President
Adama Barrow has said in his fourth covid-19 address to the nation that his
government will provide 2000 tons of fertilizer to support farmers in the
upcoming rainy season and to further strengthen the drive for food security.
The
Gambian leader was speaking on Sunday during his government’s launching of the
covid-19 food bank for the 80% needy Gambians in a programme held at McCarthy
Square, Banjul. He also assured of his government’s support to citizens during
the pandemic.
“In
a global pandemic such as what is currently going on, every country must look
inward to protect and provide for its people,” while urging all able-bodies
persons, particularly “the youth to redirect their energies into agriculture:
be it to cultivate our staple foods or horticulture production. Together, let
us make agribusiness a reality,” he said.
He
further stated that aside from the immediate covid-19 emergency programme, his
government continues to pursue its development agenda, noting that in line with
the pledges made during the nationwide tour last year, 33 ambulances have been
procured. He added that the move was timely as the vehicles will support the
health facilities across the nation, especially if the covid-19 cases escalate
in the country.
“In
partnership with the security agents, health response teams and communities
along our borders have stepped up surveillance at both official and unofficial
entry points, and along the coastal areas. This partnership has resulted to
apprehension of some people who sneaked into the country.”
President
Barrow added that his government recognises the urgency to address the impact
of the covid-19 pandemic, but said they are mindful of the need for
professional responses to both the growing health and economic crisis arising
from it.
“Thus,
in full gear is the continuing and relentless effort to guide the management,
containment and prevention of the spread of the virus. Noteworthy among the
measures in progress are the upgrading of our health care services, provision
of social support, security reinforcement and abiding by the rule of law.”
He
revealed that advocacy through social mobilisation and the media to raise
consciousness amongst the population continues to take center stage in their
strategic responses, adding that importantly is the objective of mitigating the
negative impact of the pandemic on the people.
