Editor,

To take off from where you stopped, let me just add mine to the glorious efforts made in the past four decades for historical purposes and for the younger ones in particular.

Forty four years ago on that gloomy morning in that historic square then called MaCarthy Square, the Union Jack was lowered for the last time and the Duke of Kent who served as Her Majesty's representative at the occasion handed over the documents embodying our independence to the author of our independence and the father of our nation, Alhaji Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara.

Upon receipt of the mandate, Alhaji Sir Dawda Jawara made the following declaration, "The Gambia though small, may not be able to offer a lot in material terms, but will be able to demonstrate to the world how a group of people with different ethnic origins and backgrounds can live together in peace and harmony." This has been our country's modus operandi and we must jealously safeguard this harmony, peace, stability and tranquility we enjoy today and thanks to the father of our nation for setting the pace for today’s generation.

Also in taking stock, we must also remember the likes of Edward Francis Small who effectively led the struggle against colonialism. Sir John Mahoney, Sheikh Omar Faye, Pierre Sarr Njie, Alhaji Ibrahima Muhamadu Garba Jahumpa, Alhagi Sheikh Ousman Jeng and any of the warriors I might have forgotten. A grateful nation salutes your struggle and thank you all for building the foundation that today makes our great nation of The Gambia.

As we celebrate our 44th birthday, let us take stock of where we started and where we are today. Let us take a close look at the situation and ask ourselves what we can all do to make The Gambia a better place for future generations. Simply put, all hands on deck for a more prosperous Gambia should be our resolution effective February 18th. "MBOLLO MOI DOLLEH" Long live!

mindorrmama@gmail.com