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| The Gambia Independence |
3/18/2008 |
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President Jammeh presides over celebration of the Gambia’s 43rd independence anniversary in Banjul with special focus on the government achievements in various sectors of the country’s national life. The Voice Managing Editor, Henry D Oduenyi took time off to visit the country for a one week working visit that took him to several ongoing projects in the country; courtesy of The Netherlands/Gambia association.
In this first report, he presents the independence celebration with stories and photos of the event. In subsequent editions, he would be featuring individual projects being embarked upon by Dutch individuals and organizations in the Gambia. Enjoy the exciting adventure in the Gambian state.
18th February 2008
This year’s independence anniversary of the Gambia was unique as the president hosted two other African head of states; the President of Zambia, President Levy Patrick Mwanawasa and Pedro Verona Rodriguez of Cape Verde. President Jammeh also used the occasion to show appreciation to all who have contributed to the development of the Gambia by conferring on them various national awards in the Gambia.
In his speech on the occasion of Gambia’s 43rd independence anniversary, President Alhaji Dr. Yahya Jammeh emphasized the need to maintain the momentum in the achievements registered in the development of the country. The Gambian Leader spoke at the July 22nd Square in Banjul, the venue where the celebration was held. President Jammeh said “….The Gambia is transforming into a great nation but said a nation cannot achieve greatness if its citizens are lazy and irresponsible….”
He therefore called on all Gambians irrespective of political affiliation to come together and contribute to the development of the country. Dr. Jammeh said his administration has registered remarkable progress in the health, education, institutional development and also created opportunities especially for the youth and women. He said ensuring a progressive Gambia requires patriotism but such patriotism should not be measured by what has been achieved but what more can be done to ensure a brighter future. He said his development agenda is based on a common goal that will lead to qualitative out comes to precipitate the historical transformation of the Gambia.
President Jammeh said this year’s Independence is unique as it coincided with the beginning of a new five-year mandate of his government. Now that elections are over, President Jammeh called on all Gambians to work collectively for the growth of the country. He said discipline and well defined attitudes should be the fundamental elements to guide actions towards national development. President Jammeh said “….we are in the process of creating a new Gambia which will be characterized by the cardinal principles of accountability, transparency and honesty…” to be observed in all spheres of his administration. Dr. Jammeh called on all to exploit the advantages offered by Science and Technology noting that no nation can attain development without productive citizens. He renewed his government’s determination to mechanize farming. He commended all those individuals and institutions who have contributed to the organization of a successful Independence celebration in the Gambia. He acknowledge the presence of his two colleagues; the presidents of Zambia and Cape Verde President Pedro Verona Pires and President Levy .P. Mwanawasa among other dignitaries who attended this year’s celebration.
President Jammeg confers GCRG insignia on President Mwanawasa & President Perdro Verona Pires. As part of celebrations marking the 43rd Independence anniversary of The Gambia, President Alhaji Dr. Yahya Jammeh conferred the insignia of Grand Commander of the Republic of the Gambia (GCRG) on Presidents Levy Patrick Mwanawasa of Zambia and Pedro Verona Rodriguez of Cape Verde. The decoration was held at a state banquet hosted in their honour at Kairaba Beach Hotel in recognition of their distinguished role in the promotion of peace and understanding in Africa and the strengthening of the excellent relations between the Gambia and the two countries.
The Senegalese Chief of Defense Staff, Lieutenant General Abdoulie Faal also received the insignia of honorary officer of national Order of the Republic of the Gambia (ORG) while the Deputy Chief of Defense Staff of Guinea Bissau, Major General Hoseko Amerigo Boubou Nasuto received the insignia of honorary member of national order of the Republic of the Gambia (ORG) in recognition to their contribution to peace and security between their two countries and The Gambia. The banquet was also attended by the Vice President Aja Dr. Isatou Njie-Saidy, the speaker of the national assembly Hon Fatoumatta Jahumpa Ceesay, secretaries of states, members of the diplomatic and consular corps, national assembly members and many other dignitaries.
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