The
Gambian diaspora are strong pillars of The Gambia economically, politically,
socially, and culturally.
It
is to be acknowledged that Gambians in the diaspora continue to contribute to
the economy with over USD200 million annually. The diaspora in no small measure
played an energetic, vibrant, articulate, financial, moral and sustained
efforts to end dictatorship in The Gambia in 2016 and brought about democratic
dispensation. The diaspora had the capacity and political consciousness to
influence the electoral process towards regime change. The argument is always
that those on the ground made the changes possible in 2016, forgetting that the
roots cannot be separated from the trees in a political situation. The
contributions of the diaspora to the welfare of most Gambians have been
remarkable and rewarding to the extent that their voices matter in the affairs
of the nation.
For
a people who have remained steadfast in national development, they should be
accorded the right to vote in national elections and presidential in
particular. If neighbouring country can make it possible for their citizens to
vote in national presidential elections then why not The Gambia. It is all in
recognition and appreciation of the contributions of citizens living abroad to
national development. We continue to see projects of various types brought to
Gambian communities by Gambians in the diaspora.
Despite
the negative tendencies of some in the diaspora towards their fellow citizens
and those who served in the Jammeh Government, they remain proactive in terms
of supporting their families back home through remittances and home visits.
Some of them do engage in housing projects and other investments. In the new
Government some of them were rewarded with appointments in the civil service
for their support to the change of Government in The Gambia in 2016. It must be
stated however, that most of the said appointments were one-sided, politically
and tribally motivated.
There
is so much talent, expertise, skilfulness and connections with Gambians abroad
that is widely acknowledged. This government should endeavour to reach out to
them and to encourage them to further assist their motherland with rebranding
our image and to excite trade investment possibilities to enhance socioeconomic
development. It will be political miscalculation for the Government or any
party to give its back to Gambians in the diaspora.
It
is advisable and very right for this Government to create the office of the
DIRECTOR OF DIASPORA which will facilitate the return of those Gambians willing
to resettle home to pick up employment in Government, in the private sector and
to engage in enterprise development. This creation cannot be based on the
political agenda of any party or presidential aspirant. The location of the
Office of the Diaspora shall be in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Rebuilding
the New Gambia calls for coequal responsibility between the Government and the
people. In this regard, Gambians abroad will have a say in the affairs of their
country. It is their rights and that we are all under obligation to sustaining
democracy in The Gambia.
