{"id":94462,"date":"2026-02-19T17:33:22","date_gmt":"2026-02-19T17:33:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.africa-press.net\/gambia\/uncategorized\/president-adama-barrow-on-independence-as-living-responsibility"},"modified":"2026-02-19T18:53:00","modified_gmt":"2026-02-19T18:53:00","slug":"president-adama-barrow-on-independence-as-living-responsibility","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.africa-press.net\/gambia\/all-news\/president-adama-barrow-on-independence-as-living-responsibility","title":{"rendered":"President Adama Barrow on Independence as Living Responsibility"},"content":{"rendered":"

Africa-Press – Gambia. <\/strong> <\/span>President Adama Barrow on Wednesday reaffirmed his administration\u2019s commitment to national development, stressing that independence must be understood not merely as a historic achievement but as an ongoing responsibility requiring vision, discipline, and collective effort, as The Gambia marked its 61st Independence Anniversary.<\/b><\/p>\n

Speaking during the national celebrations, the President said the occasion offered an opportunity for both celebration and reflection.<\/p>\n

\u201cAs we commemorate the 61st anniversary of our independence, we are marking much more than the passage of time. Rather, we are celebrating and reflecting deeply and proudly on what independence truly means in practice,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

The event, held at McCarthy Square in Banjul, was attended by Cabinet ministers, senior government officials, political leaders, and international dignitaries. Activities included a colourful parade showcasing the discipline, professionalism, and dedication of the nation\u2019s security services, including the Gambia Armed Forces, Police, Prison Services, Immigration Department, National Fire and Rescue Services, Gambia Revenue Authority, and the Navy.<\/p>\n

In his address, President Barrow highlighted his government\u2019s focus on economic transformation and improved living standards through the National Development Plan, Yiriwaa.<\/p>\n

\u201cYiriwaa provides the strategic direction for building a resilient economy, strengthening institutions, and ensuring that no Gambian is left behind. 61 years ago, our forebears fought not merely for a flag or an anthem, but for the right to decide our destiny.\u201d<\/p>\n

The President emphasized investments in human capital, citing progress in healthcare, energy, and education.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe have expanded and upgraded health facilities across the country, strengthened service delivery, and invested in human capital so that access to healthcare is no longer a privilege but a right,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

He also underscored ongoing efforts to achieve food self-sufficiency through agricultural modernization and rural development. \u201cBy supporting farmers, we improve inputs, equipment, extension services, and market access. We are reclaiming control over our food systems,\u201d he stated, adding that agriculture remains central to employment creation, poverty reduction, and national stability.<\/p>\n

Addressing national challenges, the Gambian leader called for unity, discipline, and accountability, stressing that resilience is rooted in planning and social cohesion.<\/p>\n

\u201cYIRIWA teaches that resilience lies in planning, unity, and discipline. Through national cohesion, social solidarity, and shared sacrifice above politics, ethnicity, or region, we will overcome these challenges,\u201d Mr. Barrow said.<\/p>\n

President Barrow concluded by urging citizens to recommit themselves to the values of unity, hard work, self-belief, discipline, and excellence.<\/p>\n

\u201cTogether, let us continue building a peaceful, prosperous and resilient Gambia for present and future generations,\u201d he concluded.<\/p>\n

Find more news and analyses on Gambia<\/span> on the Africa Press<\/span> website<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Africa-Press – Gambia. President Adama Barrow on Wednesday reaffirmed his administration\u2019s commitment to national development, stressing that independence must be understood not merely as a historic achievement but as an ongoing responsibility requiring vision, discipline, and collective effort, as The Gambia marked its 61st Independence Anniversary. Speaking during the national celebrations, the President said the […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":84,"featured_media":94461,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2,7,12],"tags":[260],"class_list":["post-94462","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-all-news","category-head-lines","category-policy","tag-gambia"],"yoast_head":"\nPresident Adama Barrow on Independence as Living Responsibility - Gambia<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"-article-header-tag"> Africa-Press - Gambia. 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