President
Adama Barrow has promised to reunite the country and place it on a path to good
governance and democracy.
While
addressing journalists in Dakar, Senegal, the new Gambian president said it was
about time the country was repositioned to achieve greatness and development.
“The
time is now as there cannot be a better time, because Gambians had waited for
too long for this opportunity to become a reality.
“This
government would involve all well-meaning citizens irrespective of political
leanings and religion to build the country,” President Barrow said.
“We
shall together do this in order to redeem the good image of the country and
move it to greater heights.”
Barrow
said the people of The Gambia were very happy that the change they yearned for
had finally come, adding that all hands must be on deck to develop the country.
He
promised to unite all for the good and development of the country.
“With
unity of purpose a lot can be achieved within the space of a short time that
everybody can be proud of anytime, anywhere.
“With
everybody onboard, Gambia can become one of the great countries of the world
going by its potential and human resources.’’
He,
therefore, called on Gambians to give maximum support to the government, saying
he was ready and willing to deliver the dividends of democracy to the people of
The Gambia.
“We
shall embark on robust policies and programmes where everybody will have equal
chance, as that is key in democracy.
“We
are going to redeem all items in our manifesto for the benefit of the people.
The Gambia is back, and we are ready to move it forward.
“We
are also going to encourage people, especially Nigerians, to invest in the
country and create more employment.
“We
will encourage them and other foreign investors to go into production. We do
not want the idea of buying and selling, because your life will depend on
others. So, we will encourage people to go into production.’’
President
Barrow also assured the people of adequate security, promising to leave a good
legacy behind for the people and the country.
He
specially appreciated the role played by Nigeria’s President Muhammadu Buhari
and ECOWAS and other international bodies that ensured that his mandate became
a reality.
