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Gambia: A Cause for Celebration
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The Daily Observer (Banjul)
EDITORIAL
25 April 2008
Posted to the web 25 April 2008
"We can get there because we are nearly there". These are the words of the country representative of UNICEF in the Gambia, Min Whee Kang. It was contained in a statement from that office, declaring The Gambia as the leader in a complex battle of continental measure.
News of the Gambia's adept performance in the fight against Africa's killer disease number one, Malaria, is such an impressive achievement that every Gambian should take pride from it, as we all shared the responsibility in achieving it.
It is the blend of our unbeatable resolve and sense of patriotism, and, of course, with the guidance of the wonderful leadership of this country that have made this triumph possible.
When an achievement is reached, it is always good that compliment is given where it is due. It is fascinating to note, however, that it does not seem to appear so in all quarters.
At least this is not the impression we get by the look of the apathetic response some media houses showed in the aftermath of the landmark UNICEF release. This has been a notable trend for a long time now.
But like you would expect in any genuine democracy, the people of the Gambia are entitled to their rights, in terms of their world view. Your orientation to life influences your outlook to the ever changing situation around you. Nonetheless, it follows that in an unadulterated democracy, it is a cautious coordination of our divergent views that makes us a formidable force in meeting the demands of our collective challenges, and in order to make available this formidableness, we shall always need the matching leadership quality.
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This is what makes the charismatic President Jammeh stands out among the lot. But like any other determined leader, President Jammeh's chance of fulfilling his ambition somehow depends on the input of his people. Positive, collective participation is the key word here.
It is unfortunate that some people only identify themselves with nationalism when they see a loophole that gives them the opportunity to wield their citizenship right, to lash at government negatively. Positive achievement is received with muteness.
Gambians must get used to the irrefutable fact that politics of progression contrast highly with politics of retrogression. Progression comes with a price that would require us to forfeit our partisan loyalty for national interest. "Give the devil his due" goes the old saying. Let us applaud the good things when we see them, just as we endeavor to pinpoint the inevitable shortcomings.
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