For immediate release
Fellow Gambians,
In our quest to transition from a moment to a movement, we are working tirelessly to plan, strategize and build the necessary structures to enable us do our work effectively. From establishing a Central Committee and selecting Regional Representatives, we were also working on a legal structure only to be rejected by the state through the enabler -in-chief, Marie Gomez the registrar at the Attorney General’s chambers.
It is important to note that as per Section 25 of the 1997 Constitution of The Gambia and other related laws, it is our fundamental right to form and establish an Association and by doing so, we deemed it necessary to follow the due process and fulfilled the requirements accordingly.
Having done that, we were dismayed by the verbal response that our Association cannot be registered because it bears the name, “Gambians” and even after drawing their attention to the law that prohibited and restricted names which mentioned “The Gambia” not “Gambians” and also making it categorically clear that we do not want or intend to enjoy patronage of the Government of the Gambia, they still disregarded the law blatantly and insisted on not having us registered.
The Barrow government is proving to be unreliable in its stance against corruption because it is normalizing the act, suppressing dissent and rejecting the establishment of an Association that dares to hold it accountable.
Let it be known that we were trying to exist as a legal entity in order to pursue diplomatic means to solving problems but it is clear that this Government does not understand any other language except protests. This time, the consequences could be severe because GALA is going to exist, with or without the state’s approval.
We are a people powered movement committed to fighting corruption, promoting transparency, and demanding accountability in accordance with the laws of the Gambia which is necessary for the common good, so every genuine individual or body should contribute their quota and act in good faith to support our creation.
Stop playing with Gambians. The law should be applied equally to all and yes, “Be you ever so high, the law is above you.”
GALA Communications Team
Email: galagambia@gmail.com
Phone: +2205820133/7414004/2292659
