The
initial move and statement by the new foreign minister to meet with the heads
of missions and diplomats in The Gambia sends some good signals.
“We
will mend broken ties and deepen our cooperation with all of you, and urge your
governments to resume development cooperation with the new government as it
embarks on the task of socio-economic transformation,” the message of the
foreign minister says.
It
is, indeed, essential that broken ties and severed relations by the Jammeh
regime are mended.
Some
of the ties and relations destroyed by the Second Republic have caused serious
harm in various walks of life and, indeed, the whole nation and the economy.
For
instance, the Commonwealth pullout by The Gambia under Jammeh’s regime has
affected many people and sectors of the country, such as education and
scholarships, military cooperation, and the Commonwealth Human Ecology Council
chapter in The Gambia, an environmental protection-related initiative, among
other pertinent areas the Gambian nation was benefiting from the Commonwealth
club.
Also
international Rating standard for attracting substantial foreign investment was
dented, causing giant investors to be shying away from The Gambia.
Therefore,
this situation needs frantic efforts to get it mended as soon as possible, as
the new government embarks on the task of socio-economic development.
The
youths need jobs, the economy needs to be fully engaged and the country needs
serious investments in its productive sector, so that there are industries on
the ground that can produce what we sell as a nation to generate income and
foreign exchange, that would keep the economy competing and the country positively progressing.
Although
it has been stated that broken ties will be mended, it will be essential,
therefore, that words are translated into action.
“Never
above you. Never below you. Always beside you.”
Walter
Winchell
