By Kebba AF Touray
During the National Assembly’s adjournment debate, Gambian lawmakers raised alarm over several pressing national issues, calling for immediate and coordinated government action to improve the lives of citizens.
Hon. Kebba Tumanding Sanneh, Member for Foni Jarrol, emphasized the urgent need for proper and effective management of the country.
“If we don’t manage the country positively and effectively, we will pay a heavy price. America has already started deportations and is reported to be set to deport 3,000 Gambians,” he warned.
He praised the people of Foni Jarrol for being tribal-free and honest but expressed deep concern over the plight of Gambians suffering in Tunisia, Algeria, and Mauritania.
“You say you will create 150,000 jobs, but we are driving out 150,000 people who are now suffering abroad,” he said, criticizing what he described as contradictions in national policy.
Hon. Sanneh also lamented the rising trend of land-grabbing in The Gambia and urged his constituents to protect their lands.
“Our land size is not increasing, yet we are giving it away to foreigners. This is dangerous,” he warned while welcoming the Ministry of Lands’ new land policy initiative.
Nominated Member Hon. Fatoumatta Jawara decried the increasing levels of corruption in the country.
“The corruption and scandals emerging are no longer being discussed. Let’s put party politics aside and work to move the country forward,” she urged.
She also called on the Ministry of Health to conduct nationwide research and sensitization on the widespread use of tobacco, or “tabaa.”
“The use of tobacco has reached alarming levels among both men and women,” she said.
Hon. Alieu Baldeh, Member for Jarra West, highlighted the impact of price hikes in a liberal market system.
“There is a solution to this, but we are politicizing everything, and that won’t solve national problems,” he said.
He urged the government to support capable individuals in addressing market challenges for the benefit of the people.
Nominated Member Hon. Maimuna Ceesay called for a revision of the national education curriculum to include nationalism.
“When people develop a sense of nationalism, they will remain loyal to the state,” she said.
She warned against growing lawlessness in the country, citing the rise in public insults and verbal attacks.
“People are taking the law into their own hands. This is unacceptable. The Criminal Offences Law must be enforced immediately,” she urged.
She also called for stronger regulation of market prices, pointing out stark price differences for the same goods.
“This cannot be allowed to continue,” she concluded.
Lawmakers collectively agreed that these national challenges demand urgent attention to safeguard the well-being of all Gambians and ensure sustainable development.
