Editor,

Kindly allow me space in your widely read newspaper to congratulate Tumani Sanneh for his brilliant and well written article, published on the Daily Observer on Wednesday, 4th February 2009. Tumani is quite right about President Jammeh making us proud as Gambians.

However, it happens that only few people can see what the president preaches and does. Well, I am among the beneficiaries of the University Extension Program (UEP), after many years of leaving high school in The Gambia.

I am currently in UK because of President Jammeh's kind support. I wish to say that Tumani deserves commendation for putting his frank thoughts about the way forward for our dear Motherland. There are many Gambians abroad who do not know how The Gambia has been transformed under the leadership of President Jammeh, or could they be feeling too shy to say it?

I witnessed the infrastructural development in the pre-July 1994 era, and traveled to some African and European countries. So I concur with Tumani that "no one else will develop our country." This is a statement that we should all embrace as Gambians, and work very hard towards developing the country, irrespective of our political or social backgrounds. Indeed, if all Gambians can read and understand the message of Tumani and put it to practice, Vision 2020 will be achieved, thus making The Gambia an attractive nation for all mankind.

The key words observed in recent publications in The Gambian press are ‘for Gambians to work hard’, ‘unity’, ‘peace’, ‘education’, ‘health’, and ‘food self-sufficiency’. The media is very crucial in maintaining peace and giving appropriate information to any country at all times. Thanks to the management of The Point and the Daily Observer for your effective services. You are the real champions of Gambian news.

Indeed, all Gambians abroad make good use of your daily news. Keep it up!!!

mamudoum@hotmail.com