President Hands Out 17,000 Bags of Sugar and Calls For Reduced Meat Costs

17 September 2008

President Jammeh has distributed 17,000 bags of sugar in his annual gift to the nation during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. During his speech at State House, the Gambian President also called upon butchers to reduce the cost of meat as part of his aim to ensure all Gambians have access to reasonably priced food.

It is claimed that the current prices for a kilo of meat: 80 dalasis for steak and 60 dalasis for meat and bones, are too high as livestock prices are much more reasonable. Many fear that if the order is enforced many of the non-Gambian butchers may simply leave the country, leaving a skill and food shortage, but Dr Jammeh claimed plans have already been put in place to ensure an abundance of meat in the markets.

He also used the opportunity to urge Gambians to take up jobs currently dominated by foreigners, such as that of butchers, within the fisheries projects at Gunjar and Tanji, and at Albert Market.