Team Outpost President Adama Barrow has reiterated his commitment to hold a referendum on the new draft Constitution in December 2024.“Since 2017, my administration has embarked on significant legal reforms. Our efforts include introducing a new Constitution, and we remain committed to pursuing it this year. It is hoped that a referendum on the new Constitution will be held in December 2024.” he said He made these remarks on Thursday during the State of Nation Address. The SONA address is a constitutional requirement for the President to appear before lawmakers to update the citizens on the current state of the country, according to section 77 (1) of the 1997 Constitution.The speech features range of issues, including the Economy, National Security, Health, Education among others. On The EconomyHe said In 2023, the Gambian economy surpassed the projected growth rate for Sub-Saharan Africa and stood at 5.3%. “This resulted from our commitment to economic growth and prosperity, reducing inflation and our debt vulnerability, while maintaining prudent fiscal policy. Over the years, we have been implementing a series of public financial management reforms. These are reflected in such initiatives as the updating of the 2014 Public Finance Act and formulation of a new Public Procurement Bill. We have also rolled out the Integrated Financial Management Information Systems (IFMIS) to all local government authorities, created the State-Owned Enterprise Commission, and enacted the Anti-Corruption Act 2023. The reforms seek to increase fiscal transparency and accountability.” he remarked. On Agriculture And Natural Resources In the 2023/24 season, he said the Government allocated one billion, five hundred million Dalasis (GMD1.5 Billion) for purchase of groundnuts, acquiring about thirty-six thousand, six hundred and fifty-nine (36,659) metric tonnes. “This marked a significant increase over the ten thousand (10,000) metric tonnes purchased in the previous season.” said Adama Barrow. The 2024/2025 cropping season, he added that the government plan to bring five thousand (5,000) hectares under rice cultivation, a target that could rise substantially, if ten (10) registered commercial farmers in the scheme commence cultivation. In support of the national food security drive, he said Government will procure one hundred and eighty (180) tractors and twenty (20) rotavator boats for year-round deployment. “Additionally, we will enhance rice processing within the country\

2024-07-01 06:13:00