By Fatoumatta Krubally
In a bold and assertive interview, Hon. Sidia Jatta, veteran politician and chairman of People’s Democratic Organisation for Independence and Socialism (PDOIS), has stated that his party is the much-needed cure for The Gambia’s economic ailments, likening them to doctors with the prescription to heal the nation.
Hon. Jatta’s emotional statement was made during an interview with this reporter and he said it painted a vivid picture of the challenges facing The Gambia and how can PDOIS offer a transformative solution.
He emphatically stated: “If PDOIS were doctors, we would be the cure for this country. We understand the root causes of our economic struggles and have the prescription to bring about lasting change.”
He outlined a groundbreaking vision for the agricultural sector in The Gambia, emphasizing the need for transformative policies to propel the country towards self-sufficiency and economic prosperity.
Highlighting the failures of past and present governments in prioritizing agriculture, Hon. Jatta lamented, “The neglect of our agricultural sector has hindered our growth potential. We should be exporting rice and onions, not importing them. It is time for a fundamental shift in policy to prioritize local production over imports.”
He pointed out the inefficiency in the current market, where imported onions dominate despite the country’s capacity to produce them locally.
He stressed the importance of policy changes to prioritize local production over imports, citing examples of successful agricultural practices in the past.
He said, “The problem lies in our overreliance on imported goods, neglecting the vast potential of our agricultural sector. It is time for a change that will uplift our economy and empower our people.”
In a poignant reflection on the high cost of living in the country, Hon. Jatta said, “The people of The Gambia are struggling to afford necessities like meat, while the prices continue to rise. It is evident that we need price controls and job creation to alleviate the burden on our citizens.”
With unwavering confidence in PDOIS’s capabilities, Hon. Jatta urged voters to consider his party as the catalyst for change.
“Our party holds the key to unlocking the country’s potential and steering us towards a brighter future. PDOIS has the programs and vision to uplift our economy and empower our people,” he stated.
In a powerful appeal to the electorate, Hon. Jatta invoked the notion of self-reflection and accountability, while he challenged voters to choose wisely, emphasizing, “It is time to look beyond rhetoric and empty promises. PDOIS stands as the beacon of hope for a prosperous and self-sufficient Gambia. The choice is clear, and the time for change is now.”
