Editor,

As the so called back way season is fast approaching, I want to take this opportunity to remind the authorities concerned to fasten their belts, and to be the alert for any such attempt to try to make the journey, usually undertaken by my fellow young men. This is the time to take appropriate measures.

We do not want a repeat of last year’s incidence, when some youths, trying to make it to the Canary Island, perished when their boat caught fire. That was really sad. Indeed, efforts to stop this practice have been ongoing. Nonetheless, the authorities need to continue sensitizing the people about the dangers and also endeavour to implement any measure they might agree to take.

The youth needs to know that work is the only way out. As the excuse has always been that there are no jobs, maybe the Spanish authorities can help somehow in providing job opportunities for the youths back home to engage in fruitful ventures. For instance, we need state farms for every youth organisation, with modern farming tools and opportunities for training. This, I believe, will discourage many youths, while at the same time boosting our economy as millions of dalasis are spent on this risky journey, pointlessly, each year.

Our religious leaders also have a great role to play by preaching about the effects of the phenomenon. I know, as a Muslim, that one can make a journey trying your luck somewhere if your present residence is unfavourable.  Another way of resolving this issue may be to discourage other family members abroad from sending money to their brothers back home to embark on this kind of journey. If they truly love their brothers, let them help them travel in a safer way.

I believe if prudent measures are implemented, we can save millions of dalasis for our economy. We can also save our brothers who are stranded on the road and have no money to return home, having lost contact with family members, and, above all, we can save the lives of many youths who will represent our beloved Gambia in years to come. Hey! Even I, myself, will want to go and get rich, but only through the legal way.

I therefore call on my government through the department of state responsible for Youths, to continue its untiring efforts to make the youths to feel at home. Long live Sweet Gambia.

fabumanneh@yahoo.co.uk