The President, His Excellency Adama Barrow, on the sidelines of his visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, held a meeting with members of the Gambian community at his hotel in Jeddah.
The meeting provided an opportunity to discuss challenges affecting Gambians living and studying in the Kingdom.
Speaking on behalf of Gambian students, Muhammed Salieu Jeng, Chairman of the Students’ Union, welcomed the President and delegation.
He disclosed that 500 Gambian students, including 20 women, are currently enrolled in Saudi universities pursuing undergraduate and graduate degrees in Islamic Studies, Engineering, and Public Administration.
Mr Jeng thanked the Gambian Embassy for its support but appealed to the government to increase scholarship opportunities, expand consular services, and support their initiative to build a library in Jambur.
President of The Gambian Association in Saudi Arabia, Manjai Ceesay, appealed for government intervention to facilitate access to residence and work permits to enable Gambians to secure jobs and move freely.
Representatives of women in the community, Adama Jallow and Fatumata Jatta, highlighted challenges with Iqama and Nusuk permits.
Ms Jallow said many Gambians are denied entry into Makkah during Hajj for lack of permits, restricting movement and business activities.
Ms Jatta described the concerns as pressing and urged President Barrow to engage Saudi authorities for favourable terms. She, however, noted that Gambians are widely respected in the Kingdom for being law-abiding and peaceful.
She added that the community association remains strong and often supports members in difficult situations through contributions.
Consul General in Jeddah, Ebou Ndure, acknowledged the challenges but explained that they affect many communities due to evolving Saudi laws.
“As diplomats, we are also guided by strict laws which we must abide by,” Mr Ndure said.
He noted that Hajj regulations now require specific documents for entry into Makkah, and the Consulate has no authority to circumvent Saudi immigration procedures.
Mr Ndure reassured that the government will continue engaging Saudi counterparts to ease the challenges and will provide consular services in emergencies.
Ambassador H.E. Mambury Njie said issues around Iqama and Nusuk also affect Embassy staff. He stated that the Embassy is working on a roadmap to streamline scholarship access and is engaging authorities to facilitate biometric passports.
In response, President Barrow underscored the importance of dialogue in addressing community concerns. He thanked Gambians for their patriotism and urged them to reach out to the Embassy and Consulate with issues.
The President reminded the community that immigration laws evolve and it is important to adjust to ensure a safe and legal stay.
“Our government prioritises the welfare of citizens wherever they may live,” President Barrow said. “We will continue to engage our Saudi counterparts at all levels to secure favourable terms for Gambians.”
He encouraged Gambians to return home and take advantage of opportunities, citing major investments in education.
Over the last 9 years, he said, the government has transformed the University of The Gambia into a modern institution offering programs up to PhD level with 8,000 students. Technical universities have also been established, with 75% of students on scholarship.
President Barrow urged the community to remain united, law-abiding, and hardworking, noting that “every Gambian is an ambassador.”
He updated them on developments back home and called for peace ahead of the elections.
“The Gambia has secured its place as a bastion of peace and democracy in Africa,” he said, adding that such stability has attracted major investors like Aliko Dangote, who has pledged $2 billion in investments.
The President concluded by promising to leave a lasting legacy on national development, saying the foundations for sustained socio-economic growth have already been laid.
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President Adama Barrow continues his week-long development tour with the inauguration of key infrastructure and health projects in CRR North.The President also presented an ambulance to the community of Ballanghar Jaloto.President Barrow was seen off at Farafenni by a ceremonial guard from the 2nd Infantry Battalion of The Gambia Armed Forces before proceeding to Yalal Tankonjala.In Yalal, he laid the foundation stone for a new road connecting Yalal to inland communities. The road is expected to improve access and connectivity for residents.From Yalal, the President inspected the ongoing construction of an agro-logistics centre at Maka Farafenni on the main highway. The centre is jointly funded by the Government of The Gambia and the World Bank.When completed, the facility will include training, logistics, and food processing units, in line with the Ministry of Agriculture’s long-term plan for sustainable agricultural development.The President then returned to Farafenni to lay the foundation stone for the Farafenni Roads Project. The initiative aims to transform Farafenni into a major sub-regional trade and transit hub due to its strategic location on the Senegambia trade and transport corridor.The event was met with celebrations by residents.The President continued north to Ballanghar, where he was welcomed by large crowds. At the local health post, he presented an ambulance to the community.Residents celebrated the handover, describing it as a major step forward in healthcare delivery for the area.In Upper Saloum, President Barrow inaugurated the Njau, Bati-Gui Jahanka loop road. The road completes the North Bank road project, which runs from Kerr Gibbi in Upper Saloum to Nyanga Bantang in Niani District via Nianija.In Nianija, the President also inaugurated a new health post in Buduk — the first of its kind in the community.Minister of Health Dr Ahmadou Lamin Samateh described the facility as “another significant milestone”, reflecting the government’s commitment to improving healthcare services.President Barrow said the opening aligns with his administration’s broader goal of ensuring access to quality healthcare for all Gambians.For residents of Buduk and surrounding villages, the new health post will provide primary care for women and children and reduce pressure on the nearest health centre in Chamen.
President Adama Barrow on Saturday departed Banjul for a week-long tour of the country to launch, inaugurate, and lay foundation stones for key projects in infrastructure, health, and agriculture.The President is accompanied by a high-powered delegation of Cabinet ministers, technocrats, and supporters. The tour will take him to all regions of the country as part of his administration’s commitment to bring development closer to citizens.President Barrow was seen off at the Banjul Ferry Terminal by Vice President Mohammed B.S. Jallow, Cabinet ministers, heads of security services, and supporters. A guard of honour mounted by the Naval Fleet and the Army Battalion welcomed the Commander-in-Chief before he boarded the ferry to cross to Barra.Speaking on board, President Barrow said the tour reflects his government’s strategy of delivering social projects directly to ordinary Gambians.“Infrastructure is the foundation upon which all other sectors rely,” the President said, describing it as a key pillar of his development agenda.Upon arrival in Barra, the President was received by North Bank Region Governor Lamin Saidykhan, security chiefs, NPP regional executives, and members of the Gambia Democratic Congress who recently joined the NPP-led National People's Alliance.Outside the terminal, hundreds of supporters lined the streets to welcome the President.President Barrow laid the foundation stone for the Essau-Barra Back Way Road. He then travelled to Fass Njaga Choi to launch construction of an 8.5km road linking Madina Manneh, Samba Johen, and Ndungu Chareh.Communities expressed joy over the projects, saying the new roads will open access to markets and improve delivery of social services such as schools and health facilities.Similar scenes were witnessed in Kerr Samba Kalla, Upper Niumi, where the President laid the foundation stone for another 8.5km road connecting Ndungu Charreh, Lang Sarr, Malick Sarr, and Samba Yassin.The delegation later made a stop in Bakalar via the newly inaugurated Hakalang Road, where President Barrow laid the foundation stone for a 15km road to Pakela Demba Solleh, Sare Mama, and Sare Bajonkoto.The President’s tour continues across the country this week.
Communities in Lower Niumi, Upper Niumi, and Jokadu have welcomed new road projects launched by President Adama Barrow on Saturday as part of his nationwide development tour.In Fass Njaga Choi, the President laid the foundation stone for an 8.5km road linking Madina Manneh, Samba Johen, and Ndungu Chareh.Residents expressed joy and appreciation, saying the project fulfils a long-held community need.“This road has been our dream for years. We thank the President for remembering us,” one resident said.On the newly completed Hakalang Road, the President also launched the construction of a 15km feeder road in Bakalar. The road will connect Pakela Demba Solleh, Sare Mama, and Sare Bajonkoto.Alhaji Kala Darboe said the new road will create opportunities for women and farmers, while improving access to education, healthcare, and other essential services.The latest launches underscore the government’s renewed push to expand the country’s road network and bring development closer to rural communities.For residents of the North Bank Region, the projects represent tangible progress and renewed hope for improved livelihoods.President Barrow’s tour continues across the country this week.
Communities in Lower Niumi, Upper Niumi, and Jokadu have welcomed new road projects launched by President Adama Barrow on Saturday as part of his nationwide development tour.In Fass Njaga Choi, the President laid the foundation stone for an 8.5km road linking Madina Manneh, Samba Johen, and Ndungu Chareh.Residents expressed joy and appreciation, saying the project fulfils a long-held community need.“This road has been our dream for years. We thank the President for remembering us,” one resident said.On the newly completed Hakalang Road, the President also launched the construction of a 15km feeder road in Bakalar. The road will connect Pakela Demba Solleh, Sare Mama, and Sare Bajonkoto.Alhaji Kala Darboe said the new road will create opportunities for women and farmers, while improving access to education, healthcare, and other essential services.The latest launches underscore the government’s renewed push to expand the country’s road network and bring development closer to rural communities.For residents of the North Bank Region, the projects represent tangible progress and renewed hope for improved livelihoods.President Barrow’s tour continues across the country this week.
President Adama Barrow on day three of his nationwide development tour inaugurated the 17km Salikenni–Banni–Njaba Kunda road amidst celebrations by local communities.The inauguration ceremony was held in Njaba Kunda. The President also laid foundation stones for new road projects in Barra and Daru Rilwan.Later, President Barrow addressed a large gathering in Njaba Kunda attended by residents of Upper Badibou.Speakers at the meeting thanked the President for investments in roads, health care, and agriculture in the region.North Bank Region Governor Lamin Saidykhan commended the government for what he described as unprecedented development that has transformed livelihoods in the area. He urged residents to reflect on the impact of these projects on ordinary people.The National Assembly Member for the area described the gathering as significant, noting ongoing support for the President in Badibou. He attributed this to the government’s track record of delivering roads and health centres, adding that previous administrations had failed to construct the road despite strong local support.Alhaji Jagne, Chief of Central Badibou, and Councillor Maimuna Bah expressed gratitude to the President. They recalled past difficulties accessing health facilities due to poor roads, and said patients can now reach care within minutes thanks to the new road, health centre, and provision of ambulances.Minister of Gender and Children’s Welfare, Fatou Kinteh, said President Barrow’s development agenda is visible across all sectors, particularly in women’s empowerment. She noted that women now hold influential positions in government and called on women to support the President, adding that Gambian women have pledged to contribute to his nomination fees in December.Managing Director of the National Roads Authority, Sulayman Sumareh, disclosed that the Salikenni–Njaba Kunda road is fully government-funded. He said the project will improve connectivity and enhance access to health, education, and other social services.In his address, President Barrow described the new road as part of his government’s plan to connect all communities across the country. “The North Bank Region has received unprecedented attention under this government with the construction of several roads,” the President said.He reassured citizens of his administration’s commitment to infrastructure and urged communities to take ownership and maintain the projects to serve their intended purpose.
Prominent executive members of the People’s Progressive Party, PPP, led by former party leader Kebba Jallow, on Wednesday formally endorsed President His Excellency Adama Barrow and the National People’s Party, NPP-led Alliance, at State House.The delegation pledged to support the President’s candidature and work to ensure victory in the December 5th presidential election.Speaking to GRTS after the endorsement, Mr Jallow reaffirmed his support for President Barrow, saying the President has done so much for the country and deserves another term in office.Deputy Public Relations Officer of the NPP, Honourable Seedy S.K. Njie, welcomed the PPP executives into the Alliance. He said President Barrow is pleased to accept the endorsement.The PPP becomes the latest political party to throw its weight behind President Barrow, barely four months to the presidential election.President Barrow Meets GK Partners CEOIn a separate engagement, President Barrow also received in audience Mr Gibril Faal, Chief Executive Officer of GK Partners.Mr Faal briefed the President on the activities of GK Partners, particularly its ongoing Diaspora Fellowship project being implemented jointly with the International Organisation for Migration, IOM.He also updated the President on strides made in diaspora direct investment, noting that The Gambia now leads in monitoring remittance data through the Central Bank of The Gambia.President Barrow underscored his commitment to supporting the project and urged GK Partners to do more public relations work to inform Gambians about their initiatives.
The Vice President, His Excellency Mohammed B.S. Jallow, on Wednesday granted an audience to the European Union Ambassador to The Gambia, Her Excellency Immaculada Roca i Cortés, and her delegation at State House.The meeting focused on EU interventions in The Gambia and ways to further strengthen bilateral cooperation.Speaking to reporters after the closed-door meeting, Ambassador Cortés said the visit aimed to review ongoing cooperation between the EU and The Gambia across key development sectors.With The Gambia’s presidential elections less than four months away, Ambassador Cortés described the period as critical and stressed the need for close collaboration with development partners."The EU remains committed to supporting a peaceful and inclusive electoral process in The Gambia," she said.The Ambassador described the engagement as fruitful, noting that the Vice President was highly receptive and shares the EU’s vision for The Gambia’s development drive.Officials said discussions also covered how to enhance existing EU-funded projects and ensure they deliver maximum impact for Gambian communities.While the meeting has concluded, both sides reaffirmed that engagement between the Government of The Gambia and the European Union will continue as they work to advance the country’s development agenda.
The Vice President, His Excellency Mohammed B.S. Jallow, on Tuesday granted an audience to members of the Gambia Girl Guides Skills Centre at State House.The delegation met the country’s number-two office to discuss operational challenges facing the centre and to seek government support.The Gambia Girl Guides Skills Centre is one of the country’s first skills development facilities. It supports young girls in areas including tailoring, cuisine, hospitality, and tie and dye.However, over the years, the centre has deteriorated. The structures are old and dilapidated, activities have slowed, and authorities say they are losing both trainers and trainees.Faced with these challenges, the administration sought intervention from the Office of the Vice President.Following a closed-door meeting with the Vice President and senior officials, Chief Commissioner of the Gambia Girl Guides Association, Khadijatou A. Jobarteh, said the centre has done well but continues to face frustrations.(H.E Mohammed B.S Jallow - right - and Khadijatou A. Jobarteh, Chief Commissioner of the Gambia Girl Guides Association - left)Chief Commissioner Jobarteh added that the Association is also seeking an audience with First Lady Her Excellency Fatou Bah Barrow to discuss their concerns.Members of the Association said Vice President Jallow gave his full assurance that he will look into the challenges facing the centre. She said the Vice President has promised to engage the concerned Permanent Secretaries at the Ministries and the Office of the First Lady. In outlining the path to reviving the centre, Chief Commissioner Jobarteh highlighted key areas needing urgent assistance. She said they would need refurbishment of the centre and funding to be able to pay the trainers. Officials expressed optimism that the engagement with the Vice President will be a catalyst for change to restore The Gambia’s only Girl Guides skills training facility.
The President, His Excellency Adama Barrow, on Tuesday received in audience the Right Honourable Tiohang Sekhamane, Speaker of the Parliament of the Kingdom of Lesotho, at State House.Speaker Sekhamane was accompanied by a high-level delegation that included the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Serign Modou Njie, and the UN Resident Coordinator, Karl Frederick Paul.Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Speaker Sekhamane said the visit was jointly organised by the Government of The Gambia, the United Nations Development Programme, and the Government of Lesotho.He noted that The Gambia has made significant strides through its partnership with UNDP on government development financing."Therefore, I came here to learn from The Gambia and see how Lesotho can adopt a similar partnership for the development of our people and country," he said.Speaker Sekhamane concluded by thanking President Barrow for his leadership, vision, and commitment, which he said have contributed to the success of the program in The Gambia.The engagement forms part of efforts to strengthen South-South cooperation and share best practices in governance and development.
The President, His Excellency Adama Barrow, hosted a state banquet in honour of visiting Gabonese President, His Excellency General Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, at State House.The banquet, attended by Gambian and Gabonese officials and invited dignitaries, marked the climax of President Nguema’s four-day visit to The Gambia.President Nguema was accompanied by First Lady Her Excellency Zita Oligui Nguema. They were received by President Barrow and First Lady Her Excellency Fatou Bah Barrow.The evening featured a toast to the enduring relationship between Gabon and The Gambia, followed by a dinner of traditional Gambian cuisine. Guests were entertained by a kora troupe and cultural performances showcasing Mandinka, Serer, and Jola music and dance.
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