By Lamin Kujabi
His Excellency President Adama Barrow accompanied by First Lady Fatou Bah-Barrow and senior government officials on Tuesday, 27th September 2022 returned from the 77th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 77) in New York, United States of America (USA).
The President was received at the Banjul International Airport (BIA) by Ministers of Defence and Interior Serign Modou Njie and Siaka Sonko as well as security chiefs.
Speaking to journalists, President Barrow said in addition to addressing world leaders, he had various bilateral meetings with a special focus on climate change financing and education.
He admitted that climate change is affecting all the countries in the world including The Gambia. He however noted that the United States Government has pledged billions of US Dollars to curb the menace. From this pledge, The Gambia will benefit to the tune of 20 million Dollars.
The President confirmed that the world is in crisis and “we are doing everything possible to address economic problems in The Gambia, my government is not slow in responding to the high cost of living, it is just that our resources are limited.”
He urged business owners not to take advantage of the situation to over-price essential commodities as they are partners of the Government and should be complimenting the state’s efforts in improving livelihoods. He said his government is doing everything possible to reduce the high cost of living by subsidizing fuel and other essential commodities including tax exemption on rice.
On the security situation of the country, the President described it as unfortunate as “The Gambia is a peaceful country” and will meet his Chief Security Officers to discuss ways of ensuring the peaceful nature of the nation.
President Barrow reiterated the importance of Gambians investing in the country as the ultimate responsibility of developing the country lies in the hands of the citizens. “Gambians abroad are doing well and I see no reason why they should not invest back home. I call on all of them to come together and help develop the country.” He urged.
