On Saturday, during the Ninth Stake in the Nation Forum (SNF9), Vice-President Muhammed B.S. Jallow, speaking on behalf of President Adama Barrow, announced plans to push for diaspora voting and revealed a new initiative to honor football legend Biri-Biri.
Meanwhile, the Minister of Tourism discussed plans to imitate Cape Verde’s successful diaspora-led tourism model.
Held at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Centre and streamed worldwide, the forum gathered government officials, diaspora representatives, development partners, and private sector leaders under the theme “Enhancing Participation in the Productive Sectors.”
Addressing diaspora inclusion in elections, Vice-President Jallow emphasised the need to establish polling stations abroad, criticizing the current exclusion of Gambians from voting outside the country.
He stated, “There is nothing to fear about diaspora voting; no system is perfect, but a collective national solution is urgently needed.” Jallow appealed to partners and institutions to support the technical efforts led by GK Partners, which aim to enable votes from abroad.
Acknowledging concerns over logistics and costs, he stressed that Gambians abroad remain engaged through financial and policy contributions.
“Implementing a solution to this unresolved matter is well overdue,” he affirmed.
He also addressed the issue of “backway” irregular migration, declaring it a national emergency and announcing increased naval patrols and intelligence efforts to dismantle human smuggling networks, alongside long-term strategies like awareness campaigns and livelihood programs.
“We urge families, diaspora networks, and all citizens to educate our youths against this dysfunctional migration,” he urged.
In the same forum, Tourism Minister Abdoulie Jobe highlighted Cape Verde as an inspiration for diaspora-driven tourism development.
“One of the things Cape Verde has done is to leverage its diaspora to invest in tourism, which we aim to do as well,” Jobe explained.
He noted that while Cape Verde once studied The Gambia’s tourism industry, it now attracts millions of visitors annually, a goal The Gambia has yet to reach.
“There’s something we’re not doing right, and we must do it right,” Jobe admitted.
He announced plans to establish a diaspora tourism and investment platform to tap into Gambians’ overseas expertise and capital.
“Through meaningful engagement, we can position The Gambia as a prime homecoming destination,” he said.
Traditionally, Vice-President Jallow announced the “Biri-Biri Initiative on Sports and Tourism,” commemorating late football star Alhaji Momodou Njie Biri-Biri. The refurbished Independence Stadium will be renamed “Biri-Biri Stadium.”
“May his soul rest in peace, and his legacy endure,” Jallow remarked.
The initiative aims to inspire youth, promote sports, and use Biri-Biri’s story to boost tourism, aligning with the Tourism Ministry’s renewed strategy.
Both leaders emphasized the government’s commitment to increasing diaspora involvement across sectors. Jallow highlighted that diaspora professionals are increasingly filling roles in the public sector and driving reforms.
The forum also featured the RemitAid initiative— a remittance matching program created by Professor Gibril Faal, which was recently showcased at a UN summit in Seville, Spain.
As SNF9 concluded, the Vice-President looked forward to the tenth edition in January 2027, expressing optimism for ongoing cooperation and progress.
He concluded by reminding the nation, “The solemn duty of nation-building is never ending,” on behalf of the President.
