Oh, great sun, the mighty sun of the Universe

That shines over our nation day in and day out

It is a great reminder of how our nation was born

I can only imagine the road we traveled to get here

And I cannot help asking; how did it happen?

After fifty-two great solemn years of independence

It is appalling that we are still dancing in the cold rains

Telling the same stories, singing the old songs and now,

Visiting the graves and tombs of the heroes and warriors

Who fought for our independence to set us free from the dark age.

Then came the flag, flying high to represent our liberation

Even the colour scheme speaks a language of the new age

The red color symbolizes the sun to diminish the uncertainty

Then comes the white, a true representation of peace, and unity

The blue colour speaks to the serenity of the waters in its ocean

The green is predictable – we grow what we eat and eat what we grow

This is the heritage my great ancestors fought to pass on to my generation.

No wonder I have high hopes and expectations for my beloved nation

Why would I not envision that I would be led by a patriotic citizen?

One who is for all, belongs to all and includes all?

Whose voice cries out for brotherhood and justice?

A Pan African! A true son of the soil, a redeemer from destitute

From the chains and pits of modernized colonialism.

One who represents justice, equality, inclusion and a freed Smiling Coast.

A great political orator and anti-corruption Activist

Who shall be a real man of all cultures, race and creed

Whose pride wouldn't lie in his wealth, but in his competency

The son whose courage becomes our beacon of hope

A true leader with solutions and enacted laws to govern all citizens

A figure of integrity, unlocking the gates of true change & transparency

One who really understands the value of a reliable health system

A man we can count on to model good morals and education that liberates

We are all yearning for the unveiling of our true hero and defender

A leader whose vision is so deep that it includes our generation

Where is the man who will revive and restructure our economic system?

To give us hope for a meaningful life and freedom from the modern bondage

A leader who influences and inspires us to start the engine of transformation

To liberate us from the unspoken oppression of the apparent colonizer

To liberate us from the unspoken oppression of the apparent colonizer

One to unite us together again and dry the tears of Mama Africa

Enough of the divisions - tribal, religious and political wars

We are ready to rewrite our story and correct our history

We long for the moment when our ship will be anchored again

We want those old days when laughter filled the air and joy everlasting

Well, the long agony is over now, and here comes the WAKE-UP Call!

The die is cast, the choice is ours – let's VOTE for INFLUENCE, not affluence!

FOR A TRUE AND BETTER GAMBIA – OUR DREAM AND HOPE.

Author:  Abdou Karim Badjie

Contributor & Editor:  Dr. Margaret Ellis