By Adama Makasuba
Constitutional Review Commission has praised Gambians for their commitment and participation in the recently ended public consultation and assured it commitment to enhancing and sustaining mutual relationship with the public.
The Commission mandated to review and draft a new constitution for the country gave this gratitude at a press conference held at its headquarters at Kotu.
According to the Commission, at least one hundred and four (104) communities and thirty (30) schools have been visited during the consultation.
“The CRC would like to register its appreciation to all Gambians who participated actively in the public consultations for their invaluable contributions or simply attended the public consultations to express their quiet supports and give value to the Constitutional Review Process,” Justice Sulayman Jallow, the commission chairman expressed.
During the nationwide consultation, the most pertaining issues discussed by the public include-Citizenship, fundamental rights and freedoms, election, local government structure and empowerment, executive, health commission, education, agriculture, environment, legislature, , youth and persons with disabilities and among others.
The Commission also announced plan for Diaspora consultation but that will depend on the availability of funds, and the countries to be visited includes Senegal, Mauritania, Angola, United Kingdom, Spain, France, Sweden, Germany, and United States of America.
Chairman Jallow added: “But at the same time we recognise the government commitment and our own action plan which aims basically at affording Gambians irrespective of where they live to have equal opportunities as far as possible that will all depend when funding is available, because it makes no sense to commence the process without being assured of the funding.”
He said that the Commission recognised that external consultation with Gambians in Diaspora is going to be an expensive process, adding that the Commission has prepared a budget which is currently under review with the government.