The Gambia’s transition from 22 years of dictatorship - where citizens’ rights were restricted - to a more open and transparent governance system is a monumental step towards ensuring democracy and accountability. It empowers citizens to be informed and hold their government accountable, which helps foster a more transparent and just society.
Mr President, the establishment of the Access to Information Commission (ATI) is a pivotal step forward. It will significantly help researchers by granting them access to information held by public bodies, enabling them to conduct their work for the public good more effectively. When operational, the commission will encourage public bodies to engage in proactive disclosure of information, which is essential in curbing misinformation and its dissemination. Furthermore, it will provide journalists with the necessary access to information, allowing them to produce accurate and balanced stories, thereby strengthening the foundation of a well-informed and democratic society.
We wish to submit that in order for the information commission to discharge its functions without fear or favour, it must have access to essential resources, including financial, material and human resources. Additionally, the commission will require a secretariat to serve as its workplace. Based on the foregoing, we are appealing to government to provide the information commission with mobility, human and financial resources, and an office space to enable them carry out their functions in accordance with the ATI Act.
We also wish to encourage the government to expedite their swearing-in ceremony. And we wish to conclude by commending the government and the National Assembly for the political will they have demonstrated in putting in place an Information Commission.
Your Government should support the media and the commissioners of Information Commission to promote democracy and good governance.
Finally, Mr President, we are shocked and alarmed to hear the death of some Gambian youths who were trying to go abroad via the ‘back way’. Irregular migration is devastating the lives of our youth, not only in The Gambia but also across the sub-region. Informed sources have reported that over 6,000 youths in the sub-region have perished in the sea this year alone while attempting to reach Europe mainly due to lack of job opportunities in their countries.
On 21 July, a tragic incident occurred where a boat carrying 300 passengers, mainly Gambians along with other nationals, who departed the Gambian town of Betente Niumi in the North Bank Region, capsized near the coastal waters of Mauritania.
Also, over the weekend, another boat carrying 150 people that left Mauritania heading to Spain capsized, resulting in another tragic loss of lives. Diplomatic sources have confirmed that 10 people had already been confirmed dead, while 70 had been rescued and the remaining still missing.
The disaster has so far claimed 55 lives, with several others still reported missing. The Gambian ambassador to Mauritania, Sheikh Omar Faye, paid a courtesy call on survivors of the first boat incident to offer support and prayers, which was a big relief for the survivors.
Mr President, it is imperative that the government of The Gambia empowers the Immigration, the State Intelligence Service (SIS), and the National Navy to combat this menace of clandestine migration, often referred to as the "back way syndrome", which has caused numerous deaths among our youth.
Good day!