The recent allocation of Fort Bullen in Barra to a Turkish company is both alarming and disheartening. Fort Bullen, built to enforce the abolition of the Transatlantic Slave Trade, is more than just a historical monument; it is a symbol of resilience and a vital piece of Gambia’s cultural identity.

Watching it fall into the hands of commercial interests without adequate public discourse is a troubling reflection of our national priorities.

This historic fort holds immense potential beyond its symbolic value. As a well-preserved heritage site, it could attract tourism, generate much-needed revenue, and tackle our alarming youth unemployment.

Moreover, it is a rich resource for scholars, students, and historians, serving as an educational bridge between the past and the present. Instead of preserving and maximising its value, we are witnessing its degradation, threatening not just our history but also future economic and cultural opportunities.

This incident is part of a larger, worrying trend in The Gambia, the rampant disregard for our environment and heritage. Reserved forests and protected lands, which are vital for biodiversity and climate resilience, are being cleared at an alarming rate.

These areas are essential in mitigating the effects of climate change, yet they are sacrificed for unsustainable development projects that bring little long-term benefit to the country.

Destroying our limited forests and heritage sites only exacerbates these challenges, leaving the nation more vulnerable to future crises.

The government must develop policies that protect and preserve our natural and cultural assets, ensuring they remain sources of pride, knowledge, and economic opportunity for generations to come.

The continued neglect of our environment and heritage is not just a national disgrace, it is a betrayal of future generations. If this trend persists, The Gambia will lose its identity, its history, and its ability to provide for its people. The time to act is now.

Adama Makasuba, 

Concerned Gambian.