By: Kebba AF Touray
The Speaker of the National Assembly of the Gambia, Hon. Fabakary Tombong Jatta, said the use of illicit drugs such as ‘Kush’ and others is alarmingly causing menace in the country.
Speaker Jatta made the statement while delivering an official opening statement at the beginning of the First Ordinary Session of the National Assembly in the 2024 Legislative year (yesterday), Monday, 4 March 2024, in Banjul.
“Honorable Members, we are at a cross road. The recent escalation and proliferation of social deliquesce surrounding a wide range of actions from armed and gang robberies, rape, murder, missing children and the use of specific illicit drugs called ‘Kush’, is alarming, considering the severe impact on upcoming generations,” he said; that understanding and addressing these problems, often involved a multi-disciplinary approach including interventions at individual, family or community and societal levels.
“I want to implore that prevention strategies include and not be limited to early childhood interventions, family counseling, education and monitoring programs, community outreach including religious values and law enforcement efforts focused on rehabilitation rather than punishment,” the Speaker said.
He said social deliquesce is a complex issue, but with proactive effort support systems in place, it is possible to mitigate its impact and help individuals live meaningful, positive and productive lives. He informed members of the Assembly that the Animal Health Act 2023; Anti-Corruption Ac 2023 and the Appropriation Act 2024, were adopted by the Legislature during the fourth ordinary session of the National Assembly in the 2023 legislative year, and thanked the President for holding a national dialogue with relevant stakeholders in the country, to discuss and address key challenges in long term stability, security and prosperity for the Gambia.
“The dialogue focused on addressing strategies, policies and actions towards achieving collective actions and collaboration aimed at addressing the pressing challenges, building a more resilient and prosperous people called citizens,” he said.
Speaker Jatta hailed the Legislative Committees, the Office of the Clerk, staff and management of the Legislature for their steadfastness, dedication and commitment to their respective duties, and encouraged them to do even better, in performance of their sacred duty to the motherland
