By Haddy Touray
Two Swiss investors who are currently on a working visit called on the Vice President of The Gambia, His Excellency Muhammed S. Jallow, where they disclosed a plan for the construction of elderly and retirement homes in Gambia.
Mr. Peter Sydler and Madam Ulrike Doris Erkling were accompanied to the office of the VP by Mr. Yunus Silla, Proprietor of Yunus English School, on Monday, May 5, 2025.
Speaking to The Voice Newspaper, shortly after their meeting with VP Jallow, Mr. Silla disclosed that the visit was meant to unveil plans for the construction of elderly home in the country, noting that this would be the first of its kind in the country that would go a long way to create jobs and attract the much needed foreign currency for government’s balance of payment.
According to him, the investors are friends of the Yunus English School who have been supportive to the educational sector especially to the needy and vulnerable Gambians, adding that the investors have been rendering support to many parents as well as providing equipment for the nursing schools in the country.
He revealed that the Swiss investors have been motivated by the peace, tranquillity and hospitable people of the country, adding that their intervention would attract significant number of elderly people from Europe and other western countries to move to The Gambia instead of Asia, Latin America and other places.
“We were very happy to be received by the Vice President, who welcomed the idea of establishing homes for the elderly in the country. The Vice President also advised the investors to work on their proposals and liaise with the various stakeholders in the realisation of this project,” said Mr. Yunus Silla.
He added: “This would be the first of its kind in the country and once it comes into being it would create jobs for Gambian Youths, help government to attract foreign currency and help address illegal back-way journeys to Europe. This could also be an opportunity for many Gambians working in elderly homes in Europe and America with experience to come back and work in The Gambia.”
Silla, further thanked the VP for the warm welcome accorded to the investors, while expressing special thanks to the investors for choosing The Gambia for such an investment.
