The Daily Observer (Banjul)
Hatab Fadera
29 June 2009
For the first time in the annals of the country's history, Gambians in the diaspora, last Friday, celebrated the developments registered by the president of the Republic of The Gambia, His Excellency Sheikh Professor Alhaji Dr Yahya Jammeh in the form of a carnival at the July 22nd Square in Banjul.
The historic carnival, which was presided over by the Gambian leader himself, was preceded by a solidarity march past from Westfield to Banjul and was attended by thousands of Gambians. Friday's solidarity march past saw thousands of Gambians manifesting their appreciation and loyalty to the president through written slogans on T-shirts. Such slogans included 'No more elections', 'Thank you, Mr President', and a host of others.
The move by the Gambians in the diaspora, which was meant to thank the visionary leader for the massive developments registered by his revolution within a short period of 15 years, was also meant to serve as an eye opener to other Gambians in the diaspora and those critics who still refuse to acknowledge the massive transformation that the country is going through under the leadership of President Jammeh. Addressing thousands of people, President Jammeh hailed the Gambians abroad for a move that he described as a manifestation of true patriotism and commitment to support the development of the country. The president, who appeared touched by the distance walked by the organisers, renewed his unshakable resolve to further advance the country.
"What I want to tell you is that I sacrifice my soul and blood for this country and Africa in general," said the president, and continued "what I want to assure you of is that 10 years from now, if any Gambian goes out, it will not be because you are poor as all your requirements will be available in the country." He told the gathering that in 10 years, The Gambia will be compared with the most advanced countries, such as Dubai, in terms of development. This declaration, he stressed, was not a political one.
The Gambian leader reminded the people that seven years ago, he had told Gambians that anyone who goes out of the country and stays there for six months would see new developments upon coming back. This, he told the carnival, is the reality today, thanks to the blessings of the Almighty Allah, whom the president said, he has always had faith in. According to him, what his government did in 15 years, in terms of development, is more than what was achieved in 400 and 30 years of British rule and in the First Republic respectively. He noted that when he took over, the country only relied on groundnut and tourism, and pointed out the fact that with those limited resources, he has been able to achieve some things that the former rulers could not achieve.
To this end, he noted that one canimagine what The Gambia will achieve in terms of development when the country, under his leadership, will be utilising the discovered mineral resources in a very near future. Speaking to the Gambians abroad and other Africans in general, the president implored them to be good ambassadors of their countries.
He stressed that no matter how much they dislike their government, it should not go to extent of tarnishing the image of the country by telling lies. He reminded them that the countries that they currently reside in are eating today thanks to Africa's wealth, which they exploited in the colonial days. He also urged them to bear in mind the fact those African leaders who do not want to dance to the tune of the West are the ones described as dictators.
Expressing his party's unshakable stance in sweeping polls at any given election, the Gambian leader urged the celebrants not to campaign for 'No elections' in order to avoid giving room to critics who be sceptical of the country's democracy. While calling on all to partake in national development, the president expressed his resolve to support the organisers of the carnival anytime they wish to organise one. Speaking earlier, Pa Modou Mbowe, one of the Gambians in the diaspora, assured the president that the carnival will be organised as long as the country continues to exist. The carnival, he said, will from now on serve as an annual pilgrimage to the country to thank the president for the continuous developments.
Noting that their gratitude to the president cannot be expressed in words, Mbowe told the gathering that the event was apolitical, maintaining that it was meant to showcase their appreciation and to highlight the fact that the country is blessed with a champion in development. For his part, Ousman Drammeh, fondly call Baka - who is said to have spearheaded the event, attested to the fact that anytime he lands in the country, he always sees new developments. This, according to him, had inspired him to come up with the idea of organising a carnival with a view to show appreciation to the president for the developments.
Drammeh observed that the country's resources are not many, but noted that despite that, the president is developing this country to a level that impresses anyone who steps on Gambian soil. Reiterating their resolve to organise the carnival annually, Drammeh also expressed their commitment to stand by President Jammeh. Antouman Saho, the minister for Fisheries, Water Resources and National Assembly Matters, who doubles as the APRC National Mobiliser; Fabakary Tombong Jatta, majority leader and NAM for Serrekunda East; Samba Faal, mayor of Banjul and Lamin King Colley, a member of the organising committee; all spoke at length about the developments registered by the president. These speakers also hailed the Gambians abroad for the exemplary move.
Friday's carnival, which was attended by ministers, the speaker of the National Assembly - Honourable Elizabeth Renner, NAMs, service chiefs and a cross section of the Gambian community was punctuated with music, with Jaliba Kuyateh and Musa Trawally from Senegal leading the show.
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Ameen! May allah accept you parayer and continue to bless Gambia. May Allah continue to give Pres Jammeh the streght ans wisdom to continue his good service TO THE GAMBIA, OUR HOMLAND. Ameen!
as salaamu alaikim, may allah the creator of all that exist continue to bless KING JAMMEH in all his righteous efforts. may allah AR-RABB continue to fashion, shape, mold and develope the baby gambia untill it reaches it's goal of perfection. I pray that all of the children of the diaspora enter the GATE OF RETURN (July 22 Square). Arise O' sleeping giant and accomplish what you will!!! Amen /// Imam Abdu Al-Bashir