Basori Youths Hail PROGRESS Movement’s Cost-Effective ‘Meet the People Tour’ in Kombo East

By Alieu Jallow

Youths in Basori, Kombo East District, have welcomed the PROGRESS Movement’s ongoing “Meet the People Tour,” describing the initiative as a practical and cost-effective approach to community engagement.

The tour, conducted without drawing on public funds, forms part of the movement’s broader effort to connect directly with citizens while advancing its national agenda. In Basori, the visit drew strong participation from young people, particularly members of the local football community.

Buba Saidy, speaking on behalf of the youths, expressed appreciation for both the visit and the support extended to their team.

“On behalf of the youths, footballers and our fans, we are grateful for the support for our club, and we are indeed glad for every support and the initiative you are embarking on,” he said.

Other young people also commended the initiative, noting that it reflects a model of engagement the country needs. They highlighted the movement’s fulfilment of an earlier pledge made to support their team, describing it as a sign of credibility and commitment.

“We had a meeting prior to their visit, and in that meeting they made a promise to support our team, and today they have fulfilled the promise, so we are grateful and assure them of our support.”

The PROGRESS Movement’s leader, Amadou Jaiteh, a former legal adviser at The Gambia’s Mission to the United Nations in New York, said the tour is designed to reduce unnecessary spending and ease the financial burden on taxpayers while promoting a new approach to governance.

Counsel Jaiteh noted that the initiative also aims to raise awareness among Gambians about the country’s current realities and the role citizens can play in national recovery.

“We continued our nationwide outreach, bringing our ‘Meet the People Tour’ to Basori as part of efforts to engage communities and discuss our vision for the country. The tour, guided by the slogan ‘Make The Gambia Smile Again at No Cost to Taxpayers,’ is aimed at connecting directly with citizens and outlining the movement’s programmes and policy direction,” he stated.

The delegation received a warm welcome from the youths of Basori, reflecting growing interest in the movement’s activities at the community level.

During the visit, Mr. Jaiteh engaged residents in discussions on key national issues, sharing the movement’s priorities while also listening to concerns and suggestions from community members. The interaction forms part of a broader strategy to incorporate public input into the movement’s policy direction.

The “Meet the People Tour” is expected to continue across other parts of the country in the coming weeks as the PROGRESS Movement expands its outreach.