In a shakespear’s play Julius Caesar, a soothsayer warned the eponomous emperor to beware of the ides of March. Today, 15th March, is the ides of March. And the cursed day has lived up to its mythical billing.
His Excellency, Mr. Adama Barrow, President of the Republic of The Gambia acting under the provisions of sections 70 (5) (a), 71(4) (b) and Sections 70(3) and 71(3) of the Constitution of the Republic of The Gambia has made the following changes to his cabinet with effect from 15th March 2019:
H.E. A.N.M Ousainou Darboe has been relieved of his cabinet appointment as the Vice President of the Republic of The Gambia, and Honourable Dr. Isatou Touray, Minister of Health has now been appointed to the Position of Vice President. She will continue to oversee the Ministry of Health until further notice.
Dr. Isatou Touray the new Vice President was the first woman to put up her name as a presidential candidate, in 2016. She joined the opposition coalition which defeated ex-president Jammeh in that year’s elections. She built her international reputation as a gender activist fighting against Female Genital Cutting. The new minister of Trade Lamin Jobe is not an instantly recognizable name on the political scene. But according to the release from the presidency, he worked for the ministry Finance and Trade from 1981 to 1996 before moving the National Investment Promotion Authority and Social Security and Housing Finance Corporation.
Hon. Amadou Sanneh has been relieved of his cabinet appointment as Minister to Trade, Regional Integration, Industry, and Employment. Mr. Lamin Jobe has been appointed Minister of Trade, Regional Integration, Industry, and Employment. The 51-year-old Jobe is a native of Sanchaba Sulay Jobe and holds a Master Degree in Business Administration from the University of Poona, India. Mr. Jobe worked at the Ministry of Finance and Trade from 1981 to 1996 before moving to the National Investment Promotion Authority and Social Security and Housing Finance Corporation respectively. From 1998, he has been the General Manager of LAMFAM Enterprises in The Gambia and Guinea Bissau, respectively, until his current appointment as Minister of Trade, Regional Integration, Industry, and Employment.
Hon. Lamin N. Dibba has been relieved from his appointment as Minister of Agriculture, and Honourable James Gomez, Minister of Fisheries and Water Resources will oversee the Agriculture Ministry until further notice.
To many, the sacking of Ousainou Darboe wouldn’t come as a surprise. Rumors have long been rife about the strained relationship between the president and his former Vice President. Barely two weeks ago, rumors were prevalent on social media about Darboe’s imminent sacking: which necessitated a statement of denial from the government’s spokesperson. The sackings today have put the rumors to rest. But they have opened up a political future of uncertainty.
By:Ansumana S.O Nyassi