The Barrow Fans Club on 7 September, 2019, held a rally at Bakau Newtown amid drumming, singing, dancing and clapping.
Supporters of President Barrow wore T-shirts bearing his portrait. They chanted: “Barrow By Force.”
Addressing the gathering, Dou Ceesay, the chairman of Bakau Newtown Ward, stated that some pessimists said that the meeting would never take place because people would not come out. He said that they were proven wrong.
He stated that Barrow Youth for National Development has dug a borehole for the Bakau Health Centre, noting that they are here to complement government’s efforts for the development of the country. He indicated that some people are talking about ‘Three Years Jotna,’ asking President Barrow to step down after serving three years.
He told the gathering that he, late Solo Sandeng and others came out and challenged Yahya Jammeh’s government, adding that he was incarcerated. “Where was the ‘Three Years Jotna’ group? If they were brave enough, why did they not come out and demonstrate against Yahya Jammeh’s government? Instead they went into hiding.” He advised those who are insulting people to desist from doing so.
“There is no tribalism in the country. We are all members of the same family. We should come together and contribute our quota to the development of the country. Tribalism has no place here,” Mr. Ceesay told the gathering.
Sheikh Omar Faye, the Secretary General of Bakau Constituency, told the gathering that they are going by the constitution which gives President Adama Barrow the mandate to serve for five years. He said that nobody will bother them with the ‘Three Years Jotna’ group. “We are not foolish. We have very important and committed people. President Adama Barrow can be likened to former President Jawara. He is humble, sympathetic and he respects the rule of law,” he stated. He further said that those who are calling for violence do not know its implication, noting that he studied in Sierra Leone and he witnessed the civil war in that country. He urged everybody to pray for peace.
Dou Sano, deputy presidential adviser, in his deliberation, also stated that President Adama Barrow is expected to serve for five years as stipulated by the constitution. He noted that people should stop the insult, adding that if one insults the elders, would you expect them to give you their blessings. He also dwelled on the borehole dug by the Barrow Youth for National Development for the Bakau Health Centre. He noted that supporters of President Barrow should benefit from what they initiated and not those who did not work for it, adding that those who are selected to serve in the executive committee at Bakau Newtown Ward should do what is expected of them. He urged the supporters to welcome those who want to join them with open hands.
Fatou Sillah, known as ‘Mrs.’ chairwoman of the ward, stated that she is not afraid and would not hide, noting that she is waiting for President Barrow to form his party and would say what she wants to say. She added that President Barrow will serve for five years, and after his term of five years, he would serve another five years.
Ounda Nyang thanked the gathering for the successful meeting. He informed them that Sheikh Omar Faye fulfilled the promise he made to him. He further stated that he heard about the borehole dug by the Barrow Youth for National Development for the Bakau Health Centre, adding that the Community Centre at Bakau Newtown would be looked into. He said that the people of Bakau should be concerned about the ‘Three Years Jotna’ group because it is a tourism development area. “The group knows that December is the peak period for tourism in the country. But there will be peace by the grace of God,” he told the crowd.
