Hon. Baboucarr Bouy, delivering a statement on behalf of President Barrow at the second edition of the National Dialogue Forum
By Ramatoulie Jawo
His Excellency President Adama Barrow has called for collective action to build a stronger Gambia, emphasizing that national progress depends on unity and cooperation.
This message was delivered by the Minister of Public Service, Hon. Baboucarr Bouy, on behalf of President Barrow at the second edition of the National Dialogue Forum, held as part of The Gambia’s diamond jubilee celebrations.
Hon. Bouy underscored the importance of dialogue, collaboration, and a shared vision for the country’s future.
“The lesson for Gambians is that we can not afford a repetition of the bitter experience of the past if we are to march in solidarity we must cooperate as a nation, a people a community, and as units of existing legitimate structures in whatever we do it should be with the bigger or national picture in view,” he said.
He stressed the need for collective planning, execution, and protection of shared achievements, adding that national unity must first begin in the hearts of the people.
Hon. Bouy further emphasized that fostering self-reliance requires the capacity, capability, and freedom to make informed decisions and take timely action.
“In addition we must have the capacity, capability, freedom, and choice to make decisions and act on them with timelines the end result of this should hinge on constructive work, building and developing structures, and securing and sustaining life and livelihood,” he said.
He described dialogue as a cornerstone of democracy, stressing its role in promoting involvement, participation, consultation, and discussion. He noted that democracy is not merely about serving the majority but about ensuring that the majority works in the best interest of all, including the minority.
“Self-reliance is not about isolation we must be aware, however, of current international political trends particularly the rise of extreme nationalism which should ring alarm bells around the world. The implication is that as Gambian nationals developing the Gambia can come about only through development initiatives the task and onus of which rest on all of us,” he said.
He emphasized that progress cannot be achieved without belief, confidence, and trust among citizens. Therefore, he urged Gambians to cultivate the ability to think insightfully, critically, and creatively, to act boldly and decisively when necessary, and to remain resilient, especially in times of adversity.
He further called on leaders and citizens alike to hold themselves morally accountable to the people and to be guided by the Gambian spirit of duty and mutual support.
Highlighting President Barrows’s commitment to national unity, he reiterated the President’s invitation to all political parties and Gambians to join efforts toward national development.
He stressed that no individual or political party can remain in power indefinitely. However, by working together, Gambians can ensure a smooth and peaceful transition of government from one generation to the next, free from hostility, civil unrest, bloodshed, or military intervention.