By: Binta Jaiteh
Retired military officer Joseph Paul Jassey has launched a sharp rebuke on President Adama Barrow, accusing him of betraying the Gambian people through misgovernance, corruption, and tribalism.
Speaking at the launch of his new political movement, the Nationalist Alternative for Gambia Party, Jassey declared that the current administration has failed to deliver on its promises of transparency, accountability, and national unity.
Jassey, a native of Siffoe Village and now Secretary General of the new party, described the launch not merely as a political event, but as a national awakening.
“The Gambia we envisioned when this administration took office has not materialized,” Jassey said. “Our hospitals lack medicines, schools are stripped of textbooks, laboratories, and libraries. Our power supply is unreliable, and many rural communities still lack clean water and sanitation. Crime is rising at an alarming rate.” officer Jassey also noted that
“This is not about ambition, but duty. Every citizen has a role to play some are called to teach, to heal, to build. Others are called to lead, not for applause or accolades, but because their conscience cannot remain silent while the nation falters,” he declared.
Retired military officer Joseph Paul Jassey, recalled his experience in public service, emphasizing that leadership should never be a platform for personal gain. “I have seen the betrayal of the promise of this country by those entrusted to guard it. When leaders break that covenant, it is the duty of those who can do better to step up and answer the call.”
He also reminded Gambians of the hardships endured under the former regime and warned against accepting the current state of affairs as normal.
“Let us be honest with ourselves the status quo hurts. We removed a dictatorship, only to entrust our hopes to someone who, by his own admission, lacked the capacity to govern. Today, we are living with that consequence.”
Retired officer Jassey called on citizens to reject complacency and take action. “We cannot afford to wait another term. We must act now.”
He assured the public that his party will prioritize the interests of the Gambian people and ensure institutions serve the nation and not individual politicians.
“This party is not mine,” he concluded. “It belongs to the whole country.”