By Fatou Sillah
The Minister of Agriculture, Hon. Demba Sabally, has strongly criticized the Chairman of the Brikama Area Council, Yankuba Darboe, describing him as unfit to lead development efforts in the region.
Speaking to supporters of the National People’s Party (NPP) during a political gathering in Rumba Village, Minister Sabally questioned Chairman Darboe’s capacity to deliver meaningful progress, accusing him of promoting division and violence.
“Chairman Yankuba Darboe has consistently behaved in a disruptive manner both during and after the ‘Three Years Jotna’ saga. This is the same individual who was taken to court for allegedly insulting a judge. I won’t go into details on that case, but what I will say clearly is that he lacks the vision and character needed to develop the West Coast Region. All he seems to promote is chaos and confrontation,” Sabally stated.
The Minister further criticized the council under Darboe’s leadership for introducing tax policies that he claims would burden the economically vulnerable population of the West Coast Region. He added that the central government, under President Adama Barrow, does not support such measures.
“Darboe and his council have implemented new tax laws that will negatively impact the poor. President Barrow’s administration has outrightly condemned these policies,” Sabally asserted.
Touching on the political landscape, Sabally reaffirmed that President Barrow would seek a third term in office despite opposition calls for him to step down after his current term.
“Let the UDP know this clearly—President Barrow will contest in the next election and will win again, just as he defeated former President Jammeh and Ousainou Darboe,” he declared.
In terms of development promises, the Agriculture Minister assured the residents of Rumba that they would benefit from improved infrastructure and electrification by 2025/2026.
“When we entered Rumba, we noticed the poor condition of the roads and lack of electricity. President Barrow has been informed, and the Minister of Works—who hails from Kombo South—will take action. I assure the people of Rumba that by 2025 or 2026, electricity will reach your community,” Sabally promised.
He also criticized the United Democratic Party (UDP) for failing to manage basic services across councils under their control.
“The UDP-led councils—from Banjul to the West Coast to KMC—struggle even to collect garbage in the markets. If they cannot manage waste, how can they bring electricity to the people?” he questioned.
Responding to recent remarks about President Barrow’s commitment to religious affairs, Minister Sabally defended the president, highlighting his personal contributions to the Islamic faith.
“No one loves religion more than President Adama Barrow. He has personally funded the construction of mosques in Basse, Jarra Soma, and Serrekunda. During the COVID-19 pandemic, imams across the country received D15,000 each in support from the president. The UDP has shown a lack of respect for religious leaders, but President Barrow continues to stand with them,” Sabally concluded.