By: Nyima Sillah
James. F. Mendy, who contested the past National Assembly election in Kombo East has said government is not about party interest.
“Party interest normally dominates in the National Assembly and that is not good for us. That’s why I said with the current National Assembly, if party issue dominates and if there is rivalry between groups or factions it will be unfortunate for us the Gambians,” he said.
“Let them know that this should be an inclusive government irrespective of party affiliation, religion, or ethnicity. The government belong to the people so does in public offices should please favour us and do things as required by law and ethics that govern their job,” he added.
He also said: “if party issue is what will dominate NA, then it can lead the country to a standstill and hamper the progress of Barrow-led administration. Sometimes, certain decisions taken by the top normally triggers by what happens with the party’s concern or the stakeholders concern.
“If you look at the nomination of Barrow, the people he nominated you can sense some facts or actually self-defence. That is the rivalry between these parties that goes into the National Assembly and now, it is no longer national interest but ‘I would defend myself, power and leadership.’”
However, he went on saying the government should listen to the National Assembly members irrespective of their representative as they talk about the problems affecting their people. This is because a lot of communities face serious issues that need to be addressed and sort out.
Meanwhile, he highlighted the issue of his constituency saying the road network in Kombo East has to be looked at. Also, a lot of women are into agriculture, horticulture but their gardens are not fence and therefore called on the Minister of Agriculture to look into that as there are lots of gardens going on but hampered by the lack of water, good fencing and storage facilities.
Mr Mendy then urged the government to deliver for the people not individual or party interest, as the offices they occupied are public offices, therefore, they should use the resources for the collective benefits of the interest of the Gambian people.
