EVENT:
55TH INDEPENDENCE ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION
DATE:
18TH FEBRUARY 2020 VENUE: McCarthy Square
Your
Excellency, the Vice President,
Your
Excellencies, First Lady Fatou Bah-Barrow and Madam Sarjo Mballow- Barrow
Former
Vice Presidents present,
Honourable
Speaker,
My
Lord, the Chief Justice,
Honourable
Members of Cabinet and the National Assembly,
Lord
Mayors of Banjul and Kanifing Municipalities,
Distinguished
Guests,
Ladies
and Gentlemen,
Boys
and Girls
The
Gambia clocks fifty-five years today as an Independent Sovereign State
responsible for managing its affairs without any external interference.
Celebrating the anniversary of this historic event should trigger thoughts to
guide us redefine our individual roles as citizens of this nation in order to
situate and reposition our motherland better on the global stage.
As
this is our National Day, it is a moment to unite and deliberate on national
issues, and not on partisan conflicts and interests. As true sons and daughters
of The Gambia, this is a moment to reflect on the implications of Independence;
not only political independence, but also social and economic independence.
Having
emerged from decades of under-development, slowed progress, retarded growth and
dictatorship, the time has come for us to reflect objectively and selflessly on
what needs to be done differently for better results. Thus, we should ask
ourselves: What does putting the national interest first really imply? How can
we work together to address all the development deficits that continue to affect
every Gambian, directly or indirectly?
As
we mark the last Independence Anniversary of this decade, the opportunity has
come for us to turn a new leaf by beginning the next decade much better, with
renewed patriotic zeal in the Third Republic. As we prepare for the next series
of national elections, now is the time to demonstrate what Independence means
to us.
Let
us demonstrate that we are capable of managing our affairs by accommodating our
differences, celebrating our successes, providing feedback with discipline, and
expressing our opinions with respect and dignity.
Ladies
and Gentlemen,
This
day is important because it also reminds us of our pledge in the National
Anthem, and underscores the need “to live in unity, freedom and peace each
day…” Therefore, we must be aware of all
divisive speeches, actions, sentiments and concepts that may lead to social
divisions in our communities.
Whilst
ethnicity contributes significantly to our richly blended culture, and stands
out as a diverse source of strength, if weaponised for selfish reasons,
ethnicity has devastating consequences. It has plunged many nations into
protracted unrest, destruction and great instability. Party politics, which is
often at the root of most deadly ethnic clashes, must not be based on
ethnicity. Instead, politics should be driven by a sound vision, appropriate
programmes and dedicated service in the best interest of one’s nation.
The
electorate should affiliate with the party that represents the national
interest, and ensure that we continue to live in peace and harmony in a
cohesive, democratic society where our collective development aspirations can
be fulfilled.
Our
National Anthem has summed up the message perfectly for us. It brings our
attention to doing the right thing, and emphasises, I quote, “Let justice guide our actions towards the
common good, And join our diverse peoples to prove man’s brotherhood.”
Ethnic
rivalry is dreadful. Accordingly, I urge all of us to renew our commitment and
“pledge our firm allegiance,” to the nation, because The Gambia belongs to all
of us.
Politics
is not about the language we speak or the ethnic group we identify with. It is
about the nation and its development and future.
We
all have the moral and civic obligation of safeguarding the future of this
country and remember, in the process, that history will judge us, sooner or
later.
This
should compel us maintain peace and stability by respecting the rule of law,
and allowing justice to take its course.
Today,
we can all look back and, with relief, celebrate and embrace democracy, good
governance and the rule of law. This is highlighted by the political excitement
that has gripped the nation, resulting in a series of useful dialogue,
across-party discussions, and bipartisan solidarity and collaboration.
The
nationwide consultations on crucial national structures, policies and
instruments continue to open new avenues, and widen the options for choice,
diversity and scope. This is unprecedented in The Gambia!
Never
have Gambians been given the space to participate so genuinely and passionately
as witnessed recently on the draft Constitution, the Commissions, the
Presidency, the economy and various other aspects of governance.
Never
has the Legislature been as independent, as open, as free and as lively as it
is today. This is progress, and it is political development!
As
free citizens in an Independent State, information is accessed readily on
radio, television and other media outlets without censure. Indeed, Gambians are
truly enjoying political independence!
Socially,
cultural freedom continues to enable us to showcase our diversity and tolerance
for one another. These are aspects of my Government’s achievements, which we
have registered collectively with all Gambians. Government will continue to
ensure that such freedoms are guaranteed and sustained.
Economic
freedom is ideal, but we live in an interdependent world where nations and
organisations must depend on one another. This is the essence of diplomacy and
international relations. However, it is incumbent upon us to exploit our
talents and abilities to be innovative and productive, and to initiate or
contribute to value addition processes. It is up to us to examine our
circumstances, expose our shortcomings and challenges, with a view to resolving
them.
The
responsibility is collective for us to create jobs, create opportunities,
create income for economic development and generate capacity to develop
holistically.
The
key challenges that continue to affect this nation can be solved only if we
reconcile our differences, maintain peace and stability, law and order,
progress and development. Fundamentally, we must avoid acting against the
national interest.
As
Gambians, every one of us has citizenship rights. With consistency, I reassure
you all of my resolve to perform my functions to the fullest. As President, I
have legal authority to act justly; as a leader, I owe it to the people to keep
the nation together and safe; and, as a parent, I have the moral duty to
preserve the nation for the younger generation and those unborn, whose rights
we must recognise now.
Our
oaths of office bind us to God and the Constitution, and our mandates and rules
of engagement bind us ethically and professionally to the people and the State.
This applies to all public officials and across all state institutions.
Ladies
and Gentlemen,
The
major stumbling block to development is the bulk and mix of resources at our
disposal. The options to address the inadequacies centre on innovation,
industry, productivity and partnering with others, internally and externally.
We
must all strive to fend for ourselves, feed ourselves, and muster courage to
entrench independence and cooperation in our sub-cultures; whether at home, in
the community or in our institutions.
Distinguished
Guests,
Ladies
and Gentlemen,
Lessons
learnt from the “Meet the People’s Tour” have strengthened me to strive harder
to accelerate the pace of our development. However, every one of us has a
stake, a role and the responsibility to act as a constructive agent of change
and development. We have to utilise our
abilities and potential constructively, apply ourselves to the tasks of nation
building, and avoid indifference and dependency.
Up
to 2021, my Government will continue to implement the National Development Plan
vigorously. We will introduce new projects, and attend to the people’s needs.
Roads, energy, water, sanitation, infrastructure and technology for production
will attract top priority. Employment, youth and gender issues will be closely
linked to such priorities. In all of these, the private sector and non-state
operatives have an equal or complementary role to play.
This
year marks the forerunner of the 2021 Presidential Election. While gearing up
for this, it is most necessary that we exercise restraint, remain disciplined
and maintain the peace. Let us not plunge the nation into chaos and
disorder. We must remember what we have
gone through and, therefore, be steadfast in upholding the values and practices
that encourage positive thought and action. The surest way to success is unity,
resisting the temptation to ignore our noble values and warding off agitation,
no matter where it comes from.
We
should also be firm and resolute whenever we take a decision on something, but
should be prepared to shift our positions whenever there are better
alternatives.
I
urge you, the schoolchildren and students, to focus on your education.
Education and skills unlock the doors to development and good citizenship. Work
hard today, and reap the benefits tomorrow. Do not allow yourselves to be
distracted; instead, strive hard for your future well-being.
Remember
that children are more vulnerable to different forms of violence. They are
trafficked, abused and even used as child soldiers to fight and kill in unjust
civil wars, or serve as suicide bombers. Do not allow anyone to use you for
such deadly, cowardly and evil acts.
I
commend all parents and teachers for guiding and taking care of the children.
Government appreciates your efforts, and we will continue to invest in
education to ensure that the youth realise their full potential to serve their
families, nation and themselves when they grow up.
Teachers
have an honourable job to do; thus, they should work honourably and
effectively, and maximise the time they spend on task. Finance is not the only
motivation in this noble job.
Teachers
have the responsibility of preparing a whole generation of learners, who look
up to them for values of integrity, discipline, trustworthiness and patriotism.
Children learn to respect rules and regulations at school; hence, teachers have
the burden of doing the right thing for the children to emulate early in their
lives.
While
we appreciate the efforts of the Education Ministries, we encourage them to
support both the teaching and administrative staff in the system for better
performance.
Ladies
and Gentlemen,
Turning
to the Security Services, I thank and commend them, as the pride of the nation,
for their impressive outfit and remarkable performance.
We
salute them for their impeccable parades, commendable peace keeping missions,
humble and generous community service, as well as their acute alertness and
sacrifice to keep the peace.
Distinguished
Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen,
To
all those present, I express deep gratitude for the turnout, and for making the
occasion so colourful. I am thankful also to the entire nation for keeping the
peace and their cooperation with my government.
We
are grateful too to the international community for their support -
financially, technically and morally. The list includes all friendly nations,
partners and organisations that continue to supplement or complement our
development efforts.
I
wish you all a very joyful Fifty-fifth Independence Anniversary Celebration.
God
bless us all, and Long Live The Gambian Nation!
