President Jammeh's Dialogue With The People Tour Kicks-off in Essau

12th July 2010  

Barra village was the first stop of President Jammeh's Dialogue With The People Tour which started on Monday. His Excellency the President Sheikh Professor Alhaji Dr Yahya AJJ Jammeh is accompanied by a high-powered delegation comprising cabinet ministers, members of the supporting council, the Paramount Chief, yai compins and other government officials.

At Barra ferry terminal, President Jammeh and entourage were given a spectacular welcome by various cultural groups from the North Bank Region (NBR) and a display of fishing canoes by fishermen whose magnanimous display attracted people from various walks of life. The elders of Barra and Essau recited the Holy Qur'an seeking blessing from the Almighty Allah to shower peace and happiness on the President and the Gambian people.

From Barra, President Jammeh and entourage proceeded to Essau where the first meeting was held. Speaking on the occasion, the President reminded the people of the region that since 1994 he has always been fulfilling his promises. The Gambian leader continued to emphasize that for the 400 years of British rule and 30 years of the former regime there were hindrance of poor roads and underdevelopment. But, he went on, with the coming of his APRC Government 16 years ago, not only the NBR but all the regions of the country have benefited from good roads, the availability of quality water and electricity supply. He reiterated that he is not a politician but he is here for development and it is left to the people to decide. He continued to point out that he will not campaign for the forthcoming elections since the people know his capabilities. He also announced that as long as Allah the Almighty is with him, there is no one on earth who can remove him from his position whether they vote for him or not.

President Jammeh told youths to focus on agriculture and help parents on the farms rather than playing "Nawetan" football. He further reminded them that if they are not in the position of helping their parents in the farms, however good they are in football they will not benefit or progress. The Gambian leader continued to advise them to respect their teachers who are imparting knowledge on them. He also took the opportunity to advise livestock owners to control their ruminants since we are in the rainy season and also urged farmers to pay their fertilizer debts in time.

The Minister of Basic and Secondary Education, Fatou Lamin Faye underscored the difficulties encountered in traveling but with the coming of President Jammeh such difficulties were solved. She also advised youths to put their minds on agriculture and education and cautioned them to be mindful of drugs which will definitely deter development.

The Minister of External Affairs, International Co-operation and Gambians Abroad, Dr. Mamadou Tangara informed the people of the region that President Jammeh has provided a water supply project at Kerewan to serve satellite villages and this has proven his commitment and concern for the general welfare of Gambians.

The Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Kalifa Kambi also informed the people that government has been supporting farmers in terms of both materials and fertilizer. He also said government would like to see that the support is implemented.

The Governor of North Bank Region, Edward Seckan welcomed President Jammeh and entourage to his region and assured them of their unflinching support for President Jammeh and the APRC party in the region noting that his region is a no-oppose region. He informed President Jammeh that this year all the regions have turned out in their large numbers to work on the farms for a bumper harvest.

The Chief of Lower Niumi, Fabakary Nana Sanko hailed President Jammeh for providing them with effective security. He appealed to the Gambian leader to extend the electricity supply to Amdalai.

The former UDP/NRP district mobiliser who defected to the APRC underscored the tremendous development President Jammeh brought to this country. He revealed that he was in the dark but now has come to the light and will make sure that he will convince the rest of UDP/NRP supporters in the region to defect to the APRC.

Seyfo Queen Jammeh of Upper Niumi commended the Deputy Minister of Agriculture for providing them with fertilizer and other agricultural materials. He appealed to the Ministry of the Interior to increase the number of police stations in his district. Other speakers included the National Assembly Members for Lower Niumi District and Lady Councilor Fatou Sonko and both commended President Jammeh for providing modern facilities and infrastructure.

By Alagi Ceesay