By: Ebrima Dembajang, development Student at UTG
As The Gambia celebrates 60 years of independence, it is important for us to pause and critically reflect on the journey we have undertaken as a nation. Sixty years of self-rule, three government regimes, and a constitution adopted in 1997 with numerous amendments later, where do we stand today? Have we made meaningful progress in building the prosperous and just society our founding fathers envisioned? Have we honored their sacrifices by achieving the goals they fought for, or have we lost sight of those aspirations in the years that followed?
Our independence was a hard-fought victory, symbolizing freedom, self-determination, and hope for a better future. Yet, six decades on, the realities of our nation often contrast sharply with that vision. Despite the billions spent on Independence Day celebrations, many Gambians still live with the harsh realities of poverty, unemployment, failing public services, and limited opportunities. The development we so often speak of remains elusive for large sections of our population. While our nation has seen moments of progress, these achievements are frequently overshadowed by the persistent issues of corruption, political instability, and a lack of accountability from leadership.
And yet, one thing remains constant: the persistent faith and resilience of the Gambian people. We are a nation of hope. Every day, Gambians wake up believing that tomorrow will be better, even though the pathways to change often seem unclear. This spirit of determination is a strength we must hold onto, but hope alone cannot drive change. If we are to see the progress we yearn for, we must go beyond rhetoric and symbolic gestures. Now more than ever, it is time to plant and nurture the seeds of patriotism, responsibility, and collective action.
As we reflect on Gambia at 60, we must ask ourselves some tough questions. How far have we come in the past sixty years? How far are we willing to go to achieve the society we dream of? What sacrifices are we ready to make to ensure a brighter future for ourselves, our children, and the generations to come? Celebrations without meaningful reflection and action are hollow. If we truly value our independence, we must honor it by working tirelessly to build a nation that embodies the values of justice, equality, and progress.
The time for complacency is over. It is time to channel our patriotism into meaningful contributions that will transform The Gambia into a country that works for all its people. Let this milestone be more than just a commemoration, and it must be a call to action.
For The Gambia, Our Homeland!
