FELLOW GAMBIANS:

The state of our nation, The Gambia, is deplorable. The Gambia is now a
fertile ground for drug traficking, prostitution, banditory, disease,
corruption, state terrorism, intimidation, harassment and economic
degradation. In a nutshell, it's Terra Incognito in The Gambia. What a shame!
what an outrage! what a tragedy! Not too long ago that this very country we
all call The Gambia (Homeland) was regarded as many in the international
community the bastion for peace and the model for democracy in Africa under
Dawda Kairaba Jawara.
Sir Dawda is a man of great intellect, honour and integrity. The man who
demanded from her majesty, the Queen of England, in 1965 the Magna Carter on
behalf of the people of The Gambia. This document paved the way for the
Gambia to take it's rightful place in the community of nations. Jawara's
Gambia was very prosperous and peaceful. Jawara was an ardent believer of the
rule of law, justice, and the custodian of human right all over the continent
of Africa.
Now my friends, let us review briefly, Jawara's policies sector by sector:
Prior to the Economic Recovery Program in 1985, FREE PRIMARY EDUCATION was
the order of the day, school feeding program implemented nation wide, free
stationery in schools, free transportaion for provincial pupils during school
breaks and a whole host of incentives accorded to the student population.
More importantly, every student live in the environment of peace and
tranquility. Jawara's mantra was that the sky is the limit for every Gambian
regardless of profession or political affiliation. In economic jargon, it was
laissez faire at it's best.
The success of Jawara's education policy cannot be overemphasized and yielded
the following impressive intellectual power house....to put it in human terms:
The Halifa Sallahs, Malarfy Jarjus, Sidia Jattas, Sam Sarres, Alpha
Robinsons, Waa Juwaras, Lawer Dabos, Dr.Nyangs, Dr. Tijan Sallahs, Lamin
Leighs, Musa Bassadi Jawaras, Mariama Semega Jannehs, Idi Jobes, Madiba
Saidys,Seedy Jammehs, Bakary Bunja Dabos, Yusupha Jows, Francis Njies, Sedi
Sannehs, Tijan Sallahs, Ousou Jahs, Omar Jahs,Suwareh Dabos, Eliman Chams,
Dr. Jacks, Dr. Dabos, Henry Baldehs, Abdoulie Saines, Katim Tourays..... and
the list my friends, it's just too numerous to mention. This affirms the
assertion by the late Justice Holmes of the United States that " the greatest
loss of a nation is it's mineral resources, even a greater loss is it's human
resources." Against this human backdrop, if you will, lies the elloquent
testimony of Jawara's education policy triumps.
In the area of health, prior to 1985, it was FREE UNIVERSAL HEALTH CARE FOR
ALL. My friends, this author removed his tooth in The Gambia under Jawara' s
medical health services  for 0 dalasi, and performed the same proceedure in
the United States for $300. In general, operations that could cost people
fortunes in Europe and America,  mark you.. with the same quality, amounts to
nothing in The Gambia. To speak of "real success".

The Gambia had the best civil service, the best telecommunication system, the
most independent judiciary, the healthiest economy and most important of all,
the most stable and peaceful country in Africa. Folks, these were monumental
achievements. What is happening now my friends, is the deconstruction of
these giant pillars built by the illustrious son of The Gambia in the person
of Dawda Kairaba Jawara.

This is what is at stake and it's worth fighting for. As Lamin Waa Juwara
elloquently put it after he was ignominiously assaulted, detained and
released..."as long as democracy is not restored to The Gambia, prisons will
be my second home; I am prepared to die for my beliefs..."  Fellow Gambians,
our country is burning, the time to rescue it is long over due. But better
late than never! Let us avoid total ruination of our country and now is the
time to support Ousainou Dabos and Waa Juwaras in their cause to free Our
country from servitude.  Let justice prevail!

Readers please note, the author deliberately avoided making any contrast
between the erstwhile and the current regimes because the two are not
comparable for heaven sake!

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