Gambia marks 55 years of independence
Banjul, Gambia (PANA) – Gambians are celebrating 55 years of political independence on Tuesday with citizens of the tiny West African nation reacting to the day differently, three years after the fall of dictator Yahya Jammeh regime.
For some, Gambians have so much to celebrate following 55 years of nationhood which was peacefully achieved on 18 February, 1965 when British colonial rule came to an end giving way to the first Gambian government led by Dawda Kairaba Jawara to preside over state matters.
To this particular group, 18 February is indeed historic as it allowed Gambians to become masters of their own destiny enabling them to enjoy greater freedom and human rights which were later hijacked by the 1994 military coup led by and Jammeh and the subsequent 22-year-long dictatorship which ended in 2017.
To kick start activities for this year’s celebrations, President Adama Barrow was conferred with the insignia of Grand Master of the Order of The Republic of The Gambia by the Chancery established by the Laws of the Gambia to manage such awards at State House on Monday.
The award which isn’t based on achievements but rather comes with the Presidency is in addition to the many Orders the President is mandated to award to deserving and well-recognised citizens or friends of The Gambia who have extremely supported the country.
Chaired by the Vice President of the Republic of The Gambia, the Chancery also included Gambia’s Local Government Minister, Attorney General and Minister of Justice, the Minister of External Affairs, Secretary-General and Head of the Civil Service and the Permanent Secretary's Office of The President.
Meanwhile, many critics and skeptics have argued that independence day does not mean much in the true sense of the word and there is very little to celebrate.
They maintain that at 55 years, average Gambians continue to wallow in abject poverty with many people finding it difficult to have three meals a day for themselves and their families.
They point out that agriculture, which used to be the backbone of the economy is now in decay and farmers cannot produce home-grown rice to feed even one small region.
Turning to health sector, they lamented that the Gambia had a strong primary health care system which was the envy of the sub region but not anymore.
In other sectors such as sports, they said the Gambia has lagged behind s other nations and in football in particular the country has produced poor results and disappointment for the people.
-0- PANA MLJ/MA 18Feb2020
