By Alf Soninke
Listen to Adama Barrow and his aides speak of his “national development” achievements, and you can clearly see that it’s all politically motivated and selfish rhetoric.
Barrow is development-oriented, and let’s give him a third term to continue this development; he is bringing unprecedented development to this country, which is proof of what he can do if given a new mandate.
We hear them say so to the electorate – and it’s a spewing of the usual propaganda as we approach yet another crucial national election, in December 2026.
As if Barrow’s predecessors, Jawara and Yahya Jammeh, did not bring firsts to our least developed nation!
Despite this, of course, we all saw what happened to them when they insisted on self-perpetuation in office!
As regards “national development” under Jawara, we saw the new ministry buildings at the Quadrangle in Banjul, the creation of crucial national institutions such as Gambia College for training teachers, the School of Nursing and Midwifery in Banjul.
Also, the D45-million RVH modernization project funded by the British government, the Chinese-funded new ministry buildings at the Quadrangle and High Courts complex in Banjul, as well as the Chinese-funded Independence Stadium in Bakau.
Also, many parastatals were created, such as GPA for Banjul seaport and ferry services, Gambia Airways/GIA, and GCAA for the Banjul international airport, the Banjul-Serrekunda dual carriage way, the SSHFC, and housing estates development in Bakoteh, the creation of MDI and GTTI, NARI, and so on.
Under Yahya Jammeh, “national development” was seen in the modernization of the State House, the D1 billion-plus Banjul roads rehabilitation project, the expansion of public housing projects such as the Kanifing Estate, Brusubi, etc., the provision of the Kanifing General Hospital, and the new hospitals in Farafenni, Bwiam, and Bundung, etc.
Also, the Gambia television, the University of the Gambia, including initiating construction of the Faraba Banta Campus; the coastal roads projects, launch of the OIC, Jabang and Kombos roads projects, the Kairaba international conference center built with a Chinese grant, modernization of the terminal building at Banjul international airport, including providing a new VIP lounge; Banjul seaport expansion, including the new container terminals, etc.
Jammeh showed Barrow the way when he used SSHFC funds to invest in various national development projects, such as the public transport service, and Gamtel funds to set up Gamcel, and to establish the GRTS etc.
Barrow’s idea of using revenue generated from local taxes to invest in state-funded road projects, etc., and not depend on donor funding for that, was learned from Jammeh.
Indeed, most projects were conceived and started before, and are now being completed by Barrow – just like Jammeh also implemented projects planned under Jawara, such as the national TV, and the university, among others.
And, of course, Barrow has added many of his own, such as the mostly Gulf-Arab-funded over $50 million six-lane, 22-kilometer OIC road to Banjul International Airport, the new Hakalang road in NBR, and the new 91-kilometer Kiang road, both funded from local taxes collected.
Also, the Chinese-funded bridges in Basse and Fatoto, the ADB-funded Senegambia Bridge, the donor-funded Laminkoto-Passimas road to Wuli and Sandu, among many others.
Barrow’s new “national development” projects include education (the new USET and Education university, etc.); in health, the ongoing modernization of the EFSTH in Banjul, the new, upcoming, bigger referral hospital, and national laboratory at Farato, and so on.
And, it’s noteworthy that both Jawara and Jammeh believed, and were told by their praise-singers, that they were indispensable!
And, they were asked by the sycophants: What would become of Gambia without you at the helm?
Then hubris stepped in, got into their heads; got the better of them – and they decided to overstay their welcome – and, well, now we all know their common fate!
And, yes, Gambia continued to exist; we’ve all witnessed and see that “national development” has continued, without Jawara and after Jammeh!
That’s the incontrovertible reality of Gambian affairs, since independence.
So, this is our message to the sycophants and bare-faced opportunists now being given a ride in Barrow’s bus:
Please spare us the spin – since our lived and collective experience has shown us that “national development” continued, and continues even after our self-serving government leaders leave the stage!
We assert that they were not so much motivated by altruism as by self-interest.
Because when we heard and still hear them talk of/about “national development”, they’ve made it / make it clear to us that they were/are in it for themselves – in order to make a name – since all you hear them say is “I did this, I did that” ETC.
As if we elected them, paid them handsomely,, and gave them all the special privileges they have as occupants of that high office of the presidency, for them to do otherwise!
Yes, as if we place them there just for them to work for themselves by engaging in contrivances to win votes, remain in power, and continue to enjoy the fruits of office – and we saw/see that are not in office for selfless service to country, and their people!
Unfortunately, as regards their legacy – which also awaits Barrow should he continue on his present trajectory – that has been our experience with those we chose as government leaders; that has been our predicament as a country and as Gambians, to date!
