Mariama Darboe-Janneh, my dear cousin, has said it all. Papa Ousainu Darboe is indeed the best father, uncle, grandfather, husband, and brother anyone would want to have. His house is a place many can call home. The greatest moment in my life was living in his house. I grew up loving him like my father; in fact he was my father.

Growing up in his house made me value family and love and treat everyone equally and with respect. I remember, we used to look forward to him coming home from work because he always brings something back for us. He also plays basket or football with us on a daily basis; I mean almost every day. That is how close and fun of him we were as young teenagers.

Taking care of one teenager is tough enough for any parent, not to talk of handling eight to night teenagers. It was a marathon that he did not only earn a gold medal for, he did it best in bringing us all up decently and proudly. I cannot say we are all successful but the majority of us are prosperous and the rest are on the part of being what he wanted us to be.

Papa Ousainu is a mentor, role model and virtuous leader. He is strong, courageous, trustworthy, determined, and considerate. He is a man I grew up to love and like as a father, uncle and friend.

The function of a leader is to produce more leaders, not more followers. This, in Papa Ousainu’s list, is the number one goal. He shares his riches with everyone and brings out the best in people. In his own words, ‘‘we are all leaders in one way or the other’’.

Doing something good for people is not something Papa Ousainu does occasionally; it is part of his daily routine. He has a golden heart and he is exactly the leader Gambians need.

I will forever be grateful to you, Papa Ousainu (Baba), for all that you have done for me.We love you and will always stand by you. Wish you all the best in the November 24^th presidential elections.

Mariama Bah

Gaithersburg, MD