HAPPY BIRTHDAY ALHAGIE SIR DAWDA KAIRABA JAWARA, GMRG, GCRG
MAY 16th in Gambian history;
Saikou Alamami Jawara is born in Barajali in the MCcarthy Island Division. Later known as Dawda Kairaba Jawara He became the country’s first Prime Minister and on February 18th, 1965 received the constitutional instruments embodying The Gambia’s Independence from the Duke of Kent who was the representative of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth at The Gambia’s commemoration of the attainment of Independence.
Sir Dawda would go on to be dubbed the champion of Human Rights in Africa and of course for us Gambians, The Father of our Nation, the Architect of the sovereign Republic of The Gambia and The Prince of Peace. On the eve of Independence, He did not promise the nation Milk and Honey but made it clear that there were challenges ahead but stressed one thing, “that even as a small country, Gambia can demonstrate to the rest of the world how a group of people with different ethnic origins and backgrounds can live together in Peace and harmony,” and indeed this was the hallmark of his leadership.
My most memorable Sir Dawda quote was in 1981 speaking directly to the Rebels who had his family held at Gun point. Many including me would have given up but he never did and epitomized bravery in every sense of the word by this quote,’ I hold them individually and collectively responsible for any hostages they may be holding. Should any harm befall them, the retribution will be total and terrible.” Unquote. Bee lai fofu la njambarr ya em!
Happy birthday DKJ and as Bandmaster Mbye Jobe would have played the inspection tune, DK SABARI and thanks for your services to our gem, our home, The Gambia. A grateful nation salutes you.
From the facebook page of Tijan Masanneh Ceesay