Mai
Ahmad Fatty, minister of the interior, has said that the protest in Kanilai
last month that led to the death of one of the protesters is “a regret to the
government”.
The
added that possible measures would be taken to avoid the re-occurrence of such
incident.
The
minister made this remark at the National Assembly during the second ordinary
session in the 2017 Legislative Year while responding to the question of Banjul
South National Assembly member, Hon. Fatoumatta Njai.
Minister
Fatty further said that the interior ministry intends to improve police
operational planning system by providing relevant, timely and objective
information on government policies, actions and projects to enhance public
awareness through strengthened community policing in all regions.
He
told the lawmakers that he had convened a meeting with security chiefs to
address the security challenges and threats.
“Measures
are being put in place to redress the critical issue to increase physical security
presence in various communities,” he said, adding that his ministry has further
plans to strengthen community policing by building support and public
participation in police activities.
Mr
Fatty noted that in view of the indispensability of contemporary security
needs, the National Assemble should strongly support the interior ministry by
approving sufficient budgetary allocation to the ministry that is consistent
with internal security requirements.
However,
the minister said increase in the report of crime doesn’t necessarily correlate
to an increase in crime.
“We
have more print and electronic media reports on crime now that ever,” he
affirmed.
