Members of The Peace Network and President Adama Barrow At State House.
President Adama Barrow reiterated his government’s priority in promoting peace and food security in maintaining national security during a series of engagements held at the state house on 4th April 2023.
The President emphasised that it is through peace and stability that there can be development. He further stated that to fight poverty, there must be reorientation through advocacy and education for citizens to engage in agriculture as a business venture and ensure food security. He said rice production and value addition to local products would make investments in the agriculture sector worthwhile.
He raised concern that non-Gambians dominate most skilled areas and called for partners to invest in skills development for the youths. President Barrow highlighted the potential of investment in agriculture to realise food security and health tourism, as the Gambia’s tourism sector contributes about 20% to the GDP.
Receiving the SOS Village Management team led by its new National Director, Jean Pierre Kouamin, President Barrow thanked SOS ‘for putting a smile on many Gambians.’
He pledged his government’s support for SOS children transiting into the Community by having the right policy environment to guarantee their national identity.
Similarly, the President held in his audience members of Peace Network, a national network of professionals, researchers and consultants on peace and international security. Led by its CEO, Alasana Jallow, and accompanied by the founder and Deputy CEO, Professor Momodou Mustapha Fanneh and delegation, their discussion centre on national security concerns that could be a threat to peace and development.
President Adama Barrow with The Senior Vice President Of External Affairs Philip Morris International
President Barrow commended them for their initiative and informed them of his government’s efforts to curb crimes and fight food insecurity by prioritising agriculture to end poverty. To maintain peace, the President stressed, “ I have to lead by example by being tolerant and allowing communication with citizens, considering our history of 22 years of dictatorship.”
He noted that his government is fighting all forms of crime, and the latest statistic he received indicated the Police recorded only thirty-five reported crimes countrywide. President Barrow said his government would not be complacent and would continue to work for a peaceful environment.
In another engagement of the day, President Barrow received the Senior Vice President of External Affairs of Philip Morris International, Mr Gregiore Verdeux and the delegation. They are in The Gambia to explore investment opportunities to diversify and expand investment into the African market. The President informed them that his government prioritises investments in food security and health tourism. The Gambia, he added, is ready for business, and a peaceful and democratic environment exists with the proper legal framework to support and protect investments. He thanked Philip Morris International for choosing The Gambia in their maiden African visit
