EXPRESSION OF CONGRATULATION FOR YOUR VICTORY AND INAUGURATION AS PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE GAMBIA
I
humbly seize this rare opportunity to extend to you on behalf of the Business
Community of the West Coast Region and on my own behalf my profound
felicitations on your resounding election victory of the December 1st, 2016
Presidential elections, which was free, fair and credible by any standard.
I
also wish to recognize and applaud the exemplary maturity, sincerity and
similar leadership qualities you have manifested during the brief political
impasse which was orchestrated by the selfish and disgraceful former dictator
to plunge peaceful Gambia into a civil war which has the potential to
destabilize not only The Gambia but the entire sub region. But thanks largely
to your demeanor and an abiding faith in democracy, peace and transparency, the
ugly situation was resolved amicably without a drop of blood.
Your
Excellency Sir, My name is Ansumana Marenah commonly known as Julakey, a
businessman residing in Brikama Town, West Coast Region. I am also the
Councillor appointed by the Governor with approval from the Minister of Local
Governments, Lands & Regional Administration for the past five years. The
Business Community in the West Coast Region is diverse and includes contractors
in constructions, miming, engineering, consultancy, supply, traders, bakers,
carpenters, welders, artisans, etc, whose daily activities are geared towards
ensuring that there is enough genuine products and services required to sustain
the demand of an ever increasing population. My role is mainly to negotiate
between producers and consumers to agree on better terms of business and seek
the support of the local council, the Chamber of Commerce and the government to
attract and generate understanding among the different players in the business
environment. I also advocate for a robust economic engagement to flourish and work
to ensure that staple commodities are available and affordable to consumers and
to create employment opportunities for the youth.
Your
Excellency Sir, the purpose of this letter is to express to you unwavering
support trust and your leadership and the commitment of the unalloyed political
support to the coalition by the entire Business Community of the West Coast
Region. I also wish to raise the concern of the business community regarding
the total neglect and indifference that we suffered under the former regime
that award major contracts to mostly foreigners at the detriment of the
competent Gambians contractors. We therefore wish to appeal to your government
to create opportunities for our businesses to thrive by recognizing our ability
and competence in nation building. We further wish to appeal to you to
strengthen the Gambia Chamber of Commerce & Industries whose mandate is to
promote business ventures and protect the interest of small and medium
enterprises against monopolistic hegemony as well as interference and
domination from further afield. As a Board member for GCCI for seven years
(2008-2014), i can attest to the fact that the previous government discourages
local enterprises and drive them from the market.
Your
Excellency Sir, it is no gainsaying that the need for closed collaboration
between the government and the business community cannot to be over-emphasised
because while government formulate and implement policies to boost economic
growth, it is the business community that translate those lofty programs by connecting demand to
supply.
Your
Excellency Sir, the West Coast people’s support for the coalition has been
amply demonstrated in the last presidential elections with massive majorities
in most of our constituencies. Let me assure you that we are prepared to
deliver a knockout blow to any party opposing the Coalition. Therefore victory
for all the coalition candidates in the coming parliamentary elections is a
foregone conclusion. The Business Community has been actively behind the elaborate
sensitizations, canvassing and sponsorship for the coalition and we promised to
carry on the momentum.
Finally,
Your Excellency, I wish to once again reiterate our loyalty to your supreme
vision for the Gambia and we pray for Allah’s grace and blessing for your
continued good health and prosperity. OUR MOTTOIS: MORE BUSINESS IN GOVERNMENT.
Author:
Ansumana Marenah commonly known as Julakey