Since
President Adama Barrow took over state affairs of the country on 30 January
2017 and formed a cabinet on 1st February 2017, he has taken some remarkable
actions that warrant some recognition.
First
of all, he has formed and announced a major part of his cabinet, since 1st of
February 2017, to effectively steer the affairs of the government and the
country.
He
also made a major decision by renaming the National Intelligence Agency (NIA),
the notorious institution under the regime of Yahya Jammeh, as the State
Intelligence Services. This intelligence institution will no longer arrest or
detain people, according the new powers that be. We, therefore, welcome this
initiative of the new president.
Furthermore,
we would like the new government to set up a committee to investigate the
tortures, disappearances, and killing of people that took place under the
former regime of Yahya Jammeh and appropriate legal measures should be taken
afterwards.
We
commend President Barrow for freeing all political prisoners and religious
detainees. And a full explanation should be given by relevant institutions for
those detainees that are still missing or could not be found in detention.
Investigations
should be carried out to ascertain the truth about most of the civil servants
and employees of parastatals who were sacked under the Jammeh regime. And those
who were wrongfully terminated should be reinstated or adequately compensated.
For
those still detained at Mile 2, their cases should be reviewed, including civil
servants who have cases against government.
We
should continue to pray for freedom, peace and prosperity for the nation.
We
also feel that workers and the business people should thank President Barrow
for bringing back the five-day week working schedule – which is from Monday to
Thursday 8am to 4pm and on Friday 8am to 12:30pm.
When
it was four working days - Monday to Thursday 8am to 6pm - people used to close
very late and would always get home very tired. Business-wise, it is always
better to work 5 days a week like in other countries. Therefore, the Barrow
government deserves some pat on the back.
Since
President Barrow assumed office, the dalasi has gained some strength in the
parallel market. Whilst a dollar was D48 before he assumed office, it is now
D45. The Euro was D49 and now D48. The Pound was D68 and now D66. It was 5000
FCFA for D400, but now it is D375 for the same amount of FCFA.
Under
the new government, we can expect more tourists, an official of the tourist
sector has told this paper.
It
is also gratifying to note that the EU is about to release 37 million euros for
The Gambia. This money was blocked during Jammeh’s regime.
The
World Bank on Friday allocated for The Gambia 7.5 million USD as a grant to the
health sector, and the African Development Bank is ready to assist the New
Gambia in its projects.
As
these developments take place, the new government should continue to invite
investors and tourists with lots of incentives for them, since we are competing
with other countries in the sub-region.
Now
the new task of the government is to tackle, for good, the problem of
electricity and water supply, ferries, and communications, and should ask
friendly countries to help in these areas. Since Ramadan starts May 27th this
year, the electricity supply should be improved.
Sport
is also very vital. A national conference should be held to invite
stakeholders, sports administrators, athletes and sports journalists to discuss
our problems, and make recommendations to revitalize the discipline.
It
is essential that the new government considers that all the assets of the
former president should be evaluated, and frozen where he is found wanting such
as the sources of his income and wealth.
Under
the new regime, we can say So Far So Good regarding relations between the press
and the new government. This cordial
relationship should continue by inviting us to regular press conferences,
sending us press releases (including copies of official speeches) on time and
abolishing the draconian media laws.
The
press should, for our part, also be responsible and professional. The
government and the press need each other; we are not enemies, but partners in
development.
Once
more, we thank President Barrow for liberating Gambians and promoting
democracy, freedom of expression and of the press. People now are sleeping well
without stress of a security threat. We would, therefore, continue to advise Mr
President to continue to tread the right path.
With
the new government, let’s set aside our political differences, and work for a
better Gambia!
“True
happiness comes from the joy of deeds well done, the zest of creating things
new. ”
Antoine
de Saint-Exupery
