The mirage is that this is the change Gambians yearned and fought for. It's not going to be perfect or even great overnight, it's baby steps. Barrow is getting comfortable in his role. The pool of talent around him is admirable.
President Barrow's maiden press conference is refreshing and encouraging. I cannot remember President Jammeh ever subjecting himself to the press for question-answer sessions. Not to say Jammeh and his 22-year rule should be the yardstick, I'm acknowledging and appreciating the noticeable shift in paradigm.
This is a goodwill government led by citizens of infinite resolve and goodwill. I am NOT going to be DEFENDING Barrow and his Administration cos you do not need that in a government committed to democracy and progress. But I WILL be SUPPORTING the government by way of offering criticisms especially where I believe they 'misstepped' (intentionally or otherwise), and give them ample benefit of the doubt and positive reinforcement in what they set out to do.
It's a citizen's obligation to own and maintain watchful eyes. It's a safeguard against complicity. I'm worried about and interested in nurturing and safeguarding our budding democracy and newfound freedom than obsessed with fear of descending into another dictatorship. The trauma of the terrible defeated dictatorship will not paralyze and send me into a frenzy, to 'destroy' the pricey gains we've attained.
I choose to thrive on our prospect of progress and hope, instead of confined by the fear and experiences of our ugly past. The Gambia will positively move forward cos we want to, and have the capacity to. The stars are aligned.
Pata PJ
First Published 1/28/2017
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