By Fatou Sillah
United Democratic Party (UDP) leader ANM Ousainu Darboe has voiced strong disappointment over the neglected condition of Lamin Lodge, warning that one of the country’s most prominent tourist destinations is falling far short of its potential.
Speaking at a UDP meeting with the Lamin Lodge Riverside Association, Darboe described a personal visit to the site as both disheartening and telling, noting that a landmark of its significance deserves far greater attention and investment than it has received.
“I came here with my family before, and what I saw really saddened me — but it also gave me hope about the lodge,” he said. “A place that serves as a tourist attraction and destination like Lamin Lodge should be in a much better condition than this.”
Darboe argued that developing Lamin Lodge could serve as a powerful driver of economic growth, benefiting both the national tourism sector and surrounding local communities. He expressed ambitions for the site to gain international recognition, attracting global media coverage and generating sustainable revenue through taxation and employment.
“We want our tourism sector to be booming,” he said. “We want the place developed so that CNN and other media outlets will come to advertise it worldwide. The lodge could generate revenue through taxes and create employment opportunities for our people.”
Beyond tourism, Darboe used the occasion to deliver a political message ahead of the upcoming December 5th elections, calling on Gambians to pursue democratic change peacefully through the ballot box rather than through conflict or unrest.
“In every country, a time comes when citizens say it is time to salvage their nation,” he said. “This year, God gave Gambians the opportunity to make change on the 5th of December — and not by violence. We do not need to remind each other why change is necessary.”
The UDP leader also cautioned party members to exercise restraint and responsibility in their public communications, particularly on social media and messaging platforms such as WhatsApp, warning that careless statements could undermine the party’s credibility.
“Let us be mindful of what we say in WhatsApp groups and on platforms,” he said. “You can say many good things, but saying one bad thing will spoil all of it.”
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