Speaking at the occasion attended by 19 political party representatives, Civil Society Organisations and a cross section of the public, President Barrow explained that a series of consultative sessions and dialogue on the theme in focus preceded the National Dialogue aimed at building consensus on fundamental national issues of concern to all Gambians.
He stated that it is proper, as such, to appreciate the efforts of all those who made the historic event possible. The President said that the country is making history through participation in the national dialogue.
“Although I am participating as the sitting President, I am also here as a citizen and a Gambian stakeholder like everyone else. As citizens, we have an equal stake in the affairs of the country and should keenly take part in such activities. With this in mind, I do not intend to influence the trend of the dialogue but to set the stage and tone of the deliberations that follow. In doing this, I will pay attention to the context, justification, and expected outcomes of the dialogue.”
For me, he said, preserving the nation implies protecting the people and everything associated with them; in particular, their wellbeing, honour, values, and all that make them stand out distinctly as individuals and communities, bound by blood or social ties, as well as other special characteristics. He said an expected outcome of achieving this objective is a healthy, productive, and happy Gambian population.
“As a sovereign state, safeguarding the State implies protecting our land, borders, and everything directly under the authority and responsibility of the Government. To cite examples, these include our formal institutional arrangements, national symbols and apparatuses, legal frameworks, and seats of authority, especially for the three arms of the State. In sum, this is about the autonomy or sovereignty of our motherland. It is only when we achieve this successfully that we can sustain strong institutions, efficient services, progress, and stability,” the President reiterated.
