Ousman Koro stood and died for his belief - Dr. Naffie Ceesay

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By AWA SECKA

Dr. Naffie Ceesay, younger sister to the late Ousman Koro Ceesay has said that his late elder brother stood up and died for what his belief.

She said her family has been getting requests for the past years on how Koro lost his life, explaining that they chose to remember how his brother lived and not the way he died.

She added that Koro lived his life as a man of discipline, integrity, service who loved for his family and country.

Speaking at a press conference held at Fajikunda health Centre, Dr. Ceesay summed up the later Gambian Finance Minister’s character in his patriotism and vision for transformation to improve his country and people.

“Our lives are not fully lived if we’re not willing to die for those we love, for what we believe,” she quoted Dr. Martin Luther King Jr, saying that the reference comes to mind whenever they think about Koro.

She said their family founded the Ousman Koro Ceesay Foundation in memory of his brother, disclosing that it has been providing free school supplies, medical service, screening and community education to countless citizens for the past four years.

She said Koro’s legacy is about service, uplifting, and making a difference and should not be confused with cheap attempts to smear his reputation.

“We have heard a lot about forgiveness during these hearings. Forgiveness is not for the villain or perpetrator; it is the victim’s way of taking back their power and strength. She said forgiveness is not a line you cross after hearing a superficial or pathetic apology, it’s a path you take and our family took that path long time ago independent of our brother’s killers,” she stated.

She said they do not get to dictate when they heal, alleging that they (perpetrators) tried to eliminate him and instead they amplified his message.

She said for the past 23 years they (family) wondered what they would do or say to Koro’ killers as what they feel is sadness.

“We are very appreciative and hope that everyone remains optimistic, for Justice delayed is not Justice denied,” she pointed out.

She said true power is not using guns and terrorizing innocent citizens but to hold back from using power when you can use it, and instead choosing to use mercy.

“Koro’s life was not ours to forgive, his killers would need to ask the Almighty for that. We pray that he shows them more mercy than they chose to show our brother and other victims,” said Dr. Naffie Ceesay.

She said they believe justice will be served, commending Gambians people for their unwavering support.