By Kemo Kanyi
President Adama Barrow has urged Gambians to take advantage of opportunities available within the country and resist “unrealistic expectations of life abroad,” particularly through irregular migration routes.
The President made the call on Monday in a message posted on his official Facebook page, as part of ongoing efforts to address the persistent challenge of irregular migration, locally known as the “backway.”
He appealed to parents, communities and young people to work together in finding sustainable, home-grown solutions to curb the phenomenon, which has claimed many lives in recent years.
“As my government continues to take decisive actions to counter this phenomenon, I encourage citizens to embrace opportunities within The Gambia,” President Barrow said.
He notes that the country has made significant progress compared to the hardships of the 1980s, when basic food commodities were scarce and citizens queued for rice rations. Today, he says, essential goods are readily available and most households can afford at least three meals a day.
President Barrow also called on parents to instill values such as hard work, patience and resilience in their children, warning against the misleading promises of quick wealth abroad.
He further announced that the government would launch an inclusive national dialogue and sensitization programme on migration and development, involving political actors and other key stakeholders.
Meanwhile, the President reiterated his government’s commitment to take firm legal action against anyone found responsible for the loss of lives, particularly following recent boat tragedies off the coast of Niumi.
