The legislature, as one of the three arms of government, occupies a very important part in nurturing democracy. It is not about representation from the different political viewpoints that make up the political terrain of a country; rather, it is about having members whose love for their country is incontestable. It is also about them being sincere and sensitive to the aspirations of their electorates.

At the background of all these, there is the need for a political will, built on a solid foundation of patriotism, a people oriented party, with a leadership that does not only value the willpower of its people, but also ensure their full participation. Their can be no better way of ensuring the full participation of the people than giving them a National Assembly that provides greater opportunity for all to voice their minds.  

The fact that APRC members have been dominating the house, time and again, suggests some kind of satisfaction from their electorates. That notwithstanding, it is often said that no matter how fast the horse runs, it still needs to be whipped, to have it maintain its speed. That is why the party will see it a point of duty that its members leave no stone unturned in addressing the issues of the Gambian people.  
 
In this regard, tomorrow marks another turning point in the political history of this country of ours, the State Opening of the National Assembly Legislative year 2008. Accordingly, it accords our honorable legislators the opportunity to make and pass laws.

We are indeed honored to have in our midst the honorable Speakers of the National Assemblies of Senegal, Sierra Leone, Mauritania and Guinea Bissau, who arrived in the country yesterday, to grace this highly regarded day of ours. You are highly welcome to the Smiling Coast of Africa.