We wish to commend the new British Prime Minister, David Cameron, for acknowledging President Jammeh's congratulatory message to him on his recent election victory as well as pledging to cooperate with The Gambia on issues pertaining to drug trafficking, peace, democracy and security.
The Prime Minister's message to the Gambian leader is significant in the sense that Gambia can now look forward to a new and more fruitful relationship with her ex-colonial master.
This is sure because the areas of cooperation highlighted by Mr Cameron are fundamental to the development of our nation, and if words are transformed into action, then The Gambia can expect much from Britain.
We therefore deem it imperative to seize this opportunity to remind the new British Prime Minister and his government that, as a former colonial master, it is high time Britain plays a greater role in The Gambia's development process.
It can help greatly in complementing the efforts of the Gambian government by building schools, hospitals, roads and above all encouraging British businesspeople and companies to invest here.
Besides, Gambians want to see more British involvement in our development process particularly in the fight against poverty and underdevelopment. If these are done Gambians will be convinced that their former colonial master has their interest at heart and the citizens of the two nations will be proud to work together as members of the same Commonwealth fraternity. After all, the maintenance of peace and democracy would become a wishful thinking if people continue to remain hostages of poverty and underdevelopment.
We remain convinced that if it is all about democratic governance, then Britain has no excuse whatsoever to distance itself from the development process of The Gambia because here the government of the day is in power through the consent of the citizenry, That apart, the leadership of this country has put the people at the centre of governance, with development reaching the doorstep of every Gambian regardless of political affiliation.
Much more, what is expected of a former colonial power by a former colony that has struggled hard to engender such a flourihing democracy within a short period is to adopt, foster and nurture that former colony and place it on the pedestal of sustainable development. We hope that this would be the beginning of a new era in Banjul-London ties that are based on mutual understanding, respect and reciprocal support.
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