As far as effort of national development is concerned, it does not matter how much noise one makes, or how much noise one is capable of making. What matters truel, is what realistic contribution one has made regardless of the magnitude - either as a Gambian or a non-Gambian resident in the country. Everything counts! The principle that has been prevailing in this country has been one that appreciates whatever token is spent on its advancement.

When we talk about participation in the development of the country, we are not restricting it to the perceived areas individuals are assigned to, rather the emphasis lies on what people can offer that can make the difference in the lives of the people they are supposed to be serving. Certain institutions and individuals are so strategically positioned that they have the influence, at least even if for the short term, of either holding back the country's progress or accelerating it.

The private businessmen, government parastatals, government officials holding key decision-making positions, carpenters, the metal workers, so on and so forth - everybody's contribution is crucial. So the attitude of the aforementioned people and institutions determine their level of patriotism for their country, and love and empathy for their contemporaries.

GPA's intervention in the exportation of basalts, is quite an important ingredient in accelerating the development strides we are cruising through. It is one that is worth mentioning. It is indeed a model venture, and it will, we hope, serve as a template for duplication by other intuitions.

Having such a crucial ingredient at the disposal of the masses at affordable prices will not only end the endless frustration that one had to go through to obstain basalts from our immediate neighbour, it will restore the eroding condence in our contruction industry and help reduce the financial burden on the poor.

It is reassuring for Gambians to note that we have people in this country whose concerns are beyond profit making. That performance by GPA demonstrates the level of foresight and innovativeness of some of our civil servants. We need to think beyond the comfort of our shell and diversify sources of crucial resources in the interest of national development. The same model of innovation could be injected in other areas, such as metal, gas, oil, so on and so forth..

However, watching this development on GRTS TV, naturally, one would be inclined to ask key questions. But the authorities at the helm of the county's port authority appeared so well prepared that they answered almost all the questions that one would want to ask. It was indeed good to hear that the venture was aimed at the middle income earners, not one that helps to catapult the already super rich folks.

For emphasis, we are calling on GPA to be steadfast in ensuring that greedy businessmen do not get through the net and acquire the stuff only to come and usurp the poor people of their money. The rural people, as highlighted by one of the officials of GPA, should be considered thoroughly. No matter what you intend to erect, hence your structure is in the country, you are contributing to the development of the nation.

Gambians are tired of the culture of individuals fooling themselves with shouts about their intent in transforming the country, when in actual fact their sole aim is to exploit genuine citizens.

As the development trend suggests now, there is no room for that exploitative style of capitalism in The Gambia. We'd like to take this opportunity to call on other individuals, parastatals, and government officials, to borrow a leaf from GPA.