Editorial

Our friends the Taiwanese have done it again. This time it is the donation of US$2,921,317 for the purchase of tractors and other agricultural equipment for the farming season that is fast approaching. 

We know that the multiplier effect of this genuine gesture cannot be overemphasised, as an enhanced agricultural sector would guarantee a food self-sufficient populace that plays a significant role in the country's development. In fact, the food status of the people of any given nation is in itself an indicator of growth and progress since it can be a parameter to gauge the participation of their development process. Also, such a donation from Taiwan at this time of the year shows how much they are willing to stand by The Gambia.

This is why we always maintain that Taiwan is a true friend of this country; this is not just about the treasured financial help we continue to receive from the people of Taiwan, it is also about Taiwan's commendable sense of respect, and understanding of mutual relationships, among other conventionally respectable societal values.The Taiwanese have been involved in many of The Gambia's development programmes, and have always done so with the intention of ensuring that we don't need to be dependent on others in future.

We also wish to seize this opportunity to tell the Taiwanese that Gambians greatly appreciate their gesture, and assure them of our continued and unbending support and cooperation in their struggles at all levels. The Gambia will continue to stand by them on any platform to demand their deserved autonomy, greater world recognition and inclusion in world bodies like the United Nations. There is no doubt that Taiwan’s name will forever remain in our history books as a genuine contributor in the development of modern Gambia.

We once again thank the government and people of Taiwan for their support.