Membership is open to Individuals, NGOs, Government, Donor Agencies and any other Civil Society Organizations that subscribe to the ideals of the BDI To accommodate the various individuals and interest groups referred to above, it has been deemed necessary that Membership be categorized as follows:

The following shall be members of the BDI:

  • Any Citizen or Resident of the URR or Any Persons who have BDI’s ideals at heart and are willing to participate in the Development Initiatives of the Region.
  • The Founding members of the BDI
  • Any Civil Society Organization as defined in section 1 of this Constitution that shall apply for and be accepted as a member of the Organization. Such an application shall be made on an Application for Membership Form and addressed to the General Secretary of the BDI. The application should be
    accompanied by:

    • Certified copies of the Organisation’s Constitution or Articles and Memorandum of Association.
    • Certificate of Registration of the Organization to apply for membership.
    • Any other documents as shall from time to time be determined by the Board of Directors.
Membership

Categories of Membership:

It is BDI’s opinion that every citizen of Basse and URR is a member, to be allocated a membership Card – the membership is a birth-right. However, BDI is in its infancy and must contend with the financial realities that will mould its formation and subsequent growth. In addition, as “Corporate responsibility” is expected of a Corporation, so are “Personal contributions” expected of individuals
in the drive to improve the welfare of communities.

BDI realises that funds are required to help start small-scale ventures, the proceeds of which will be used for operational requirements and welfare programs for Basse, URR. Towards this objective, BDI will introduce four (4) categories of Membership Cards and Membership dues to all aspiring members and expects that each Member will acquire a Card and be paying their Membership dues, according to his or her ability.
The Membership Card will be a one-time obligation.
The Membership dues will be a recurring Monthly/Annual contribution.

Silver Membership

This category will include Individuals born in URR, Individuals whose parents come from URR and Residents of URR or Any persons who have BDI’s ideals at heart and are willing to participate in the Development Initiatives of the Region. Members of this category will pay the prescribed Registration fees and Annual Membership dues.
The Registration Fees:
  • The Gambia and the Sub-Region. A fee of D200.00 per person.
  • Members residing Overseas. A fee of D1000.00 or its equivalent per person
Annual Dues:
  • The Gambia and the Sub-Region. An Annual subscription of D1,200.00 per person.
  • Members residing Overseas. An Annual subscription of D10,000.00 or its equivalent per person.

Gold Membership

This category shall include NGOs, Civil Society Organizations and all other Groups that share BDI's ideals and wish to partner with BDI in achieving its Development Aspirations.

Members of this Category resident in the Gambia and/or the Sub-Region are required to pay an annual membership fee of D10,000.00 or its equivalent per Organization. No annual subscriptions are required for members in this category.

Members of this Category resident in the Diaspora are required to pay an annual membership fee of D100,000.00 or its equivalent per Organization. No annual subscriptions are required for members in this category.

Gold Membership Application Consideration

The Board of Directors shall consider the application for Gold Membership and:

  • Accept Application in line with the established regulations for such membership, or
  • Request the Applicant Organisation to submit further information or details which, in the opinion of the Board of Directors, is relevant for the comprehensive consideration of their application, or
  • Reject the Application for membership, stating the reasons for such rejection.

Platinum Membership

Membership in this category is open to Donor Agencies, Government, Businessmen, Politicians, Philanthropists and Any other entity willing to assist in BDI's Development Agenda. This Category of members will not pay Membership fees but
will serve as Patrons of BDI.

The Executive Committee deems it an honour to bestow Platinum Membership on His or Her Excellency the President of the Republic of The Gambia

Honorary Membership

This category will comprise of the Founding Members, Former Executive Officials and any Nominated Persons. This Category will not pay membership fees but will serve as Sponsors and Advisers

Rejected Applications

An Organization/Person that is dissatisfied with the decision of the Board of Directors rejecting such application for membership shall have a right of appeal to the General Assembly.
Cessation of Membership

Membership to the BDI shall cease on any of the following grounds:

  • Any member of the Organization who tenders their withdrawal to the General Secretary
  • A member Organization stating its intention to withdraw its membership in writing and addressed to the General Secretary.
  • If a member Organization violates any of the objectives or principles of the BDI as contained in this Constitution, followed by an ouster vote by two-thirds majority of members present in such a deliberation.
  • Failure by a member organization to attend FIVE consecutive meetings of the General Assembly without reasonable cause.
  • Failure by a Member Organization to pay FIVE (5) consecutive annual subscriptions to the BDI.