We must reflect on the founding fathers and their contributions to this Nation that skeptics like Berkeley Rice said will never make it to Statehood. Here we are at 60 years of Independence, thanks to Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara who spearheaded the journey along with Kalilu Singhateh, JC Faye, Sheriff Ceesay and others.
It will be recalled that in his Independence speech, Sir Dawda had warned Gambians that “ Independence is not a magical formula that will transform your groundnuts into diamonds; it means we are on our own and by our own efforts we must earn our keep.” It is gratifying to note that we are still “marching in solidarity for self- reliance and National development “ putting the doubting Thomases like Berkeley Rice to shame. The first President laid the foundation for democratic governance, rule of law, protection of human and people’s rights and built strong institutions of National development.
The second President conducted a government of benevolent dictatorship with massive benefits to the country in all aspects of life. The current President revived democratic government with unprecedented development projects in all sectors of the economy. Here we go, still marching in solidarity for self-reliance and development.
We have come a long way since1965 as a resilient and united Nation working together to thrive in dignity and sustainable development.
Wishing Gambians a happy Independence anniversary celebration.
