President Adama Barrow of the Gambia said he is saddened at the news of the passing of Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara, the first democratically elected ruler of the west African nation.
The elder statesman and founding father of the Gambia died this morning at the age of 95 after a brief illness.
Paying tribute to him, Mr Barrow described him as an exemplary leader who led the Gambia with grace and humility. He said under Jawara’s 30 year-rule, the Gambia became one of Africa’s few successful parliamentary democracies; a champion of international peace, justice and human rights.
Born on May 16, 1924 in Barajally, in present day Central River Region of the Gambia, Sir Dawda Jawara was a son of a trader. He went to Methodist Boys’ School in Banjul, studied Veterinary Medicine at the University of Glasgow, Scotland, and qualified as a veterinary surgeon in 1953. Returning to The Gambia, he became Principal Veterinary Officer in 1957.
In 1959, Sir Dawda joined and led the Protectorate People’s Party (PPP) later named People’s Progressive Party. He contested and won his first elections in 1960 to become a member of parliament, and was appointed Minister of Education in Cabinet.
The People’s Progressive Party won the general elections of 1962, making Sir Dawda Jawara the Prime Minister and Head of government. In 1965, Sir Dawda, led the country to independence from Britain and in 1970, to a Republican status making him full time President.
His peaceful nature earned him the name “Kairaba Jawara” – meaning “Peaceful Jawara”.
I hope sir dawda jawara should have state funeral respectfully.
courtesy of thepoint newspaper ( issue 28.8.2019):
Mohamadou Musa Njie (Papa), the leader and secretary general of the People’s Progressive Party, said Sir Dawda continues to be a role model to all of us and we will miss him greatly.”
“I learned from him that in order to lead, you have to listen, consult and do away with tribalism.”
I expected such off Topics from Papa Njie, Barrow and their likes. Tragedy for the once proud PPP!