By: Alieu Ceesay
As the Gambia commemorates its 59th year of independence, citizens across the nation are coming together in festivities that reflect the shared values and freedoms integral to the identity of the tiny West African nation, which is steadily advancing to embrace growth and sustainability from its humble rise as a country once deemed as an improbable nation by cynics.
In a poignant Independence Day address at the historic McCarthy Square in the capital, Banjul, President Adama Barrow acknowledged the challenges looming over the nation, noting the rising cost of living driven by what he described as the inevitable rise of commodity price, shortages of essential goods and budgetary constraints.
The Gambian Leader urged collective responsibility and support for the government’s efforts in national development.
President Barrow asserted, “Life has never been rosy all the way; therefore, we do not promise that Life in The Gambia could be trouble-free. It is unrealistic to expect this. We will encounter difficulties, such as those imposed on us due to global developments.”
He continued, ‘underlining the need for unity and patience in facing these challenges, with a commitment from the government to seek solutions while appealing for collective support.’
Since gaining independence from Great Britain on February 18, 1965, The Gambia has seen the administration of three presidents.
The current leader, Adama Barrow, pledged to boost the state economy by increasing skill training institutions.
Barrow addressed youth issues in his marathon speech: “There are lots of opportunities at their disposal. Nations, particularly the youth, thrive on education and training. You must realize, therefore, that skills education and training could speedily build the economy, expand self-employment, and allow you to take control of the economy.”
President Barrow also announced the initiation of a National Dialogue as an annual event to be hosted annually to foster open discussions and collective solutions to challenges facing the nation.
“I thus endorse the National Dialogue initiative as an annual event.” President Barrow emphasized and called for unity and collective solidarity to consolidate gains made in nearly six decades of the Gambia’s advance as a sovereign state.
