By: Momodou S Gagigo
President Adama Barrow concluded his nationwide “Meet the People” tour in the West Coast region on a high note Saturday evening, inspecting two landmark health projects before heading to Siffoe, where praise for his administration’s development record collided with sharp political barbs and renewed calls for unity.
Under floodlights in Brusubi, the President toured the nearly complete $10 million National Food & Drug Quality Control Laboratory, a cornerstone of the Gambia Essential Health Services Strengthening Project. Once operational, the WHO-standard facility will end The Gambia’s costly dependence on foreign laboratories for testing medicines, food, and cosmetics.
“We spend millions sending samples abroad,” Barrow declared. “Soon every drug and every food item entering this country will be tested right here by Gambians, for Gambians.” Contractors confirmed the lab will be fully handed over by June 2026.
Minutes away in Farato, the President walked through the cavernous halls of the $26.5 million National Emergency Treatment Centre, now 85 percent complete. The 150-bed facility, featuring a modern emergency department, ICU, trauma unit, and advanced diagnostics, is on track for a December 2025 opening. “This will be the pride of emergency care in West Africa,” a senior engineer told the presidential entourage.
The mood shifted dramatically in Siffoe, where hundreds gathered to welcome Barrow. Local leaders seized the platform to settle political scores. Village Development Committee Chairman Lamin Jamba Jammeh launched a blistering attack on opposition United Democratic Party (UDP) Brikama Area Council Chairman, Yankuba Darbo, declaring, “Even Ousainou Darboe knows his chairman is not mentally stable.” Jammeh claimed Darboe once boasted he would become president from prison, adding that even Banjul Mayoress Rohey Malick Lowe, though not an NPP member, openly supports Barrow’s achievements.
Representatives of the Manjago community thanked Barrow for ending decades of marginalisation while pleading for feeder roads and official recognition of their language in land-dispute courts. The Council of Elders demanded an ambulance, repairs to the Darsilameh bridge, and electricity and water for the remote Salla village.
Cabinet members rallied behind the President. Barrow Press Secretary Amie Bojang Sisasho highlighted Barrow’s recent Morocco peace award, while Agriculture Minister Demba Sabally praised subsidised fertilizer and record groundnut purchase prices. Sabally announced imminent road contracts for the requested corridors.
Barrow promised swift delivery: new schools, electricity, water reticulation, and feeder roads for Siffoe, declaring, “The biggest water project in the West Coast Region is coming right here.”
Turning to politics, the President was unsparing. “The UDP cannot even manage their own party – what have they ever done for this country?” he thundered, drawing loud applause. Mocking opposition colours, he quipped, “The day UDP takes power, even the Chief Justice will wear yellow and join their tour.”
Dismissing corruption allegations, Barrow branded critics “former UN workers, jobless people, and radio heroes.” He positioned the National People’s Party (NPP) as the future, urging, “Let the old guard step aside; the youth must lead.”
As the crowd dispersed into the night, Siffoe remained electric – a community energised by tangible projects yet unmistakably aware that 2026 elections are already being fought street by street, promise by promise.
