Part V
Alagi Yorro Jallow
Fatoumatta: Gambia and Singapore both celebrated their independence in the same year, once standing on similar ground. Yet, while Singapore has soared to extraordinary heights as a global powerhouse, Gambia has faced hardships that have thwarted its dreams even after six decades of independence.
Singapore’s remarkable ascent to a leading economic force stands as a shining example of effective leadership, strategic foresight, and an unyielding commitment to excellence. Under the guidance of visionary leaders, Singapore prioritized substantial investments in infrastructure, education, and innovation, transforming itself into a vibrant epicenter of international trade and finance.
In stark contrast, Gambia’s journey has been fraught with political turmoil, fragile governance, and scarce resources. The nation grapples with critical challenges in infrastructure, education, and healthcare, all of which have significantly hampered its socio-economic advancement. Despite the abundance of talent within its borders, Gambia has struggled to harness its potential, often falling victim to internal political strife and inefficiencies.
As we commemorate 60 years of independence, it is imperative for Gambia to extract valuable lessons from Singapore’s remarkable success and adapt them meaningfully to its own context. By embracing strategic vision, ensuring good governance, and placing a strong emphasis on education and innovation, Gambia can turn its aspirations into tangible realities and pave the way for a brighter, more prosperous future for its people.
Fatoumatta: The Gambia and Singapore, two nations that gained independence in 1965, have embarked on profoundly different journeys in their socio-economic development. While Singapore has evolved from a modest port into a thriving global finance and trade center, The Gambia has been plagued by political turmoil and economic setbacks. This comparative study seeks to dissect the remarkable successes of Singapore and the persistent failures of The Gambia over the past sixty years, illuminating critical lessons that The Gambia can draw from Singapore’s methodical approach to governance and resource management.
After sixty years of independence, The Gambia can no longer cling to the excuses of being new or inexperienced on the global stage. Such rationalizations are outdated and unjustifiable. Both nations commenced their post-colonial journeys as equals; Singapore claimed independence on August 9, 1965, just a few months after The Gambia in February of the same year. The visionary leader of Singapore, the late Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew, meticulously studied how small island nations could navigate social unrest and regional military threats.
As we reflect on the contrasting trajectories of The Gambia and Singapore over the last sixty years, the disparity in outcomes becomes glaringly evident. Singapore has achieved extraordinary progress, while The Gambia has encountered numerous obstacles that stifled its potential. It is impossible not to consider what could have been for The Gambia—an opportunity that started out as equally promising in the 1960s. Regrettably, The Gambia has found itself trailing behind its neighbors as each nation adapted and thrived in a rapidly changing world. With its commitment to intelligence, efficiency, and adaptability, Singapore showcases the potential that The Gambia could have realized. Much like a marathon runner who stumbles and falls spectacularly, The Gambia has faced monumental challenges in regaining its footing. This recovery has been exacerbated by a prolonged period of authoritarian rule under Yahya Jammeh, who seized power from former President Dawda Kairaba Jawara in 1994. For twenty-two years, Jammeh’s Machiavellian governance stifled the nation’s growth and aspirations. Now, as The Gambia grapples with its past, the opportunity to learn from Singapore’s disciplined and visionary path remains more crucial than ever.
Fatoumatta: The three presidents who have governed The Gambia over the past sixty years exhibit clear signs of executive myopia, leading them to adopt half-measures that weaken the presidency and undermine their authority as the nation’s foremost leaders. This troubling pattern has generated significant distress among the Gambian populace. Their leadership conveys a troubling image of reluctance; they appear to enjoy the privileges of their office while neglecting the vital responsibilities that accompany it. This reality raises urgent questions: Are the Gambian presidents being constrained by unseen forces? Despite their pledges to uphold the national interest, many Gambians are left questioning who, aside from the former despot Yahya Jammeh, truly limits our presidents’ effectiveness. In stark contrast, Singapore has transformed itself from a once-sleepy port into a vibrant global finance and trade hub. The lasting legacy of its founding Prime Minister, Lee Kuan Yew, continues to shape the nation’s multicultural society long after his passing. Some may contend that comparing Singapore to The Gambia is inherently unfair due to Singapore’s smaller size. However, it’s crucial to note that The Gambia is approximately 16 times larger, encompassing an area of 11,300 square kilometers and a population of about 3 million. In comparison, Singapore spans roughly 697 square kilometers and accommodates nearly 6 million residents, meaning The Gambia has 2.8 million fewer people. Nonetheless, the determining factor is not sheer size, but the effectiveness with which available resources are utilized. Singapore has achieved extraordinary feats despite its limitations, notably relying heavily on imported water from Malaysia to meet much of its needs. This stark contrast serves as a clarion call for Gambians to demand more from their leadership.
To combat this vulnerability, Singapore has ingeniously transformed its drainage systems into expansive catchment areas for rainfall, significantly reducing reliance on Malaysia. This demonstrates that scarcity can drive innovation rather than hinder progress. The challenge of accommodating Singapore’s expanding population is seen as an opportunity, not a burden. To tackle expected growth projected to reach 6 million over the next two decades, Singapore’s government has partnered with experts from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) to devise comprehensive strategies for urban expansion—knowledge intended for export to other cities. Their goal focuses on understanding how cities function and discovering ways to enhance their effectiveness. Consider this stark contrast: Singapore’s government owns over 100 companies, collectively worth more than one billion dollars, while The Gambia is in the process of offloading its assets. During the recent fiscal crisis, Singapore’s investment agency demonstrated foresight by lending Barclays Bank $10 billion, while its National Reserve has an astounding total of $900 billion. Another striking example is Estonia, which also has a population comparable to The Gambia’s at 2.8 million.
Fatoumatta: Since declaring its independence on August 20, 1991, Estonia has evolved from a neglected corner of the Soviet empire into a beacon of modernity and prosperity. It is the birthplace of Skype and has successfully integrated half a billion people online. Recovering from a severe fiscal crisis, Estonia boasts a well-educated citizenry, a balanced budget, zero debt, a streamlined flat-rate tax system, low crime rates, and a stable currency backed by a currency board, all with a strong peg to the euro. It has established the world’s most advanced electronic government—achieving this remarkable progress within just 27 years, while The Gambia has struggled to promote tourism and peanut farming. It is time for us to abandon the excuse of needing more time or to claim that the country is still young. Those justifications are no longer tenable. If The Gambia could learn from Singapore and embrace those vital lessons in effectively managing its people and resources, the country could stand shoulder to shoulder with its neighbors on the path to success. Despite the wealth of human and natural resources and a pool of abundant talent, The Gambia has yet to seize the opportunity to make meaningful strides forward.
While it’s natural to reminisce about the golden age of tourism in The Gambia, it’s time to embrace a new vision for our future! The landscape of travel is evolving, and we are presented with an exciting opportunity to redefine our tourism strategy. Although grand hotels and tourism infrastructure were once seen as the pinnacle of development, that era is shifting. Instead of focusing on replicating the past, we need to focus on creating a vibrant, sustainable, and unique experience for visitors that reflects the true essence of The Gambia—our welcoming culture and stunning natural beauty. Let’s consider the current global climate. In the past, we relied heavily on tourists from America and Europe, but those days are changing. Many of our potential visitors are facing challenges of their own, such as economic uncertainty. This presents us with a chance to broaden our horizons! By tapping into new markets and promoting local tourism, we can cultivate a vibrant community that supports itself.
When I think of The Gambia, two standout qualities fill my heart with optimism. First is our beloved “smiling coast,” celebrated worldwide for its beauty and hospitality. Second is our incredible pool of talent. Our civil service professionals and technocrats are not only highly skilled but also respected globally. The Gambia is home to some of the brightest minds in international and academic circles, who have honed their abilities even under challenging circumstances. Imagine what we could achieve if we matched the dedication of these individuals with a collective vision for our future! Reflecting on the wisdom of leaders like Lee Kuan Yew, it becomes clear that for any society to thrive, discipline is essential. True democracy flourishes when citizens are informed and engaged, and that’s where we can focus our efforts. There’s a golden opportunity to empower our community with knowledge and encourage responsible behavior, rather than misinterpreting freedom as a license to break the rules. It’s vital for our law enforcement agencies to embody this transformative spirit.
By fostering a culture of respect and responsibility, they can help guide our citizens to make better choices. A little patience, empathy, and clear communication can go a long way. Just look at how some communities thrive when expectations are clear! Let’s envision a world where we nurture a sense of order and responsibility, not through fear, but through encouragement. While we may sometimes see disarray in public places, it’s crucial that we focus on solutions together. By promoting initiatives that encourage environmental stewardship and civic responsibility, we can begin to transform our neighborhoods into cleaner, safer spaces.
Fatoumatta: Together, we have the power to inspire change! It’s about fostering a sense of pride in our beautiful environment and holding each other accountable for its care. As we continue to navigate these challenging times, let’s remember the importance of community engagement and open dialogue. By working together and supporting each other, we can overcome obstacles and create a Gambia that is not only more attractive to visitors but also a better place for all of us to live. Our journey may have its challenges, but with enthusiasm and collaboration, the possibilities are endless!
The Gambia has immense potential for growth and development, but it faces challenges that hinder its progress. One significant issue is the perception that laws are not enforced equally for everyone. This unequal application creates a sense of injustice and can lead some individuals to think that engaging in unlawful behavior is acceptable. We see this played out in various ways, such as the relationship between officials and their friends, where favoritism can undermine the rule of law. When people notice that certain individuals can evade accountability simply due to connections, it can foster a culture where others feel emboldened to do the same. This behavior is often mirrored, as those from different social classes look to each other for cues on acceptable standards. Another element affecting the path to progress in The Gambia is the impact of poor governance and complacency. It’s important to recognize that change often must begin at the top. Encouraging our leaders—those in influential positions—to model change will ripple throughout society and inspire others to follow suit. Patronage politics can create significant barriers to progress. In our cities, the effects are noticeable—traffic chaos caused by vehicles operated by those with connections reflects a deeper systemic issue. If those in charge aren’t held accountable, it’s challenging to promote positive change within the community.
Furthermore, The Gambia has faced challenges related to anti-intellectualism over the years. This trend began in the mid-1980s when leadership didn’t prioritize expertise in governance. Instead of fostering a culture of excellence, past administrations often opted for familiarity over capability. This shift contributed to an emotional and reactive society, rather than one that engages in thoughtful decision-making. Current public officials often have backgrounds far removed from the disciplines needed to effectively govern. Instead of supporting candidates with solid experience and visionary plans, the focus tends to be on popularity contest-inspired selections. This preference for celebrities over experts means that we miss out on the critical thinking necessary to tackle the complex issues facing our nation, such as the deteriorating public transport system.
In many cases, intellectuals and those with valuable insights feel marginalized, leading to a culture of conformity over innovation. It’s crucial for us to create an environment that values knowledge and encourages spirited discourse. Without the contributions of experts, it’s difficult for The Gambia to rise to a level comparable to other successful nations. These challenges stem from deep-rooted cultural patterns and values. Some may argue that restructuring our political system could enable a greater exchange of ideas and invite more intellectual engagement. However, the effectiveness of any system ultimately depends on the discipline and values of its people. If we remain entrenched in a culture that undervalues expertise and rewards loyalty over merit, the likelihood of developing a flourishing society diminishes.
Fatoumatta: In closing, the experiences of The Gambia and Singapore over the past sixty years provide us with insightful lessons. By embracing a disciplined approach to governance, valuing resources, and fostering innovation, The Gambia can unleash its true potential and pave the way towards sustainable development. This transformative journey requires dedication to excellence, a collective commitment to overcoming mediocrity, and a steadfast focus on the greater good. Together, we can shape a brighter future for The Gambia—a future filled with promise and progress. Long live The Gambia! Long live Africa!
