Despite living thousands of miles away, their contributions are deeply felt across Gambian communities.
However, when this declaration was made, many believed that Gambians abroad would gain the right to vote and even run for positions as lawmakers or other significant government roles. This expectation came from the fact that many in the Diaspora invest substantial resources in the country, such as building homes and starting businesses, among other contributions.
Mr President, Gambians with dual nationalities should have the right to vote and be represented in the National Assembly.
Upholding the core principles of democracy is essential in any just and progressive society. In 2023 alone, Gambians in the Diaspora contributed a substantial sum of US$737.12 million in official remittances.
As your government plans to bring back the failed draft constitution or a version of it to the National Assembly, it is critical that Gambians in the Diaspora and a cross-section of civil society are part of the framers of this new Constitution, a future homegrown development plan that will enhance nation building. Without collective inputs, Gambia’s development trajectory will remain slow and distorted. It will only create several unequal categories of citizens in the same country.
Mr President, another limb of concern is the constant blockade at the Gambia and Senegal border, which needs to be addressed urgently and indefinitely. This blockage has been a recurring problem for both countries, and for the past four decades, we have encountered several cases of cross-border incidents. It is high time people of these two countries learned to live as good neighbours.
Also, drivers plying between the two countries should avoid unnecessary dispute or misunderstanding among themselves. They should embrace the uniqueness of people and culture that we share and always see each other as brothers. As a matter of fact, drivers don't have right to deny each other entry either into Gambia or Senegal.
This uncalled for situation also highlights the need for both governments to promote and strengthen the free movement of people, goods, and services.
The two governments should solve the problem of transit trade, as Gambians have continued to complain about the ways and rate at which Senegalese customs officials are charging them.
The two countries should collaborate on addressing shared concerns such as security, the energy sector, trade, combating drug trafficking, and illegal logging. It would be beneficial for both governments to commit to meeting every six months to address these pressing issues and introduce domestic flights at reasonable costs.
Finally, Mr President, from the look of things our country is deeply divided along several political and social fault lines, fueled by inflammatory hate speech especially against political opponents. This division, which leaves much to be desired, is retarding our development.
Collectively, we have a big role to play in building this country to the envy of the world.
Mr President, you have a significant role in uniting a divided nation and fostering an environment where people can forgive and move forward. In this regard, it is essential for everyone to learn to accommodate one another and reject all forms of discrimination. We must remember that, for instance, Rome was built by none but the Romans, and we should not expect outsiders to come and develop this great country of ours.
Long Live The Gambia!
Good Day!
Editorial of The Point