By Kemo Kanyi
Amadou Jaiteh, leader of the People’s Reformist Organization for Growth, Renewal, Equity, Security and Social Justice (PROGRESS) has promised to introduce what he described as a more equitable system of governance if his political movement comes to power.
Speaking at a political meeting in Tujereng Village on Sunday, the former Gambian diplomat said many citizens were deprived of their basic rights because of governance systems that, he argued, failed to adequately address the needs of vulnerable communities.
Jaiteh criticised what he described as the persistent hardships facing Gambians, as well as what he called unfulfilled promises by the current government.
“PROGRESS wants to assure you of change with a difference. A change that comes with system change. A change that can put in place proper infrastructure that caters to all. It is a system that caters to people over politics,” he said.
Jaiteh accused the current political leadership of making promises that were difficult to implement.
He also questioned the government’s ability to fulfil its electricity-related commitments, arguing that The Gambia lacked sufficient capacity to meet domestic electricity needs, let alone supply power beyond its borders.
He told residents of Tujereng that such promises were made to attract voters during elections but were later abandoned, leaving communities to continue facing economic and social difficulties.
The former diplomat said PROGRESS would pursue a people-centred approach to governance focused on economic development and empowering citizens through the creation of opportunities for sustainable livelihoods.
He also promised to expand the fishing industry by providing fishing boats for young people in the area and establishing storage facilities for their catches.
Jaiteh said such interventions would help create employment opportunities for young people and reduce their vulnerability to irregular migration.