned Enterprises play a vital role in our national development endeavours. It is expected that, in providing essential social services for the public, they do so in a financially and operationally robust manner to ease the pressure on Central Government resources and contribute positively to economic growth.Our experience is that, despite the enormous investments made by Government in SOEs, many of these entities continue to post losses.This has made it necessary to devise a renewed strategy to change the narrative and strengthen their operations and performance.” He noted. The President said that the SOEs delivering on their mandate in an effective, efficient and transparent manner is critical in the country’s current development trajectory. “Moving forward, the Government will continue to work with all Public Enterprises and ensure that they not only deliver public services reliably and efficiently but also contribute to Government fiscal operations by disbursing dividends payable to their shareholders.”
Continue Reading >>President Adama Barrow Saturday laid the foundation for the construction of a 23 Mega Watts Solar Plant and an eight (8) Mega Watt-Battery Energy Storage System, with three (3) years of operations and maintenance.In his keynote address, the President said, “The proposed Jambur solar plant is a component of The Gambia Electricity Restoration and Modernisation Project, which is co-financed by the World Bank and the European Investment Bank at an estimated budget of US$27 million (twenty-seven million United States dollars).The ultimate goal of this project is to provide additional reliable, affordable, sustainable, and green energy generation capacity to meet the increasing energy needs of the Gambian people. This Solar project is an integral part of our national Strategic Roadmap, 2021-2024, aimed at attaining universal energy access by 2025 and transforming The Gambia Electricity Sub-sector, as approved by Cabinet in November 2021.The roadmap outlines my government’s aspiration to achieve universal access to electricity by 2025 and, at the same time, transform the electricity sector so that Gambians can benefit from reliable and affordable electricity, leading to NAWEC becoming an efficient, financially sustainable power utility.The strategic roadmap serves as the development blueprint for the electricity sub-sector in the short and medium term. Renewable energy is highly placed on its order of priority.In the roadmap, Solar PV is considered as the cheapest form of renewable energy in The Gambia.This project will inject clean energy into the electricity grid, thus contributing to the achievement of The Gambia’s Climate Change Targets of Nationally Determined Contributions. It will also help us to diversify our electricity generation sources, reducing the country’s over-dependence on imported petroleum products.”
Continue Reading >>In what many described as symbolic leadership, President Barrow earlier today led the re-introduction of the National Cleansing Exercise ‘Set Settal’, calling on the relevant authorities to implement the anti-littering law. President Barrow said that many people are in the habit of indiscriminate littering, which renders the environment dirty. ‘’We have the laws and should use them to stop littering. That is what democracy is about,’’ he stressed. The President, however, expressed delight at the turnout of the people to clean even though it was a voluntary exercise, saying, ‘’We cannot force people to come; we can only encourage them’’. He added that people must not wait for the exercise to clean their environment; they must do it daily to ensure clean and healthy surroundings. On him leading the exercise, President Barrow said leadership is a big responsibility and a position of trust, thus the participation to join the citizens. He thanked the lord Mayor of Kanifing Talib Ahmed Bensouda, the Cabinet members and all the people that came out to join him. President Barrow urged the journalists to lead the advocacy in the exercise.
Continue Reading >>President Adama Barrow, Sunday, 29th January, commended the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) for its support to his Government when he received the President of the Bank, Dr Muhammed Al Jasser, at the State House in Banjul. The President highlighted key projects supported by the Bank, including the Laminkoto-Passamas road, the agriculture sector and electricity, noting they significantly impact people's lives. He added that the country largely depends on agriculture and that it ensures food security, which is national security. Stressing the importance of roads, the President said it has made travelling easy and connecting businesses and services, positively impacting the economy. He assured the Bank of his Government's continuous partnership for the mutual benefit of the country and institution. Following his audience with the President, Dr Muhammad Al Jasser told the waiting press that the IsDB regarded The Gambia as a vital member and had financed up to a Billion Dollars in projects in the country over the years. He added they stand shoulder to shoulder with the Government and people of The Gambia in their journey to development. Dr Jasser further stated that he visited some of the projects like road and electricity they are financing, some of which have been completed and others steadily progressing, adding there are evident achievements. The IsDB head said they had signed a grant with the Government to enhance productivity in agriculture by providing suitable crop varieties. "Agriculture is a pivotal sector in every and any economy, especially in developing countries, and to have such a mapping of the land of any country will be very important to choose the right crop for the right place to have the quantities," he noted. The Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs, Hon. Seedy Keita, who accompanied the delegation to the State House, thanked the IsDB for the trusted partnership over the years, saying the Bank is financing many projects that positively impact the lives and livelihoods of Gambians.
Continue Reading >>President Adama Barrow received a delegation from the International Civil Defence Organisation – ICDO to discuss the country’s recruitment as a member of the Organisation on Wednesday, 25th January 2023.During discussions, President Barrow underscored the importance of membership to organisations that support their members with capacity and logistics. He added that capacity building in disaster management is crucial, recalling the challenges the country had to deal with during the unfortunate disasters due to windstorms and floods. He noted that in light of climate change, it is difficult to predict a disaster; thus, the necessity to develop capacity. “When a disaster occurs, people look to the government for food, shelter, and protection. the importance of having the capacity and logistics to do so.” As he looks forward to The Gambia becoming the 61st member of the International Civil Defence Organisation established after World War 1- (WWI), the President advised the relevant stakeholders to pursue legal advice and the possibility for The Gambia to become a member.Director Mariatou Yap, briefing the President, gave a history of the organisation and its focus to provide technical and humanitarian support to members, mainly in Africa, through training and capacity building. She stressed the importance of data collection and sharing at the regional level, hence working to increase its membership. Madam Yap used the occasion to extend her sincere condolences on the demise of the Late Vice President. Permanent Secretary Office of The Vice President, Dawda Ceesay, said the visit was timely as his office completed a National Strategy on Disaster Management and Resilience in June 2022 and would require support in its implementation through capacity building and provision of logistics.Executive Director of the National Disaster Management Agency – NDMA, Mr Sanna Dahaba, led the delegation to the State House.
Continue Reading >>President Barrow posthumously conferred the insignia of G.C.R.G of the Republic of The Gambia to the Late Vice President, H.E Alieu Badara Joof, at a State Funeral at the National Assembly in honour and appreciation for his patriotic service to the nation. It was a sombre moment as the late VP lay in State surrounded by a nation in mourning. Eulogising the former VP, President Barrow described him as a friend and brother who touched uncountable lives and influenced various institutions he served through his multifaceted character and talent. ‘’As the whole nation mourns, it is with a great sense of loss and a very heavy heart that I deliver this tribute in remembrance and praise of a close colleague, friend, and brother, who sadly worked as my Vice President for less than a full year when he succumbed to a brief illness.’’ President Barrow saidSeveral people, including family, friends and colleagues, poured tributes on the late VP. For them, he would be remembered for his honesty, commitment, generosity and love for family. Following the ceremony, he was laid to rest at the Banjulnding cemetery next to his mother’s grave.
Continue Reading >>King of Kora Jaliba Kuyateh received an honorary fellowship from Goldsmiths, University of London at a graduation ceremony today. Jaliba Kuyateh’s award was in recognition of his work using music to improve perinatal mental health. He is the only Gambian appointed a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador for his charitable work with children in the Gambia. Jaliba Kuyateh dedicated the honors to the people of the Gambia; especially the women whom he said ‘have supported his career from the very beginning’. He further thanked the Goldsmith University governing council and the entire faculties for the milestone gesture. Jaliba detailed his career in peacebuilding, climate change campaign, health and social welfare issues, child rights, and education among others. He thanked the Gambia High Commission for the support, through its representative to the event, Mr. Suntou Touray, Deputy Head of Mission and staff for gracing the occasion, and to Yaram Arts for the collaboration and support.Jaliba Kuyateh felt honored and appreciated by the recognition and wishes to continue his collaborative work with Professor Lauren Stewarts of Goldsmith University in the area of participatory music research.Gambia High Commission in UK
Continue Reading >>President Adama Barrow has declared a 7-day National Mourning effective from the 18th January, 2023 in memory of the late Vice President Alieu Badara Joof. All flags will fly at half Mast. The body of the late VP will be laid in State at the National Assembly for a State Funeral. Arrangements related to the funeral will be announced later. Meanwhile, book of condolences will be opened at the Presidency on Thursday 19th January, 2023.
Continue Reading >>The death has been announced of the Vice President of the Gambia Alieu Badara Joof. Mr Joof died in in India where he was being treated. President Adama Barrow expressed profound shock and sadness, the death of his deputy. The late Vice President Until his appointment as VP on 4th May 2022, VP Joof had served in various capacities including Minister of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology (MOHERST), Permanent Secretary in various ministries across the Government. He had also served as World Bank Director for West and Central Africa for over a decade, a position he would relinquish to take up cabinet appointment in the new political dispensation.Earlier in his career, Mr. Joof, 66, had trained as a qualified teacher and taught for years at Nusrat High School in Bundung, The Gambia College in Brikama and The Gambia Technical Training Institute (GTTI).A scholar of profound intellect, late VP Joof took a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Bristol, Master’s Degree in English from University of London and Master’s Degree in Developmental Economics from the University of Bath. He had earlier received a Diploma in Human Rights Studies from the University of Saint Edwards Island, Canada.He was married to Mrs. Fatou Sonko Joof and the family is blessed with several children. May Allah grant him Jannah.
Continue Reading >>Hundreds of mourners have gathered at the Memorial Arch to pay their last respects to the late Solo Sandeng. The former UDP youth leader is being laid to rest following his brutal killing in 2016 in the hands of security agents. At an official funeral ceremony the Attorney General and Minister of Justice Dawda Jallow spoke on behalf of the President HE Adama Barrow. In his speech Mr Jallow paid tribute to Solo Sandeng and said he died fighting for freedom and justice. The Attorney General drew the attention of the gathering to fact that justice have been served as the perpetrators of the crime have been convicted and sentenced. Muhammed Sandeng, one of the sons of Solo, paid tribute to his late father. He said his death created a void in the family. He questioned if the cause that his father died fighting for is achieved. Muhammed said his father's absence left the family destitute and struggled to come to terms with it. The leader of the opposition UDP, ANM Ousainou Darboe spoke highly of the late Solo Sandeng in eulogy of the former political activist. Representatives of the Sandeng and the Sonko families also paid tribute to Solo Sandeng and prayed for him. The casket of the late Solo Sandeng was draped in the national flag and given a befitting funeral and burial, a stark contrast to how he was callously buried in a shallow grave. He was finally laid to rest at the Dippa kunda cometary
Continue Reading >>President Adama Barrow renewed his commitment to strengthening the bilateral ties between The Gambia and Senegal when he received a Ministerial delegation headed by the Minister for Culture and Historical Heritage, Professor Alioun Sow, at the State House on Friday morning. President Barrow embraced the friendly and brotherly relations with his colleague President Macky Sall, the government and the people of Senegal, reiterating the socio-cultural bond he described as 'natural'. "We should be proud of who we are and believe in ourselves," he added The Gambian Leader urged the two authorities to work closely to unite the people through the policies they developed to strengthen the excellent neighbourliness between the two countries. He stressed the importance of the relations, saying, "Your immediate neighbour is your strongest partner, and we will succeed together," while praying for peace to continue to prevail in the region.Expressing his delight and reception in The Gambia, Professor Sow extended sincere felicitation from the Senegalese Leader to President Barrow, describing him as a 'Man of action without making noise."The Senegalese culture Minister emphasised the importance of having loyal officials to influence government policies and cited the partnership they enjoy with The Gambia Navy and the National Council for Arts and Culture in The Gambia. He revealed the plans to host joint annual Cultural festivals in border communities between the two countries and celebrate the Senegambia heritage. The Minister of Tourism and Culture, Honourable. Hamat Bah said the visit was historic and demonstrated President Barrow's desire to preserve, promote, and advance the Senegambia culture. He added culture could be a source of inspiration to promote national development.Honourable Sow is in The Gambia on the invitation of the Gambian Minister of Tourism and Culture, Hon. Hamat Bah and the Senegalese Ambassador to The Gambia, H.E Bachirou Sene, accompanied him to the State House by
Continue Reading >>President Adama Barrow on Saturday inaugurated the Demba Kunda–Numuyel–Manneh Kunda–Basse road at a grand ceremony in Demba Kunda attended by thousands of people from Jimara and Basse.The 14-kilometre road provides a vital corridor for beneficiary communities, enhancing access to markets, health facilities, schools and other social services. The project underscores President Barrow's commitment to road infrastructure as a foundation for sustainable socio-economic development.After nearly two years of construction, the road linking Basse to Manneh Kunda, Demba Kunda and Numuyel was officially opened. The President, flanked by the Minister of Works, officials of the National Roads Authority (NRA) and community leaders, cut the ribbon to mark the inauguration.The road is fully funded by the Government under the Rural Roads Infrastructure Project, which seeks to decentralise development to communities across the country.Wild CelebrationsAfter the ribbon-cutting, President Barrow drove through the new road to Demba Kunda. Crowds lined both sides of the road, cheering and thanking the President for fulfilling one of the most pressing needs of Jimara and Basse.As he approached Demba Kunda, thousands of people welcomed him with great fanfare and excitement, escorting him to the meeting grounds where elders lined up to greet him.The Alkalo of Demba Kunda, 94-year-old Alhaji Degumeh Ceesay Camara, went down memory lane, recalling when travelling from Demba Kunda to Numuyel and Basse was a nightmare."In the past, it took a whole day to travel from Demba Kunda to Basse, but now it takes minutes," the Alkalo said with pride, as he expressed profound gratitude to President Barrow for his commitment to the welfare of the people.He challenged the people of Demba Kunda, Numuyel, Manneh Kunda and Basse to vote for President Barrow, describing it as a duty and responsibility to enable him to continue his development agenda.Similar calls were made by the representative of the Chief of Jimara, Alhaji Julaba Ceesay, youth representative Swaibou Jagana, and women's representative Fatumata Kanteh. The speakers said all 87 villages in the area are united in their desire to keep President Barrow in power, describing the upcoming December 5 election as a foregone conclusion.They hailed the road as a major milestone that will open up Demba Kunda and Numuyel to the rest of the country.Veteran politician and NPP Regional Chairman, Alhaji Bubu Drammeh, praised President Barrow for the landmark development, noting the dramatic reduction in travel time."It used to take 25 minutes to travel just 3 kilometres to Basse. Now it takes only 3 minutes to reach the regional capital," Bubu said to loud applause. He predicted a landslide victory for President Barrow, saying his development track record is unmatched in Gambian history.The National Assembly Member for Jimara, Hon. Essa Conteh, and the Governor of URR, Samba Bah, also commended the President for transforming the Upper River Region through roads, schools, health facilities and electricity, and both predicted a landslide victory in December.Built to Last 20 YearsThe Managing Director of the National Roads Authority, Sulayman Sumareh, said the 14km road is built to the highest quality standards and can last 20 years. Given its strategic location, he said the road is fitted with proper drainage to address perennial flooding in Numuyel and Demba Kunda, and will also be fitted with solar streetlights. He advised motorists to use the road with care.In his inaugural address, President Barrow said the road is more than a physical link."It brings better access, greater economic opportunity, easier movement, and a stronger connection between rural communities and the national road network," the President said.He noted that the people of Demba Kunda and Numuyel have long grappled with a poor road network that hampered development, but expressed confidence that the new road will enable them to realise their full potential.President Barrow reaffirmed infrastructure as a key priority of his government, with emphasis on decentralisation to reach every community. He, however, admonished road users and motorists to use the road responsibly and respect safety regulations.He expressed satisfaction with the quality of work and promised to expand the road network in Jimara and the wider URR, disclosing that 380km of roads are earmarked for construction if given another mandate.He appealed to the people of Jimara to vote for him and called on all Gambians to exercise their franchise in December, saying the stakes are very high and the outcome will determine the future of the country.The President later proceeded to lay the foundation stone for the construction of the Demba Kunda football field.
Continue Reading >>President Adama Barrow's political rally in Allunhari was cut short on Monday following the death of the Chief of Fulladu East, Saibeh Hammeh Minteh Krubally.Chief Krubally reportedly passed away an hour before the rally was due to start.The community of Allunhari had organised a massive rally to endorse President Barrow and the NPP-led Grand Alliance ahead of the December 5 presidential election. Thousands of supporters, including elders, women and youth, turned out in a show of force following days of intense mobilisation.As the President's motorcade approached Allunhari, it was met by thousands of enthusiastic supporters who lined and blocked the road, singing and chanting slogans in support of the President.Among the prominent indigenes present were the Honorary Consul General in Gabon, Saikou Dukureh, his wife Haja Dukureh, and Muhammadu Conteh, a prominent businessman and philanthropist based in Lomé, Togo.However, moments after the President entered the rally grounds, news of the chief's death spread.Bajoko Drammeh, spokesperson for the Alkalo of Allunhari, announced the death in an emotional tone, expressing profound grief over the loss.The announcement dampened the mood of the gathering. The late Chief Krubally was a highly respected figure in Allunhari and across the wider Upper River and Central River Regions, and his passing overshadowed the event.Following consultations between community elders and the President, it was agreed that the rally be called off as a mark of respect.The Imam of Allunhari, Alhaji Ebrima Kaba, paid tribute to the late chief and offered prayers for the deceased.Speaking on behalf of the President, the National President of the NPP, Musa Drammeh, said President Barrow was deeply saddened by the news and could not deliver a speech. On behalf of the President, his government and the Gambian people, Minister Drammeh extended condolences to the bereaved family and announced the abrupt end of the rally. President Barrow left Allunhari in a sombre mood, seen off by elders and thousands of supporters.
Continue Reading >>President Adama Barrow on Monday presented a fleet of 40 vehicles to the Ministry of Interior for onward distribution to security services.The vehicles were donated by the Government of Italy under an existing bilateral cooperation agreement with the Ministry of Interior aimed at strengthening The Gambia's security services.The presentation ceremony was held at State House and attended by security service chiefs and senior government officials.President Barrow handed over the vehicles to the Minister of Interior, Hon. Abdoulie Sanyang.Speaking to reporters after the ceremony, the Director General of The Gambia Immigration Department, Ebrima Mboob, described the partnership between The Gambia's security apparatus and their Italian counterparts as fruitful.He said the donation is timely and will strengthen the work of the security forces, improve mobility and expand their operational reach.Mr Mboob thanked the Minister of Interior for his support to the Immigration Department and the Police, and expressed gratitude to the Government of Italy for its continued assistance to the police and immigration in capacity building, border management and document security.The bilateral cooperation between The Gambia and Italy in the security sector has been ongoing for more than a decade.
Continue Reading >>President Adama Barrow has officially inaugurated the Kabada roads project, a 102km road network connecting over 29 communities to the Trans-Gambia Highway and the Soma transit hub.The D1.9 billion project, entirely funded by the government, was awarded to Chinese firm Longjing Road and Bridge Company, which completed the works 13 months ahead of schedule. It is the first major road project in this remote part of the country in over 52 years.President Barrow, surrounded by officials and community leaders, performed the symbolic ribbon-cutting at a historic ceremony in Sibito, the main settlement of Kabada, marking the official opening of what has been described as a first-class road network linking more than 25 communities to the main commercial corridor of Jarra Soma.The completion of the project triggered wild celebrations in Kabada, with residents trooping to Sibito for the inauguration.Decades of Isolation EndThe Alkalo of Sibito, Fabubu Baj, was overwhelmed with emotion as he welcomed the President. He recalled decades of struggle and isolation, where poor road conditions meant little vehicular traffic and residents relied on horse and donkey carts to navigate dusty tracks.That situation, he said, persisted for decades until President Barrow fulfilled his promise to construct all roads within Kabada. He expressed immense gratitude to the President and pledged that Kabada would repay him at the ballot box in the December 5 presidential election. "Their ballot boxes will come to Kabada empty but will leave empty," he said, referring to the opposition.That sentiment was echoed by all speakers, including youth representative Ousman Jawo, women's representative Mariama Bah, Chief Lang Sanyang of Kiang Central, National Assembly Member Hon. Yunusa Bah, and Hulaymatou Jallow. They said the road network will open new economic opportunities, create trade corridors, and improve access to markets and social services, while also commending the President for providing electricity, water and ambulances to Kabada.Hon. Musa Njadoe, former National Assembly Member and now head of the Kabada Development Association in the United States, shed tears of joy, describing the project as life-changing. He accused the Jawara and Jammeh administrations of neglecting Kabada despite repeatedly winning elections there, and praised President Barrow for delivering roads within eight years.Quality and StandardThe Managing Director of the National Roads Authority, Sulayman Sumareh, described the Kabada roads as among the best quality in the country, built to international standards to last. He urged communities to take ownership and strictly observe road safety regulations.In his statement, President Barrow underscored the importance of road infrastructure to national development, stressing that his government prioritises infrastructure as a vehicle for sustainable socio-economic growth.He disclosed that the 102km Kabada road is solely government-funded at D1.9 billion and connects 29 communities."The government felt the need to build the Kabada roads as part of its inclusive approach to development," President Barrow said, noting that roads create opportunities, open corridors for farmers, and enhance access to social services.He commended Longjing Road and Bridge Company for completing the project in 36 months instead of the contracted 48 months, describing the delivery as unprecedented. He advised motorists and road users to observe speed limits and traffic rules.President Barrow assured the people of Kabada that his government would continue to deliver development to decentralise growth and connect the entire country, promising to extend the project to the other side of Kabada."This long arm of development will reach every part of the country," he said, while urging Kabada to vote for continuity and progress.The state-of-the-art Kabada road is fitted with solar streetlights and other modern road furniture. Alongside electricity and water now available across the region, the once isolated and underdeveloped area has, in just three years, seen its fortunes transformed.
Continue Reading >>President Adama Barrow has warned the National Assembly Member for Banjul North of serious consequences if he leads protests to the State House again.The President issued the warning during the final meeting of his Meet the People Tour held at the Never Again Memorial Arch in Banjul, where thousands of supporters turned out.The event also saw the presentation of a D1 million cheque to eight women's groups in Banjul under the government's Women's Enterprise Development Fund.As with other legs of the tour, development and welfare issues dominated the discussions.Several prominent Banjulians, including Mass Axi Gaye, Pa Modou Mbye, youth representative and Lady Councillor Fatou Ngum, commended President Barrow for transforming the capital. They cited the Banjul Roads and Drainage Project as a lasting legacy that has rejuvenated the city after years of neglect, and pledged massive votes for the President in the December presidential election.Essa Faal of APP Sobeyaa said Banjul has changed thanks to massive investment in infrastructure. "Banjul has better and cleaner roads now, with its mosquito-infested gutters all covered," he said. He cited the new fish smoking market and the construction of the KG5 mini-stadium as further evidence of transformation.The former TRRC Lead Counsel defended his alliance with President Barrow, saying it came after careful reflection. He described Barrow as the only candidate with a proven development track record and noted his implementation of some TRRC recommendations. He predicted a landslide victory for the President in December.NPP Regional Chairman Alhaji Ousman Wadda and Deputy Mayor Aziz Dabakh Gaye also praised the President for the infrastructural transformation of Banjul, which they said will define his legacy. Mr Wadda disclosed that thousands of Banjulians have registered for the upcoming election and pledged victory for the President.The Deputy Mayor recalled past difficulties when residents had to be mobilised to clean open gutters, commending the President for taking up the challenge after decades of neglect.The meeting witnessed the presentation of D1 million to eight women's groups to support their economic activities under the Women's Enterprise Development Fund.The NAM for Banjul Central, Hon. Mam Abdoulie Njai, said President Barrow deserves another term given his development record over the past ten years. He appealed to the President to sponsor a football tournament to celebrate the completion of the KG5 mini-stadium, which he suggested should be renamed the Biri Biri Mini-Stadium in honour of the football icon.Regional Coordinator for Banjul, Ebrima Jawo, echoed similar sentiments and warned against the opposition. He also thanked the government for renovation works at the Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital (EFSTH), which he said have significantly improved services.Minister of Lands and Regional Government, Hon. Hamat N.K. Bah, praised President Barrow's inclusive leadership and commitment to people's welfare. He thanked partners and stakeholders for a successful tour and made a final appeal for Gambians to vote for President Barrow. He also defended the government's handling of the economy, arguing that prices of basic commodities are lower in The Gambia compared to neighbouring countries.President Warns Against ProtestsIn his closing remarks, President Barrow advised the media to be independent, responsible and neutral, noting their role in portraying a positive image of the country.Addressing the recent electricity protests in the capital, the President accused the NAM for Banjul North of mobilising teenagers for a candlelight vigil at the State House. He described such acts as treasonous and warned against actions that risk destabilising the country.He warned the lawmaker of serious consequences if repeated, and called on people to respect the law and the sanctity of State House as the seat of government. He urged the people of Banjul North to replace the NAM in the next election, accusing him of failing his constituents.President Barrow thanked the people of Banjul for the massive turnout and appealed for a massive voter turnout in December.
Continue Reading >>President Adama Barrow has promised to replicate the Banjul Roads and Drainage Project in Serekunda to modernise one of The Gambia's largest urban centres.The President pledged at a meeting in Serekunda as his Meet the People Tour entered the Kanifing Municipality (KM). He also warned young people against allowing themselves to be used by politicians for selfish political ends.President Barrow and his entourage were warmly received as his motorcade approached Serekunda School football field, where thousands of supporters had gathered for the meeting.The gathering was dominated by calls for continued support for President Barrow and the NPP-led Alliance.The Alkalo of Bundung, Saikou Konateh, thanked the President for solving the persistent water problems in Bundung, noting that water is now available. He pledged to mobilise his constituents to vote for President Barrow as a show of gratitude.Veteran politician and native of Serekunda, Hon. Kebba Jallow, urged the people of KM to abandon the opposition and embrace the ruling alliance, which he said has the welfare of the people at heart.Lady Councillor Anna Mbye, youth representative Mbayam Ceesay, and NPP Regional Chairman Mustafa Touray highlighted developments in KM under President Barrow, including the construction of roads, expansion of education and improved water supply.They, however, decried the poor state of services under the current municipal leadership, particularly the lack of water and toilet facilities at the Sandika and Serekunda markets, and urged voters to change the leadership at the Kanifing Municipal Council (KMC).Former NAM for Latrikunda Sabiji, Hon. Saikou Marong, said KM has immensely benefited from President Barrow's projects, citing roads built across the municipality as evidence.Minister of Lands and Regional Government, Hon. Hamat N.K. Bah, defended President Barrow's nine-year record as "development politics that delivers results."He argued that politics should not be about empty rhetoric but tangible results that improve lives. He disclosed that the government has launched a $45 million WACA project to develop the Kotu stream that runs through KM. According to him, the project will build bridges, promote economic activity, eliminate flooding and improve livelihoods. He appealed to the people of KM to vote for President Barrow in December to continue his development agenda."Serekunda Deserves Better"In his address, President Barrow praised the impressive turnout, saying it provided a unique opportunity to dialogue on national issues. He noted that Serekunda holds a special place as one of the country's biggest settlements.He challenged the people of KM to "rectify their political mistakes" by electing authorities willing to work with the central government to deliver development. While acknowledging massive developments in the last decade, he lamented the lack of cooperation from municipal authorities, accusing them of neglecting their responsibilities while living in luxury."This situation must change. KM deserves better," the President said, citing poor waste collection and the absence of water and toilet facilities in markets.President Barrow warned youth against being used as pawns by politicians, noting that during recent protests, many participants were children allegedly paid to vandalise public property. He urged them to desist from acts that undermine peace.Development Plan for SerekundaOutlining his programme, President Barrow disclosed plans to:Replicate the Banjul Roads and Drainage Project in Serekunda.Ensure 24-hour water and electricity supply.Sign a contract with an international company to collect and recycle waste from KM into renewable energy.Decommission the Bakoteh dumpsite and reclaim the land to build a garage and market for the people of KM.He challenged the people of Serekunda to take their destiny into their own hands and vote for progress, stating that the NPP-led Alliance stands for development, peace and stability.The tour continues in Kanifing Municipality with a meeting in Manjai Kunda.
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