By: Dawda Baldeh

Momodou MC Cham Junior, nominated Councilor for Business and Tailoring at the Kanifing Municipal Council, has urged Gambian lawmakers to prioritize addressing pressing national issues such as rising unemployment, the high cost of living, and poor healthcare services, among others.

He has also joined critics in condemning the proposed Judicial Officers Bill, urging lawmakers to reject it.

Cham stressed that serving the public’s interests should be the top priority for representatives.

He asserted that the inclusion of the judicial bill and the term limit for the President in the 2020 draft constitution were the main reasons for its rejection by the NPP representatives.

Cham claimed that the Judicial Officers Bill is extracted from the 2020 Draft Constitution.

“There are people like teachers, nurses, doctors, civil servants, and security personnel who deserve salary increments,” he said.

The opposition-nominated councilor noted that some civil servants’ salaries are not more than four thousand dalasi.

He argued that National Assembly Members should consider the economic hardship facing the country.

“President Barrow and his government don’t care about the public. Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and political movements should act now; this is their role. It’s not just about calling for press conferences or making Facebook posts,” he emphasized.

Furthermore, Cham called on electorates across the country to engage with their representatives to ensure they do not vote for the bill.

“Every Gambian should condemn this bill,” he added.

He stressed that people are tired, hungry, and insecure, as crime rates and drug abuse continue to rise.

“We should stand against the mismanagement of funds. The cost of living is increasing every day. The President, ministers, judges, and NAMs are all well-paid,” he explained.

Additionally, Cham recalled that President Barrow had promised massive employment for Gambians during his State of the Nation Address last year.

“President Barrow promised one hundred and fifty thousand jobs, but he has not delivered anything. I urge the NAMs to prioritize the country’s interests,” he continued.

Cham challenged lawmakers to address challenges in their constituencies such as lack of healthcare, roads, water, education, and the high cost of living, and to refrain from prioritizing personal and partisan interests.

By: Musa Ousainou Yali Batchilly

The primary duty of an information minister is to provide accurate and comprehensive information, ensuring the public remains well-informed rather than misled. Honorable Ismaila Ceesay should take the time to thoroughly educate himself on the events and implications surrounding President Adama Barrow’s re-election in 2021. The Gambia Action Party (GAP) acknowledges that the ban on Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) was instituted during Yahya Jammeh’s regime. However, it is essential to clarify that this action was not influenced by the West. President Adama Barrow has the authority to influence the repeal of the bill. If he chooses to enforce it, he would also be criminalizing it.

Minister Ceesay must understand the difference between subversive actions and constructive advice. SERVANT MUSA OUSAINOU YALI BATCHILLY, a committed leader, is neither an enemy of the state nor will he ever be. Instead, he represents a voice that seeks to positively contribute to the nation’s development.

A transparent and open government is crucial for fostering a healthy democracy. Constructive criticism should be welcomed as it helps regulate and formulate genuine programs and policies. Adopting a defensive or hostile stance towards critics only hinders progress. GAP, as a political party, is dedicated to addressing pressing issues that impact the lives and livelihoods of the citizens. The party’s stance on the promotion of female genital circumcision is unequivocal and steadfast: citizens should have the autonomy to choose whether to practice it or not, free from external pressures. As a sovereign state, The Gambia should not allow any Western power to unduly influence its policies and programs. The citizens’ right to self-determination must be upheld, ensuring that cultural practices are respected while also safeguarding human rights. GAP will continue to advocate for the rights and freedoms of the people, ensuring that their voices are heard and their choices respected.

In conclusion, it is imperative for government officials, including Honorable Ismaila Ceesay, to remain informed and receptive to the needs and concerns of the populace. By doing so, they can create a more inclusive and progressive society where policies reflect the true will of the people.

For the record, I, Musa Ousainou Yali Batchilly, Secretary General and Party Leader of the Gambia Action Party (GAP), have never used foul or indecent language towards any government official, nor have I been disrespectful to the president. Unlike some individuals serving today, who were his harshest critics to the extent of calling him inept and lacking the pedigree to govern.

Servant Musa Ousainou Yali Batchilly
Secretary General and Party Leader of The Gambia Action Party (GAP).

By: Alieu Jallow

The National Assembly Member for Kiang West, Lamin Ceesay, during the State of the Nation debate, has challenged the Fishery Minister to provide answers regarding the ministry’s initiative of constructing twenty (20) fishing boats with fishing equipment. This initiative aims to enhance the livelihoods of the youth and women and reduce illegal migration.

“During his Excellency’s deliberation, he mentioned 20 fishing boats that were bought and initiated by the Ministry of Fishery and given to beneficiary communities. We want this to be clear. We want to know the specifications of these boats, what type of boats these are, and the beneficiary communities of these various boats. We would also like to know the amount of funds spent on the preparation and building of these boats. What is the total expenditure on these 20 boats? Additionally, we would like to know if the ministry has conducted an assessment to evaluate the impact of these fishing boats on the various communities to determine if this was a beneficial endeavor or merely an attempt to score political points,” he demanded.

The NAM, known for his critical questioning, also demanded answers regarding the 80 million dalasis Fishery Development Fund. He similarly held the Ministry of Finance accountable to provide answers about whether the said amount was audited, as well as the status of the Consolidated Revenue Fund.

“Regarding the D80 million Fishery Development Fund for 2023, we want to know how it has been spent, and we request an immediate audit of this fund,” he stressed.

The outspoken NAM highlighted the issue of unaccounted foreign revenue trade, citing the black markets in West Field and Serrekunda Bambo that engage in foreign exchange business without paying taxes. This undermines the established structure and prevents the government from realizing taxes from these operators. The Kiang West NAM criticized the Ministry of Finance’s excuses for not having evidence of these foreign black market activities.

“Everybody who moves through West Field and Bambo Serrekunda knows it is a hub for the black market. If you question them about where they get those currencies, the people handling hundreds of thousands in foreign currency, where do they access them? We need to question the central government about this. We need answers from the Ministry of Finance, and we are all turning a deaf ear to this, which is damaging our economy,” he outlined.

During his State of the Nation address, President Adama Barrow outlined his government’s significant drive towards achieving national food security. He highlighted that his government will procure one hundred and eighty (180) tractors and twenty (20) rotavator boats for year-round deployment. This statement prompted Ceesay to raise pertinent questions about the procurement process, the stages of procurement, the condition and supplier of these tractors, and whether they will be delivered to the various farmers as promised.

By: Alieu Jallow

Amadou Juma Camara, a Gambian truck driver, was shot by Senegalese soldiers in Keelan near Kanilai while transporting timber from Soloben in the Casamance region with two others.

Amadou’s mother, Awa Bah, reported that her son was shot while driving and managed to escape, but his apprentice is currently missing. Fortunately, Amadou’s colleague was not injured.

In 2017, during the ECOWAS military intervention in The Gambia (ECOMIG), Senegalese soldiers occupied some settlements in Foni, a move described by the government as being for “security reasons.” The occupation by the ECOMIG Senegalese army in Foni has allegedly caused several fatalities, intensifying calls for the removal of these soldiers by the five Foni parliamentarians.

Expressing her dismay, Awa Bah, mother of the victim, indicated that her son is a hardworking young man who took up driving to support her and the family. She expressed pessimism about the government taking any concrete steps to address the conflicts between the Senegalese soldiers and the people of Foni, and the continuous shooting of innocent civilians.

“Ah, the government—we can’t say anything, we all know better. He is not the first person to be shot, so speaking will not change the narrative. On numerous occasions, I have advised him to refrain from going to Casamance.”

For decades, timber has been smuggled by men like him from southern Senegal’s Casamance region into The Gambia, to then be shipped to China. One of the most sought-after species is rosewood, but since the Senegalese occupation of Foni, there has been a major crackdown on the smuggling business.

On his part, the National Assembly Member for Foni Kansala, Almameh Gibba, urged the Ministry of Information to revisit the press release, which he believes contains some misinformation, notably the name of the victim and the location of the incident. He outlined that the Ministry of Information was misled with the information they gathered and shared, and clarified that the name Amadou Jah is the victim’s father.

“The Ministry of Information should be well-informed about the victim. The name they wrote in the press release is the father’s name. The victim is called Amadou Juma Camara, and the father is commonly called Amadou Jah, but his name is Amadou Jah Camara. So, I think the information should be corrected for posterity and record purposes. The victim is called Amadou Juma Camara,” he emphasized.

The NAM for Foni Kansala vowed to embark on a dialogue with the village heads within the Casamance-Foni belts.

There are widespread allegations, albeit sometimes conflicting, that Senegalese forces along the Gambia-Casamance border continue to conduct abusive and systemic operations against innocent, unarmed, and defenseless Gambians living in Foni, particularly those in the border villages. There are widespread rumors of a divided faction within the Senegalese forces, with allegations that those not in support of the timber trade are setting up ambushes in the deep forest and shooting timber smugglers. Amadou Juma, the latest victim of the oppression, was shot by the Senegalese soldiers in Keelan while coming from Soloben village in Casamance and managed to escape with a bullet in his body to Kanilai.

Amadou Juma Camara is currently receiving treatment at the Ndemban Clinic.

Dear fellow Gambians,

I am deeply dismayed by the recent developments surrounding the proposed bills in the National Assembly aimed at increasing the remuneration for judicial officers and members of the National Assembly. The profound shock and discontentment I feel have led me to stand in solidarity with those angered by it and protest against this concerning decision.

I am a huge proponent and firm believer that ALL public officers should receive fair compensation to lead dignified lives, free from the burdens of poverty, allowing them to focus on their responsibilities without the worry of meeting their families’ basic needs.

Furthermore, I advocate for equitable pay for the work done and a transparent system of remuneration, as these principles are vital in combating corruption and motivating public servants.

Unfortunately, the current discussions on salary increments reveal a significant abuse of power and misplaced priorities favoring the privileged few at the expense of those in lower levels of our society. How can we justify a situation where the Speaker of the National Assembly receives D245,000 per month, while a police officer earns only D3000-3500? Such disparities are not only devoid of compassion but are also unjustifiable, underscoring the skewed priorities of the present government.

Amidst the challenges faced by ordinary Gambians due to the high cost of living, it is disheartening to see a focus on benefiting the wealthy minority rather than addressing the pressing needs of the majority. This system of “YEKALANTE” further perpetuates severe inequality, marginalizes the most vulnerable in our society and erodes confidence. It is therefore imperative for the government to remember that they are servants of the people, not themselves, and to prioritize the welfare of all citizens.

I express my solidarity with the underpaid workers of The Gambia in rejecting the exploitation of the nation’s limited resources. Furthermore, such unjust practices tarnish the government’s reputation and erode public trust. I urge for a return to pragmatism, sound reasoning, empathy, and compassion in governance. Greed, selfishness and utter lack of compassion for the downtrodden MUST STOP.

In closing , to those who cannot pay rent- I feel your pain; to those who cannot pay school fees for your children, I feel your pain; to those who cannot give food/fish money to your families, I feel your pain; to those who cannot buy needed medicine, I feel your pain; and to those experiencing other hardships, I feel your pain. And to all of you, I offer my unwavering support and assurance that real SYSTEM change for a better Gambia is on the horizon.

Sincerely yours,
Essa Mbye Faal
#Turnaround

By:Servant Musa Ousainou Yali Batchilly

The proposed Judicial Officers (Remuneration and Other Entitlements) Bill, 2024, is a glaring testament to the government’s disregard for the plight of ordinary Gambians. This bill, which seeks to increase the already substantial benefits of judicial officers, comes at a time when the majority of our citizens are grappling with abject poverty, living in slums, and struggling to make ends meet.

How can we justify enhancing the remuneration of a privileged few when our healthcare system is in shambles, our agricultural sector is neglected, and our educational institutions are underfunded? Our hospitals lack basic supplies, our farmers are left without support, and our children are denied quality education. These are the sectors that need urgent attention and resources, not the already well-compensated judiciary.

This proposed bill is a slap in the face to the hardworking taxpayers who are the backbone of our nation. It is an insult to the mothers who cannot afford proper nutrition for their children, to the youths who face a bleak future due to inadequate educational opportunities, and to the farmers whose toil and sweat go unrewarded.

We, the Gambia Action Party (GAP), strongly condemn this bill. We stand in solidarity with the masses who demand justice, fairness, and a government that prioritizes their needs over the comfort of a few elite individuals. We call on the National Assembly to reject this bill outright. We urge every Gambian to rise up against this madness and the inaptitude of the Minister of Justice.

Let us not be silent in the face of such blatant disregard for the welfare of our people. It is time for our leaders to remember their duty to serve the people and not their own interests. The Gambia deserves better. The Gambia deserves a government that listens, understands, and acts in the best interest of all its citizens.

The Gambia Action Party stands in agreement with the GDC, all concerned opposition parties, and the Gambian people in condemning this heinous bill that is geared towards unfairly draining and sinking our economy.

SERVANT MUSA OUSAINOU YALI BATCHILLY
PARTY LEADER AND SECRETARY GENERAL OF
Gambia Action Party (GAP).

By: Dawda Baldeh

The leader of the opposition Gambia Democratic Congress (GDC), Mamma Kandeh, has strongly warned against the passing of the proposed Judicial Officers Bill currently before lawmakers.

Reacting in a firm tone, Kandeh expressed disappointment with the introduction of the bill.

“Does our government think that Gambians are animals like cows, or that they don’t have brains?” he questioned.

The GDC leader further questioned if the government thinks that Gambians don’t deserve to live better.

“I’m shocked about this bill,” he said, accusing the government of not showing any remorse to the Gambians.

“How can just a handful of good-for-nothing people come up with such a bill to drag the country backward by enriching themselves? You are pushing Gambians to the wall. Enough is enough! You are just busy increasing salaries for yourselves and living better than any other Gambians,” he added.

Kandeh argued that President Barrow’s government didn’t think about poor Gambians like farmers and women vendors.

“You don’t have respect for the Gambians,” he noted.

Kandeh continued, “If you meet them on the streets, you clear them like animals. You don’t think about the youths who are dying every day because of your bad leadership. You don’t think of our security personnel, nurses, teachers, doctors, and drivers with their low salaries. This wasn’t the reason for your election.”

He further cautioned the National Assembly Members against passing the bill.

“I don’t think our National Assembly members will be mad enough to pass such a bill. Your government is increasing taxes on Gambians daily. Ordinary Gambians will pay for this. This is unacceptable and it will not happen,” he emphasized.

He reminded the government that they are not the only citizens in the country who deserve to live better.

“I’m so disappointed with your government, President Barrow. You have all the opportunities to work for the country and earn very good salaries and a good living. You don’t think of those who don’t have those opportunities,” he added.

He warned the government that such behavior is unacceptable.

He argued that Gambians are suffering and the government is not concerned.

“You don’t care about the plight of the Gambians who are going to bed with empty stomachs. The only thing you consider is how to get money whether you are in office or not,” he stated.

Kandeh condemned the bill and warned them against passing it.

“You should know that there is nothing permanent in life,” he concluded.