It was President Yahya Jammeh who once said that promotion would be based on merit. That statement of his only sought to explain what had in fact been prevailing hitherto, in the past decade, since when he assumed office as head of state of this country.

Of course, one's merit must be matched with their willingness to work for their country; their dedication, patriotism and respect for the ideals of their nation.
 
In fact, this idea of promotion by merit is by no means limited to job opportunities as the president has also been known for encouraging Gambians, both the young and the old, in their respective endeavors, by way of showing keen interest in what we do. Sponsorship of individual endeavors and endorsement of individual performances, among a host of other gestures, are all aimed at boosting the morale of the lucky beneficiaries concerned.  One could refer to them as gestures of encouragement.

The latest show of what could only be described as a show of patriotism is the president's gesture to the three young Gambian girls, as was carried on our Monday's edition.

President Jammeh's belief is apparently based on the enshrined doctrines, that he so far cherished that, 'it is only Gambians, and none else, that can take the country where they want it to get to";  yet these Gambians ought to be given that support to get to that level of being able to contribute in the development of their country.