Due to consistent inaccurate media reports brought to the attention of the Spokesperson of the Government of The Gambia, the Minister of Information and Communications Technology wishes to clarify that:
Ministry of Justice
Further to news reports that the Semlex Contract was aborted, the minister of Justice and Attorney General has confirmed that the contract between the Government of the Gambia and Semlex has not been aborted.
As indicated by the spokesperson of the Government of the Gambia during the last press conference, the company was invited by the Government of The Gambia for a re-negotiation and review of some of the provisions in the existing contract.
These negotiations have been concluded and plans are underway for the implementation of the Biometric Identity Cards to start soon.
Ministry of Transport, Works and Infrastructure
The Ministry of Transport, Works and Infrastructure project funds for the Basse-Fatoto-Koina and the Basse and Fatoto bridge projects totaling US$75 million is a grant and not a loan, as reported.
Ministry of Interior
The Ministry of Interior has expressed concern over the frequency in the use of weapons to commit crimes, theft and burglaries as such, the Ministry of Interior wishes to inform the general public that the Gambia Police Force will, with immediate effect and within the ambit of the laws of the Gambia use all powers vested in it to combat violent crimes.
The Ministry of Interior also calls on Gambians to compliment the Government of the Gambia’s efforts to reduce crime by cooperating with and sharing relevant information with the Police, where and when necessary.
Foreign Affairs and Gambians Abroad
Further to the statements of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad (MoFA) television appearance on the stance of the Government of the Gambia on the deportation of Gambians from the United States of America on March 23, the spokesperson would like to reiterate that all sovereign states have the right to determine who comes in and or stays in their countries
The Government of the Gambia further urges Gambians resident in other countries to regularize their immigration status and, to strive to respect the laws of the countries they live in.
The statements of the minister from the various ministries is vague at best. These are written/spoken words from which one could hardly glean any substantive meaning.
In my mind, it would have been prudent for the various ministers or their representatives to conduct press conferences or at least a press briefing because Gambia is at the moment at a crossroads. Either this government will step up to the challenge or continue to dally in their ignorance, confusion, incompetence and the non quenchable desire for self aggrandizement.
From the above release of Demba, one could easily deduce the similarity in language to that of Jammeh in admonishing us to be ever docile in the ways the affairs of the nation are managed. We will not be silenced again. That’s my message to this government and all who trod their methods.