President Jammeh Promises to Transform Gambia into Economic Superpower

By Landing Badjie, Banjul

The Gambia on Monday celebrated its 43rd independence anniversary with two heads of state from the African continent attending. Presidents Padro Peres of Cape Verde and President Levi Patrick Muanawasa of Zambia were among the international high profile dignitaries who flew in to rejoice with the 1.5 million citizens of the small Commonwealth country on the occasion of their National Day.

In his speech on the historic event , the Gambian leader, President Yahya Jammeh highlighted the significance of the day, noting :“Forty Three years ago we gained independence to direct and take charge of our own destiny.”

The President went on to urge Gambians to look back and critically and objectively assess ‘our achievements and our short comings’ with a view to taking the nation to the next level .

He emphasized that the meaning of independence and nationhood can be properly appreciated only when they (the leaders) succeeded in transforming the lives of the people they serve.

Jammeh who came to power through a coup d’tate on 22 July 1994 told the jubilant crowd that since he took over the mantle of leadership, his APRC government has brought unprecedented developments in the country. He added that the past 13 years have seen improvements in all spheres of life.

According to him, since 1994 his administration has remain focused and committed to improving the lives of all Gambians , elucidating that the government has created opportunities especially for the youth, girls and women to increase their lots.

“It is my determination to change the little Gambia into an economic and social super power, where all Gambians and non Gambians alike would live in dignity, peace and social justice,” he happily told the gathering. He was however quick to add that to actualize this ambitious dream Gambians need to be patriotic and change their laid-back attitudes towards work.

The Gambia leader did not also forget to thank the two visiting heads of state for gracing the Gambia’s 43^rd Independence anniversary while calling on the friends of the Gambia to keep supporting the country.