The Nationwide Assembly Member (NAM) for Banjul Central, Hon. Abdoulie Njai, has expressed considerations over the government of The Gambia’s abrupt decision to take control of McCarthy Square, a historic public put within the coronary heart of Banjul.
The transfer, launched through a press release from the Location of work of the President, has sparked sturdy opposition from local authorities and voters, who peek it as an unsubstantiated and unjustified takeover of a municipal property.
Talking on the project, Hon. Abdoulie Njai denounced the decision, stating that McCarthy Square has long been an emblem of civic engagement and communal heritage. He criticised the government’s lack of session with Banjul Metropolis Council (BCC) and diversified stakeholders, arguing that this unilateral action violates the Native Govt Act, which grants councils the authority to govern public sources within their jurisdiction.
“McCarthy Square has for generations been a cornerstone of civic life in Banjul. However, in recent years, bureaucratic obstacles from the central government have limited our ability to fully utilize this space. The sudden takeover seeks to erase our local ownership entirely, further alienating Banjulians from a cherished public space that rightfully belongs to them,” Hon. Njai remarked.
Hon. Njai reaffirmed his enhance for Banjul Metropolis Council’s decision to project the transfer through trusty manner, emphasising that defending McCarthy Square will not be appropriate about land, however about preserving local governance and neighborhood rights. He informed voters to face together in smooth resistance in opposition to what he described as a determined overreach by the central govt.
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“If negotiations prove futile, we fully support the Council’s decision to pursue legal action against this move. It is a crucial defense of our autonomy and the democratic principles that govern our institutions. We urge every citizen to join us in rejecting this decision and to reclaim McCarthy Square through unity, advocacy, and unwavering resolve. Together, we will ensure this symbol of our shared identity remains in the hands of the people,” he added.
He added that McCarthy Square has historically served as a venue for nationwide celebrations, public gatherings, and cultural events, enjoying a basically notable purpose within the social cloth of Banjul. The govt.’s decision to mediate control of the put, without determined justification or public session has raised terror bells about the rising centralisation of energy on the expense of local governance and neighborhood possession, Njai is quoted as asserting.
Hon. Njai furthermore talked about that local residents have furthermore expressed outrage and known as on the government to rethink its stance and respect the decentralised governance framework outlined in Gambian law.
