“Life has never been rosy all the way; therefore, we do not promise that life in The Gambia could be trouble-free,” he said while adding that it was ‘unrealistic’ to expect this.
Speaking to Gambians at the McCarthy Square in Banjul, President Barrow further warned “we are bound to encounter difficulties, such as those imposed on us due to global developments.”
He continued that price rises, shortages of essential commodities, and budgetary constraints should be expected. In such circumstances, he added that everyone should unite patiently and apply remedial measures. Barrow further reiterated that the Government will always seek ways out of every difficulty that confronts the nation and so they expect the people to support the government in resolving such challenges.
The President added that “in light of the upheavals, fears, and threats within the sub-region and beyond, we must endeavour to educate our people and inspire them to remain steadfast in safeguarding the nation, contributing to its progress, and helping to secure the peace and stability we so lovingly enjoy.”
He said preserving the nation, for what it is worth, requires everyone to cherish and safeguard our identity, history, culture, social structures, relationships and everything else that distinguishes us as a people.
“Embedded in these traits are our shared values and ways of co-existing in peace and harmony as Gambians, hence we must make sure that they are not corrupted to give way to indecency.”
Barrow further highlighted that to succeed in this national endeavour, the government we choose to manage our affairs, the Constitution and Laws that regulate behaviour, the institutions that provide services and the territorial boundaries that define our land surface must be at the heart of whatever we do. Without this, he said our resources would be wasted, which we must collectively resolve to prevent.
He said: “At the core of our development is the economy, which lies at the centre of three important features; namely: our resources - human and material; our productivity in scope and intensity; and thirdly, our level of creativity to initiate positive change, execute appropriate action, and utilise goods and services appropriately and maximally. These cannot be attained in any country without the active and collective engagement of its people.”
He reiterated that the dynamics that frustrate such efforts may crop up from within or outside while noting that with a united front tied to a common goal, and with collective vigilance reinforced by civilian cooperation with the Security Services, we will always repel all acts of subversion and crime against the State, either arising from within the country or elsewhere.
