By Lamin Njie
State House on Friday announced only security chiefs and the ministers of defence and interior are now allowed to see off President Adama Barrow when he is travelling, forming part of a sweeping change to airport rituals.
Large crowds usually gather at the airport to either receive or see off the president during his junkets but last year things changed when members of the public were barred from going to the airport. But the latest move is the biggest departure so far as service chiefs and two ministers are the only people that are now allowed to see off the president.
A statement from State House said: “The Public is hereby informed that the airport ceremonies that are usually held whenever the President travels, either on arrival or departure, will no longer take place.
“Effective immediately, seeing off the President at the Banjul International Airport shall be limited only to the Minister of Defence, Minister of Interior, Chief of Defence Staff, Inspector General of Police, and Director General of the State Intelligence Service.
“The Guard of Honour will now be required only during State Visits and Special Occasions. The adjustment is inline with ongoing reforms to optimize efficiency in the public service.
“Meanwhile, the public is informed that His Excellency, President Adama Barrow will attend the first ever Russia-Africa Summit taking place in Sochi in the Russian Federation, from the 23rd -24th October 2019.”
