Editorial,

The story of Lamin Sanyang, as related in today’s edition of Youth Matters (page 20) is just a mere attempt to explain the gravity of the problem of illegal migration. It is true that it is a global phenomenon, but it is absolutely wrong to feel that nothing can be done to avert it.

The task of tackling the issue rests entirely on the shoulders of government, parents, opinion leaders, and the youth themselves; and The Gambia Government’s stance in this is too conspicuous for anyone to doubt its commitment to stamping out the menace. Almost every aspect of development plans being undertaken by this government put some emphasis on the youth folk. We have seen how the president himself has constantly endeavoured to give prominence to the youths, whatever they are engaged in - be it sports, education, agriculture, etc.

All these go to explain President Jammeh’s fervent recognition of the significant role the youths have to play in national development, aside from the obvious fact that as future leaders, preparing them for the inevitable responsibility should be paramount on the list of priorities of any genuine and honest leader.

The question now is where do parents and other stakeholders such as opinion leaders stand in this?
These youths certainly come from homes, where the costs involved in boarding these illegal boats are met. If parents are more sincere and genuine in ensuring that this trade is halted, very soon the boats will run out of passengers. Opinion leaders like religious figures too do have a great role to play in prevailing upon all those involved in the sustenance of the trade to desist.

Also crucial in the crusade are the security forces, whose efforts will however be meaningful only if the public lend them the support and cooperation they need in the form of information. Maybe a seminar of some sort, which will bring all together all these relevant stakeholders, will be a perfect starting point for a new front in this noble fight.