Cross boarder issue discussed

The Cross Boarder Integration Committee between The Gambia and Senegal converged on Tuesday at AFET office in Brikama, where issues affecting the two countries on the borders were being discussed.

The meeting covered discussions on free movement of peoples and goods, the issue of Laize Passe, National Identity Card, traders, and checkpoints mounted by police officers or customs.

Specking at the opening forum, the Chairman of the Brikama Area Council, Sunkary Badjie, alluded that Senegal and The Gambia are one big family.

"It was only when the Whiteman come and separated the countries. Therefore, the integration of this forum is a step in the right direction in the sense that pertinent issues affecting our daily lives will be discussed and possible solution looked into to address it," he stated.

According to him, nowadays criminals are ten times more than the strength of security officers, noting that there is a need to sit together and chart a way forward. He therefore challenged the participants to come up with ideas and make proper recommendations.

A representative from the Gambia Immigration, who spoke on documentation, said Laize Passe is free between Senegal and The Gambia. He advised everyone to have his or her own ID card, which he added, will help in any event. He also urged the participants to sensitise their people on the issue of ID card.