President Adama Barrow visited the Crab Island Technical and Vocational Education and Training Centre on Monday, 19 October 2026, to inspect ongoing infrastructure and development projects in Banjul. During his tour, President Adama Barrow stated, "Today we started with the Crab Island Technical Institution where young people have been trained to be qualified in skills." He added, "If you want to empower young people, you train them to be skilful. If you are skilful, you are empowered." Addressing labor market concerns, the President noted, "There is a lot of skills gap in this country. That’s why others are occupying the space." He concluded, "As far as our government is concerned, the sky is the limit. Our office is a social office. It’s a social contract."
The visit to the Crab Island Technical and Vocational Education and Training Centre served as an opportunity for the President to assess how the institution is currently functioning. By observing the daily operations of the facility, President Adama Barrow evaluated the progress of the students enrolled in various technical programs. This site visit shows the government's current commitment to prioritizing technical and vocational education as a primary tool for national development and youth engagement. The President’s presence at the institution noted the importance of aligning educational outcomes with the immediate needs of the domestic labor market.
Focus On Vocational Skills Training
Training programs at the Crab Island Technical and Vocational Education and Training Centre focus on three specific manual trades. Students at the facility receive instruction in carpentry, welding, and sewing. These vocational courses aim to equip participants with the technical proficiency required for local employment opportunities. By offering education in these fields, the centre addresses the practical labor requirements identified within Banjul. The curriculum is structured to ensure that every student gains hands-on experience, which is essential for transitioning from a learning environment to active participation in the local economy.
Renovation Of KG5 Mini-Stadium
Renovation work at the KG5 Mini-Stadium began after community members made a formal appeal to President Adama Barrow during his 2024 Meet the People Tour. The KG5 Mini-Stadium renovation was initiated following an appeal made to the President during his 2024 Meet the People Tour. Private resources funded the entirety of this facility’s refurbishment, meaning the project did not utilize government budget allocations. The renovation of the KG5 Mini-Stadium was funded through private resources rather than the government budget. The completed stadium is intended to serve the local sporting needs of Banjul residents.
Infrastructure improvements in the capital also include the Banjul Albion Water Storage Tank. This facility is engineered to provide a consistent water supply to more than 15,000 people. The Banjul Albion Water Storage Tank is designed to supply water to over 15,000 people. The World Bank Group provided the funding for this water storage initiative through the Gambia Electricity Restoration and Modernisation Project (GERMP). The water storage project was funded by the World Bank Group through the Gambia Electricity Restoration and Modernisation Project (GERMP). This project represents a strategic effort to enhance essential utility services for the residents of the city.
