By Kemo Kanyi
The Reformist Organization for Growth, Renewal, Equity, Security, and Social Justice (PROGRESS) has declared that one of its key objectives is to prevent President Adama Barrow from seeking a third term in office.
The leader of the political movement, Mr. Amadou Jaiteh, said in an interview with The Voice newspaper on Tuesday that PROGRESS is committed to ending what he described as self-perpetuating rule in the country.
“Our objectives are many, but first among them is to end self-perpetuating leadership by stopping President Barrow’s third-term bid,” Jaiteh said.
He explained that PROGRESS aims to establish a people-centred government and to remove party politics from Parliament and local government structures, arguing that governance should prioritize community interests over partisan loyalty.
According to Jaiteh, the movement seeks to deliver a reformed constitution that reflects the aspirations of Gambians, while empowering communities to manage their own affairs free from political interference. He stressed the need for communities to work cohesively to address development challenges.
Turning on to the economy, Jaiteh says PROGRESS intends to tackle the high cost of living through policies designed to empower local importers and retailers. He noted that promoting Gambian-owned businesses would help retain capital within the country and protect the dalasi from inflationary pressures.
The PROGRESS leader also pledged to curb waste and corruption by introducing austerity measures to reduce excessive government spending. He announced plans to introduce a minimum living wage, proposing salaries ranging between D10,000 and D15,000 in the private sector and D20,000 to D25,000 in the public sector. He further pledged that a PROGRESS-led government would fully implement the recommendations of all investigative commissions.
Jaiteh adds that the movement intends to depoliticize parliament and local government by removing mayors, chairpersons and governors who serve as party representatives. He said lawmakers should be independent candidates accountable to their communities rather than political parties.
Describing PROGRESS as the future of The Gambia, Jaiteh says the movement’s reform-driven agenda and manifesto reflect its commitment to systemic change and national development.
