Paramount Chief Urges Locals to Go Back to the Land

The Daily Observer (Banjul)

Fatoumatta K Saidykhan And Aminata K Sanyang

24 June 2011

Alhaji Demba Sanyang, the paramount chief of The Gambia and chief of Kombo North District in the West Coast Region, has called on Gambians, particularly those in Kombo North to come out in large numbers and respond to the Gambian leader’s call for people to go back to the land and work for the betterment of the nation.

He made this call on Thursday during an exclusive interview with the Daily Observer at his compound in Lamin, Kombo North District, West Coast Region. According to him, the ‘back-to-the-land’ call initiated by President Jammeh will help the country attain its desired food self-sufficiency. He said he is working hand-in-glove with the National Council of Seyfolu to make this year’s farming season the best ever.

He disclosed that he has provided two hectares of land for the youths of Kombo North with the aid of David Colley, the director general of the Prisons Department and the minister of Youth and Sports, Sheriff Gomez. Paramount Chief Sanyang urged the youths of Kombo North to mobilise young people in their respective communities to come out in large numbers and “work to eat what we grow and grow what we eat”, rather than importing goods that can be produced in the country.

“I and my family are ready and willing to work hand in hand with the youths to reduce poverty and drive away hunger from the country, as President Jammeh has provided all the equipment to make farming easier,” he remarked. Commenting on the upcoming presidential election, the paramount chief said it will be a moment when people will be choosing their representatives with their own choices. He described President Jammeh as a hardworking and dedicated leader who has brought a lot of development into the country, pointing out that even the blind and deaf people know about his developments.

“He has done a lot in improving the infrastructural development and reducing poverty alleviation, among a host of other development initiatives,” he said. Chief Sanyang also assured that Gambians especially women and youths are also ready to give their votes to President Jammeh for him to continue leading the country.

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