Editorial,

In every human society, there exist principles by which the people operate, conducting themselves in line with some specific moral norms and values. In this modern era, nation states are guided by a supreme document called the constitution.

This serves as a reference for citizens and non-citizens alike. It is codified to be respected, so actions that contradict the constitution are criminal and deserve punishment according to its dictates.This is why the state provides for the establishment of institutions such as the judiciary to interpret the law to the understanding of every individual as well as to administer its enforcement, as ignorance of the law is not an excuse.

The fundamental point to note here is that the role of the state is to administer justice among people who manage their own affairs.  This clearly shows that every individual has some form of freedom, but that freedom must not encroach upon the freedom of others.  One’s right to survival must not encroach upon another person’s right to security. Reports of kidnapping, usually masterminded by foreigners in conjunction with few unscrupulous Gambians, is becoming a burning issue on the media and hence deserves attention.  

The Gambia is a country known for its hospitality and we must not in any account allow intruders to jeopardise the peace and stability we have been enjoying for long.  The constitution is the supreme document of our country.  It has set down principles by which we should conduct ourselves (citizens and non-citizens alike).  Therefore, any person or group of people who put themselves above theses principles are performing act of criminality and they should be punished.

The police are exhausting all efforts within their capability to tracking down these unscrupulous elements in our society.  The cooperation of the patriotic citizenry is crucial in the work of the police.  A progressive nation is backed by a progressive populace.  We should all perform our duties and responsibilities as citizens of the state.