The APRC PARTY, under the leadership of Fa Bakary Tombong Jatta, has convened a press conference, on Tuesday 19th July, 2017 at the home of its leader in Tallinding.
BY Kebba AF Touray
He clarified that his party has been denied its constitutional rights under section 25 of the 1997 constitution, when it was been denied permit by the police to hold its birthday, which he added is a violation of the section.
On democracy he said that the establishment of The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC), establishment of the Office of the Ombudsman under section 163 of the constitution, the introduction of separation of powers within the three arms of the government, establishment of the Public Accounts Committee and the construction of a multimillion dollar state of the art National Assembly by the APRC party, is all geared towards the party’s commitments to ensuring the prevalence of democracy in the country.
He said that the construction of Kombo Coastal Road, the construction of Kerewan and Sankulay Kunda bridge, among other infrastructures under the former APRC regime, have all boosted tourism and brought about socio- economic development to the people of the country in general, the people of the areas in particular.
Dilating on education, Mr. Jatta said that the construction of the University of The Gambia, introduction of free basic and secondary education and the formation of the President’s Empowerment of Girls Education (PEGEP), inter alia are all policies of his party to ensure an enlightened and informed citizenry.
He also stated that new generators were purchased and power plants have been erected, to provide electricity across the country.
“The second phase of the rural electrification Expansion Project (REEP) also started in earnest during the APRC regime to provide electricity to more villages and hamlets mostly with streets light. Provision of electricity is the bedrock to ensuring socio-economic development and also prevents rural -urban drift,” he said.
He also said that the APRC regime has constructed Serekunda general hospital Farafenni general hospital, Bwaim hospital upgraded the Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital, which are testimonies of his Party’s commitment to ensuring a healthy citizenry.
“The provision of tractors, power tillers, farm equipment and fertilizer to Gambians and the ex- president’s Eat what you grow and grow what you eat, have undoubtedly ensured increase yields, thus improve the livelihood of farmers,” he said.
On Youths and Women empowerment, Mr. Jatta said that various forms of legislations were promulgated and numerous youth and women programs were introduced by the APRC party, with a view to equip them with skills and also increase their earning capacities.
On security, he cited that his party has constructed police stations and posts in growth centers, major towns, villages and communities to safeguard life and properties of all citizens.
Mr. Tombong Jatta commended Ex-president Jammeh for these initiatives and developments and urged the current one to fulfill its campaign promises such as the price reduction of basic food commodities, introduction of presidential term limit, reliable and efficient electricity supply, provision of seed nuts, fertilizer and farm implements to farmers and creation of youth employment, among others. He also called on the government to urgently launch an independent investigation in to the death of Haruna Jatta, immediately appoint a Vice President for the Gambia and to put up measures to curb the growing rate of armed robbery, rape and murder especially in the greater Banjul area.