On
December 1st,2016 Gambia witnessed its
first democratic election in which the Gambian electorate chose for change,
manifested by the exercise of their constitutional right on whom they wish to
lead them in the next five years. The
results also provide us the opportunity to witness for the first time in our
history since independence in 1965, a peaceful and democratic transfer of
power. This further accords us the
opportunity to make history and let Africa and the whole world learn from tiny
Gambia, that mare bulls, in other words, “Bejimms”( in the ndongo dialect)
,accepted as rig-free instrument to cast votes, could determine a change of
power from incumbent to opposition.
History would have it,the verdict of the
Gambian people was accepted by the incumbent; who sent excitement through the
lent breadth of the country. This unfortunately, was short-lived when
rescinded, and sent shock waves all over the world, Gambians and non- Gambians
alike from within and beyond our borders were
all taken aback by this unfortunate turnaround with all the attendant
uncertainties and adverse implications on an already struggling business
environment.
Having
assessed the troubling situation, the membership of the American Chamber of
Commerce have expressed grave concerns on the impasse looming over the revised
decision, seen as deterrent to progress. Mr. President, Having laid claim to
peace, stability and for your love of the Gambia and her diverse people for 22
years as being a fundamental principle not be compromised, we urge that you
place that love above all, in making a decision to respect the verdict of the
very people that you love and allow them to taste for once, the peaceful and
democratic transition and transfer of power in recognition of, and for
upholding of the dictates of our 1997 constitution. The Gambia and all her
diverse people need and deserve a place in world history; assure the whole
world that we can without the help of anyone, usher in a sample of democracy
known to only few countries and earn this rightful place in history.
Candor
is the highest form of loyalty, and as often reminded by the words of wisdom of
one distinguished and late wise son of Gambian soil that, “History cannot
proceed by in silence”; and rightly so, it should not without the acknowledged
decision of the Gambian people yearning for the respect for the verdict of the
new Choice of Leadership in President Elect Adama Barrow that they have made;
Amcham re-echo this request and urge that you do good with your early decision
to concede and support President-Elect Adama Barrow to assume the mantle of
leadership in the common interest of all. Allah Bless us all, Allah bless the
Republic of the Gambia.