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NASUA Issued Open Letter on De-Reserving of Salagie Forest
President Adama Barrow
Destruction of Salagie Forest by GACH
GACH Bulldozing of the Forest
His Excellency Adama Barrow President of the Republic of The Gambia
State House
Banjul, The Gambia
December 10, 2024
Dear Mr. President,
We, the members of the Sukuta diaspora in the United States and Canada, write to express our deepest concerns regarding the recent decision to de-reserve a substantial portion of the Salagie forest and allocate it to a private entity, The Gambia Angola China Holdings (GACH), for the establishment of a basalt depot. This issue has sparked significant discontent among the people of Sukuta and Kombo in general and among environmental and forestry advocates committed to preserving our natural resources.
The rationale provided by your government, mainly through the statements made by Ministers of Information and Environment Dr. Ismaila Ceesay and Rohey John Manjang, has raised serious questions about the true intent behind this decision. Minister Ceesay's claim during his appearance on “Coffee Time with Peter Gomez” that only a tiny, unvegetated portion of the forest was de-reserved is not in accord with the visible activities of GACH on-site, which indicates a far more extensive encroachment than was suggested.
Equally, as asserted by both Ministers Ceesay and Manjang, the government's position is that this de-reserving is a temporary measure driven by pressing national demands. There is a lack of clarity regarding the timeline and specifics of this temporary arrangement, especially as GACH has begun constructing permanent structures on the site. This apparent contradiction between the government's stated intentions and observed actions by GACH creates a sense of skepticism among the people of Sukuta and Kombo.
Furthermore, Minister Manjang's statement about the government's goal to balance development with environmental stewardship presents an important perspective. However, it may be worth considering the broader implications of sacrificing an established protected forest, especially when barren lands elsewhere in the country could potentially be repurposed for such initiatives.
GACH Bulldozing of the Forest
Destruction of Salagie Forest by GACH
GACH Bulldozing of the Forest
Your Excellency may recall that in 1977, the first president of The Gambia, Sir Dawda K. Jawara, made a significant commitment to environmental stewardship amidst the challenges posed by urbanization through what is now known as the Banjul Declaration. In this landmark declaration, Sir Dawda emphasized the Gambian government's dedication to the untiring efforts to conserve "as wide a spectrum as possible of our remaining fauna and flora for both present and future generations." It is with great concern that we note the recent actions of the Minister of Environment, which diverge from this pivotal national promise.
During a stakeholders' meeting at the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, and Natural Resources (MECCNAR) on November 4, 2024, participants expressed concerns to the Honorable Minister Manjang about the proposed site for the GACH basalt depot in the Salagie forest. While the Minister conveyed that the decision might be final, many attendees felt the matter required further review. The absence of a comprehensive due process, including an environmental impact assessment and community engagement before the land allocation, heightens potential risk concerns. This is particularly relevant given the proximity of NAWEC's water distribution boreholes that serve the Greater Banjul Area .
Given these considerations, it may be prudent for the Minister to pause any development until procedural and policy guidelines are followed. Legal perspectives suggest that although the Minister has the authority to de-reserve parts of a forest park, this authority is contingent on environmental assessments and community involvement. Revisiting this decision in line with sound governance principles will strengthen our commitment to environmental stewardship.
The foregoing situation highlights a troubling pattern of successive government land appropriation that has historically marginalized communities in Kombo. The case of the Kebba Kunda Kabilo in Sukuta is a poignant example of families being displaced from their lands for the Salagie layout development. Despite receiving approved letters in 2021 from the Ministry of Lands for plot compensations, the Kebba Kunda families still await the promised plots. It has been three years since these letters of commitment were issued, and affected families continue to endure with no recourse to their rights and deserving of fair treatment.
Destruction of Salagie Forest by GACH
Destruction of Salagie Forest by GACH
Destruction of Salagie Forest by GACH
The government is responsible for engaging with its citizens transparently and respectfully, especially in matters affecting their lives and livelihoods. We implore you to reconsider the decision to de-reserve the Salagie forest and initiate genuine actions that ensure the voices of the people are heard and that their rights to their communal lands are upheld. We respectfully request that you prioritize and expedite the necessary actions regarding the promised compensation plots for the families affected in Kebba Kunda Kabilo, Sukuta.Your considerations will help restore trust between the government and the people. A trust anchored in a sincere commitment to transparency, accountability, and environmental stewardship will not only benefit the communities directly affected but enhance your administration's credibility.We appreciate your attention to these urgent matters and look forward to a positive action reflecting your commitment to the welfare of the people of Sukuta and Kombo.
Sincerely,
Dr. Dawda M Touray| Secretary GeneralNorth America Sukuta Association Inc., NASUA | Phone: (502)-526-1623 | (678)-933-7026 | (513)-415-2845 || 6475 Sage Street, Atlanta, GA 30340 | Email: info@northamericasukutaassociation.org | sukuta.gambia@gmail.com |https://northamericasukutaassociation. org/contact-usDISCLOSURE: North America Sukuta Association, Inc. is a charitable not-for-profit public international relief organization incorporated in the U.S. state of Georgia and designated by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS) as a 501 (C) (3) charitable organization.
Distributed:-
The Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, and Natural Resources (MECCNAR)
The Gambia National Assembly
National Human Rights Commission
The Gambia Bar Association
All Political Parties
All NGOs & Civil Society Organizations
All Print, Broadcast, and Social Media entities
The Gambia Environment Alliance (GEA)
GACH Company
Sukuta VDC
Kombo Yiriwa Kafo
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Our Charitable Support to U.S. Communities
Our Charitable Support to U.S. Communities
Our Charitable Support to U.S. Communities
In the United States, we provided US$42,661.85 primarily for supporting communities with healthcare, legal aid, rental assistance, and funeral relief.
Our Charitable Support to The Gambia
Our Charitable Support to U.S. Communities
Our Charitable Support to U.S. Communities
In The Gambia, West Africa, we donated US$28,314.30 to support healthcare, education, youth, and social services for communities in Sukuta.
Our Charitable Support to The Gambia
Our Charitable Support to U.S. Communities
Our Charitable Support to The Gambia
In The Gambia, West Africa, we donated US$28,314.30 to support healthcare, education, youth, and social services for communities in Sukuta.
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HELP OUR CAUSE: NASUA SEEKS DONATIONS OF MEDICAL RESOURCES
Sukuta Health Center Maternity Block
Sukuta Health Center Infant Care Shed
Sukuta Health Center Maternity Block
Atlanta: We are making significant strides toward providing qualitative and enduring healthcare service delivery for the people of Sukuta. The current health center was built in 1987, replacing a dilapidated health post/dispensary that outlived its purpose.
With increased population and urbanization, the health center's facilities and resources are overwhelmed, resulting in overcrowded rooms, inadequate supplies, and high referrals to Banjul and Kanifing major hospitals. In particular, the labor ward has limited capacity to cope with delivery and postnatal demands, viz., the lack of equipment and insufficient sanitary and bedding supplies.
The status quo is deemed unsustainable because of our belief that health is a right.
Sukuta Health Center Maternity Ward
Sukuta Health Center Infant Care Shed
Sukuta Health Center Maternity Block
Based on the critical resource needs of the health facility, we seek donations of medical equipment and supplies as follows: Blood Pressure machines; Phototherapy machines; suctioning machines; Nebulizing machines; Blood Sugar machines; Pulse Oximetry machines; Oxygen Concentrators Scanning computers for labor ward; Hospital Furniture for wardss and offices; Mortuary freezer/cooler with interior rolling racks; Wound dressing sutures: (absorbable and non-absorbable); Lignocaine injections, GV paints betadinee & hydrogen peroxide Solutions; Machintosh, adult pampers and pads Injections: promethazine, metoclopramide , ranitidine, vitamin bco, hydralazine, hyoscine.
Sukuta Health Center Infant Care Shed
Sukuta Health Center Infant Care Shed
Sukuta Health Center Infant Care Shed
Injections; Tablets: Paracetamol syrup and tablets for both children & adults, ibuprofen, diclofenac, penicillin, amoxicillin, and clotrimazole tablets; Anti-hypertensive: methyldopa, hydrochlorothiazide, aspirin, captopril, ramipril, and nifedipinee sublingual and tablets, etc. As a nonprofit, we strive to make changes in the lives of ordinary people. Your donations will make all the difference, too. With your donations, several thousands of people in the greater Sukuta area will access the health resources they need to attain their total,l sound health.
While there’s still more work for us to do, we’ll get together with your help. Please consider giving it out today.
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Our organization is dedicated to providing hope and support to those in need. We believe everyone deserves a chance to live a fulfilling life and that we can make a real difference in the world through our efforts. Join us in our mission to change lives and make a lasting impact in Sukuta.
We commit ourselves to improving access to better healthcare and education for women and children and empowering our youth with the skills they need to thrive in society. We appreciate your support and are thrilled that you chose our organization. Your donations are Federal tax-deductible based on prevailing IRS guidelines.
Photo: Sukuta Multi-Purpose Center Project
