Mrs Juka Fatou Jabang, the former director general of MDI and now the advisor to the executive director of African Development Bank Group, has joined a list of personalities in congratulating President Alhaji Dr Yahya Jammeh on the 14 anniversary of the July 22 Revolution, which was celebrated last month in grand style.

In a letter to the Gambian leader, Mrs Jabang stated: “I continue to recall with gratification, the laudable manner in which the 1994 Revolution ushered in its wake, unprecedented national development and advances in the socio-economic arena. I also note with great delight, the manner in which the peaceful take-over has over the years, positively transformed the perception and world view of the Gambian citizenry, instilling in them the core values of patriotism and self-worth.”

She then added: “As we celebrate this great day, I pray that Allah continues to bless and guide you, your family and the people of The Gambia. I also pray for your personal good health and well-being so that we may perpetually enjoy your unique and exemplary leadership, and be assured of a stable and prosperous country.
Please accept Your Excellency, the assurances of my highest consideration and esteem.”

Alhaji AE Cham-Joof

In a similar message, Alhaji AE Cham-Joof, an APRC senior member in Banjul had this to say: “Mr President, your achievements over the short period since assuming the mantle of leadership has no parallel in our sub-region.The window of opportunities provided by your government to all sectors of our economy is the envy of the world.

This has galvanised the maxim, on that rainy Friday morning of 22nd July [of] a soldier with a difference. Mr President I speak with the least fear of contradiction that you are really the Hero of the 21st Century in Africa.”

Mr Cham-Joof then prayed: “I pray that Allah, whom we serve [will] protect and guide you with renewed strength and wisdom to implement your programmes and projects through Vision 2020 onwards to Vision 2121 with best wishes for your long life, good health and wealth and your family.

WR Governor

Lamin Sanneh, the governor of Western Region, has also congratulated the president on behalf of all the NAMs, chiefs, councillors, APRC regional and constituency chairpersons, women mobilisers, the Technical Advisory Committee of Western Region and himself.

“I write to express my profound gratitude and joy on the occasion of 14th July 22nd anniversary celebration which we have celebrated just recently. This is a revolution with a difference; in that it has really transformed the country into a renowned state; ushering in numerous developments to areas of the country, irrespective of tribal settlements or religious beliefs. [Your] Excellency Sir, Western Region is proud of you and wish you every success in your endeavours. May God guide you and give you the strength and wisdom to complete your great mission,” Governor Sanneh concluded.

Appreciation

On a separate matter, Aja Amie Jatta, an APRC mobiliser and director of Taku Leggaye Skill Training Centre in Bundung, has expressed “sincere appreciation and gratitude” to President Jammeh on behalf of her family, the skill centre, the community of Bundung, Serrekunda Central and herself, for awarding her a national medal.

“I am deeply proud and elated [with] this honour and would continue to pray for your continued good health and that of your entire family. May the Almighty Allah continue to protect you and your government to achieve your dream of transforming The Gambia into the Silicon Valley of Africa,” Madam Jatta stated.

She then continued: “This award is another manifestation of your strong determination to emancipate the women of this country and your benevolence to your countrymen and women. I want to assure you that this award will rekindle our enthusiasm and determination to work even harder, to be always behind you both day and night, come rain, come shine. We will follow you wherever you lead us to and we will never at any moment doubt your sincerity and goodwill for the Gambian people.”

“In conclusion I would like to thank you on behalf of Taku Leggaye bu Ndyu Conteh Skills Training Centre for your kind approval in placing our recently held graduation ceremony as part of the historic July 22nd Revolution programme schedule list. Even though you were unable to grace the occasion, I indeed understand that you cannot be everywhere but nevertheless we were very fortunate to share that joyous moment with the strong delegation you sent under the leadership of the secretary of state for Higher Education, Science and Technology, Hon Chrispin Grey-Johnson, secretaries of state, National Assembly members and other high profile dignitaries,” she acknowledged.

“Your Excellency I am proud to inform you that Taku Leggaye has grown to be one of the most outstanding skills training centres in the country and has effectively enhanced the lives of many young Gambians, thus contributing to the socio-economic development of The Gambia. God bless you and The Gambia, Your Excellency,” she concluded.

Admiration

Kebba Darboe, the chief driver at the Department of State for Foreign Affairs, has expressed admiration of the Gambian leader and his achievements for the country.
“It is indeed a great honour and privilege for me, the chief driver for the Department of State for Foreign Affairs and my family to write to you this letter to express my deep admiration for your 14-year rule and leadership in this great nation, The Gambia. I and my family are great and pronounced supporters of your remarkable and supreme government.

Indeed this day, 22nd July 2008, has been a great day in the lives of all Gambians in general, and I hope it continues to be a memorable day in the life of each Gambian. I and the rest of my family are praying that the Almighty Allah increases your life span, and continues to strengthen your indispensable rule in The Gambia, and that the Almighty Allah protects and guides you Mr President and your wonderful family. (Amin),” Mr Darboe stated.

Editor,

Please allow me space to express my appreciation of my favourite coach, Sang Ndong.

After losing to Wallidan in the League finale, Mr Ndong, according to the Daily Observer, is on record congratulating the league champions and commending the referees for great officiating. What more can you ask of this gentleman and national hero; even in defeat he is a humble man.

If only others emulate this fine example, Gambian sports in general will be in better shape. For people who don't know, sports discipline was instilled in this young man by Abdul Aziz Coker, who was Sang's coach at the tender age of 17. Mr Aziz, a football legend himself, used the commencement of the daily practice sessions in front of the School of Nursing in the 70's to talk about DISCIPLINE! It has paid off; one of his protégés and for the record, one of the best goalkeepers to ever put on our national colours is worth emulating. Keep it going Sang.

Mindorr Mama

Editor,

Please permit me to articulate my profound appreciation to Mr Momodou Kabba Tambajang for his magnificient appointment as the commissioner general of the Gambia Revenue Authority (GRA) by H E, the president of the Republic of the Gambia.

As a proficient and workaholic employee of the Gambia Customs and Excise Department, I wholeheartedly recognized Mr. Tambajang's extreme personal humility (character) and intense professional will (competence) coupled with Mr. Tambajang's accredited pivotal role in fostering collective responsibility and mutual service pertaining to his staff.

As I often communicate directly with this soft-speaking leader (Mr Tambajang), I realized his prolific notion of "live the values" (character) and "deliver results" (competence). It's to be recalled that Mr Tambajang's appointment came as a result of the Gambia government's brilliant idea in amalgamating the Gambia Customs and Excise Department with the Income Tax Department now called Domestic Tax Department.

Since the effective implementation of GRA in January 2007, the Authority under the distinguished leadership of Mr M K Tambajang and his competent Board of Directors not only constantly fosters more revenue generation, but also promotes the need for sustaining the staff welfare.
Following his appointment to his previous position as director general of Customs and now the commissioner general of the Gambia Revenue Authority (GRA), revenue collection improved greatly beyond expectations. In fact, I was very much gladdened to hear our Gambian parliamentarians (NAMs) congratulating GRA in the National Assembly while I sat down comfortably in my residence at Tallinding.

I therefore believe that Mr Tambajang is a "leader of the people"(character) and a "leader of the business" (competence). Mr Tambajang is a leader who prioritises "integrity"(character) and "intelligence"(competence) as the qualities he looks for in people. As an employee currently in Amsterdam-Holland, I urge all employees under the GRA to embrace Mr Tambajang's leadership.

I, also, humbly take this opportunity to thank HE, the President of the Republic of The Gambia for appointing Mr MK Tambajang as the commissioner general of GRA. Editor, please let's together say ‘BRAVO’ to Mr Tambajang.

Seedy Drammeh,
Customs Administration.
(From Amsterdam)