Editor,

Please allow me space in your widely read newspaper to extend our heartfelt congratulations to His Excellency Alh. Dr Yahya AJJ Jammeh,The President of The Republic of The Gambia, on the occasion of the 43rd Independence Anniversary Celebrations of our dear mother land. We pray to Almighty Allah to protect our leader and grant him long life, good health and all Gambians to celebrate many more Independence anniversaries..

On behalf of the Presidential Empowerment for Girls Education Project (PEGEP) sponsored students in UK, I wish to express our profound gratitude to His Excellency President Jammeh for making it possible for all of us to undergo our different fields of studies in UK. We highly appreciate and continue to pray and thank President Jammeh for his support and commitment to the development of The Gambia as well as giving maximum support for not only the Girl Child Education but also Boys. The PEGEP scholarship encompases both boys and girls, irrespective of tribe, religion or political affiliation. We are proud of you, Mr President.
 
Mamudou Max Jallow

On behalf of PEGEP sponsored students in UK

Western Region was on Monday crowned the champions of the Inter-Regional Lower Basic School Athletics Champions which was organised as part of activities marking the nation’s 43rd independence anniversary.

In a well attended sports fiesta at the Independence Stadium, the Region 2 schools renew their dominance in the national school sports after finishing at the top with a record 316 points - 54 points ahead of Region 1 (schools within Banjul, Serekunda and Bakau) who finished second on 262 points.

Region 5 claimed the third position while Region 3 finished fourth in addition of clinching the award for the most disciplined region. The fifth position went to Region 6.

The traditional primary school sports bonanza which is held annually as part of activities to mark the country’s Independence Day celebrations, resurfaced this year after a decade of break.

The director of youth and sports, Mr Sait Mbye, who was part of this year’s organisers, could not hide his delight at the return to normalcy of one of the popular sporting events that gathers schools from the length and breadth of the country.

The youth and sports director expressed his delight at the massive turnout of schoolchildren and parents to grace Monday’s programme.

The impressive turnout, according to director Mbye, manifests the keen interest the general public still have in the lustrous inter-schools competition despite a long absence.