President Adama Barrow has called on Gambian investors in the diaspora to contribute in building and transforming The Gambia. 

“My government will continue to provide all the necessary support possible to ensure the successful completion of this project,” the president said last Sunday at a foundation laying ceremony of a $100 million five-star Radisson Blu Hotel.

“I call on all Gambians with the requisite means and resources, from all parts of the world, to follow suit. 

“With many more similar ideas and laudable projects, we could transform our motherland and catch up with the fast-growing economies on the continent much faster than we can imagine. 

“Every citizen is duty bound to contribute to making this country better for everyone. It is a matter of fulfilling our responsibilities or betraying the nation.

“The choice is ours. As a government, we have an investment-friendly policy. We remain ready to provide incentives and other forms of support to investors, within The Gambia and beyond, to attract viable impactful projects like this hotel project,” he added.

The president urged the youths to take advantage of these opportunities to acquire skills and generate income to become productive and self-reliant citizens.

According to him, tourism accounts for about 20% of the country’s GDP, making it a critical contributor to the economy.

“The joint operation of Radisson Blu Banjul, the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Centre, and the ultra-modern VVIP lounge, nearing completion at the Banjul International Airport, is expected to uniquely position The Gambia as a leading destination for International Meetings, Incentive Travel, Conferences, and Exhibitions. 

“Besides its macro-economic benefits, the project will create jobs for both skilled and unskilled persons during and after construction,” he said.

Reporting by Adama Makasuba