GAMBIA HAS FIRST FEMALE PRESIDENTIAL ASPIRANT

ITS HISTORIC. AND EVERYTHING RIGHT, The DR. SAID.

Sometimes the desperate and the despondent get sheepy and succumb to their fears. That defeatist attitude and mindset is recipe for failure.

The Gambia and Gambians have had enough of the brute and authoritarianism that befall them. A cancer they'd never lobbied or bought. It beat us down and sulked us as a Nation. Our two decades of Oppression had been punctuated with coercion, terror, disappearances, murder and disrespect by Yaya and his regime. The last couple of years had been defiance and rebuilding of national confidence, that WE as a people can push and fight back. We remembered Fass Nyaka Choi and the emergence of an indomitable iron lady Fatoumatta Tambajang. That was until the unfortunate events of April 2016. Knowing Gambians, we never were faced with what we have before us but we have the capacity, tenacity to get back up and move forward.

WE needed September 1st and 2nd. The UDP unveiling their Candidate who in his maiden speech showed willingness to reach out to sister parties to come together, was welcoming. And I was very hopeful and happy that he was at the event gracing an HISTORIC event in the Nation's history. Today, Dr Touray had oozed that minty, shiny ray of hope AGAIN as an Independent Aspirant.

The FIRST WOMAN!! EVER to declare interest to contest not just the presidency but challenge DICTATORSHIP, for the Gambia! DR ISATOU TOURAY has recorded a remarkable history by running as Independent Presidential Candidate. Nobody in that country would doubt or question her ability, capability, capacity and tenacity. She's ticked the boxes for all of us. I was impressed by the organization of the convention, awed by the resounding, needing words and confidence she delivered. EVERY RIGHT THING WAS SAID! Beside the call for all to come together and pursue the change agenda and acknowledging and reminding us of the great sacrifices and martyrdom of the two Solos (Sandeng and Kurumang) and those in detention, SHE wants awaken our senses to the realization that power always resides in the people. THAT GAMBIANS CAN BOOT YAYA OFF THE PRESIDENCY. Despite our old, tiring lines that 'Dictators are never defeated at elections', Isatou and many in that country believe that should we harness or resolve, resources and use our voter's cards, we can effect change. As little a hope that I have in elections, I agree with her that should all those not happy/satisfied with Yaya and the regime vote against him, we're defeating him. To steer this ship to coast, en route to democracy, I hope and pray that Gambians bask in this rare, exciting moment and take the opportunity.

The jackpot was prepped and delivered by the women. The ordinary Gambians who refused to succumb to the terror and might of the dictatorship and the machinery, to go out and support the change agenda. Starting with our Mother/Aunty Aja Tambajang, Aji Yam Seck, AND the best, loyal lieutenant AMIE Bojang-Sisoho. This lady incubated and delivered the stage ready-made for her partner. The confidence, steadiness and selling was impeccable.

Change is close. And in addition to Dr Touray being capable, I've always maintained that she could sell herself and mission better than anybody else in his camp. She understands the terrain, and would negotiate and reach a deal with her colleagues that Gambians want. However form that takes. WE CAN DO IT! AND THEY CAN DELIVER. Now let's support the change agenda, especially those from afar, and support the players on the ground. They matter the most.

Congratulations, Dr TOURAY! This history is a First.

Pata PJ.

September 2, 2016