Event organisers must secure police permits, ensure fire and security coverage, meet waste management requirements, and conclude all events by 7:00 p.m. under the new guidelines.
BANJUL, The Gambia: The Gambia Tourism Board (GTBoard) has lifted the suspension on open-mic musical events and other festivals within the country’s Tourism Development Area (TDA), with immediate effect, subject to strict compliance with newly outlined safety, security and environmental requirements.
In a press release, the Board said the decision followed extensive consultations with relevant security agencies and consideration of concerns raised by tourism operators and members of the public.
The GTBoard acknowledged the importance of musical performances, festivals and recreational activities in promoting tourism, supporting local businesses and enhancing visitors’ experiences. However, it stressed that public safety, security and the protection of lives and property remain paramount.
The lifting of the suspension is intended to allow organised entertainment activities to resume while ensuring that events are conducted responsibly and in accordance with established regulations.
Eight Key Requirements for Event Organisers
Under the new guidelines, organisers seeking to stage open-mic events and festivals within the Tourism Development Area must fulfil several conditions before receiving final authorisation from the GTBoard.
These include obtaining a valid permit from the Gambia Police Force (GPF) and making arrangements with the Gambia Fire and Rescue Service (GFRS), which must be present throughout the event.
Organisers are also required to liaise with the Tourism Security Unit (TSU) to ensure that appropriate security measures are in place before, during and after their events.
Environmental protection is another major condition. Event organisers must submit a written undertaking to the GTBoard and pay a refundable deposit, committing to the immediate collection and proper disposal of all waste generated at the venue.
Adequate lighting must also be provided around event locations to improve visibility and enhance the safety of attendees and surrounding areas.
The Board further stated that preliminary or temporary approval does not replace the requirement for final authorisation. Organisers must satisfy all stipulated conditions before obtaining the necessary final approval or permit from the GTBoard.
All Events Must End by 7:00 p.m.
A key condition of the revised guidelines is that all covered events must conclude no later than 7:00 p.m.
Organisers must apply to the GTBoard for final authorisation and accompany their applications with the required documentation, including the police permit, evidence of arrangements with the GFRS, confirmation of security arrangements with the Police Intervention Unit (PIU), and the written undertaking on waste management.
The Board has advised organisers to begin making the necessary arrangements well ahead of their proposed event dates to avoid delays and ensure compliance.
It also warned that appropriate action would be taken against organisers who fail to meet the requirements.
Beaches Remain Open to the Public
The GTBoard clarified that the earlier suspension was not intended to prevent individuals, families and responsible groups from accessing and enjoying beaches within the Tourism Development Area.
Rather, the restriction specifically targeted festivals, open-mic musical performances and related organised gatherings involving large crowds drawn from different sectors of society.
The Board also confirmed that its licensed establishments, including hotels, bars, restaurants and entertainment facilities, are exempt from the requirements.
However, individuals, groups, organisations and companies that rent or hire these establishments to organise events must comply with the conditions outlined in the press release.
The clarification distinguishes routine leisure activities and the normal operations of licensed tourism businesses from organised events that require additional safety and security measures.
Security Concerns Prompted Earlier Suspension
According to the Board, the suspension was introduced in response to security concerns arising from certain activities associated with some gatherings, which had the potential to threaten the safety of visitors and law-abiding citizens.
The GTBoard said its objective has been to address these concerns while preserving the Tourism Development Area as a safe, welcoming and attractive destination for both residents and international visitors.
The decision to lift the suspension reflects an effort to balance the interests of tourism operators and event organisers with the responsibility to maintain public order, protect lives and property, and preserve The Gambia’s reputation as a tourism destination.
Stakeholders Urged to Cooperate
The Board has called on event organisers, tourism operators, security agencies, local communities and members of the public to cooperate in implementing the revised measures.
It expressed confidence that, with responsible planning and strict adherence to the requirements, musical events and festivals can contribute to tourism development without compromising public safety and security.
The resumption of these activities could provide renewed opportunities for entertainment businesses, performers, event promoters and other tourism-related enterprises, provided they operate within the prescribed conditions.
The GTBoard concluded by urging all stakeholders to work together to protect the peace, security and tranquillity of The Gambia, widely known as “The Smiling Coast of Africa.”
By Sam Opoku
