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Message: [QUOTE="Nehanda, post: 22867, member: 2262"] President Adama Barrow spoke to the nation on New Year's Day. He praised the country's progress in 2024. The economy and people's lives got better, even with global challenges. "Our plans are working," he said. "The future looks bright." The Gambia stayed peaceful in 2024. This helped the economy grow. More money came in. The government paid for big projects. Many tourists visited from October to December. Even more should come in 2025. The country built many new roads, which help people travel and do business. The government also made other improvements. The world now sees The Gambia more positively. It has important roles in the African Union and the United Nations. A report ranked it 3rd in Africa for free speech. Mr. Barrow became chair of a major Muslim group. But he is sad about conflicts in some Muslim areas. He wants the UN to speak out against fighting. Groundnuts did not grow well in parts of The Gambia in 2024. The president asked everyone to help the farmers. Other crops did better. The country hopes to grow enough rice soon. An election is coming in 2026. Mr. Barrow said politics should bring people together, not divide them. He wants Gambians to be united. "We have a lot of work to do," the president said. "Let's not get distracted." He urged young people to gain knowledge and skills and not let anyone use them for bad purposes. He also said that women are important partners. The government raised pay for many workers. It wants to improve life for all Gambians, and international partners have also helped. Mr. Barrow is proud of the police, who won a top award. He wishes everyone a happy and peaceful new year. [/QUOTE]

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