The first batch of Gambian Muslim pilgrims totalling 250  people, yesterday in the morning, depart from Banjul International Airport for the Holy Land of Saudi Arabia to perform this year’s Hajj on board a GIA chartered flight.

Speaking to the Daily Observer at the scene, Abdoulie Jammeh, permanent secretary at the Department of State for Local Government, Lands and Religious Affairs, described the event as positive because everything went smoothly as planned.

He forecasted that the trend will continue till the end of the Hajj operations. He then commended the national carrier, GIA, for what he described as a job well done.

According to him, the second batch of 250 pilgrims will depart today.

He revealed that the Saudi authorities have allocated a quota of 2,000 people for The Gambia. However, he said, the total number of registered pilgrims for this year’s Hajj stands at 1500 people.

For his part, the President of the Gambia Supreme Islamic Council, Alhaji Banding Drammeh, said he was impressed with the way things have started and the preparations.

He added that the operators have exercised punctuality which is very important at the start of any exercise. He finally concluded by saying that they at the council are praying for the welfare of the pilgrims.