By: Momodou Justice Darboe
The Gambia will attain 60 years of nationhood tomorrow, providing a moment of soul-searching over the country’s political and socio-economic trajectory since the attainment of self-rule.
Tomorrow will mark exactly 60 years when the Union Jack was lowered and the Gambia Flag hoisted, heralding an era of hope for limitless development.
On 18 February 1965, Gambians converged on the McCarthy Square in Banjul to be part of the unfolding history as instruments of authority were handed from the British to the new Gambian leaders.
Tomorrow, Gambians will return to the same square to take part in the Diamond Jubilee commemorations of this day.
The Gambia government officials were quoted as saying that three presidents from the sub-region; Basirou Diomaye Faye of Senegal, Umaru Sisokho Mballow of Guinea Bissau and Julius Mada Bio of Sierra Leone will attend the celebrations.
The Gambia government spokesperson Ebrima G. Sankareh earlier this year indicated that this year’s Independence Day will be commemorated with pomp and ceremony.
Meanwhile, a national dialogue and prayer sessions have been organized as part of the commemorative events.
The Gambia government has reportedly earmarked more than funds to celebrate this year’s anniversary though this report has yet to be independently verified.
This has caused consternation in many quarters with many describing it as a misplaced priority.
“What Gambians need now is not elaborate celebrations and unbridled wastage of public resources,” argued Sanna Colley, who has been struggling to find gainful employment since finishing school several years ago.
“If you ask me my opinion, I would tell you that the Government has no justification to organize an extravaganza for a day that neither delivered us from political doldrums nor economic decadence. So, why waste energy and taxpayer money on elaborately celebrating such a day?” maintained a civil servant, who asked not to be named, for fear of a backlash.
“The education, health and the economic sectors have all gone to the down. I think government focus should be on resuscitating these sectors than wasting public money on Nine Days Wonder,” said Satou Kanteh.
