If you were one of those who had been wondering what would become of the capital city of Banjul amid the spree of development undertakings the Gambia is going through, you might as well be settling down to the climax of that thought, because, from recent revelations, big plans are under way to give an architectural surgery, as it were, to the city; a city that has been at the forefront of the country’s hectic historical cruise; from colonialism to independence. Indeed, it would be an unpardonable injustice to succeeding generations of Gambians if we ignored Banjul.  
 
The architectural design we saw been presented to the president, if implemented, will not only restore the old glory of the city, but it will also set it on course to acceptable standard. And for ordinary Banjulians, the feeling of a refreshed air of environmental sanity will be a real moral booster.

The status of Banjul, as the seat of government and as the nerve center for business, coupled with its strategic orientation in the international maritime industry, makes it an unbeatable force in the sub-region, and even beyond. This is all the more reason why Gambians must join hands with government, not only to restore the old glory of the capital city, but also to consolidate its standing in international maritime operations.  

But all what has been conceived will remain empty dreams; or, better still, the benefit of such a hugely fantastic vision for an important city like Banjul, if its people do not take ownership, will hardly make any meaning to them, as it will go down the drain.

This takes us to the discourse of last Sunday’s meeting, as part of the president’s dialogue with the people tour, when he stressed on the need for attitudinal change and unity, among others. This, of course, is by no means a new call. It was only a repetition of earlier calls by the Gambian leader. In fact, generally, this dialogue has in effect been one for the women and the youth. It is not at all a surprise as these groups of people occupy a crucial place in the heart of the president, considering their attitudes towards his previous calls.

With regards to the subject at hand, there is a vast difference between the city of Banjul and the rest of the country. We have already mentioned the fact that it is our capital city. Normally, capital cities tell a lot about the countries they represent. However great a nation might be, if its administrative center does not reflect its standing, it becomes a parody.

This is what the president knows, and it is what guides his judgment about the way forward for Banjul; the youth have a great role to play in the achievement of his visions. His call for the youth to take advantage of all the opportunities being made available to them by his government needs adhering to.

One essential fact to note is that there is absolutely no country in the world where the so-called white collar job is offered to the entire citizenry. As it is in all democracies in the world, every citizen, regardless of their position in terms of the services they offer to the country, has an equally important place in the development of the entire nation.

The SoS, for instance, is as important as his/her cleaner, who ensure a conducive working environment for the former. The same thing is true for the relationship between the president and his ministers, who implement his plans.  So only unity can save us.