Kanifing Municipality’s Mayor Talib Ahmed Bensouda has vowed to tackle unemployment and curb the plight of the unemployed within his municipality.
In his May Day statement Monday, Mayor Bensouda said: “Today May 1st is a symbolic date as it marks the International Worker’s Day as well as my nomination as a Mayoral candidate for KM. I pay tribute to a group of people who often go unnoticed, but who play a critical role in the functioning of our society and economy – the workers.
“They are the backbone of our society, the unsung heroes who work hard every day to make ends meet. Today, especially, I want to recognise and celebrate the contributions of all workers, regardless of their profession or industry. I recognise the crucial role that each and every worker plays in the very fabric of our communities.
“A special recognition is given to the farmers and gardeners, the pillars of our food production system. They work tirelessly to grow the crops that feed our families and sustain our communities. Teachers play a crucial role in ensuring the future of our society by equipping our children with the skills and knowledge they will need to progress in life. I respect and value you all so much.”
Mayor Bensouda also stated that May Day is a reminder that without a serious concern of the high unemployment rate among the youths and without a proper strategic review and redressing plan of the nation’s economy centred on these very youths, the country will never reach its desired level of development.
He furthered: “All workers, be it from the formal and informal sectors, are recognised and acknowledged for their tireless hard work and efforts to ensure that they make ends meet every day despite the dire economic situation our country is faced with.
“Let this day serve as another reminder that we must never stop working towards the betterment of our country. Let us celebrate the human #dignity of every worker, and recognize their essential role. Let us preserve and protect the public funds and ensure the retired among us, who contributed their quota, enjoy a decent pension.”
Thus, the development of The Gambia being a shared goal, Mr Bensouda urged the joining of hands as workers to turn “this place we share into a much better place as we move forward with more development. It is only by joining forces and working together that will we make Gambia a better place for all”.
