They say that a friend in need is a friend indeed - or as Dr. Owl cleverly remarks today, A friend in DEED is a friend INDEED! The rather symbiotic relationship between the Republics of the Gambia and Taiwan exquisitely symbolizes this reality. Indeed, it takes an unswerving force to put through a relationship like this.

Here in Africa, respect is considered as one of the most precious of virtues. It is the building block of any genuine and lasting friendship. In fact, we believe that you can never sustain any mutual relationship that is devoid of it. And this is what the people of Taiwan have proven to be endowed with, which makes them stand out as one of the Gambia’s most upright friends, and RESPECTFUL partners.

Given the Gambia’s taste for development under this our very active President, a country like Taiwan, as developed and highly industrialized as it is, qualifies as a friend in need. We are quite grateful that the people of that great little Asian country have turned out to be the genuine friends  that they indeed are to our great little African country.

Taiwan’s contribution in the ongoing re-construction efforts of this country has already left an ineffaceable mark, a mark that embodies an eternal bond between the two peoples.

Between these two countries, there has been an illustrious personality who has served as a unifying force. His more than three years of service in the Gambia saw him serving more as a humanitarian than a diplomat. And now, the sad reality is that we are about to part with this phenomenal character. This is none other than the legendary Dr Patrick Chang, the outgoing Taiwanese envoy to the Gambia who, over the years, has become more like a voice of justice, representing the true feelings of the 23 million Taiwanese citizens.

The mere feeling that we have someone who does not only respect, but also care about the welfare of the people of the Gambia, gives us a feeling of extreme satisfaction. Dr Chang’s perpetual presence at all our national functions has made him a familiar face in all the households of the country. His show of readiness to answer to calls of Gambians, irrespective of their position in society, has made him the friend of everybody. In a whole, he has been a source of moral boost.

Dr Chang’s individual effort has helped ensured Taiwan’s continuous participation in this country’s prominent sectors of agriculture, education, health, science and technology, as well as our cultural heritage. All these go to reinforce the development of the Gambia for generations to come. Therefore, the government and people of this country will never forget this  reverential Taiwanese diplomat, as in all his attributes, he has served our country’s interest diligently.

Naturally, it is incumbent upon us as a grateful nation, to reciprocate. This is why Gambians will never relent in the fight for justice for the 23 million people of Taiwan. And we feel gratetful that the people of Taiwan are aware of this. As in the words of His Excellency, the outgoing ambassador, during the state banquet in his honour, by the Gambian leader, President Jammeh: "The voice of justice has long lived in the hearts of our people in Taiwan and let those who spoke against or kept silent, feel ashamed in the face of the charters of the WHO and the UN."

Our avid message is that, the world needs to know that there is a greater voice than is often heard against the injustices being meted against the people of Taiwan.

As you retire to your country after such a successful stay of duty, the Daily Observer, on behalf of the people of the Gambia, assures you, Dr Chang, that we shall endeavor to remember you through our effort in fighting your unfinished mission, the liberation of the people of Taiwan.