Barrow says proposed five-star hotel is tourism’s biggest investment since independent

He said compared with the other OIC Summit infrastructure projects, it is the single biggest investment portfolio ever of its kind on Gambian soil.

"It is heartening that, within three years, my government has successfully mobilised more than $300 million in our effort to host the world’s biggest organisation of the Muslim Ummah. Heartily too, we are hosting the Summit in accordance with our trademark hospitality as the “Smiling Coast” of Africa."

President Barrow reaffirmed that The Gambia would indeed host the Summit, saying government is on track to doing so in a spectacular fashion. He continued that they have the will, the ability, and the resources to do so. 

"In short, we have the capacity, and by God’s grace, we will succeed. Small as the country may be, The Gambia has always captured the attention and imagination of the world, primarily, for all the right reasons. History is, therefore, on our side."

The president continued that the General Secretariat in Jeddah and the entire membership of the OIC have expressed, in no uncertain terms, their fullest support to the government in this endeavour.

He added that the government is now engaging the General Secretariat and other partners to agree on a suitable date for the event.

"While the support of our allies and development partners continue to encourage us as we prepare for this important global gathering, we will neither be complacent nor allow anyone to distract us."

President Barrow further stated that the OIC Summit Projects are designed to be legacy projects, and their advantages, benefits and impact will far outlive the Summit.

"For this reason, we will make sure that we get it right in the best interest of the nation and the global Muslim community. We will not accept indifference or foot-dragging anymore.”

“I have directed the revival and immediate strengthening of the various levels of coordination and oversight bodies and functions."