#Article (Archive)

Public interest first!

Apr 10, 2013, 9:35 AM

The interest of the public must always overshadow individual interest.

People have their individual interests, but our argument is that these interests should not be given precedence over our collective interests, for whatever reason.

The general well-being of all Gambians is more important than that of individuals who may think that the country belongs to them as an individual.

Most often people think about public interest, but the reality is that there must be a common understanding or consensus of what actually constitutes public interest.

It is only by so doing that people can better claim their rights and things that belong to them.

We are very much worried with this phenomenon, as many Gambians seem to be self-centred nowadays.

The things and efforts that should be done to improve the living and economic standards of the public, especially the poor is most often given less considerations, as corrupt officials are hell bent on enriching themselves.

Anything that is deemed to be in the best interest of the public should be given a due consideration.

It is therefore important to note that the public interest calls for upholding the rule of law, press freedom, respect for human rights, good governance, among others.

We, therefore, call on the government to ensure that public interest is always given priority over all other individual interests.