The
National Assembly Members (NAMs) called on the government to cut the number of
Gambian embassies across the globe, arguing that their continued existence have
little benefit for Gambians.
Legislators
made this recommendation at the 2020 Estimated Budget Debate at the National
Assembly on Thursday.
The
lawmaker for Saba Sanjal, Ousman Touray, said since the establishment of some
these embassies in foreign countries, the ambassadors have never brought any
meaningful development to the country. This, he said, is a waste of resource
for The Gambia.
Alagie
Jawara, NAM for Lower Badibou, said these embassies were created on political
grounds, arguing that era has gone. He thus urged the government take a step in
downsizing Gambian embassies.
Hon.
Jawara also talked about the budget, saying the allocation for youth activities
was very small. “If you look at the National Youth Council and National Sports
Council, the two institutions don’t have their own office complex, so it will
be difficult for them to exercise their functions the way they want it. And if
you look at all manifestos of the political parties, they all put youth programme
first but never come to the fore.
He
also recommended that the budget allocation for the president’s annual Meet the
People’s Tour be cut.
Ousman
Sillah, the Banjul North lawmaker pointed out that the government should
empower local investors before inviting international investors to the country.
He argued that if the local investors are given the opportunity to invest in
the country, they will improve the country’s economy.
Niamina
East lawmaker, Omar Ceesay, said that the government should have included the
Constituency Development Fund (CDF) in the 2020 Budget, pointing that would
help the NAMS to develop their constituency for the betterment of the country.
He
said the way and manner President Adama Barrow appoints his advisers should
have a limitation, arguing that most of his advisers are not fit to give him
advice and end up wasting tax payers’ monies. He added that now is the time to
find a solution to reduce the president’s advisers at State House.
Hon.
Omar Darboe, NAM for Upper Nuimi said agricultural development should be the
government’s first priority, pointing out that the D394 million dalasis
allocation for the Ministry of Agriculture is small. With this allocation, he
added, it would be difficult to develop agriculture in this country.
Hon.
Alagie Sowe of Jimara said that the budget allocation to the Ministry of
Defence, Interior and the Office of the President should be cut.
Sulayman
Saho, NAM for Central Badibou said the health sector in this country is in a
serious condition and that the government needs to do something about it.
