#Article (Archive)

Harnessing potential in the diaspora

Feb 26, 2013, 11:07 AM

The contribution of Gambians in different parts of the world to the socio-economic development of the country is of paramount importance to nation-building.

Gambians whether in the US, Spain, Angola, France or other parts of the world have for many years been very supportive to their communities of origin.

It does not matter, where they live in or their community of origin be it Kuwonku in Sandu, Baja Kunda in Wuli, Brikama in West Coast Region, or Essau in North Bank Region, etc. Diaspora Gambians have never relented in their support to the development of their motherland.

Apart from the remittances Gambians living abroad send back home, they support various development projects, ranging from health, to education, agriculture, sports, and other things.

As a country, we must recognise the efforts and contributions of our brothers and sisters living abroad. We must also see how best we can effectively harness the potential of Gambians in the Diaspora, as a good number of Gambian intellectuals live abroad.

We must therefore facilitate and encourage them to play a vital role in national development.

We hold the belief that as a country when we seriously engaged Gambians abroad, we can significantly and collectively overcome the various challenges confronting the country.

The development of the country can only be realised when we exploit the potential of all Gambians, irrespective of where they live in this world.