Press Release: Government Spokesperson Clarifies On Semlex, Other Issues
28TH March 2018
Due to consistent inaccurate media reports brought to the attention of the Spokesperson of The Government of The Gambia, the Minister of Information and Communications Technology wishes to clarify that:
Ministry of Justice
Further to news reports that the Semlex Contract was aborted, the Minister of Justice and Attorney General has confirmed that the contract between the Government of The Gambia and Semlex has not been aborted.
As indicated by the Spokesperson of the Government of The Gambia during the last press conference, the company was invited by the Government of The Gambia for a re-negotiation and review of some of the provisions in the existing contract.
These negotiations have been concluded and plans are underway for the implementation of the Biometric Identity Cards to start soon.
Ministry of Transport, Works and Infrastructure
The Ministry of Transport, Works and Infrastructure project funds for the Basse-Fatoto-Koina and the Basse and Fatoto bridge projects totaling US$75 million is a grant and not a loan, as reported.
Ministry of Interior
The Ministry of Interior has expressed concern over the frequency in the use of weapons to commit crimes, theft and burglaries as such, the Ministry of Interior wishes to inform the General Public that the Gambia Police Force will, with immediate effect and within the ambit of the laws of The Gambia use all powers vested in it to combat violent crimes.
The Ministry of Interior also calls on Gambians to compliment the Government of The Gambia’s efforts to reduce crime by cooperating with and sharing relevant information with the Police, where and when necessary.
Foreign Affairs and Gambians Abroad
Further to the statements of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad (MoFA) television appearance on the stance of the Government of The Gambia on the deportation of Gambians from the United States of America, last Friday, March 23, the Spokesperson would like to reiterate that all sovereign states have the right to determine who comes in and or stays in their countries
The Government of The Gambia further urges Gambians resident in other countries to regularize their immigration status and, to strive to respect the laws of the countries they live in.
For further information, please contact:
Demba A. Jawo
Minister of Information and Communications Infrastructure
Spokesperson of The Government of The Gambia
Tel: (220) 4378000
Email: DaJawo@moici.gov.gm