On this auspicious occasion marking the 44th anniversary of our political independence, let me begin by wishing all Gambians here and abroad a very happy and joyous 44th Independence Day.

The day is yet another moment for national reflection and the renewal of our individual and collective commitment and pledge to nation building. This year we have decided to make ‘Peace and Stability’ the theme, for national reflection, in view of the fact that nothing thrives and nothing is scored by way of social, political and economic progress at the advancement of the livelihood of the people, in the absence of peace and stability.

Fellow Gambians
I draw on this theme also as a demonstration of my desire to see all Gambians assert themselves, nurture their potentials to the fullest and mobilize their productive talents and resources in the nation-building process of the 21st century.

The Gambia, as we all know, has earned the respect and admiration of the world as a peaceful country, and as an example of a country where the maintenance of peace and stability have been the cornerstone of our development process. Thus, peace is a virtue that we should all be proud of and champion not only for ourselves, but also in countries that are in stressful social and political situations, simply because their peace and stability conditions have either been threatened or disrupted.

Fellow Gambians and friends of The Gambia
As we thank the Almighty Allah for blessing us and making The Gambia a citadel of peace and stability, it is incumbent on us not to be complacent. Simply put, we should not allow the gains that such peace and stability has brought us to slip carelessly through our fingers by being unwary of the dangers and threats posed by the enemies of progress, whose every manipulation is to disturb peace and tranquillity in order to pursue their selfish and evil interests.

We have every reason not to be complacent especially at a time like this, when with rising food prices, financial and economic crisis that the world faces, the natural tendency is for people to lose hopes and become agitated, edgy and easily resort to vices that could be inimical to societal peace, prosperity and tranquillity.

I wish to urge that the trying moments and difficulties of today should unite rather than divide us. It should also strengthen our resolve as a nation to strive to achieve more economic independence. For the school children, you should endeavour to become disciplined, respectful, law abiding as well as hardworking, both at school and at home.  These would inevitably mold you to become honest, productive and responsible citizens tomorrow.

Dear readers; boys and girls
While it is the business of all to ensure peace and stability, I enjoin the youth and young people in particular, to play a more active and supportive role in the promotion of peace and security as conditions for stability. The rationale for this call is founded on their role as future leaders or proud flag bearers to drive the national development agenda. It is my fervent hope that the youth of this country, who constitute the overwhelming majority of our population, would take heed by ensuring that they adopt responsible behaviours into adulthood.

It must always be remembered that nations rely upon the vigour, strength and productive versatility of the youth in championing socio-economic and political advancement at any given moment in time.  Your role therefore is crucial and constitutes the nation’s pride. For its part, and as amply demonstrated, my government would leave no stone unturned to provide added opportunities for youths of this country that would help them to realise their potentials. We would continue to integrate the needs of youths, women and children in our national policies and programmes. It is a part-playing venture, and as such youths must be seen to also reciprocate these and other gestures.

For parents, teachers, and guardians, I urge you to continue your collaboration to give the young ones the best upbringing based on the positive aspects of our cultural and social value systems, which include respect for one another. We are obliged to promote unity, peace and love at all levels of the social order.

In conclusion
Fellow Gambians, boys and girls, let us mark this day with a sober reflection of what we can do together to protect the sacred virtues of social cohesion and peaceful coexistence. We should champion the course of peace with selfless dedication in order that the dignity of all can be assured.  Our unbridled desire for peace and security should continue to serve as the bedrock to consolidating the gains of the development that has been realised in this country since 1994.

I wish to thank and commend all progressive and patriotic Gambians and friends of The Gambia for their support in the numerous achievements of my government since 1994.  I also would like to thank our multilateral and bilateral development and donor partners for their support and collaboration towards the achievement of the MDGs, PRSP, and the national Vision 2020 development objectives.  

The government and people cherish their partnership and wish to assure them of our continued collaboration. We count on the support of everyone, institutions and organisations and society in general, as we pursue our development goals and as we work together to entrench peace and security in our march towards turning this great country of ours into an economic super power of the 21st century and beyond.

Long live The Gambia
Long live true friends of The Gambia
Long live peace, security and stability
Happy 44th independence anniversary celebration

May the Almighty Allah guide, bless and protect us all at all times.