Editorial,

It is a constitutional right and responsibility  of all Gambians to protect and defend the territorial integrity of the country. Anything short of this  is unpatriotic. As such, all Gambians owe a sense of duty towards achieving the socio-economic, political and human development of the country. We must all be stakeholders in the development of The Gambia regardless of our status. No single person or government can do it alone; the process requires collective efforts and commitment, with the attributes of honesty and patriotism, as stated by the Gambian leader in his address to the nation at the July 22nd Square, on the occasion of the country’s 45th Independence Anniversary.

The president’s message was  an inspiring one, as he eloquently delved into the twin words of patriotism and honesty, which was the theme of this year’s independence celebrations. In this, the president reminded Gambians of the need to put collective and national interest above individual interest. We must be ready to build an exceptional modern Gambia in accordance with our development blueprint contained in Vision 2020 and the Millennium Development Goals.

As we celebrate 45 years of nationhood, we should reflect on the past, the present and the future, which is undoubtedly accompanied by numerous challenges as a developing nation. To build a more modern and developed Gambia, we cannot afford to have in our midst unpatriotic, opportunistic and heartless people best described as enemies of development. Efforts meant to retard the pace of development programmes taking place in the country under the visionary and dynamic leadership of President Jammeh should be trashed into the waste bin.

We must be seen to engage our innovative and creative minds for the development of the country and draw lessons from references made by President Jammeh with regards to the huddles besetting the development of our dear continent Africa since  the colonial era. Once again we wish every one a happy 45th Independence Anniversary and we live to witness implementation of more development programmes in the country.