President Adama Barrow has urged Gambians to take the National Day, celebrated 18 February, as a moment to unite and deliberate on national issues, and not on partisan conflicts and interests.
“As true sons and daughters of The Gambia, this is a moment to reflect on the implications of Independence; not only political independence, but also social and economic independence,” he told Gambians on Tuesday at the 55th independence anniversary celebration in Banjul.
He added: “The Gambia clocks fifty-five years today as an Independent Sovereign State responsible for managing its affairs without any external interference.
“Celebrating the anniversary of this historic event should trigger thoughts to guide us redefine our individual roles as citizens of this nation in order to situate and reposition our motherland better on the global stage.”
He told Gambians that having emerged from decades of under-development, slowed progress, retarded growth and dictatorship, “the time has come for us to reflect objectively and selflessly on what needs to be done differently for better results.”
He also said “we should ask ourselves: What does putting the national interest first really imply? How can we work together to address all the development deficits that continue to affect every Gambian, directly or indirectly?”
President Barrow further said that as they mark the last independence anniversary of this decade, the opportunity has come for Gambians to turn a new leaf by beginning the next decade much better, with renewed patriotic zeal in the Third Republic.
“As we prepare for the next series of national elections, now is the time to demonstrate what Independence means to us.
“Let us demonstrate that we are capable of managing our affairs by accommodating our differences, celebrating our successes, providing feedback with discipline, and expressing our opinions with respect and dignity,” he pointed out.
According to him, the day is important because it also reminds Gambians of their pledge in the National Anthem, and underscores the need “to live in unity, freedom and peace each day…” Therefore, we must be aware of all divisive speeches, actions, sentiments and concepts that may lead to social divisions in our communities.”
President Barrow pointed out that ethnicity contributes significantly to Gambia’s richly blended culture, and stands out as a diverse source of strength, stressing that “if weaponries for selfish reasons, ethnicity has devastating consequences.”
He added: “It has plunged many nations into protracted unrest, destruction and great instability. Party politics, which is often at the root of most deadly ethnic clashes, must not be based on ethnicity. Instead, politics should be driven by a sound vision, appropriate programmes and dedicated service in the best interest of one’s nation.”
He calls on the electorate to affiliate with the party that represents the national interest, and ensure that Gambians continue to live in peace and harmony in a cohesive, democratic society where their collective development aspirations can be fulfilled.
According to President Barrow, The Gambia National Anthem has summed up the message perfectly for Gambians. It brings their attention to doing the right thing, and emphasises, “Let justice guide our actions towards the common good, and join our diverse peoples to prove man’s brotherhood.”
He stressed that ethnic rivalry is dreadful and urged all Gambians to renew their commitment and “pledge our firm allegiance to the nation, because The Gambia belongs to all of us.
“Politics is not about the language we speak or the ethnic group we identify with. It is about the nation and its development and future.
“We all have the moral and civic obligation of safeguarding the future of this country and remember, in the process, that history will judge us, sooner or later.
“This should compel us maintain peace and stability by respecting the rule of law, and allowing justice to take its course,” President Barrow told Gambians.