As we turn our backs on 2008, ushering in a new year – 2009, we envisage a barrage of goodies.

Some of us must have started projects we could not complete for various reasons, while some others couldn’t do certain things because we did not have the opportunity. But the fact that we could not realize these dreams does not mean we have given up.

What we intend to do so that we make up for our unrealized dreams in 2008 are encapsulated in our resolutions.  The Daily Observer, within the next one or two weeks, will be providing the opportunity for various categories of people in society, to express their resolutions. Today, we start off with politicians, and it will take us through to religious leaders, sports people, the youth, children, and so on.

Lamin Waa Juwara - leader of the National Democratic Action Movement:

In order for Gambians to achieve their aims in 2009, we have to take a new resolve, regardless of our partisan affiliation and tribal inclination. The development of the country is incumbent upon every Gambian to contribute his/her quota in the achievement of our set target goals.

I advice the young people to take full responsibilities as the development of the country solely lies on their backs. There are other aims that were not achieved during the course of 2008; as Gambians, we should all work towards the consolidation of those aims. The Gambia is a peaceful country, and can only continue to attain that prosperity with the determination from the citizens.

SoS Yankuba Touray - National Mobiliser of the Alliance for Patriotic Reorientation and Construction (APRC):

Our resolutions has always been unity, progress and development for the country.  So in 2009, we will continue to consolidate that and further develop the country under the leadership of Professor Dr Alhaji Yahya Jammeh.

We will also not relent in our efforts to ensure stability as peace and development cannot be achieved in its absence.  And that’s why the Gambian leader is very much concerned about the stability of the country, which our party hope to consolidate and strengthen further in 2009.  We will also ensure that peace and stability at the sub-regional level is attained for the betterment of all.

What our party also wants is to increase our supporters in 2009, even though APRC always gets the majority in terms of election results.  So, we want to accommodate more new supporters. So far what we can count as our challenge in 2009 is the people’s mindset towards the country and patriotism, and in this new year, our party want to address these challenges. My message to Gambians  is to ensure that we have unity, so as to further accelerate the development drives of this great nation.

Lawyer Darboe - leader of the United Democratic Party :

I wish The Gambian people a Happy New Year. I hope that we will have the cooperation of The Gambian people. Sidia Jatta - National Assembly Member, National Alliance for Democracy and Development (NADD)  I have been in this country for the rest of my life and I have been in politics for more than 20 years. I believe in educating the people.

Hamat Bah - leader of the National Reconcilation Party (NRP):

First of all 2008 has indeed been a very difficult period as a result of increase in cost of living which affected everybody. I am optimistic that difficulties in 2008 will not be realised in 2009.

Every Gambian should endeavour to take care of minimum of 2 Gambians. If we do so, the less fortunate or the sick would enjoy throughout the country. Also government should work towards creating more jobs by investing into the productive sector. We should also reduce the prize of oil as all other governments has done to reflect current international prizes.

Over all, we should try to ensure peace and stability by being vigilant at all times, respecting the rule of law, and adhering to the principle of good governance. As a party, 2009 will be a very busy year for the NRP, as we will be working towards civil enlightening of the people and getting prepared for 2011. 2009 will be the foundation for our preparation for 2011, as we will visit every village before the end of 2009.

Finally, I call on all to show understanding and tolerance among ourselves, and pray that all live in peace, harmony, progress and prosperity. I Advice every Gambian, wherever he or she might be, to demonstrate and show tolerance and understanding, particularly those in position of responsibility.