By Olimatou Coker
The Gambia Tourism Board (GTBoard) is facing mounting criticism after suspending beach parties, concerts, festivals and other public entertainment activities within the Tourism Development Area (TDA), with concerns growing over the impact on businesses, workers and the wider tourism industry.
Human rights activist Madi Jobarteh questioned the legal basis, scope and duration of the suspension, saying GTBoard is yet to provide sufficient details on the security concerns that prompted the decision.
In a press release yesterday, GTBoard said the suspension was a precautionary measure intended to protect public order, safety and security.
But Jobarteh argued that citing security concerns should be accompanied by clear information on the specific threats identified and any assessment carried out before the directive was issued.
“Invoking security does not relieve a public institution of its responsibility to explain and justify its decisions,” he said.
Jobarteh said entertainment forms an important part of the tourism economy, particularly in the coastal tourism areas, where concerts, festivals and beach events generate income for musicians, DJs, promoters, vendors, hospitality workers, security personnel and transport operators.
“How does GTBoard intend to safeguard tourism by shutting down an important part of it?” he asked.
He warned that an indefinite suspension could place additional financial pressure on people whose livelihoods depend on tourism and entertainment, particularly those who rely on events and seasonal activities for income.
The directive has also raised questions about its scope.
GTBoard’s notice reportedly covers concerts, open-air music events, beach parties, festivals and “other public entertainment events.” However, it remains unclear whether the suspension also applies to entertainment organised by hotels, restaurants, nightclubs and other establishments within the TDA.
Questions have also emerged over whether indoor entertainment activities are affected.
Jobarteh added that the GTBoard should clearly define the establishments and activities covered by the directive rather than leaving businesses to interpret the order differently or risk enforcement action based on uncertainty.
The activist also questioned the role of the Tourism Security Unit (TSU), arguing that security concerns could be addressed through closer coordination between GTBoard, the Gambia Police Force, tourism operators and local communities.
“If security is the concern, what has happened to the Tourism Security Unit?” he asked.
Instead of imposing a broad suspension, Jobarteh proposed targeted measures, including coordinated patrols, improved incident response and stronger cooperation between security agencies and tourism establishments.
He also pointed to measures such as improved lighting, appropriate CCTV coverage, stronger access-control systems, better crowd management and reliable channels for reporting security threats.
Many hotels and entertainment establishments already employ private security personnel, he noted, suggesting that authorities could work with businesses to identify and address specific security gaps.
Another concern is the absence of a clear timeline for reviewing the suspension.
GTBoard’s notice states that the measure will remain in force “until further notice,” a position Jobarteh said could create uncertainty for businesses that depend on advance bookings, event planning and seasonal tourism activity.
He called for a clear review date, transparent criteria for lifting the suspension and regular communication with affected stakeholders.
Jobarteh also questioned whether tourism operators, entertainment businesses, event organisers and security agencies were consulted before the directive was introduced.
He maintained that security and economic activity do not necessarily have to be treated as competing priorities. Where specific events present identifiable risks, he argued, authorities could address those risks through targeted measures while allowing compliant businesses and events to continue operating.
“Why should law-abiding organisers, workers and businesses lose their livelihoods because of the misconduct of others?” he questioned.
Jobarteh urged GTBoard to reconsider the blanket suspension, engage affected stakeholders and develop a practical security framework with clear responsibilities, measures and timelines.
“The mandate is to protect and promote tourism,” he said. “That mandate must be fulfilled through competent management, effective security and respect for the people whose livelihoods sustain the industry.”