Gambia stands at a crossroads, grappling with the challenges of poverty and underdevelopment. Yet, amidst these difficulties, there lies an opportunity for growth and transformation. As someone who has walked the path from a small village in the Gambia to the corridors of power in Washington, I’ve seen first-hand the potential that lies within us, waiting to be tapped. However, critics would rather focus on tearing down individuals who bring forth intellectual material and solutions. By doing so, they only succeed in holding ourselves back.
The stark contrast between our country’s trajectory and that of the Southeast Asian economies serves as a wake-up call. While we struggle to make progress, nations that were once at a similar level are now thriving. The Gambian economy has undergone a significant transformation, with the diaspora’s financial support now playing a more central role than traditional sectors like tourism. In fact, remittances from the diaspora have not only become a vital lifeline for many Gambian families but have also overshadowed the tourism sector, emerging as a key component of the country’s economic structure. Moreover, the state of our healthcare system is alarming, with women dying needlessly in maternity wards and labor wards. Is this not sorrowful? Is this not sad? The time has come for us to take collective action and make a difference. We must prioritize the well-being of our citizens and work towards creating a healthcare system that truly supports those in need.
Furthermore, the root of our challenges lies in the entrenched mindset of the political establishment, which seems more interested in preserving its own power than in serving the people. When we attempt to critique or challenge the status quo, we’re often met with fierce resistance from those who benefit from the current system. It’s telling that the moment we touch on issues related to partisan politics or favoured politicians, the backlash is immediate and intense, often descending into personal attacks and character assassination. This knee-jerk reaction reveals a deep-seated problem of accountability and a lack of vision for the future. I urge the political supporters and their surrogates to think critically before reacting impulsively. Instead of being driven by the politics of the day, they should focus on the long-term survival and prosperity of the Gambian nation. When presented with intellectual material like this, it’s crucial to approach it with a critical mind, looking beyond the surface to understand the underlying intentions and ideas. By doing so, they can engage in meaningful discourse and contribute to the growth of our nation, rather than merely reacting out of impulse and partisan loyalty. The political establishment must change direction and prioritize the needs of the Gambian people over personal and partisan interests. The time for empty promises and rhetoric is over; the time for tangible action and real change is now.
But despite these challenges, it’s time for the Gambian people to change their mindset. We must shift our focus from tearing each other down to working collectively towards a common goal. The critics’ negativity will only hold us back, and it’s time for them to take responsibility for their role in shaping the country’s future. We can’t afford to be held back by petty squabbles and personal attacks. As someone who is committed to making honest observations and intellectual contributions, I will continue to call it as I see it, without endorsing or affiliating with any particular regime. It’s time to rise above and work towards a brighter future for Gambia.
To the critics who label me a job seeker or attention seeker, I say this, their criticisms are a reflection of their own limitations. Instead of tearing others down, they should focus on building something meaningful themselves. If their only tool is disparagement, then perhaps they’re the ones seeking attention, albeit through negative means. If you want to make a difference, put forth your own ideas and intellectual material. Let’s see if you can match the effort and dedication that goes into creating meaningful content. The future of Gambia is in our hands, and it’s time for us to take control and shape our own destiny.
By Musa Bassadi Jawara
