EDITORIAL

It is indeed wonderful hearing the chief of Defence Staff (CDS) of the Gambia Armed Forces (GAF) and the executive director  of the National Drug Enforcement Agency (NDEA) declare their commitment to collaborate in efforts and strategies to stamp out the menace of illicit drug trafficking and related activities in the country. Such  commitments by the two clearly demonstate that the security services are ready to prove their worth to the citizenry.

Of course, the move by Benidict Jammeh and CDS Masanneh Kinteh is not surprising. Both have been known for their high sense of professionalism in the execution of their duties, as well as commitment and dedication to work. Their day-to-day engagements speak volumes of their dedication and commitment to protecting the integrity of their noble institutions, standardising them, and in the process ensuring they contribute to the overall development of the country.

What they said shows to the whole world that The Gambia, despite being small, keeps on taking bold steps to combat illicit drug trafficking, and will do all she can within the limits of her powers to ensure that drug barons wherever they might be do not triumph in their plot to destroy humanity. Also,  the statements made by the CDS and the NDEA boss show that their respectable institutions appreciate the commitment of President Jammeh towards the attainment of a drug-free society; and they are willing to work hand-in-glove with him to ensure that The Gambia in particular, and West Africa in general, become drug free.

The ball now lies in the court of the citizenry to complement the efforts of the security service by being vigilant and reporting any suspicious activity. We are all conscious of the fact that illicit drugs affect not only individuals who use them, but also destroy the entire fabric of any society. This country has achieved so much with regards to overall societal development, and therefore cannot afford stand to watch has been achieved destroyed by drug peddlars and their ilk.