Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, The Gambia) – The Gambia’s Minister of Information, Media, and Broadcasting Services, Dr. Ismaila Ceesay, addressed critical national issues during an interview on West Coast Radio’s Coffee Time with Peter Gomez on Tuesday. His remarks aimed to address growing public concerns over the potential U.S. visa restrictions on The Gambia, the facilitation of foreign currency for essential goods importers, and the government’s takeover of McCarthy Square.

Potential U.S. Visa Restrictions

Dr. Ceesay clarified concerns surrounding a potential U.S. visa restriction on The Gambia, explaining that it stems from delays in verifying the nationality of individuals slated for deportation.

“There are currently over 3,000 purported Gambians in the U.S. awaiting deportation,” he stated. “However, we need to verify their identities before issuing travel documents. This verification process is slow, as these individuals are scattered across different states.”

He noted that the U.S. government had suggested conducting the verification virtually, but logistical challenges prolonged the process. As a result, The Gambia was placed on a list of countries facing potential visa restrictions, with a 60-day window to resolve the matter.

“The two governments share a strong bilateral relationship, and we are working together to find a solution,” he assured.

Foreign Currency Facilitation for Importers

The minister also dispelled rumors that the government had given out $100 million to businesses for free. He explained that the Ministry of Trade merely facilitated access to foreign currency for essential commodity importers.

“The Dalasi is not a traded currency on the global market, making it difficult for importers to access foreign currency. The Central Bank, upon recommendations from the Ministry of Trade, facilitated transactions with financial institutions to ensure that importers could obtain the necessary funds,” he explained.

Dr. Ceesay emphasized that the funds were not a handout but part of a structured facilitation process to prevent potential shortages of essential goods.

Government Takeover of McCarthy Square

On the controversial takeover of McCarthy Square from the Banjul City Council (BCC), Dr. Ceesay defended the government’s decision, arguing that the site had been neglected for years.

“McCarthy Square is a national and symbolic asset that has been abandoned. The lawns were never mowed, and every year the government spent millions of Dalasi rehabilitating the site for Independence Day celebrations, only for it to be left in ruins afterward,” he said.

The minister dismissed suggestions that the takeover was politically motivated, stating that the government’s intention is to maintain and preserve the historic site.

“It is part of the State House and was built during the colonial period. The government believes it is in the national interest to take charge of its management,” he said.

When asked whether the government would return control of the site to BCC after the upcoming Diamond Jubilee celebrations, Dr. Ceesay was skeptical.

“BCC has proven time and again that they are not capable of maintaining McCarthy Square. The government is stepping in because we cannot allow such an important national landmark to fall into disrepair.”

The minister’s statement, however, is likely to continue fueling debates on government intervention in municipal affairs and economic policy.