Dear Editor,
The story of Lawyer Darboe is an inspiring and a powerful story of patriotism, courage and service! It’s a demonstration of a life dedicated to principles, characterized by sacrifice and selflessness. The story epitomizes the highest quality of leadership and deep commitment to humanity.
Watching the documentary reminds me of similar documentaries I had watched in my schooldays about those great Pan-Africanist leaders as part of my introduction and orientation into Pan-Africanism. Indeed this life story of Ousainu Darboe deserves to be put into those same video collections. As a Gambian, I am proud that we can showcase home-grown leadership of such impeccable caliber.
This documentary deserves to be shared with all peoples of the world, more so with the youth of Africa and The Gambia in particular to inspire, encourage and empower them to discover their mission to their people. It is a life story that empowers our youth to recognize their sacred and historic duty to become a servant of the people. Ousainu Darboe has demonstrated that he has discovered his mission early in his life and did not betray but fulfilled that mission!
Our youth in particular must learn a lot from this documentary that ultimately each and every one of us must be prepared to uphold sacred principles and be prepared to be the sacrificial lamb, when called upon for the liberation of our people. Ousainu has amply demonstrated this virtue in practice by risking his wealth, comfort, and above all, his life and the life of his family for The Gambia! For that, Ousainu Darboe deserves rounded celebration and recognition.
The lesson I draw from the life of Ousainu Darboe in this documentary is that until we all become selfless leaders or courageous individuals who have found something nobler and greater to stand up for like Ousainu Darboe did then our lives are meaningless. As Martin Luther King Jnr., noted, if you have nothing to stand up for then you will accept anything and everything. Darboe has shown us that we must find a purpose and mission for our lives and there’s no greater mission than standing up for human rights, justice and truth.
The national radio and television, GRTS should show this documentary to the whole country. The National Museum should put this documentary in its collections. The CSOs and other entities that are dedicated to building the youth should use this video as a training material. The documentary shows that while we cite great leaders from other parts of Africa and the world, indeed at home we also have great leaders to showcase and celebrate.
Therefore I urge every parent to obtain a copy of this video to show our children at home in order to inculcate in them the values of service, patriotism and leadership. MoBSE should use this video as part of learning materials in cultural studies and civic education in our schools. Our children must see this documentary so they know in detail that there are indeed people like Ousainu Darboe in their lifetime who they can emulate. This is one of the best ways through which we can nurture and build our children into responsible citizens who will be prepared to stand up for truth and country.
As someone who has also seen Ousainu Darboe from up close, I knew him to be a humble, honest and sincere person who cares so much about relationships of any kind. I knew him to be a man who has a deep sense of gratitude and commitment to the greater good and peace.
Wishing him the best in his endeavors!
Madi Jobarteh
Kembujeh
