Editorial,

The Gambia is well known for its hospitality, peace and tranquility. Despite being a small nation, in size, Gambians both at home and abroad are being hailed for conducting themselves according to the dictates of the laws of whereever they find themselves. A justification of this truth is our crucial role in engendering a trouble-free Africa as well as championing the course of a united Africa with a common sense of purpose and direction.

It is therefore not surprising that peace and stability is the theme of our joyous day of independence celebration; indeed “a day of national reflection.” 

As President Jammeh put it: “I draw on this theme as a demonstration of my desire to see all Gambians assert themselves, nurture their potentials to the fullest and mobilize their collective talents and resources in the nation building process of the 21st century.”

More impressive in the president’s independence address is his focus on the youth. He indicated clearly that his government is doing and will continue to do every thing possible to elevate the youth of this country sky-high, so that we can become examples for other nations in terms of development.

As President Jammeh himself remarked “My government will leave no stone unturned to provide added opportunities for youths of this country that would help them to realize their potentials. We would continue to integrate the needs of youths, women and children in our national policies and programs.” These words are not echoed for fantasy; they have been manifested in the practical realities of our every day life.

The fundamental challenge lies in the hands of the youth, to reciprocate the wonderful gestures of the status quo. We are blessed with a president that has proven to us beyond all reasonable doubt that he is a leader of the youth.  He toils relentlessly to make youths of this country live in liberty, dignity and prosperity.

We must therefore reaffirm our continuous support to President Jammeh as well as our loyalty to the nation. Responding to his back-to-the-land call is crucial in this task. Youths are the technocrats and administrators of the country tomorrow. This is why the president spares no time in developing our potentials and capacities to become responsible elders in the near future.

Taking the opportunities accorded to us by government will go a long way to materializing our Silicon Valley dream. The ball is now in our court. Our reciprocation of the gestures of the government will pave the way for more investment on the youth.