By Tijan S. Touray
As Th Gambia proudly celebrated its sixtieth anniversary – Diamond Jubilee, in anticipation of this significant milestone, this reporter sought the opinions of a diverse group of Gambians regarding the celebration.
In their assertive views, Bintou Jobarteh, a young Gambian in her mid-30s and a resident of Yundum, firmly believes it is essential for The Gambia to celebrate its Independence Day. She unequivocally asserted that these celebrations represent a vital milestone, honoring the journey of the country before, during, and after independence.
Despite the current hardships facing the nation, she insisted that celebrating Independence Day is not only justified but necessary.
Sulayman Darbo, a passionate native of Brikama in his mid-20s, stands alongside Bintou. He emphasized that every sovereign state must celebrate its independence, as these events honor the aspirations of their forefathers who valiantly fought for The Gambia’s liberation from colonial rule.
On the other hand, Amie Sonko, a 35-year-old shopkeeper in Yundum, argued against the necessity of celebrating Independence Day.
She highlighted the myriad challenges faced by both young and old citizens as a critical reason for her stance. With Ramadan fast approaching and prices skyrocketing, Amie said the substantial funds allocated for Independence Day celebrations would be far better spent on alleviating poverty.
She emphasized that redirecting this money could significantly address the pressing issues confronting women and youth in the marketplace.
Modou Faal Jahateh, a forthright teenager from Banjul, echoed Amie’s concerns and said there is no valid reason to celebrate Independence Day. He cited the alarming high unemployment rate, a lack of youth empowerment, and inadequate social services such as housing, food, and clothing as substantial challenges plaguing the Gambian population.
Modou rightly noted the increasing trend of youths embarking on the “backway” journey stems from dire job scarcity, as those fortunate enough to secure employment are often met with unsatisfactory wages at the end of the month.
