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UNESCO and NCAC celebrate African world Heritage Day

The Gambia National Commission for UNESCO in collaboration with the National Centre for Arts and Culture on Thursday organized a joint press briefing in Banjul as part of commemoration activities marking African World Heritage Day. May 5th is set aside by UNESCO to celebrate the cultural and natural heritage of Africa.  This year’s celebration is held on the theme "African Heritage as a source for humanity, Innovation, and Resilience,”. The Senior Program Officer at the Gambia National Commission for UNESCO Lamin Jarjou told journalists that African world Heritage Day provides an opportunity for people around the world, particularly Africans, to celebrate the continent's unique cultural and natural heritage and as well raise awareness of the immense potential of the African culture. Mr. Jarjou also said the day will be celebrated with a series of community and school engagement activities aimed at sensitizing the public on the significance of UNESCO world heritage sites in The Gambia. The Deputy Director of Museums and monuments at the National Centre for Arts and Culture Mamat Salalah discussed the importance of World Heritage in peacebuilding and development. UNESCO and NCAC representatives call for concerted efforts in protecting and promoting World Heritage sites in the Gambia and on the African continent amid threats, such as climate change, uncontrolled development, poaching, civil unrest, and instability.     

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Gambia allocated Nine hundred and five for hajj 2022

The National Hajj Commission has announced that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has approved Hajj for International Pilgrims this year but with limitations.  In a press release, the commission stated that the quota allocated to the Gambia is nine hundred and five (905) pilgrims. The commission advises intending pilgrims who paid a deposit to contact their agents for necessary advice and guidance as soon as possible. Due to the COVID 19 pandemic, the Saudi authorities restrict intending pilgrims over the age of sixty-five from traveling. Intending pilgrims are also required to produce a COVID 19 and yellow fever vaccination cards. A negative PCR test within72 hours before arrival to the Kingdom is also a requirement. 

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THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH STRIVES TO IMPROVE ACCESS TO HEALTHCARE

The ministry of health on Thursday inaugurated the board of directors of the national health insurance scheme authority. The board is headed by Doctor Melville O. George. Speaking at the event the minister for health doctor Ahmadou Lamin Samateh said this move is long conceived by the government. The scheme is set to pay for the health services bills of a person who receives health care within the minimum benefit package from a health care services provider contracted under the scheme among other vital areas.  The health minister said this has been a key priority of the Barrow government. The National Health Insurance Scheme Bill 2021 has been passed by the National Assembly. The Scheme if available, will reduce out-of-pocket expenditure on the health of communities.  Authorities say the World Bank and the Gambia government will put the needful in place for the successful implementation of the National Health Insurance Scheme  

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Dembo Santang Bojang passes away

The death has been announced of the Head Alkalo of Brikama, Dembo Santang Bojang. The late Alkalo, a former Police Chief, has also served as the Chief of Kombo Central. May his soul rest in peace.

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President Barrow appoints new cabinet

Press Release: Appointment of New Cabinet May 4th, 2022 The public is hereby informed that his Excellency Adama Barrow, President of the Republic of the Gambia, acting under sections 70 (5) (a) and 71(4) (b) of the Republic of the Gambia, hereby relieves Her Excellency the Vice President and all ministers in the cabinet from their positions with immediate effect. His Excellency the president thanks them for their service to the nation and wishes them the best in their future endeavors. The public is further informed that His Excellency Adama Barrow, President of the Republic of the Gambia acting on under sections 70(3) and 71 (3) of the constitution of the Republic of the Gambia is pleased to make the following appointments to his cabinet, with effect from Wednesday 4th of May 2022. 1. Vice president   Mr. Badara Alieu Joof2. Attorney General and Minister of Justice  Mr. Dawda A. Jallow 3. Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad Dr. Mamadou Tangara4. Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs Mr. Seedy Keita5. Minister of Defence   Serign Modou Njie 6. Minister of Interior    Mr. Seyaka Sonko 7. Minister of Tourism and Culture   Mr. Hamat N.K Bah 8. Minister of Lands and Regional Government and Religious Affairs Mr. Abba Sanyang 9. Minister of Agriculture     Dr. Demba Sabally10. Minister of Transport, Works and Infrastructure Mr. Ebrima Sillah11. Minister of Health    Dr. Ahmadou Lamin Samateh 12. Minister of Basic and Secondary Education   Mrs. Claudiana Cole 13. Minister of Gender Children and Social Welfare   Mrs. Fatou Kinteh 14. Minister of Petroleum and Energy Mr. Abdoulie Jobe 15. Minister of Fisheries and Water Resources   Mr. Musa S. Drammeh 16. Minister of Higher Education Research Science and Technology Prof Pierre Gomez17. Minister of Environment Climate Change and Natural Resources Rohey John Manjang18.  Minister of Youth and Sports Mr. Bakary Badgie Honourable Seedy Keita will continue to oversee the ministry of Trade, Industry, Regional Integration and Employment until the formalisation of the appointment of the minister-designate. His Excellency the President acting under section 71 (1) of the constitution has created a new ministerial portfolio in charge of the public service, administrative reform, policy coordination, and delivery. The new minister of the public service, administrative reform, policy coordination, and delivery will have general oversight over the public service and shall work towards the formulation of policy geared towards institutionalising a culture of discipline, excellence, and accountability in the public service. Furthermore, the minister shall continuously review the inner workings of the administrative machinery of the government and make proposals for reform to reduce inefficiency and increase output. Finally, the minister shall be charged with developing frameworks for monitoring the implementation of government policy and for ensuring effective communication and horizontal coordination between ministries. Accordingly, and acting under section 71 (3) of the constitution of the Republic of the Gambia, his Excellency, the President is pleased to appoint Mr. Baboucarr Ousmaila Joof as minister in charge of the Public Service, administrative reform, policy coordination, and delivery with effect from the 4th of May 2022. In light of the new changes, His Excellency the President hereby makes the following administrative changes to the public service and the office of the president. 1. With effect from the 4th of May 2022, the Secretary-General and Head of the civil service shall be the titular head of the personnel Management Office with the sole mandate of supervising the civil service and answerable to the minister. His Excellency the President is pleased to appoint Mrs. Salimata E.T Touray as Secretary-General and Head of the Civil Service in accordance with section 168 subsection 1 of the constitution of the Republic of the Gambia, 1997. 2. Furthermore, the role of the Secretary-General as the administrative head of the office of the president shall be taken over by the Chief of Staff who shall be appointed by the President. His Excellency is therefore pleased to appoint Mr. Mod Ceesay as Chief of Staff. All correspondences for the President shall henceforth be addressed to the chief of staff. 3. Furthermore, his Excellency, the president has decided to decouple the ministry of information and communication infrastructure (MoICI) into two separate ministries namely (!) Ministry of Information and Ministry of Communication and Digital Economy. The existing departments and their manpower under the old MoICI will now stand as sector-specific departments. In this regard:1) The Department of Information Services will now serve as the technical arm of the government charged with the implementation of policy initiatives for visibility, public relations, and access to information under the new ministry of information. Gambia Radio and Television Services (GRTS) will continue to be the media conduit for the dissemination of information and public programming. 2) The Directorate of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) under the old MoICI will be transformed into a stand-alone department under the new ministry of Communication and Digital Economy, with the primary objective of increasing internet access and driving innovation geared towards unlocking new pathways for rapid economic growth, innovation, job creation, and technological advancement. These departmental structures already exist under the old MoICI with the necessary manpower, and under separate budget headings. Accordingly, and acting under section 71 (3) of the constitution of the Republic of the Gambia, His Excellency the President is pleased to appoint Lamin Queen Jammeh as Minister of Information. Honourable Ebrima Sillah will continue to oversee the new Ministry of Communication and Digital Economy until the formalisation of the appointment of the minister-designate.  

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The composition of President Barrow's new cabinet will be disclosed in a special GRTS broadcast at 6pm today.

The composition of President Barrow's new cabinet will be disclosed in a special GRTS broadcast at 6pm today.

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UK Human Rights Ambassador Hails Gambia’s Successful Democratic Transition

The British Ambassador for Human Rights, Rita French was on Wednesday at statehouse to discuss with President Adama Barrow the Gambia's human rights situation. Ambassador French lauded the government's commitment to respect for the rights of the people and the promotion of democracy in The Gambia. She praised The Gambia’s successful transition to democratic governance since 2017 and noted noted the vibrancy of civil society organisations.

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Basse Market dispute resolved

Basse area council has announced that the controversy surrounding the Basse Market has been resolved. The council said the resolution of the dispute came after successful GALGA mediation. It could be recalled that a dispute erupted between the office of the Governor and the Area Council over over who should manage the newly built Basse market following its commissioning by President Adama Barrow.

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Bwiam General Hospital Successfully carries out Caesarean Delivery of triplets

A twenty year old woman from Senegal successfully gave birth to triplets at the Maternity Department/Theatre of Bwiam General hospital. The hospital announced the good news on its social media handle. The babies all female weighing 1.7kg, 1.9kg and 1.8kg it said were delivered through Successful Caesarean despite mother being anaemic, and transfused with 2 pints of whole blood. Dr. David Demba and team carried out the successful surgery. Mother and Babies are stable at the postnatal ward. Bwiam General Hospital, attracts large number of patients beyond its catchment area and across the borders daily.

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Police to deploy more officers on the roads

The Gambia police force say  new measures to avert the increasing road accidents will be introduced with immediate effect. The police said in a statement that  more boots will be deployed on the roads to enforce traffic rules and regulations. An Accident Response Squad and regular Highway Patrols will also be introduced. The police warned motorists to desist from flouting traffic rules and regulations

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World Food Programme launches cash assistance to victims of the cassamance conflict

The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) launched cash transfers to assist internally displaced people (IDPs), refugees, and host families in Foni Kansala where conflict in the Senegalese Cassamance region led to cross-border displacement.One thousand two hundred households including approximately 10,000 women, men, and children, are targeted. Each household will be handed 2,330 Gambian Dalasis per month from April to June 2022. This assistance will help conflict-affected families, meet their basic food needs, and replenish destroyed or lost food stocks.Yasuhiro Tsumura, WFP Representative and Country Director in The Gambia said the beneficiaries already suffered from a difficult food security situation due to the poor harvest of last year, the socioeconomic fallout of COVID-19 pandemic, and the rising prices. This assistance comes at a time when the level of food insecurity and malnutrition is already very high in the country. The emergency response is being delivered in coordination with the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) and The Gambia Red Cross Society (GRCC). Targeted families were identified through a joint assessment conducted by WFP and UN partners in support of the Gambian Government.

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GFF condemns attacks on Gambian referee, and demand swift actions from FIFA and CAF

The Gambia Football Federation (GFF) expresses concern over the sustained verbal attacks launched against the person of FIFA Gambian Referee, Mr. Bakary Papa Gassama, by Algerian nationals. The federation’s reaction came after attacks through the various forms of media on the Gambian referee as a result of Algeria’s 2-1 home defeat to Cameroon which Mr. Gassama officiated. A GFF statement on its social media handle says the Federation has lodged a formal complaint to the Algerian Football Federation on the matter. The GFF also requested that FIFA and CAF open investigations and disciplinary proceedings against the Head Coach of the Algeria National Football Team Mr. Djamel Belmadi for his remarks on a video clip and on an Algerian Television. GFF further demanded that the Algerian federation make a public statement condemning the actions of Mr. Belmadi and all the verbal attacks against Mr. Gassama. 

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Latest Updates

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DR. FATOU BENSOUDA NAMED GNOC GOODWILL SPORTS AMBASSADOR

The Gambia National Olympic Committee has appointed Her Excellency Dr Fatou Bom Bensouda, High Commissioner of The Gambia to the United Kingdom, as its Goodwill Sports Ambassador.The appointment was announced during the Gambia Day Celebration in Glasgow, Scotland, in recognition of her outstanding contributions to Gambian sport, international diplomacy, and the promotion of Olympic values.A former national volleyball player and ex-Female Vice President of the GNOC, Dr Bensouda was praised for her leadership in promoting women in sport and advancing athlete welfare, integrity, and sports development.In her new role, she will help raise The Gambia's profile on the international sporting stage, strengthen partnerships with global sports organisations, and promote sports diplomacy to support national development.The GNOC states that the appointment reflects Dr Bensouda’s distinguished service to sport and her ongoing commitment to inspiring future generations of Gambian athletes and sports leaders.  

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TEAM GAMBIA RECEIVES WARM WELCOME FROM DIASPORA AHEAD OF COMMONWEALTH GAMES

Team Gambia has received a warm welcome from the Gambian community in Scotland ahead of the 2026 Commonwealth Games.The Gambian Association in Scotland, in collaboration with the Gambia High Commission in the UK and the Commonwealth Sports Association, hosted a special reception dubbed “Gambia Day” in Glasgow. The event brought together athletes, officials, members of the diaspora, government representatives, and sports administrators in a celebration of national unity and support for Team Gambia.It was the first time a Gambian sports delegation competing at an international event formally met members of the diaspora. The gathering provided athletes, coaches, and officials the opportunity to interact directly with Gambians living in Scotland, share experiences, and strengthen the bond between the national team and the diaspora.Attending the event were Minister of Youth and Sports Bakary Y. Badjie; The Gambia’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom Dr Fatou Bensouda; Chief of Mission Bakary Jammeh; and senior officials of the Gambia National Olympic Committee.Chief of Mission Bakary Jammeh, who chaired the ceremony, expressed appreciation to the Gambian community in Scotland for their hospitality.He described the occasion as a reflection of the power of sport to unite people. “Sports transcends boundaries and brings communities together through a shared passion and common purpose,” he said.Minister Bakary Y. Badjie commended the Gambian Association in Scotland for the historic initiative. He reminded the athletes that they carry the hopes and aspirations of the nation. “Build on previous Commonwealth Games successes and strive for greater achievements,” he challenged the team.High Commissioner Dr Fatou Bensouda described Gambia Day as a celebration of national identity, unity, and excellence. “Sport continues to serve as a powerful tool for bringing Gambians together, both at home and abroad,” she said. Dr Bensouda encouraged the diaspora to keep supporting young people through sport, calling it “a pathway to leadership, education, and national development.”GNOC President Bai Dodou Jallow thanked the community for its support, saying such engagement inspires athletes and reminds them they represent a nation united behind them. He called on Gambian parents and communities abroad to continue encouraging youth participation in sports, describing investment in youth as an investment in the country’s future.President of the Gambian Association in Glasgow, Lamin Sanneh, assured Team Gambia of the diaspora’s continued support throughout the Games and urged athletes to compete with confidence and pride.

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TEAM GAMBIA’S SWIMMING CAMPAIGN BEGINS AT 2026 COMMONWEALTH GAMES

Team Gambia’s swimming campaign got underway at the 2026 Commonwealth Games on Saturday, with Ousman Jobe and Pap D. Jonga representing the nation in Heat 3 at Tollcross International Swimming Centre.While both swimmers fell short of advancing, the race marked another step forward for Gambian aquatics on the international stage.The duo competed in a fast men’s sprint heat. Tonga’s Alan Uhiafi touched first in 24.42 seconds, followed by Vanuatu’s John Lebot in 25.83.For The Gambia, Olympian Ousman Jobe placed 7th in Lane 6 with a time of 27.52 seconds. Pap D. Jonga finished 8th in Lane 2 in 28.30 seconds. Both were just off their seed times.Anticipation was high in the Gambian camp ahead of the race. Jobe came into Glasgow fresh off an intensive two-month training camp in Paris.“There’s been some major championships here before, in the 2014 Commonwealth Games as well. I’ve prepared so well,” Jobe said.“Plus, two months ago, I was in Paris preparing for this. So I think I’m fully ready.”While both missed out on personal bests, Jonga reflected on Glasgow’s world-class facilities and what it will take to develop talent in The Gambia.“If in The Gambia a supportive system can be created in terms of creating a swimming pool, swimming has a long way to go,” Jonga said.“Having at least a standard 25-meter pool will enable young kids who are trying to involve themselves in swimming to have big potential for tomorrow.”Though Heat 3 marks the end of this event, the Games are far from over for Team Gambia. Jonga said the race was a chance to review and improve.“The performance was great, but it could have been much better. I will use this moment to progress on the few events coming up... to do a review of what went wrong and enable me to have better timing in the races coming up,” he said.Jobe and Jonga return to the pool on Monday and Tuesday for the 100-meter freestyle and 50-meter butterfly, taking vital lessons from Glasgow’s 50-meter pool into their remaining races. 

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GINA BASS ADVANCES TO 100M SEMIS AS OUSMAN JOBE SETS NATIONAL RECORD AT COMMONWEALTH GAMES

It was a day of mixed fortunes for Team Gambia at the 2026 Commonwealth Games, as sprint star Gina Mariam Bass Bittaye booked her place in the women’s 100 metres semi-finals, while swimmer Ousman Jobe set a new Gambian national record.Africa’s sprint queen produced a confident performance to finish 2nd in her 100m heat in 11.22 seconds, comfortably securing a spot in the last 16.Speaking after the race, Bass said she was pleased with the result despite the cold weather.“Qualification was the priority in the opening round, not speed,” the Gambian star said.She remains quietly confident ahead of the semi-finals.The competition ended in the heats for the rest of Team Gambia’s sprinters.Commonwealth Games debutant Isatou Sey clocked 11.73 seconds, short of her personal best of 11.61. She blamed the weather but called the experience valuable.“Competing at the Games has been a great learning experience,” Sey said.Nyimansata Jawneh also bowed out after recording 11.68 seconds, leaving Bass as The Gambia’s sole representative in the women’s sprint semi-finals.In the men’s 100m, Alieu Joof ran 10.52 seconds while veteran Ebrima Camara clocked a season’s best of 10.29 seconds. Both narrowly missed out on qualification.Camara, competing at his third consecutive Commonwealth Games, reflected on a tough season.“I’m not really satisfied with it, but I thank God because I’ve had a very tough season with injuries,” Camara said.“Since recovering, every race I’ve been getting better. This is my third Commonwealth Games. Not everybody gets the opportunity to represent their country three times over twelve years. So I really thank God for that.”In the swimming pool, Pap D. Jonga and Ousman Jobe were unable to advance from the men’s 100m freestyle.However, Jobe made history by stopping the clock at 1:01.34, setting a new Gambian national record in the event. While the time was not enough to progress, it marked a major personal achievement and another step forward for competitive swimming in The Gambia.With athletics and swimming competitions now underway, all eyes turn to Gina Mariam Bass as she carries The Gambia’s hopes into the women’s 100m semi-finals, aiming to secure a place in the final and challenge for Commonwealth honours.

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PRESIDENT BARROW URGES YOUTH TO PREPARE FOR THE FUTURE AT 2026 INNOVATION SUMMIT

President Adama Barrow on Saturday urged young people to prepare for the future, telling hundreds of youth at the 2026 Youth Innovation Summit that “the future belongs to those who prepare for it.”The President was speaking at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Centre, where several hundred young people from organisations across the country gathered for the annual summit.The Youth Innovation Summit brings young people together to discuss relevant issues, share ideas, and challenge the realities shaping youth affairs and the future of The Gambia.It serves as a platform for youth empowerment and fosters collaboration between young people and government.Key sponsor Comium said it believes youth are The Gambia’s greatest resource. “The country’s future depends on how we prepare young people to thrive in a digital-driven world,” said Isatou Ceesay, Comium’s Director of Marketing and Communications.A highlight of the summit was the story of Ebrima Jallow, a young man who once embarked on the perilous journey to Europe. Now a successful entrepreneur, Jallow was given the podium to inspire participants.He stands as living proof that Gambians can succeed at home.In his address, President Barrow recounted his own journey to Europe as a young man, with the belief that it was the only way to live a better life. He later realised that success could also be found at home.He used the lesson to encourage young people that with the right mindset, they can make it in The Gambia.The President assured youth that their development remains central to his government’s agenda, citing the construction of schools and TVET centres across the country to empower them.“It is government’s responsibility to ensure hope for our youth,” Barrow said. “That is why we are investing in agriculture and other sectors.”He urged young people to reject drugs, embrace innovation, and maintain peace, reiterating: “The future belongs to those who prepare for it.”Critical conversations at the summit centred on: Irregular migration and reintegration. Civic education, participation, and national cohesion. Youth empowerment, skills development, and entrepreneurship.Giving the vote of thanks on behalf of the Organising Committee, Maimuna Platt described the day as “an unforgettable day of learning among youths” and said it marks the beginning of more innovation and collaboration for nation building.

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PRESIDENT BARROW PRESENTS VEHICLES TO NPP-LED GRAND COALITION PARTNERS AHEAD OF DECEMBER POLL

President Adama Barrow on Saturday presented a fleet of vehicles to partner parties of the NPP-led Grand Coalition during a ceremony held at State House. The presentation was attended by leaders of the Alliance parties and senior members of the National People’s Party executive.Representatives of the Alliance for Patriotic Reorientation and Construction (APRC), ANRD, NRP, NCP, Democratic Party, Citizens Alliance, GPDP, and GMC received keys to the new vehicles. The vehicles are expected to enhance grassroots mobilisation ahead of the December 5th Presidential election.The leaders of the 8 parties expressed appreciation to the President and leader of the Grand Coalition, saying the gesture will strengthen the Alliance. They predicted a landslide victory for President Barrow, describing him as development-oriented and committed to national progress.Isatou Jifanga Jarju of the APRC assured that the vehicles will be used for their intended purpose.Mai Ahmad Fatty of the Gambia Moral Congress (GMC) said the Grand Coalition is strong and well-positioned to win the election, citing what he called the President’s “life-changing development projects” across the country.Dr Ismaila Ceesay of the Citizens Alliance urged beneficiaries to intensify grassroots mobilisation to strengthen the Grand Coalition. He said President Barrow will win with an overwhelming majority based on his track record over the last 9 years.GPDP leader Henry Gomez described the presentation as unprecedented in Gambian politics. “President Barrow respects his coalition partners and always supports them when necessary,” Gomez said. “Therefore, let us work together and speak with one voice to strengthen the Alliance.” He also called on Gambians to support the President and vote for him massively in December to ensure continuity of development.Leaders of the NCP, ANRD, and DP echoed similar sentiments, calling on all partner parties to vigorously campaign and mobilise support for the NPP-led Alliance.NRP leader Hamat N.K. Bah cautioned all beneficiary parties against misusing the vehicles, stressing that they are strictly for campaign purposes. He urged Alliance members to reach out to voters across the country.Bah also praised President Barrow’s development record, which he said has touched the lives of citizens nationwide. He challenged young people to support the President and avoid politicians who mislead them for selfish political goals.“There will be no shortcut to the Presidency,” Bah warned. “Government will not allow any individual or group to undermine the electoral process. A level playing field has already been ensured for all.”First Deputy National President of the NPP, Demba Sabally, said the presentation signifies President Barrow’s recognition of the important role of Alliance parties in strengthening the Grand Coalition. He urged them to redouble efforts and maintain unity to ensure victory for the Alliance.In his remarks, President Barrow described the event as a historic milestone in the country’s political evolution, noting it is the first time members of a coalition are receiving such support from the leading party.He called on all recipients to use the vehicles solely for political purposes to mobilise voters at the grassroots for the Grand Coalition. 

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