The National Assembly Select Committee on Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth, and Sports last week embarked on a nationwide tour to have first-hand information on the state of historical and cultural heritage sites, as well as youth and sports projects across the country.
The tour aimed to engage communities, experts, and policymakers to ensure that The Gambia’s heritage sites and youth projects receive the necessary attention and support. The committee’s findings and recommendations would help shape policies to safeguard the country’s rich cultural legacy and promote youth development. The first ports of call were Fort Bullen and the eco-lodge project in Barra.
The Alkalo welcomed the members and commended them for the visit. He however raised some concerns about the ongoing excavation near the fort.
The delegation also had the opportunity to visit James Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where some initiatives are underway to protect the island from erosion.
Other places visited were: the Kerewan PIA, Farafenni Youth Centre, Kerr Batch, Wassu Stone Circles, the Songhai Project in Chamen, the Mungo Park Memorial in Karantaba, Janjangbureh Youth Centre and Mini Stadium, Soma Mini Stadium, Wuli West Mini Stadium, Kiang West National Park, Bwiam Mini Stadium, Gunjur Mini Stadium, Independence Stadium and Fifa Gold Project.
By Lamin Njie
Communications Officer
Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture