We
welcome the British foreign secretary Boris Johnson for his visit to The
Gambia. For many years, we have not
received a high-profile British personality such as Mr Johnson.
We
hope his visit will foster our relationship, which has existed since Britain
was our colonial master.
Mr
Johnson’s visit to The Gambia is highly welcomed, to restore the excellent
relations we had during the first republic.
His
visit will open a big opportunity for the two countries to explore areas of
mutual interest, especially in the fields of trade and economic ties, health,
education scholarships and tourism sector.
These
are needed to be revamped to assist the new government in reforming the army
and the police by giving them training and equipment.
“This
is the first recorded visit to The Gambia by a foreign secretary,” a press
release announcing the coming of Mr Johnson said.
Lord
David Triesman was then the Minister for Africa at the Foreign and Commonwealth
Office. He was in The Gambia during the
7th Summit of African Union Heads of States and Government in July 2006.
We
should open a new page for all sides to play key roles for the socio-economic
development of our countries.
Britain,
as a great nation and partner to The Gambia, should also assist in terms of
education since English is our official language.
Sports,
particularly football, which many Gambians support, need support.
The
Gambia government in turn should promote tourism since 50 per cent of our
tourists are British. We should give them all the necessary facilities to
encourage and promote tourism.
There
should be more incentives to reduce the tax burden on the people, as well as
electricity tariff for hotels in the country, since we are competing with
neighbouring countries.
In
the health sector, we need efficient equipment and manpower to bring effective
service delivery to the sector.
UK
also should speed up our re-entry into the Commonwealth, since we were isolated
due to our withdrawal from the body, which caused a serious harm to our nation.
Also,
Britain as our ex-colonial master, should help us to find solution to our
electricity constraints, which has lasted more than three decades.
All
genuine Gambians wishing to travel to the UK for business, holiday, and
education should be given a visa.
Gambians with valid papers should be given access.
Also
Gambians residing in the UK for many years without crime should be given
residence permit, so they will contribute their quota to the development of
both countries.
British
and Gambians should love each other, assist each other and respect each other
because they are bonded in common values.
“
I am a believer in cooperation.”
