By Yero Jallow
At last, a warm and fitting tribute was accorded to the late Gambian Anglical Bishop, Solomon Tilewa Johnson who died last week in the Gambia. Panelists spend an hour long on Gainako Radio to pay their last tribute to the late Bishop Solomon Tilewa Johnson. Sources close to the Gambian Christian family noted that the late Bishop died of heart attack.
The question to ask is why do we mourn good people? The answer to such is beyond religion, beyond family, beyond culture, beyond national boundaries and beyond worldly gains. Such is found within one’s contribution, empowerment and respect for humanity. That is the main reason why journalists, human right activists and other concerned world citizens take to task Governments and leaders of all sorts so they can contain themselves within what is acceptable in human empowerment. The late Bishop will not only be mourned as a former Bishop of the Anglical Church, but as a world citizen and one that contributed positively towards peaceful existence.
The team of panelists talked about the Bishop’s life, his immense contribution to humanity, and his humility. Such tributes are rare. It probably says a lot on not only celebrating people when they are dead. We must begin to celebrate our great citizens; those that mean well for humanity and do their best to be good world ambassadors everywhere.
The show was moderated by Tijan Masanneh Ceesay of the Gambian Christian Association in the US and Gainako’s radio host, Demba Baldeh. Panelists included veteran Imam Baba Leigh of the Kanifing mosque, Lawyer Joey Goswell in UK, Gabriel Gomez, and host of other reputable Gambians.