President Jammeh and Development

The Daily Observer (Banjul)

Daily Observer

7 June 2011

editorial

Only a few men, among them President Jammeh, appreciate the impact and long-term benefits of industrialisation and an agrarian economy. The Gambian leader has transcended beyond the level of party politics in his development initiatives. He sees Gambia as one nation, one people not divided by politics, but as collective characters determined to chart their own development. When in this country, one gets this sense of positive change in the mindset of the average Gambian, thanks to His Excellency, who is very tenacious in his outlook.

His achievements literally shine as one drives through the Greater Banjul area at night, where road lights now illuminate the whole place. We have also seen the television, radio and all sorts of communication, good road network, reliable water and electricity supply, schools, hospitals just to mention a few. With the very generous support of the Taiwanese government and others, Jammeh’s government is also working hard on improvements in the area of agriculture in order to feed the nation. The recent development of The Gambia under President Jammeh becomes even more remarkable when one realises that the country has no natural resources to speak of.

The recent acknowledgement of the achievements of the country in terms of development by the President of the Republic of China on Taiwan was not a surprise to those who have been following the development strides of the country. However, the Taiwanese leader’s timely endorsement of our gigantic strives in national development justify the president’s commitment to prove that the survival of a country does not depend on abundant natural resources, but on pragmatic and purposeful leadership.

It is therefore time for Gambians to realise that every nation has remarkable sons and daughters who shape the destiny of that country. Of course, the individual never accomplishes it all alone. Part of the individual’s remarkableness is the ability to convince others to have faith in his vision for the nation. The Gambian leader is among such individuals. The fact that his endless efforts in national development is continuously and increasingly being acknowledged by the international community is a wake-up call for Gambians to realise that all what the president needs is massive support so that collectively we can accomplish the Vision 2020 aspirations of the country.

AllAfrica – All the Time