Barra, like the rest of the country, is undergoing a rapid process of transformation into a modern town. This can be seen in the massive spree of construction projects as well as the boom in business and human activities.

Thwarted by an undeserved political isolation during the first republic, noted the Alkalo of the town, Alhaji Kenbugul Faye, Barra used to be  a  shanty town, ''despite being a twin partner of The Gambia's most important city, Banjul.'' Alkalo Kenbugul Faye was speaking to the Daily Observer through this reporter during an exclusive interview, in Barra Town.

He recalled the perpetually discouraging situation the town found itself in until the arrival of the 'saviour', President Jammeh, ''the benevolent leader and appraiser of the lowly and least fortunate individuals.''  Faye asserted that now, with electricity system in place, their lives have changed for the better. He noted that the town is gradually becoming the most beautiful commercial center in the North Bank Region, with its people, especially the women folk, becoming even more confident in carrying out their businesses.

Faye went on to disclose that the village development committee (VDC), is working hard towards the empowerment of women within the community through a given loan scheme which is especially set for women only. This loan scheme, according to the Alkalo, amounts up to 40,000, opened to the various Compins (womens' groups), earmarked for community-based initiative. He said that it is all geared towards empowering ''our market-selling women to broaden their scope of businesses with no interest charges.''

Faye went on to disclose that the VDC has embarked on the construction of a hundred small shops and canteens. 87% of this area, he said, had been occupied by non-Gambians since the Hamga Maikan days of the last republic.

Faye used the opportunity to thank the GPA for the construction of a magnificent edifice in the form of a terminal building, which he said not only beautify the area, but will also enhance a safer and accommodating community market area. ''We would urge parastatals or CBOs to emulate such efforts of decentralisation and empowerment of such a strategically located community as Barra," Faye said, adding, ''I also thank our generous leader, Sheikh Professor Alhaji Dr Yahya Jammeh, for providing us with such an international standard highway to enhance easier indigenous and inter-state business transactions.'' Aba Hydara is the VDC chairman of Barra, and he said that their only answer to those wonderful glories of the APRC government will be sustainability at the grass root or community level. ''This is exactly the main purpose of the VDC's establishment,'' he posited.

According to him, it is for this reason that the Barra VDC further embarked on building affordable income generation opportunities in the form of skill development centers, as well as initiatives such as tackling societal issues like waste management, bush and beach conservation, skills development centers and a recently established disaster management committee. On youth development, Hydara pointed to the project the VDC had embarked on, which saw the fencing of a sporting and recreational park, measuring 150 x 150 metres. ''This fencing shall be completed any time before July 15, 2009,'' he said.

The VDC's intended revenue generation strategy will include the organisation of football tournaments (Nawetan) as well as a musical show. "Today, a more collaborative community undertaking is on track thanks to our unifying and inspirational Alkalo and senior local authorities. This sincere vision of the benevolent president, Sheikh Professor Alhaji Dr Yahya Jammeh, shall never fail,"  the Barra VDC  chairman concluded.