President Barrow says Independence goes with multiple meanings and significance
Banjul, Gambia (PANA) - President Adama Barrow Monday told his competitors that independence went with multiple meanings and significance for all citizens.
“It is not simply about self-rule and freedom from foreign domination; most importantly, it is about freedom of thought and action, leading to our growth and progress as individuals, families, communities, organisations and as a nation,” he told Gambians at the 54th independence anniversary celebration of the nation at the Mccarthy Square in Banjul.
He added: “We have now come to realize and appreciate that true Independence means freedom to set up and work through strong and functional institutions run by competent, sincere and efficient personnel.”
President Barrow observed that Gambians had come to appreciate further that nationhood or sovereignty should be matched by economic independence and the capacity to generate resources and funds for investment and judicious spending.
“We have learnt also that Independence rests on working with responsible leadership that allows for diversity, choice and acting on correct decisions.
The underlying objective, he said, was for all citizens to engage in nation building as a united force, adding: “This is the environment that my government has now created for Gambians.”
“As patriots and good citizens, I urge you to build on these gains and allow the nation to develop,” President urged.
He told Gambians that, to be patriotic citizens, they needed to contribute effectively to nation building, saying it was vital to undertake or engage in independent, critical and constructive thought and action, grounded in sincerity, honesty and the desire to improve living conditions in the country”.
“The reclamation of our freedom should equip us to redefine nationhood and patriotism as genuine Gambian nationals. We must love our nation, and sacrifice in times of need and distress. To this end, we must redefine and embrace nationalism to give it a humane character,” he pointed out
President Barrow said this meant rejecting all forms of socio-political discrimination and extremism disguised as nationalism.
On the other hand, he said it was essential for Gambians to develop a deep sense of belonging to the motherland and commit themselves to the ideals and values of the nation.
“We have proven that when we stand united in the cause of the nation, we can achieve a lot,” he added.
President Barrow advised Gambians to continue demonstrating patriotic citizenship through constructive action and service at all times, while calling for the expression of political awareness and maturity by manifesting a high degree of civic responsibility and projecting the image and true value and honour of the typical Gambian through shared values.
“Guided by the principles of good governance and true democracy, it is our responsibility to unite and exploit our individual and collective potential and strengths. In addition, let us harness all available resources for national development,“ he admonished.
-0- PANA MSS/RA 18Feb2019
