What else feels as good as good news? The good news here being that The Gambia has got one more item of invaluable measure to its store of wealth.

At the presentation of proceeds from a previous discovery, another announcement of one more discovery was done. In fact, the thought of having got people that we can trust and do business with makes our discovery an even more welcoming revelation to the ear. And also, the fact that we have a system that allows for a regular flow of information of this kind, from the leadership to the masses, makes Gambians feel relieved and assured that those that they entrust with their destiny can be trusted.  

A government that is true to its ideals, regarding the welfare of its people, can be sure of accomplishments only if it goes into trustworthy deals with honest partners of development. Trust is won; it is not a commodity that you can buy from some store around.

A lasting partnership is one that is based on mutual trust. Trust, in fact, is what The Gambia needs at this crucial stage of its development. The government of the Gambia though, is setting the pace for that. The attitude of transparency that guides the dealings between it and the authorities at the country’s mining center serves as a testimony to that. Surely, this is the trend that it wants to see transpire at the grassroot level. Country before self! This is just an echo of the call made by His Excellency, President Jammeh, for attitudinal change.  

Revelations of the discoveries of mineral resources make it even more important that Gambians substitute individualism for collective interest. Our attitude towards our wealth determines how outsiders will treat us. The slightest illustration of division on egocentric grounds is sure to create room for covert intentions which might deprive the entire citizenry of what actually belongs to them. This is what is responsible for the situation in distraught, supposedly rich nations, whose wealth have proven to be curses rather than the blessings they are supposed to be.

Fortunately for Gambians, we are endowed with a solid leadership base, focused and consistent. The man at the mantle of affairs, President Yahya Jammeh, is no stranger to commitment to nationalism.  

The discovery of iron ore in The Gambia is a divine patronage for a resolute nation, determined to push on with its development agenda. Our obligation is to our succeeding generations. We owe it to them, and no one else.