Jammeh Blasts Western Powers- Blames Britain For Gambia’s Plight

As Gambian Leader Calls For National Development

By Staff Reporter Bakary Gibba, Banjul

Gambia’s 45^th independence anniversary was characterized by anti Western bashings, as the country’s President Yahya Jammeh lambasted Britain—Gambia’s former colony for being responsible for the nation’s underdevelopment during pre-independence era. Mr. Jammeh who was applauded by an excited crowd—mainly party supporters, school children, and a cross section of the community said Gambia’s former colonial masters ruled the impoverished nation for over two decades without initiating any meaningful development in the country—which shared borders with neighboring Senegal.

Known for his anti Western slogans, Jammeh informed his audience that the British only built one High School, and four Health Centers in The Gambia—during their forced occupation of our land. He accuses the British of exposing their former subjects (Gambians) into an untold economic hardship, characterized by poverty. Jammeh said good governance work in tandem with development, and his administration had recorded significant achievements during the span of 15 years in office.

Dubbing the theme of this year’s independence celebrations “ patriotism and honesty” Mr. Jammeh picked on his Western critics, who he says had been lamenting about his appalling governance records over the years. Jammeh instead accuses the West of misinterpreting the definition of “Good Governance.” 

Mr. Jammeh said during the “fifteen years of my leadership, more infrastructural development as well as other important structures were provided and yet still the West is saying that we are operating under a bad governance system.”

While emphasizing about the need for Government workers to be patriotic and honest during the execution of their respective duties, Jammeh observed that in the absence of the two, there cannot be meaningful development.

“Honesty, and devotion to national service for the interest of all should be adopted  by all and we should work harder and be ready to develop our country despite with our little salaries,” Jammeh said.

Jammeh then cited China, Japan and Singapore, who he said their economic success stories could not have been possible without the hard work and personal sacrifices of its citizens. 

He also urged Gambians to inculcate good manners in their kids. Jammeh said honesty and patriotism should be preached in every Gambian home.

 "Am calling on  parents to teach their children about good manners and also train them on how to adopt to good life style that is in line with their culture. They should avoid importing cultures that might conflict with our values,” Jammeh said.

Jammeh also underscored the need to maintain peace and security in the country, which is on the brink of witnessing a  total political turmoil. He said every Gambian should be concerned about stability.

For his part the Senegalese President Abdoulie Wade, told newsmen before his departure from the country that he was very much impressed with this year’s independence anniversary. Wade said Gambians have manifested they are committed to national development. He describes President Jammeh as a visionary leader, who is committed to developing The Gambia, and promoting sub-regional peace.

In attendance were the Guinean Junta Leader General Sekouba Konateh, Foreign Ambassadors, Senior Government Officials, School Children, Local Chiefs, Alkalolus, National Assembly Members and a cross section of the Gambian Community, who all thanked god the almighty for giving them the strength and ability to once again witnessed the anniversary of their country's nationhood.