In his 59th Independence Celebration Message, Mayor Bensouda highlighted issues affecting Gambians such as skyrocketing prices of basic commodities, cost of living, and affordability of quality health care, security and unemployment.
“I challenge the government to do all they can to ensure that Gambians money can pay for their basic needs and address the issue of security which has also become a major challenge,” he said.
“Gambians no longer feel safe. On a daily basis, we hear of armed robbery, stabbing, domestic disputes and gun violence – things that are not the country’s nature,” the Mayor pointed.
He further stated that The Gambia is one of the most youthful populations in the world as nearly 70% of people in the country are below the age of 35. However, he added that the youth of The Gambia feel destitute.
“The country is not producing enough jobs. Many leave for a dangerous journey for greener pastures. Many perished on the way and among those that made it become destitute and lost their dignity in the streets of Europe.”
He continued that on a regular basis, flights are seen at midnight deporting youth who come with nothing, while describing it as a great concern that the government must address.
