ARREST BUMSTERS –JAMMEH

As Gambia Assures Tourism Free Hassle For Tourists

By Staff Reporter Abdou Jatta, Banjul

Gambia’s President Yahya Jammeh has instructed the country’s security forces assigned to the Tourism Development Area—known as (TDA) to arrest, and prosecute  beach boys (Bumsters) who are in the business of harassing visiting tourists. Mr. Jammeh was addressing tourism officials, and local stakeholders during a meeting—aimed at making the nation’s sandy beaches a safe place for tourists.

The Gambian leader said The Gambia has earned the reputation of being  Africa’s Smiling Coast, and therefore urged law enforcement agents to jealously safeguard such a national glory. He said the beaches should be free of bumsters. This he said, would enhance tourist confidence in the nation’s quest to attract high spending visitors.

Harping on the need to protect, and preserve the nation’s much cherished peace, Mr. Jammeh said The Gambia is a decent country, and whoever wants to undermine Gambia’s stability would be seriously dealt with.  He calls on bumsters to desist from activities that might jeopardized the country’s tourism industry, and reenergize their efforts towards  nation building.

Also speaking at the meeting, was  Interior Minister Ousman Sonko, who emphasized that the maintenance of law, and order was part of their primary duties as security officers. He assured The Gambian leader that his instructions to clear the beaches of bumsters would be executed without delay. Sonko warned bumsters to stay away from the beaches, and engage in meaningful activities. He said anyone caught harassing tourists would be arrested, and prosecuted as advised by the President.

Minister Sonko assured his boss that the police would work in partnership with the Soldiers attached at the area in order to make the place free from the bumster manance.