By:Modou Touray
Frustrating looms at the Abuko Central Abbatoire following the receipt of letters from the Gambia Livestock Marketing Agency (GLMA) notifying them that their contracts end on the 29th of February, 2025.
According to the Abbatoire manager, Madi Kuyateh, the first letter was dispatched from the Director General of GLMA, which stipulated that their contracts end on December 31st,2024.
The second despatch, he said, was signed by the Chairman of the Board of Directors of GLMA, informing them of a two-month contract extension, which ends on February 29th, 2025.
“In the letter, I was told to hand over the office to the Director General of GLMA, and my finance Office should hand over to the accountant of GLMA. I have no problem with the termination, but it should be done properly. I was appointed by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture not GLMA.”
Mr. Kuyateh argued that the PS should have written the termination or authorized his subordinates to act.
The embattled Abbatoire manager and staff demand answers from GLMA management describing their action as unlawful.
” I was appointed by PS, Ministry of Agriculture, I was asked to appoint the other staff under me”
Before he was appointed Abuko Abbatoire manager, Mr. Kuyateh was a private animal scientist/ Vet officer who handled training programs for Abbatoire staff.
” I have a staff size of 40,21 are skilled workers, the rest are cleaners. I am not aware of any board; if there is a board, why am I not part of it as an Abbatoire manager.
Senior revenue collector Abdou Colley condemns the move, alleging that they are a victim of witch-hunts, hence they were appointed under former President Jammeh’s regime. He stressed that since the change of government in 2016, they have been targeted.
” It’s true, we were employed under the Jammeh Era, but we are Gambians. We don’t steal any money. It’s stressful at this time, to terminate the contract of 21 staff on no grounds, the economic situation of the country is so hard. On the 29th of February, I will not move an inch, I am ready for anything ”
Reacting to the claim by the Abuko Abbatoire staff, the Deputy Director of GLMA, Sang Mendy, clarified that their contracts were not terminated as claimed, but the Agency decided not to renew their contracts.
” What we know is that they are on contract, and their contract ends on the 31st of December, and they are given a two-month extension. It is clearly spelled that it will not be renewed.”
GLMA Deputy DG emphasized that the agency is mandated by the Ministry of Agriculture to supervise the Abuko Abbatoire.
“We gave our report, and the board gave their decision not to renew their contract”
