The Gambia’s Tourism and Culture Minister, Hamat Bah has informed the National Assembly that through the US$68 Million World Bank Grant, a provision has been made for the protection of Kunta Kinteh Island in Jufurreh and the jetty at Albreada.
Minister Bah was responding parliamentary questions posed to him by the country’s lawmakers at the legislative house in Banjul on Wednesday 20th, September, 2023.
Minister Bah made this statement while responding to the question posed to him by the Member for Upper Nuimi, Hon. Omar Darboe.
Member for Upper Niumi, Hon. Omar Darboe, asked the Minister to explain to the assembly when his Ministry will commence work to reclaim and maintain Kunta Kinteh Island in Juffureh, which is being eroded by the river on a daily basis, and to also rehabilitate the jetty in Albreada.
Minister replied “Through the US$68 Million World Bank Grant on tourism diversification and resilient project under his Ministry, there is a provision for the protection of the Kunta Kinteh Island and the Jetty at Albreada”.
He said “The project is currently hiring a consultant for the feasibility study and this will be followed by the commencement of work to protect the island which is a UNESCO Heritage site. Most likely, in the first quarter of 2025 the cost, pre-design and the feasibility studies must be done for nearly a year to understand any issues associated with this intervention”.
Do you have any mitigation plan to mitigate erosion eroding the island different from depending on the said World Bank Grant, adding that the island is deteriorating daily by erosion?
Minister Bah said “This island has been deteriorating in the last 60 something years and there were no attempts to restore it. Under this government, we took it upon ourselves to make sure that something is done with one of our heritage sites that is the James Island, now known as Kunta Kinteh Island”.
He emphasized that preserving the island is a core value they uphold, and it’s one of the driving factors that prompted the government to collaborate with the World Bank, ensuring proactive measures are taken to safeguard this invaluable heritage site.
“That process is ongoing and we will make sure that by the end of the five years for the project, we should see a great difference for the betterment of that island,” he said.
Member for Banjul South, Hon. Fatoumatta Njai, asked the Minister of Tourism to outline the other initiative that the Ministry has in place for establishing recording studios in Banjul for young, upcoming artists, mentioning that many of them are emerging in Banjul.
Tourism Minister Bah, replied that, at the stage, the Minister reminded that his Ministry has written to the Office of the Clerk requesting an opportunity to make a statement regarding the bicentenary celebration, scheduled to take place in Janjnabureh from the 4th to the 7th of January.
“The Government of the Gambia in 2016, did not have the opportunity to celebrate the return of slaves to the island of Banjul, because of elections and other issues. This government felt this time around is an opportune moment for us to celebrate the 200 years Anniversary of return of slaves to the island of Janjnabureh,” he said.
He added that the preparations are underway and expressed hope that they would have time to engage the entire parliament in the program, which he regarded as a national event, unrelated to politics, but rather a program belonging to the entire nation.
He mentioned that the committee has already begun its work so that lawmakers can be fully involved in the process. Every opportunity, ethnic group, and sector of society will be given a chance to showcase their culture and artistic talents. He also expressed hopes of inviting neighboring heads of state to grace the occasion and emphasized that his Ministry believes in supporting cultural groups not only in Banjul, but across the country, both financially and technically.
“We believe that culture is part of our lives. It can unify us and pleasure. We will continue to support them and we are supporting and we will continue working with them”, he stated.
However, he clarified that the government does not involve in creating or establishing recording studio, as that is a private venture. private venture and assured that the government through his ministry will encourage and support all those who want to enter this venture.
Member for Jeshwang asked the Minister to outline the plans his ministry has for bringing back the good old days of wrestling in Banjul, including the construction of arenas used for celebrations.
The Minister stated that they already have a program of constructing wrestling arenas throughout the country, and once completed, this program will help revive the glory days of wrestling.
