Gambia: TO OUR HEROES: THIS CHANGE IS TO YOU!

DECEMBER 30, 2014 was a sad sad in our history of the Gambia's struggle against Dictatorship but it ushered in what we had yearned for.

Two Years later, Gambians are able to end the worst of dictatorships. This is to ALL who lost a life and/or limb. The struggle was costly, so we shall safeguard our freedoms to never be taken away.

Continue to Rest in Heaven, for you ALL died honourable deaths - for Nation.
To does incarcerated, keep your heads up. You're forever our patriots!

************     *********    ***********
WHEN HAS THE DEFINITION OF TERRORISM CHANGED?

Until the dictionary and legal definitions of Terror and Terrorism change, there's never an obvious Terrorist than the Gambian President #Jammeh.

For 20 years, the man who came to power through a violent overthrow of a democratic government, did nothing but oppress, repress and subjugate Gambians by terrorizing them. He's the one person who charges a fee for the oxygen Gambians breathe and controls how/what they think. He chooses who lives in that country and who dies, at the mere suspicion of differences in political beliefs.

So let it be clear! That the events of December 30, did not happen in a vacuum. They were borne out of frustration and the need to defend self and country. The gentlemen who attempted to put an end to 2 decades of decadence, are neither murderous, suicidal nor terrorists. These are peace loving human beings compelled to do what any person in their position would do when pushed against the wall. They represent oppressed, helpless Gambians. They were not motivated by greed, thirst for power or blood. They're not rebels, for everyone knows what rebellion in Africa looks like.

Yaya and his illegitimate regime can try call them anything in wanting to control the narrative but it wouldn't stick. The Gambia and Gambians have, for the past 20 years, been knocking on doors from European Union, British Parliament , ECOWAS, to The US State Department selling the Gambia's case. The world knows how unstable, vindictive and deadly Yaya is. So what they're seeing today is a reaction by helpless countrymen whose only option was to fight back. Simples!

This is why the United States Department of State's invocation of the Negativity Neutrality Act in the cases of Cherno Njie and Papa Faal is not only disappointing but frustrating. In the history of America, countless a times have America and American citizens picked up arms to defend their country and other oppressed nations. The 'Land of the Free, Home of the Brave' in the Star Spangled Banner was not coined and given by Burger King or McDonald's. It was earned. Deserved. And we all know how!

Therefore, for the millions of other nationals who 'run' to this great nation for economic opportunities, they also escape persecution (political, religious, etc) from dictators and tyrants to seek shelter and enjoy the Peace, Liberty and Freedom. Most of these run-aways appreciate this new-found values that they enlist in the US Army to defend this country and fight overseas to free the oppressed and restore freedom and democracy. This isn't new. You need not look far into history to see this. Iraq, Libya, Syria are examples where America and American citizens of foreign descent stand up to export the American democratic values in place of despotic regimes. The Gambia isn't an exception!

So let the gentlemen be! Their consciences couldn't allow them to be neutral in the face of injustice. Contrary to what the state media is selling, they're not terrorists. They're freedom fighters against a rogue regime that kidnapped and possibly killed two of your citizens that you're aware of. A country whose leadership thought this country is racist, satanic and imperialistic. How are you at peace with such a nation?

America has to be consistent and stick to their ideals. You're either with the oppressed majority or the tyrant. While at it, keep an eye on the vindictive president who promised 'to set an example' out of people suspected to have played a part in the recent events. The witch hunt has started in the wake of preposterous wave of arrests of suspects, their families and friends. It's a case of a child paying for the sins of their parents. Guilty by relations/association.

Rest In Peace Our Fallen Bravehearts and we're proud of all involved. Sooner than later, FREEDOM will reign and you ALL shall be forever honored.

Peace To The Planet!

Pata PJ

**first published in Jan, 2015

Gambia: YOU'LL NOT SUCCESSFULLY LAUNDER YOUR DIRTY IMAGES

The Change we were seeking was primarily centred on removal of a tyrannical leadership that had us in a choke hold but that is not the be all end all. At least not for someone of us. We want a system change. A change in attitude, mindset and approach to nation, people and institutions. And that will happen!

Yaya Jammeh was an evil maniac but for 22 years, he was never short of Gambians to counsel and execute his plans and intentions. Plans that led to death of several Gambians, raping and molestation of our Gambianism and Gambian conscience. THEY HURT!

These are our friends, families and acquaintances. Granted, some of our differences were political. Those differences could be patched. However, the enabling, support and enforcement of a system that murdered, terrorized and traumatized a nation and her People cannot be raked, dumped and trashed in a 'let's move on' can without bitter, uncomfortable but necessary accountability. We've seen so much dirt and filth that no amount of swimming in an ocean of bleach will launder that image. It's not even a perception. These are facts, with absolute room for presumption of innocence.

Yaya Jammeh, his decadent system and APRC are done! That's a given. They've been disabled and tossed by ordinary Gambians who barely benefited in any form, during his reign. By the people who struggled, fought and bore the brunt of his cannibalism and disrespect. While all that was going on, cargos of rodents, insects and reptiles crawled, lurked and fed on the national cheese and cake coming off the poor people's backs. They got fattened and muted.

In the aftermath of Yaya's exit, these non-conscientious, fattened liars and greedy hypocrites will want to be the dominant loudmouths and forces, as if we were dumb to know better. I. DO. NOT. CARE who did what behind the scenes when publicly you were seen brushing shoulders with the oppressor and practically aided him. YOU ARE AS BAD AS THE SYSTEM.

ADAMA and his ADMINISTRATION will enjoy our support and patience in a lot of areas but RECYCLING and UNDESERVED FAVORS wouldn't be part of the package. I'm all for academically and professionally competent Gambians to be given positions of responsibility. But I favor integrity and sincerity over them. REWARDS are given for a reason. It is NOT wrong, illegal and out of bound to reward a Gambian(s) for dedication and service to nation. There are people who put in and risk everything to free oppressed Gambians from not only the clutches of tyranny but saved the country from drowning. Those people deserve to serve their country in incoming administration and after. I'm not saying cos Pata was social media activist and so should be rewarded a Deputy Prime Minister position, but if Lamin risked it all for nation, refused to share bed with dogs to wake up with fleas,  qualified to run department of Labor, must not be overlooked cos he has a Bachelor's degree for a Master's degree holder who was indifferent and fattening himself with the old system. Lamin deserves a reward. We're told only 'believers' will enter Heaven. That's a reward.

Yaya Jammeh's sustainers are going to come in many forms. They'll NOT be short of excuses and people ready to help to reinvent and repackage their images. We cannot let. I'm not saying we ought to deny any Gambian from serving their country, BUT we must not allow selfish pests that oversaw and aided rape, murder, torture, corruption, fiscal indiscipline bounce back in the name of reconciliation. Society and life has punishment and reward as natural instruments. There has to be consequences for any position and action one takes.

Thus far what we heard from Amadou Samba and Ambassador Sheikh Omar Faye are silly, insulting jokes. All will be on for a rude awakening if they underestimate us. Telling Yaya Jammeh to respect the will of Gambians in a letter is NOT any achievement or bravery. YOU'LL BE REMINDED!

STATEMENT BY H.E .PRESIDENT ELECT ADAMA BARROW

18th DECEMBER 2016

A Government is recognized by states and peoples in Africa today because of Constitutional legitimacy. The Constitution of the Gambia states that the Authority to govern in the Gambia must be derived from the votes cast by the Gambian people. On the 1st December 2016 the Sovereign Gambian people had their say. On 2nd December 2016 the IEC gave its verdict. All the contestants agreed that I am the chosen President of the Republic of the Gambia.
The decision of the incumbent to change his earlier decision to accept the results and ensure smooth and peaceful hand over of Executive power came by surprise. His Decision to reject the results has given rise to national and international reaction against his change of heart.

My position as President Elect and that of Coalition 2016 is clear. Section 63 Subsection 2 of the Constitution orders that I assume Office on the day the term of Office of Outgoing President Jammeh expires. He assumed office on 19th January 2012. His term expires in January 2017, after serving Five years, as provided by the Constitution.

We therefore hold that outgoing President Jammeh is the lawful President of The Gambia until his term expires in January 2017. On the day his term expires my term, as the lawful President of The Gambia, begins. This is the law of the land. My status as Incoming President has unquestionable Constitutional legitimacy. I am therefore preparing to assume office after Outgoing President Jammeh’s term expires in January and the team for the inauguration is at work. This is what I told the Gambian people in particular and the International Community at large.

Today, I wish to take this opportunity to inform the Nation that the Constitutional legitimacy of my status as an Incoming President has been endorsed at home and abroad.

At home, Civil Society groups in large numbers are endorsing the results of the Elections and are calling on the incumbent not to obstruct the smooth transfer of Executive power. They are the Gambia Bar Association, Medical and Dental Association of The Gambia (MDAG), Gambia Labour Congress, Institute for Human Rights and Development in Africa (IHRDA), Initiative for the Promotion of Democracy and Good-Governance (IPDG), Gambia National Trade Union Congress, Gambia Press Union, University of The Gambia Faculty And Staff Association (UTGFSA), Gambia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), National Youth Council, National Youth Parliament, Gambia Association of Public Health Officers (GAPHO), Civil Society Coalition (CSO) on Elections – The Gambia, The Association of Non-Governmental Organisations (TANGO), Female Lawyers Association Gambia (FLAG), Musicians' Union of the Gambia, Gambia Association of Music Producers And Promoters, African Centre for Democracy and Human Rights Studies (ADHRS), National Association of Gambia Nurses and Midwives (NAGNM) and Think Young Women. The list continues to grow by the day to confirm the resolution of Gambians in ensuring that the Democratic process and outcome are not derailed by undemocratic means. These initiatives have confirmed the internal legitimacy of my Incoming Presidency. Those who do their national duty do not want to be thanked but I must commend them for defending the Constitution and the Sovereignty of the people.
Externally, the ECOWAS Heads of State deployed a High-level Mission of Heads of State to The Gambia on 13th December 2016 to review the political situation with all stakeholders. The delegation comprised Her Excellency Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, President of Liberia and Chairperson of the Authority, H.E. Muhammadu Buhari, President of Nigeria, H.E. Ernest Bai Koroma, President of Sierra Leone, and H.E. John Dramani Mahama, President of Ghana. They are now calling on Outgoing President Yahya Jammeh to accept the results of the polls and refrain from any action likely to compromise the transition and peaceful transfer of power to me as President-elect.

They are also calling for my safety and protection to be guaranteed as requested by The Coalition. They also concurred with the Coalition‘s position that  I should be sworn in on the day the term of office of the Outgoing President expires in conformity with the Gambian Constitution  and promised to grace the occasion in their numbers.  

In pursuance of peace and reconciliation, they selected a duo to mediate. His Excellency Muhammadu Buhari, President and Commander in Chief of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, will serve as the Mediator in the Gambia and His Excellency John Dramani Mahama, President of the Republic of Ghana, shall serve as Co-Chair. They also requested for AU and the UN endorsement of all decisions made and invited their collaboration to implement them.
Prior to this landmark initiative by the Heads of State of ECOWAS, I did receive endorsement from  the President of the ECOWAS Commission, the Chairperson of the AU Commission, Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary General to West Africa and the Sahel, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission Federica Mogherini, EU Commissioner for International Cooperation and Development Neven Mimica, President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Chair of The ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, UN Secretary General, Ban Ki Moon, Senegal's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mankeur Ndiaye, US State Department, West African Civil Society Forum (WACSOF). The list keeps on increasing to confirm the external legitimacy of my status as President Elect.

In the spirit of National reconciliation, I still wish to call on Outgoing President Jammeh to accept his status in good faith and facilitate a smooth transfer of power. This is what is in line with the National interest which he has sworn to uphold and defend under the Constitution. In the letter and spirit of our National Anthem, Gambians want to live in unity, freedom and peace each day. For their sake let the doors be open to ensure a peaceful transfer of Executive power.

The end

Gambia: BRING THE REBEL LEADER ON TV

Following the APRC party's declared intention to file a petition in the courts challenging the December 1 election results, Yaya Jammeh HAS to come back to the same medium he used to launch his suicidal rebellion, to recant and admit to his treasonous rudeness in declaring the Elections null and void. He underestimated our resolve, thus the disrespect. We'll see you in court as you present your nursery arguments of 'they were insulting my mother', 'not every Gambian voted', 'they told my supporters that I'd lost'. Nigga, you have effectively forfeited any chance of forgiveness.

This psychotic rebel leader on salary occupying the statehouse has no manners and his executive disrespect has ended. He knows his position is not tenable. And I don't know who are the ignorant few willing to die for him, cos he may throw in the towel after he'd realized that he's done.

President-elect Adama #Barrow will assume office in January. There's no stopping that. Let him continue working on assembling his cabinet and team, as progressive Gambians are in a haste to start a Newer, Better Gambia. Yaya wasn't raised right. He'll be treated like the rebel that he is.

Gambia: YAYA JAMMEH IS NOW A REBEL LEADER

Certainly, monday morning quarterbacking is not going to help. Should have, Could have and Would have. What is a fact here is that Yaya Jammeh is not graceful and he is no longer a legitimate president of the Gambia. He is a rebel leader who just committed treasonous a treasonous offence by overthrowing the Constitution.

There are clearly legally, outlined procedures as to how election results are contested. YOU GO TO THE COURTS! NO person (certainly not a defeated incumbent) has any rights to annul the elections. Yaya Has NOT coup'd Barrow. He did not oust the Coalition. These people have not even assumed office yet. Yaya Jammeh is subverting THE WILL OF THE PEOPLE. Let us not delegate our collective rights/will to a few. However, what is expected of Barrow and the Coalition is to be firm and show absolute leadership at this time. 14 hours since Yaya chose to be a rebel and the country did not know where we stand. The longer it takes to address this, the higher the risk of full blown violence. There should not be further delay in telling Gambians what their position is, what they intend to do, and what is expected of Gambians. SWIFTLY. This, they did at at a press conference that had president-elect flanked  in solitary and calmed defiance, by ALL senior members of the Coalition.

Yaya Jammeh is a rebel and it is sadly disappointing that our military and other security outfits watch a suicidal man who waited to whisk his family out of the Gambia before trying this stunt, are lamely watching an ex-president becoming a rebel. We all know majority of you rejoiced and were relieved at what Gambians did last week, to end your misery. But you are recoiling to watching a handful of your colleagues helped Jammeh plunge the country is not temporary fitnah. You ALL know Yaya cannot succeed. He's swinging his fists in the air, struggling to hold onto what's not there. Gambians and the international community are not going to watch him execute his foolish violent suicide attempt. The condemnations are swift, strong and unanimous from the international community Urging Jammeh to handover to president-elect without any preconditions. He's scared to go to prison, so we wants to die like Qaddafi, Samuel Doe. Do NOT help him commit suicide and take you along with him.

BARROW IS THE PRESIDENT-ELECT, AND YAYA CANNOT CHANGE THAT. Now he must act SWIFTLY by announcing his cabinet. Yaya is no longer legitimate.

Pata PJ

December 10, 2016

GAMBIA'S MEN AND WOMEN IN UNIFORM

After conceding defeat following opposition Coalition victory in the December 1 presidential elections, Yaya Jammeh commits treasonous offence by declaring the elections null and and void. He did not only reject the results, he declared himself president, an authority only the Independent Electoral Commission has. Yaya Jammeh ceases to be president today. And your commander-in-chief. So are you with the Gambians or a rebel leader?

Of the thousands of men and women in uniform, Yaya Jammeh's loyalists are not even in the hundreds. You all swore to defend/protect the country and the people. Your loyalty and allegiance are to The Gambia. Not Jammeh, especially now that he has usurped the will of the people, thus becoming illegitimate. Are you ready to be used?

MOST IMPORTANTLY, he flew his wife and kids out of the country before he has you all trapped. Wanting to start a war that he cannot win, want you all to Kill and die for him. You'll kill each other's families, Yaya gets captured and/or killed. Look to see if it is worth it. This is not a hard choice.

Pata PJ

December 9, 2016

Gambia: THE COALITION CANDIDATE ANSWERED TO ‘HEY?!’, THE PRESIDENT-ELECT IS NOW ‘BARROW!’

We call strangers and they answer to ‘Hey!?’ Rightly so, cos we do not know them. Today, I am absolutely impressed with President-Elect Barrow. The relatively unknown until today, had some seated with reservations about his experience, readiness and temperament to lead a country ruled by a murderous dictator. A regime that stifled all sectors of our country and seriously stunted and decayed our Economy. So admittedly, the reservations were genuine.

What we have seen in the first press conference in the very Halls that birthed the Coalition that eventually are coming to lead us in the Third Republic, is a man and incoming president who is measured and matured. Calm. Brief but Soild. I think Adama and his team are ready. There was not a question asked that was deflected or answered just because. He comes across as a honest and upright man. This is a breath of fresh air, coming from a ‘feared’ ruler who elevated himself above the position of the People’s servant – President. And this sense of freedom radiated in that hall, as the journalist are feeling so comfortable to ask absolutely relevant questions that all are dying to know. I am satisfied with the Senegalese security, the alleged ethnic tension, formation of Govt to include APRC and GDC, Jammeh’s fate, politicians and technocrats appointment questions, Free media/rumor questions.

I am not asking that we let our guards down, but I’d implore our nation and her people to be patient with this Government. They would need all – including critics – to clean, reform and steer. I am very hopeful. I am encouraged by President-elect Adama’s temperament and his commitment to the Change Agenda, and not just Outing Jammeh. Maybe that’s because he is not a ‘Platform Politician’.

As we are becoming to know him, we can call him ‘President Barrow!’ and not ‘Hey!?’ :)

Great Times Ahead!

****** The END*****

Pata PJ

December 8, 2016

DEAR BANKA!, WE OVERCAME!

If there were an award for the 'Optimist of The Decade', Banka Manneh wins it unchallenged. There never was a moment he got close to throwing in the towel. He's at his best when our chins were down. 'WE SHALL OVERCOME!, became not only a theme song for his 'FOR THE PEOPLE, BY THE PEOPLE' Show, he believed it.

This Change that beats the Tyranny without a bloody nose wasn't a prophesy for Banka. He was convinced and certain that it'd chime in our lifetime.

'GAMBIA, ARE YOU THINKING WHAT I'M THINKING?', he challenged. Gambians on December 1 answered 'YES, SIR!' We were slow to respond but we did.

Banka reminded and reassured that we'd overcome, and as in most cases, it'd come in the least expected way. Who'd have thought? Well, Banka did. He had and kept the faith.

SO, to you brother Banka, we salute. The celebrations are crazy BUT it's missing an element. YOU! You'll be coming home to a New Dispensation. One that you gave it all for!


WE OVERCAME!


Pata PJ

December 8, 2016

Gambia: FORGIVENESS? MAMA KENDEH... ACHU!

'Darboe is a Hero, if only he forgives and forgets the political past', he told the press.

What am I missing here? My issue is not whether or not Darboe is a hero. I have issues with people wanting to 'shove forgiveness' down the throat of folks. Lawyer Ousainou Darboe is a political party leader. What happened to him and his team was unfortunate. However, Darboe is NOT the president of the Gambia and he's not calling the shots. Even if he was, who in their right minds would think Ousainou would have ventured on a retributive witch hunt against Jammeh or any Gambian? And neither should Adama and his government. Most Gambians did not fight to change the dictatorship cos they had personal issues with Jammeh. So I found this to be disrespectful to a man whose whole professional and political careers have been service to country and people, and rule of law.

WHAT is there for Darboe to 'forgive before he becomes a Hero'? Gambians didn't do anything awful to him. Mr Darboe can forgive personal wrongs against him all he wants. Yaya Jammeh and his govt, wronged Gambia and Gambians, especially with rights abuses. I call Bullshit. No one person has any rights or powers to 'forgive' any public official who abused office. The victims (Gambia and Gambians) MUST seek justice in the courts. Due process. If you are interested in healing, you should advocate Justice. It's only fair. Yaya Jammeh has to answer to the alleged gross violations under his watch, especially the deaths, disappearances, tortures. That's not personal. It's only healthy.

Pata PJ
December 6, 2016

#Gambia: BARROW AND TEAM - WE'VE WAITED TOO LONG DEH

We've waited. And waited. Hours. Days. 3 to be exact, and Gambians do not know if President-Elect Adama Barrow ACCEPTED the mandate and task of the people or not. No Acceptance Speech or Address to the Nation to say YES or NO, or a Thank you.

We, however, are reading, seeing and hearing sporadic interviews by International media, Individual Gambians and random Whatsapp/facebook accounts. This is not so cute, and Adama and his whole team erred here. Adama, Halifa, OJ were both heard giving (in)formal interviews. Nah, bruh. Let's not take off on a wrong footing.

The Incumbent Conceded Defeat hours after the declaration of results. We've seen him talking to Mr President-Elect on the phone, sir! What's the hold up?

Don't let this Hash Tag generation start on you all :)

Pata PJ

December 5, 2016

Gambia: DARBOE & CO. FREED ON BAIL

LEST YOU FORGET..

I mean... WE knew Jammeh brought in  the Mercenary judges to do him a job. Boy!, job, they did, at our expense. And our frustrations with them were very legitimate.

You ALL cannot act like we did not have Mama Fatima Singhateh the Attorney General insisting on prosecuting and persecuting Gambians and loving it.

You ALL CANNOT forget that 2 of the 3 Appeals Court judges in the persons of Edrissa FAFA MBAI and AWA BAH, are Gambians. They REFUSED to grant Lawyer Darboe and Co., bail on grounds that they're threat to national security, blah blah, frustrated Lawyer A. GAYE and team til they walked out. Today, that same set of judges, granted them bail.

The foreign judges at the Judiciary were awful. They had no empathy or sympathy. BUT our own were despicable as well.

But that's none of my business. All I know is, we'd need a serious reform in this sector. Let's clear our prisons and secret detention centers of political prisoners, petty 'criminals' and those who'd never seen a courtroom. Gambia won't be the same again. Welcome home, and thanks for standing up for what's right.

THE FREEDOM IS NO LONGER A DREAM.

*******The End*********

Pata PJ

December 5, 2016

ALLOW GAMBIANS AT HOME TO SOAK IN THEIR NEW FOUND FREEDOM

IF one more person tag me on Freedom Newspaper's Silly ass coup rumors in Banjul, I'll unfriend you. Sharing that bogus story could cause panic.

Pa Nderry is an agent of doom, and you all know it. He'd first reported this foolish coup theory a day before the elections, said it on radio when counting was on, and made it a huge headline today. You know I much as I do, that it was all a lie. Now that no headlines of Jammeh are going to sell, you all can expect 'Breaking News' such as 'Coalition Breaking up', 'Adam and OJ came to blows', 'Tribalism this', 'Halifa appoints Cousin's friend'. DO NOT FALL FOR IT.

NOBODY is EVER going to hijack that country's FREEDOM again. Not even gazillion soldiers. The democracy that we longed for and are going to institute and nurture, shall never be taken for granted.

Allow Gambians to celebrate. Let Gambians enjoy their new found freedom. Yaya Jammeh is NO LONGER POWERFUL to be that dangerous. He lost, AND he is going. Do we want him to leave today? Sure! Is that realistic, legal or even possible? NO. These theories of he's armed and evil with all the arms and he could do anything is NOT TRUE. He was only as powerful as the people let him, but they've taken that power back. Let's stop the scare tactics and allow Gambians to soak in their moment. The political leaders that got us here are competent enough to handle things without creating a leadership vacuum. Let's respect that.

GO OUT AND PEACEFULLY CELEBRATE THE VICTORY. THERE IS NO COUP!

*********The End********

Pata PJ

December 3, 2016

Gambia: PEACEFUL POLITICAL CHANGE AFTER 22 YEARS.

BREAKING!

The Chairman of the country's Independent Electoral Commission Mr Alhagie Alieu Momar Njai, announced a successful completion of the 2016 presidential elections, and that THERE WILL BE A NEW GOVERNMENT after 22 YEARS.

COALITION CANDIDATE ADAMA BARROW, DULY ELECTED.

THANK YOU GAMBIA

We believed. We worked. We attained. Two decades of tyranny punctuated by murder, disappearances, torture, illegal arrests, lawlessness, corruption, all sorts of mal governance, YOU pushed on. Amidst the oppression and helplessness, you did not despair. You missed the Gambia you knew, and longed to bring it back! Through all of it, you unwillingly persevered. Today is here! To those who donated funds to sponsor this fight, to the GDF, to those who manned the radios, newspapers, social media platforms, commentators, the brains,  information providers, encouragements, sympathy. EVERY Gambian made this possible.

TO THOSE WE LOST

This is for YOU! You were selfless! You were fearless. You put your lives down for the Gambia so WE could see this day. You left families and loved ones. They pained. They hurt. They were lonely yet faithful and steadfast. Continue to rest in Heaven. You'll never be forgotten. The Gambia is indebted to YOU and yours.

TO THOSE IMPRISONED/MISSING/EXILED

You are equally appreciated. Matter fact, you all got us here. Away from home and families, we had you in our thoughts. Your families endured it, and to them, we say sorry and thank you. You ALL shall come back to us and your loved ones SOON!

POLITICAL LEADERS - SAVIORS

The Opposition. Amidst all the persecution and prosecution, you did not fold. You believed that these route is and ramains our best, and surest way out. You're right. You answered to the call of country. You heard it all - pleasant and definitely ugly. You took it all in the chin and responded. Putting aside your personal and ideological differences to put country first. You criss-crossed the length and breadth of the stretched Gambia for 20 years. Gambia and Gambians were frustrated but that joined you all, and here we are! Thank YOU!

IEC

Alhagie Alieu Omar Njai and the election team, THANK YOU! We commend you for doing an amazing job. We had reservations about the election body, perhaps from experience. We meant no harm. It's never personal. You redeemed yourself. You safeguarded our trust and the integrity of our votes. The trust bestowed on you, has been honored.

TO PRESIDENT JAMMEH

We'd admonished and cautioned to exercise restraint. To be meeciful. We reminded and counseled, that the Gambia and Gambians are a one small family. What we'd gone through for two decades, was rough but the DNA that binds us as Gambians gave us the zeal, the perseverance and determination to change that environment. Lessons have been learned. This could have been easy. All we asked was FREEDOM, DIGNITY, RESPECT - GAMBIANISM. Nothing more.

TO THE WORLD

Thank you for standing by us. Small, Poor, unknown nation but you heard our cries. We're going to be back within the Community of Nations. We missed YOU!

THANK YOU ALL. I hope and pray that we appreciate and value the cost of what it takes to get there so we do not take it for granted.

THE STRUGGLE WAS COSTLY, BUT WE ATTAINED FREEDOM.



Pata J Saidykhan

December 1, 2016