We join the whole nation to celebrate the country's Diamond Jubilee Independence under the theme "Marching in Solidarity for Self-Reliance and National Development”.
Mr President, we pay tribute to the 19 founding fathers who played a pivotal role in securing our independence, led by the nation’s first president, Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara. Their participation in the 1961 constitutional talks and Independence Negotiations in London (the UK) in 1964 paved the way for our country’s Independence and national day. We believe that the families of these founding fathers should be honoured, and institutions or streets should be named after them in recognition of their contributions to our independence.
Other issues of concern
Mr President, as the current leader of this great nation, your government should also prioritise combating crime, strengthening the security forces, and equipping them with the necessary resources. Additionally, efforts should continue to be made to reduce the cost of living, promote peace and unity, abolish restrictive media laws, and regulate the social media use in the countryin order to prevent the spread of fake news, false allegations, and abusive language. You should also ensure the nation gets a new constitution this year.
Mr President, your government should also eliminate separate airport tax and include it in air tickets, promote agriculture to attain food self-sufficiency, get reliable electricity, water supply and internet services, get good ferries, mass public transportation and good roads. Government should also try hard to fight inflation as well as corruption in the country, promote good governance, create employment, discourage irregular migration, and encourage airlines and flights to include The Gambia in their routes. Sectors such as health, education, sport and transport should always be part of your priorities.
Furthermore, Mr President, all those who have been remanded for an extended period in prison should either be released or formally charged to avoid human rights contentions.
Mr President, the Independence celebration is a moment of reflection but also a platform to promote peace and unity among citizens. In that regard, your government should be exemplary in championing and advancing peace through encouraging people, even opposing views, and ensuring that they reflect on the vitality of independence and self-government.
Before independence, the Gambian political parties, despite their differences, ultimately united for self-governance even though the country was highly viewed as an improvised state. However, they saw self-determination, unity and perseverance in ensuring that the country attained independence in unison and harmony.
We therefore encourage you to make a clarion call and advocate for peace and unity in your Independence Speech, as it will serve as a reminder for all other political parties to reflect on the purpose of this Independence Day, a Diamond Jubilee indeed!
Good day!
Editorial of The Point