By: Alieu Ceesay
In celebration of Gambia’s 60 years of independence, citizens from diverse backgrounds, including activists, lawyers, and media professionals, assembled at the Youth Monument in Westfield to reflect on the nation’s journey of resilience and freedom.
The event highlighted themes of good governance, media, public service, and environmental sustainability, serving both as a commemoration of the past and a rallying call for future action.
Under the bright afternoon sun, prominent human rights activist Madi Jobarteh led discussions among the attendees, clutching a Gambian flag to symbolize the nation’s struggle for self-independence.
Jobarteh emphasized the importance of reflection, urging the crowd to assess the successes and challenges faced over the past 60 years.
“We need to sit back, reflect, and look at ourselves, look at the life we have lived for 60 years, look at the state of our country, this Republic, and determine what have been our successes but also what have been our challenges and how to overcome those challenges,” Jobarteh stated.
He also introduced the concept of “shared prosperity,” advocating for equitable opportunities that allow everyone to earn a decent living and access safe homes while calling for an end to discrimination based on individual backgrounds.
Njie Eribo, the Chairperson of TANGO Yadicon, stressed the need for increased women’s participation in decision-making processes, stating, “Let’s remember women,” and advocating for their representation in leadership roles.
Demba Kandeh, Journalism and Communication expert, discussed the current state of the media landscape in Gambia, highlighting the importance of fostering more investigative storytelling to enhance the quality of journalism in the country.
The gathering served as a poignant reminder of the ongoing efforts needed to advance freedom and resilience in Gambia as the nation moves forward into its next chapter.
Demba Kandeh emphasized the significance of professionalism among journalists and the necessity of upholding ethical standards in the field. He also urged the government to consider repealing certain deemed restrictive laws.
Meanwhile, lawyer Abdoulie Fatty called for a constitution better suited to the country’s needs, particularly one that addresses resource management fairly and fairly.
