Jarra East Cattle Farmers Association on Friday paid a courtesy call on Hon. Seedy S.K. Njie, nominated National Assembly Member, at his residence in Bijilo.

Speaking at the ceremony, Hon. Bafay Saidykhan, National Assembly member for Jarra East, said the association thought it imperative to meet Hon. Seedy SK. Njie, to introduce to him their aims and objectives and to work together with him as Gambians.

He revealed that the association was formed in May 2001, to put an end to cattle rustling in Jarra East. Hon Saidy Khan highlighted some of the importance of cattle to farmers and urged them to protect their animals. The Jarra East NAM also complained that cattle rustlers do not only steal cattle, but also rob people. He therefore called on the police to tighten the security in the area in order to curb the menace. Telli Jallow, Public Relations Officer of the association, on his part said cattle rustling has greatly reduced in the area since the establishment of the association.

PRO Jallow appealed to the police to help them address the problems. He further appealed to the NGOs, government, philanthropists and private individuals to donate them bicycles or motor cycles to facilitate communication. Abubacarr Dem, President of the association advised farmers to avoid deforestation and preserve the forest, so that their animals can have enough grass land to graze on. He congratulated Hon. Seedy S.K. Njie for his nomination as National Assembly member and then called on the security to assist them.

He also lamented on the lack of transportation. Mr Dem finally revealed that the association has a membership of over one thousand six hundred (1,600) people. Dembo Baldeh,. Vice -President and Konyagi Kanyi, Secretary-General of the association, all expressed similar sentiments. Responding to their call, Hon Seedy S.K Njie, expressed delight at receiving the Jarra East Cattle Farmers Association.

 Hon. Njie advised them to continue the good work, adding that every patriotic citizen should be a policeman/woman of his/her own. He described this good practice as in line with President Jammeh’s development objectives. While assuring them of his support, Hon. Njie also used the occasion to call on the people of Jarra to support President Jammeh, to move the country forward. He finally advised other constituencies to emulate Jarra East.