OPINION: Letter to President Adama Barrow

February 3, 2017

H.E. Adama Barrow
President of the Republic of The Gambia
State House
Banjul, The Gambia
West Africa

Mr President:

I have the honor most respectfully to take the opportunity to write to you this letter, congratulating you and members of the coalition on your victory and eventual inauguration as the third president of our native land, The Gambia. I wish you success in meeting your obligations to our people and pray that you continue to have the strength and guidance required to perform the functions of the office you are entrusted with.

On December 1, 2016, The Gambian people chose freedom over fear. They pulled together to chart a new path that was uncertain, yet hopeful. Our people spoke with one voice at home while the rest of us rejoiced abroad. While I was among those who doubted the coalition’s electoral victory, I smiled and celebrated at your triumph with relief, pride, and humility. I proudly watched your inauguration at the embassy in Dakar and revered your return home to a hero’s welcome. Congratulations.

As you assume your executive functions as president, I hope that you will strengthen the institutions of government so as to create stability and certainty for the Gambian people. As the leader of an emerging democracy, you have an awesome opportunity to transform The Gambia into a beacon of hope and prosperity.

In order to enjoy prosperity, educational opportunities must be available to the nation’s youth and continuing education for adult learners. The Gambia has a lot of untapped talent that can only be utilized by actively educating every citizen for the 21st Century job market. We live in a global economy that promotes innovations in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Investments in those areas will build the nation’s capacity to become competitive now and into the future.

Finally, The Gambia has long been the smiling coast of Africa and with your election, the whole world has renewed goodwill towards Gambians. It is my hope that as the world continues to watch our native land, they will see a nation defined by cultural vibrancy that promotes our heritage and historical underpinnings. Our culture and heritage has long been the genesis of the founding of West Africa. That culture must remain diverse and essential, with collaborative elements among interested stakeholders.

I wish you good health, peace, and prosperity in your journey as you lead our people into a more admirable and productive future.

Sincerely,

Sankung Papa Susso, EdD.
Professor of Education
Touro College and University Systems
New York, NY 10010.
USA