The Gambia government has yesterday issued a white paper on the findings and recommendations of the commission of inquire set up by President Adama Barrow to look into the Faraba Banta environmental issue that led to death and destructions of properties.
It recommended that the Executive Director of NEA and Director of Geology should be suspended for six months without salary.
Government spokesman Ebrima Sankareh, who read the document to awaiting reporters, said that the government has decided to act on the recommendations of the commission who have been mandated to investigate the saga.
He said that the recommendations ranges from the sacking of the village head of Faraba Banta, dissolving of the village development committee, the six month suspension for the Executive Director of NEA and Director of Geology without salary, Julakay license shall not be renewed; nor shall Julakay be issued with any license until further notice as well as Families of those who died, those sustained serious injuries and those who lost their properties of the vandalisms to be compassionated.
He disclosed that the five PIU Officers will be prosecuted for the deaths of three environmentalists.
President Barrow on July 1, 2018; established a commission of inquiry to investigate the circumstances that led to the standoff between Paramilitary Police Force and the Youths of Faraba Banta.
It could be recalled that on 18th June, 2018, the Community of Faraba Banta and the Paramilitary Police Force entered into a tense standoff as a result of the mining activities of Julakay Mining Enterprise which led to three deaths, many injuries and destruction of facilities and equipment.
Sources said that the incident was as a result of the defiance of the Youths of Faraba Banta to allow Julakay Mining Enterprises, a private company that is licensed to do mining activities in the community. Many villagers rejected the idea of licensing the company to conduct mining in the village arguing that, the sand mining activities will erode farmlands and subsequently sent many women whom are vegetable gardeners out of job.
However, yesterday, The Gambia government issued a white paper following recommendations from the Chairman Emmanuel Joof.