According to President Adama Barrow, The Gambia’s 2023 was the most productive year since the Corona virus in 2019, despite global economic crises and inflation. The country recorded significant successes in infrastructure development, energy and water provision, education, health, agriculture, and justice delivery, demonstrating its resilience and optimism for 2024. Here are some takeaways from President Barrow’s New Year speech.

Despite its tranquility, The Gambia is confined to harsh living conditions.

Barrow believes that The Gambia is stable and peaceful, with a drop in crime rates despite a fatal shooting incident in September. His administration’s focus is on development through the National Development Plan and Medium-Term Economic Fiscal Framework. Inflation has risen to 18%, impacting living costs, but local production can help reduce imports.

The Gambian government plans to continue subsidizing essential imported commodities, reducing spending on development projects. To compensate, taxation will be used for inclusive development. The government believes development is essential for progress, peace, and stability. The government is committed to maintaining development-oriented policies and focusing on the welfare of the people, despite the reduction in spending on development projects.

Irregular youth migration is a priority, as is fighting poor civil service delivery.

Irregular migration is a growing concern, putting young people’s lives at risk. Education and skill acquisition are crucial for their success and happiness. The 2024 national budget prioritizes TVET and education. Local communities, particularly along the coastline, must actively prevent irregular migration by being vigilant and preventing dangerous journeys involving Gambian citizens.

The Civil Service Reform in The Gambia focuses on improving service delivery by ensuring workers’ welfare and addressing worker apathy, corruption, and crime. The new year’s resolution for 2024 is “Efficiency for Quality Output,” aiming to inject quality into all aspects of life, including infrastructure, work, and food. The reforms aim to ensure durability and promote peace and development in the country.

The President emphasizes the importance of international quality variables in service delivery, including government contracts, policies, and personnel. He urged public servants and institutions to aim higher and focus on people and the environment.

A Constitution for the Third Republic in 2024 and a warning against divisive politics

The Gambian government is looking forward to three major events in 2024: the OIC Summit, the Janjangbureh Bicentenary Festival, and a referendum on the new Constitution for the Third Republic. President Adama Barrow thanked all leaders, development partners, and citizens for cooperation and collaboration. The head of state also prayed for the lives lost during the year and wished everyone a happy and prosperous 2024.

Barrow finally warns against growing instability in the sub-region, urging against divisive politics, land issues, and ethnic rivalry. He urges the people to use their national pride, collective determination, and diversity to drive change and development.