This is a moment not only to celebrate, but to reflect and take stock how far the country has fared in the face of myriad of challenges.
The country's journey to the attainment of independence was not an easy one in view of the fact that it was at one time seen as an ‘improbable nation’. And for that it could not govern its own affairs.
Despite these challenges with the international community watching closely, the country's political leaders at the time stood firm and defied all odds to ensure that Gambians rule their own destiny.
However, this was a time even the country's geography - and economics - was a subject of discussion amid other pressing challenges.
With a narrow enclave and small population, limited natural resources, a shallow domestic market, and constant exposure to external shocks, The Gambia’s political leaders managed to surmount all the challenges bearing in mind gaining independence as the only saviour to the Promised Land.
This was a time many countries with far greater endowments had collapsed under far less pressure.
Fast forward, our survival during the three different administrations, namely Jawara, Jammeh, and now Barrow cannot be explained by policy brilliance alone or by institutions as they appear on paper.
It has been sustained by the quiet sacrifice of men and women who hold the country together across ministries, schools, hospitals, farms, markets, and security services.
Mr President, in view of the prevailing challenges which cut across wider spectrum, the road has not been easy at all. Certainly, we can confidently state that none of the Gambian leaders assumed presidency without challenges, as survival itself was never guaranteed.
Yet perhaps the most uncomfortable truth we must confront at 61 is our capacity paradox: we have many certificates, but limited competence; many opinions, but weak execution.
It is easy to explain how institutions should work - it is far harder to make them work under scarcity, politics, and public expectation.
Mr President, the much-talked about Deep Sea Port Deal is under review amid delay in the start of the actual work plan in Sanyang. This ambitious project is one of the remarkable landmark legacies that will add to your development initiatives since you assumed office in 2017.
Your government is renegotiating the terms of GPA agreement with Turkish Company Abayrak after pre-construction activities failed to begin within the agreed time, the Managing Director of GPA told MPs recently.
To set the record straight, the agreement signed between Government and the Turkish Company is a 30-year concession which allows the company to take over all operational activities at the Banjul Port for six years to build and operate the Sanyang deep sea port for the remaining 24 years.
Mr President, according to media reports, Abayrak was seeking a loan from Zenith Bank and used GPA assets as collateral and this did not materialise because the management of GPA did not support it.
It was a good move by the National Assembly to set up an inquiry into the agreement and to assess where the problem lies.
Closely assessing the situation, the prolonged delay is not good for the country. If, in reality, Abayrak could not fulfill the agreement, it would be better to award the deal to the Saudis, who at one-time showed interest in the project.
Good day!
The Point Editorial