Darboe Promises Better Support for Teachers, Nurses, and Security Personnel

By Fatou Sillah

Ousainou Darboe, the leader and presidential candidate of the United Democratic Party, has pledged to improve working conditions and expand financial support for teachers, nurses, and security personnel if elected president in December.

Speaking during a courtesy visit to Gunjur Sambuya, Darboe said teachers were performing an essential public service but were not receiving adequate incentives to improve their livelihoods and prepare for retirement.

He proposed providing teachers with greater access to land and government-backed loans that would allow them to build homes.

“They are not giving the things that should motivate them,” Darboe said. “Teachers should be able to have a plot of land and loans from the government to build their houses so that when they retire, they can be there with their families.”

Darboe said similar measures should be extended to nurses and members of the country’s security services, arguing that improving the welfare of essential public-sector workers would be among his priorities if elected.

The UDP leader, who is seeking the presidency in the Dec. 5 election, framed the proposals as part of a broader effort to improve public services and address what he described as long-standing economic and social challenges.

Darboe told supporters that although he had been selected as the party’s presidential candidate, winning the election would depend heavily on their efforts at the grassroots level.

“I am selected to be the candidate, but the campaign is in your hands,” he said. “Elections are fast approaching; the reason I seek the candidacy is because I have hope in you guys.”

Darboe also criticized President Adama Barrow’s government over what he described as unfulfilled promises, pointing to concerns about the economy, public security, and the management of the country’s river resources.

He also spoke about the economic difficulties facing women engaged in gardening and small-scale trading, saying more should be done to help them produce and sell their goods.

Turning to security, Darboe expressed concern about killings and other violent crimes and said restoring a greater sense of safety among Gambians was another reason he was seeking the presidency.

He said a government under his leadership would work to address those challenges while improving the conditions of the public servants responsible for education, health care, and national security.

Darboe concluded his remarks by thanking residents of Sambuya for their welcome and support during the visit.