By Yunus S Saliu
As The Gambian Republic clocks 50 years Friday, 24th April, 2020, Gambian erudite historian and museum curator Hassoum Ceesay has said the ‘Republic of The Gambia which was declared 50 years ago ‘is solid, sound and stable’.
According to him, 24th April, 1970, Gambian voters went to the polls in a second Republican Referendum in less than five years to decide if the country, Independent from Britain 5 years earlier, should be Republic within the Commonwealth or not.
Hassoum Ceesay who is also Director General of the National Centre for Arts and Culture explained that on 24th of April, 1970 84,968 Gambians voted ‘YES’ to Republic, while 35,813 voted ‘No.’ “This was indeed a resounding victory. In 1965, much fewer people voted ‘yes’ which was why The Gambia did not become a Republic in 1965,” Ceesay disclosed.
He narrated that “soon after the votes were declared over Radio Gambia on 25th April, 1970 preparation for the swearing-in of late Jawara as our First President started. It was prompt, so not many foreign guests came to attend this historic swearing-in ceremony of the first President of The Republic of The Gambia at the McCarthy Square in Bathurst, now Banjul. Sir Phillip Bridges, Chief Justice at the time, swore in Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara as president on 26th April, 1970. Then Sir Alieu Sulayman Jack, who was Acting Governor General, handed over the Instruments of Republic to Sir Dawda.”
He went on explained how Sir Alieu become acting Governor General, “In late 1969, when the PPP top brass wanted to have another try at Republic, they suspected Sir Farimang Singhateh, who was Governor General though did not want the idea. But the PPP had no evidence. They were suspicious. Of course, he did not want to lose his job. So the PPP decided to send him on indefinite leave in Las Palmas with his family. So that Sir Farimang will not interfere with the PPP campaign for ‘YES’ vote. The PPP moved, may be wisely by removing Sir Farimang from Gambia to the faraway island. He only returned in May 1970, many weeks after The Gambia had become a full Republic’.
Asked what Republic means for Gambians, Mr.Ceesay explained that “Independence mean freedom. But the freedom had certain missing links. Like Jawara who was elected leader as Prime Minister in 1962 and 1966 had to consult Queen Elizabeth II through the Governor General Sir Farimang for certain decisions like cabinet reshuffles. Sir Farimang was always cooperative with Jawara. But the PPP wanted full and total control, to be able to realize the development agenda they had.”
Historian Ceesay added that people who opposed The Gambia becoming a full Republic in 1970 like JC Faye, P.S Njie were patriots, but they feared that Jawara will become a dictator if given presidential powers. “They saw what Sekou Toure was doing in Guinea, killing Guineans, and so they thought Jawara will do the same.”
“Luckily for us, Jawara built a Republic of Rights and not a Republic of Terror,” said Hassoum Ceesay. In addition to that he said “Jawara Gambianized the economy by promoting Gambian business people like Modou Musa Njie, MS Tambadou, Malick Lowe and others after the European companies like UAC, Maurel et Prom, which used to import basic commodities left after 1970.”
He also added that the “PPP also reinforced our Republic by establishing our own currency called Dalasi. The Dalasi remains one great symbol of Gambian sovereignty. Jawara and his government also promoted community development self help through Tesito, promoted education, and advanced health through the primary health care programme and promoted human and people’s rights’.
Hassoum Ceesay concluded that looking into the future as a historian he has reason for optimism. ‘Our Republic has survived coups, droughts, economic recession and the Impasse. Our Republic remains solid and strong and stable. Gambians are taking up the national call seriously and are getting more community spirited. Moreover, we are enjoying our rights to expression and assembly. The talents in arts and culture are impressive. Also, salaries are being paid monthly on time. This is great news and deserves our pride as Gambians 50 years since our Republic was built’, the historian said.
