Alagi Yorro Jallow
Part VIII
Fatoumatta: As The Gambia commemorates 60 years of independence, we find ourselves at a critical juncture in our nation’s history. This milestone is not merely a tribute to our past struggles and victories; it serves as a powerful reflection on our journey and a beacon of hope for the future. Our forefathers and mothers, driven by unwavering determination and courage, fought fiercely for the freedom and dignity that we enjoy today. Their sacrifices have laid a robust foundation for a nation built on the bedrock principles of justice, equality, and self-determination. As we honor their legacy, we must also embrace the profound responsibility it entails—continuing their work and striving for a better, more prosperous Gambia.
This article draws compelling parallels between the leadership dynamics in George Orwell’s “Animal Farm” and the political landscape of The Gambia, underscoring the critical need for education, awareness, and constitutional reforms to ensure a brighter future for all Gambians. My fellow countrymen and women, Today, we stand proud and free, deeply indebted to our forefathers and mothers who bravely risked everything for the liberties we cherish. I often contemplate what it must be like to embark on a journey after securing your freedom from an oppressive and abusive status quo. A past that sought to manipulate you, strip you of your wealth, force you to abandon your religion, change your name, and demean you as “ape” or “foolish.” Imagine breaking your shackles and setting off on a journey without knowing your destination, yet overwhelmed with euphoria at finally moving forward.
I wasn’t there when it happened 60 years ago, but I became part of this journey in the years that followed. Throughout this trek, we—the people—have battled to chart our course, seeking effective leadership, resolving internal conflicts, and confronting new external challenges. New generations—the “dot comers”—have joined the path charted by our forebears, much like tributaries flowing into a river that has yet to reach a known destination. With each new generation, our quest for nation-building persists. Who are we? What unites us? How do we claim our place in the global identity? To truly understand our journey, we must view it as the collective journey of families, individuals, and communities before it can be seen as the journey of a nation.
On this 60th anniversary, individuals have achieved remarkable milestones, families have flourished and transcended prejudices, and in many ways, we have carved out our rightful place among the nations. Indeed, we have faced foolish, violent, and desperate moments. Much remains unresolved, as the fabric of greed and apathy casts a long shadow over displaced families, reminding us of our unfinished mission. The invaluable contributions of doctors, farmers, police officers, nurses, civil servants, and teachers often go unrewarded, pushing them to the edges of society where their efforts are disregarded. The powerful frequently overshadow the vulnerable, claiming disproportionate advantages while traveling in unethical comfort. Children skip by, their eyes filled with innocence and wonder, reigniting our hopes and dreams. Yet, others shuffle along, some struggle to survive. It is for them—always for them—that we persist in this journey. We forge ahead with a burning hope known only to those who genuinely understand the meaning of freedom. We are Gambians on this path; may we tread with profound consideration for all, so that even in our darkest hours, we remain courageous, unafraid, and unshackled. The frustrations many Gambians have felt concerning the management of our country’s affairs over the past 60 years are entirely justified.
However, let this not deter us from commemorating our Independence Day and honoring the heroic sacrifices made by countless men and women who gave everything to secure our nation’s freedom. The freedoms and human dignity we have nurtured over the last 60 years came at an immense cost to countless families and individuals in The Gambia. We must never take these hard-won liberties for granted; instead, we should hold them close and protect them fiercely.
Fatoumatta: Voice of Conscience: A Call for Justice and National Pride.
Edward Francis Small, alongside the courageous sons and daughters of The Gambia, boldly chanted, “We demand right and justice! We demand bread and butter!” These impassioned cries against colonial oppression ignited what we now remember as the “Bread and Butter Demonstration,” a powerful catalyst for our national consciousness and our quest for self-rule. We stood firmly against the injustice of taxation without representation, bravely faced strikes and hunger strikes, and rallied against the dehumanizing conditions that offered us only a penny a day for our labor.
Today, we come together to honor the fearless men and women who fought valiantly for our independence. We pay homage to our founding father and first Republican President, Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara, along with heroes like Edward Francis Small, Momodou Ebrima Jallow, Alhagie Cham Joof, Sheriff Sekouba Sisay, Sheriff Mustapha Dibba, Alieu Badara Njie, Amang Kanyi, Seyfo Omar Mbakeh, Kalilu Singhateh, Famara Wassa Touray, Paul L. Baldeh, Pierre Sarr N’Jie, I. A. S. Burang John, Kebba W. Foon, I. M. Garba Jahumpa, Philip Bridge, F. D. C. Williams, K. J. W. Lane, Rev. J. C. Faye, Sir John Paul, Sir John Martin, J. M. Kirsch, H. Steel, R. G. Pettitt, and all those who courageously sacrificed for the freedom we cherish today.
Let us unite to build the Gambia we envision. If our forebears could forge this path, so can we. Yes, I wholeheartedly believe that you and I possess the strength to make this vision a reality. Let’s ignite that belief together. Happy Independence Day, Gambia! As we reflect on this significant milestone, I urge each of you to envision the Gambia you dream of at 60 years of independence. Is this truly the Gambia our forefathers fought to create? Sixty years after our liberation, are we genuinely advancing toward true and meaningful development? Have we guarded our sovereignty with the vigilance and strategy required, or have we recklessly surrendered it to transient desires and greed? Are we in command of our destiny and our national resources?
Are we actively fostering job opportunities and recruitment for Gambians both at home and in the Diaspora? Do our values, attitudes, and practices today truly mirror the greatness that The Gambia has always embodied? Our independence is only significant if anchored in the principles of social, economic, and political justice, the rule of law, democratic governance, and the unwavering protection of the fundamental freedoms and human rights of every citizen. As Gambians on this shared journey, let us walk with dignity and respect for one another, so that even in our darkest hours, we remain brave, unafraid, and unshackled. Ladies and gentlemen, as we celebrate and commit to these core values, let us tap into our collective strength to remedy the inequities and challenges within our society. This noble endeavor can only flourish in an environment of mutual tolerance and respect. Together, you and I can shape the Gambia we desire. If our forefathers could achieve this great task, so can we. Yes, I have unwavering faith that you and I can. Let us believe in this shared vision together. Happy Independence Day, Gambia!
Fatoumatta: The story of “Animal Farm” serves as a timeless reminder of the dangers of unchecked power and the importance of vigilance in safeguarding democracy. Just as the animals on the farm were manipulated and oppressed by their leaders, the Gambian people have faced similar challenges under restrictive leadership. By drawing parallels between the two, we can better understand the need for constitutional reforms, education, and awareness to empower the people and prevent the rise of tyrannical leaders. As The Gambia reflects on its sixty-year journey, it is crucial to learn from the past and strive for a future where leadership is accountable, term limits are respected, and the nation’s potential is fully realized. We should celebrate the resilience of the Gambian people and work towards a brighter, more equitable future for all. As we commemorate this important milestone, we must also look to the future.
The baton has been passed to the younger generation, who hold the key to The Gambia’s continued progress and development. It is imperative that we invest in education, create opportunities for innovation, and foster a culture of inclusivity and respect. By empowering our youth, we ensure that the legacy of our founding fathers lives on and that The Gambia continues to thrive as a nation of hope, resilience, and unity. Together, let us build the Gambia we envision. If our forefathers achieved this, so can we. Yes, I believe that together we can make a difference. Let’s have faith in this vision. Happy Independence Day, Gambia!
