National President, distinguished members of the Board of Trustees, Central Committee, Secretariat, esteemed guests, ladies, and gentlemen, I am honored to welcome each of you to this significant gathering as we celebrate the enduring legacy of our party’s founding figures—a legacy that inspires us to uphold and realize their vision. 

Please, I respectfully appeal for us to rise and make one minute of silence for our founding members who are not with us today. 

Today marks a remarkable 66 years since the inception of our great party. To truly grasp our journey, we must reflect on the time before independence when the Gambia was divided into the colony and the protectorate. During that era, the people of the protectorate faced significant marginalization, and their quest for social, political, and economic opportunities was overlooked. 

The Protectorate People’s Society (PPS) was form, unlike other small groups, opened its doors to all protectorate people in Bathurst, with a commendable focus on attracting young and educated individuals, particularly junior civil servants.

At the forefront of this visionary initiative were Mamadi Sangia, a dedicated health inspector from Kantora, serving as chairman; Bakary Sidibeh, the inspiring Vice Chairman; Baro Sanyang, a court interpreter from Kiang; B.O. Fofana as Secretary; and a remarkable team including Sir Farimang Singhateh, Kebba Marenah, L.B. Mboge, and the distinguished Lady Aja Fanta Basse Sangia, one of the most outstanding women of the time.

 The creation of the PPS emerged during a pivotal moment when colonial rulers were considering changes to the country’s constitution. Seizing the opportunity, the PPS members passionately engaged with the educated youth to harness the collective strength of their society, ensuring that the interests of the Protectorate People were front and center before the anticipated constitutional revision.

The people of the protectorate, once filled with disappointment and disillusionment towards existing political parties, began to see a glimmer of hope. The young, educated members of the PPS Militant chose to embrace democratic procedures in their internal organization, ensuring that every position was open to all members, breaking free from the old tradition where age alone dictated leadership. 

In a powerful maiden speech, the Late Sir Dawda welcomed into the Protectorate People society and passionately urged that the achievements in unifying the Protectorate People should be cultivated as the foundation for a new political party. His vision resonated deeply, particularly among the younger members of the PPS, sparking enthusiasm and a collective sense of purpose.

This pivotal moment laid the groundwork for the party’s emergence, coinciding with the Chief’s conference in Basse in 1959. Before the official launch, a clear declaration outlining the founding principles and objectives of the Protectorate People’s Party was crafted and shared. With dedication, emissaries such as Jombo Bojang, Famara Wassa Touray, and Saja Mboge carried this message to Basse, igniting excitement at the gathering. Party elders, members, and executives came together in unity, proudly agreeing to establish the PPP on the 14th of February, 1959. 

However, they recognized that to boldly challenge the urban-based parties and implement their extraordinary vision, a capable and well-educated leader was essential. Thus, the leadership embarked on a quest to find the right person to guide the party. One potential candidate was Sir Dawda Jawara, a dedicated veterinary surgeon. While at home in Abuko, he was approached by a PPP delegation, including Pa Sanjally Bojang, Bakary Fofanah, and Madiba Janneh, just to mention a few who shared their profound desire for him to lead the new party. Following extensive discussions with his loved ones, Sir Dawda embraced the honorable call of his people to lead them forward. On February 4, 1960, he resigned from his position as the nation’s sole veterinary surgeon, stepping into the role of leader of the PPP.

At that time, the protectorate people were denied the right to vote. In response, the PPP championed a constitutional amendment to enfranchise the protectorate through universal adult suffrage. In stark contrast, the established political parties proposed that representation should come from an enlarged electoral college composed of community and group leaders, a suggestion that the PPP firmly rejected. Instead, they persisted in their efforts to ensure that any new constitution would safeguard protectorate interests, mandating that candidates for protectorate constituencies meet specific criteria.

Sir Dawda embraced the extraordinary challenges ahead, understanding that for the PPP to reshape the political landscape, it must become an all-inclusive party. In 1960, under the guidance of the party’s new leadership, the name was transformed from the Protectorate People’s Party to the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), symbolizing a commitment to inclusivity and national representation. The PPP’s mission was to uplift the lives of all citizens by bridging the divide between the colony and the protectorate, creating a unified nation where everyone could thrive based on their potential. At the heart of the PPP’s vision lay a country founded on democratic principles, with self-governance and self-reliance as its guiding pillars.

To fast-track our journey toward independence, the PPP boldly broke away from older establishment parties with a visionary manifesto in 1960. Just four years after its inception, the party secured internal self-government in 1963, paving the way for the Gambia to achieve full sovereignty and a voice on the global stage by 1965. 

Since becoming a republic with an executive President in 1970, the nation has witnessed five general and presidential elections that unfolded in an atmosphere of tranquillity, freedom, and fairness, a remarkable feat in the African context. The PPP champions open multiparty democracy, the rule of law, and unwavering respect for human rights. 

Today, the PPP stands strong, largely due to the unwavering dedication of the late Hon. Omar Amadou Jallow, alias OJ, Late Hon. Landing Jallow, the late Hon. Kebba Jawara, the late Hon. LB Mbodge, Hon. Yaya Ceesay, the late Kama Badjie, the late Ousainou Njie, Hon. Alkali James Gaye, and many others who played pivotal roles in our struggle since 1994. Their resilience and commitment helped us re-establish and reorganize the Party during challenging times.

As we pay homage to our founding members, we honor their sacrifices that liberated us from perpetual colonialism and paved the way for our independence, allowing all Gambians to embrace their sovereignty. We extend our deepest gratitude to all Gambians and friends of The Gambia for their trust and support in the PPP.

The late Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara continues to inspire us with his guidance to avoid divisive politics. He once said:

“I urged all the PPP candidates that issues and policies were what the people wanted to hear, not abuse. Throughout the campaign, unnecessary vilification and abusive language tarnished the decorum expected of those seeking seats in government. This was most worrisome to me. Speakers would neglect the real issues and resort to disparaging remarks about their opponents’ parentage and bloodline.” Sir Dawda 

To all party members, let us remember to rise above divisive politics. Together, let us convey our agenda to the Gambian people and engage in our political discourse with civility and respect. 

The batons are now handed over to us, the young people. Our objectives should remain clear: to become a more competitive party that prioritizes returning power to the people. Under my leadership, we will build on our achievements and enhance our impact within the shifting dynamics of Gambian politics.

The years ahead undoubtedly pose challenges, but with collaboration, dedication, and commitment to our beloved party, I am confident that we will achieve our goals. 

To the Gambian people, I extend an invitation to rally behind the PPP. Our party has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to supporting the less privileged citizens of our society. We prioritize human dignity and have developed fundamentally people-centered policies. I firmly believe that if all sons and daughters of the PPP return home and collaborate toward safeguarding the legacy established by our founding fathers, we can effectively honor their vision—one that places the needs of poor farmers and marginalized communities at the forefront of our political agenda.

Together, we can create a brighter future for all Gambians. 

HAPPY 66 Anniversary to the PPP and to the Gambian people!!! Thank you all for attending this event!

Ousman Madikay Faal (Pa Alhagi)

Secretary-General and Party Leader