Darboe made this call on Saturday 7 December 2024, at a meeting held at Pakau Njogu village, Upper Niumi District in the North Bank Region as part of his nationwide tour. He described the current poor condition of the ferry as terrifying, adding that it will be heartbreaking to lose a loved one with emergency cases just because he or she could not be immediately referred to the Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital in Banjul for immediate medical attention.
The UDP leader is having rallies in all regions where he is discussing with his party supporters significant national issues.
The tour, which began with a meeting held at Samba Kalla village, Lower Niumi where issues of national concerns were discussed and for first time since 2021, is designed to engage and reassure Gambians about the glorious destiny of The Gambia under the UDP and the firm commitment to understand the challenges of the people and to collectively salvage the country from the hardship and cost of living crisis.
Darboe pointed out that there should be an emergency sea boat or sea ambulance stationed at the Barra terminal purposely to transport patients from North Bank Region during odd hours or who have emergency cases, particularly women in labour to save the mother and the baby.
Meanwhile, other relevant issues discussed were how the UDP could help address the sufferings encountered by the people of the North Bank Region when they win the 2026 presidential elections. UDP supporters from the region also decry the hardship they continue to encounter under the current government including lack of effective health care, low agricultural production and high rate of youth unemployment.
Supporters further expressed hopes that if the UDP wins the 2026 presidential elections, most of their sufferings would be history.
