Editorial

The Gambian leader, His Excellency Sheikh Professor Alhaji Yahya AJJ Jammeh has finally been officially sworn-in to steer the affairs of the country for the next five years. The inauguration itself, which is the fourth in a row, demonstrates the confidence Gambians have in President Jammeh.

We wish to join all patriotic Gambians both at home and abroad to once more commend President Jammeh and the APRC for the landslide election victory in the 24 November 2011 Presidential Election and as well pray that the Almighty Allah continues to shower his blessing and guidance on our visionary leader as he begins another term in office.

At this time that the world is reeling from the effects of financial and economic slowdowns, cognizant that time is against the country in the fulfillment of our national development aspirations and bearing in mind the challenges exerted on us all as Gambians by the new government development programme -PAGE, the theme of the fourth inauguration “Gambians united to build an economic superpower”, is befitting and denotes the determination of the leadership and government to achieve for the country in a matter of years what it took other nations centuries to achieve.

As the dust of the inauguration settles down, the greatest challenge hangs on the shoulders of us the citizenry to take ownership of the enabling environment created by the leadership, explore our potentials and work in unison and harmony to create a society pregnant with more opportunities.  It is through such constructive engagements as the president rightly stated at the inaugural address that the economic superpower status can be attained.

Moreover, as Gambians, it should be noted that economic development is a programme, a group of policies or activities that seeks to improve the economic well-being and quality of life of a community and its citizens.  Ideally, it will create and retain jobs that facilitate growth and provide a stable tax base critical for a growing, progressive nation.  Economic development doesn't just happen.  It requires long-term partnerships and strategies.

Already, most of the aforesaid necessities are in stock and improved over the past years. We would not go about to list the numerous achievements registered in this respect because the existing reality is a self-evident justification. However, we must not forget that over the years The Gambia has witnessed a growing workforce, expanded community infrastructure and services, good regional planning, expanding health and educational services. There have also been significant improvements in roads, electricity and water.

Such achievements are a fine indication that the government is diverting the available resources of the state into channels that benefit the people. In fact, the triumph of the Gambia economy despite the recent global economic downturn should serve as an eye opener for every sober Gambian to realise that President Jammeh is sparing no effort to ensure the sustainability of the country's economic growth and development.

The challenge therefore is for Gambians to change as the president advised and move collectively toward the direction of sustainable national development.  We will definitely see a different Gambia if we all adhere to the president’s call. We will be more conscious of the value of our Gambian identity and be always proud to welcome guests into our midst. This is indeed a vital dimension of dynamic leadership. It is apparent that the visionary and dynamic leadership of President Jammeh is geared towards elevating the social and moral status of the citizenry and as well promote a genuine national development. All what is required is for the citizenry to complement that effort.

We must further bear in mind that successful economic development affects everyone and doesn't just happen.  It takes time, strategic planning and most importantly, strong public-private partnerships. The leadership of President Jammeh is utilising whatever means possible for the development of the country. It is the responsibility of the citizenry to take ownership of the available opportunities and spearhead our own development.