The Gambia Federation of the Disabled as the Umbrella organisation (DPOS) recently held its third congress for 2008 at The Gambia Organisation of the Visually Impaired (GOVI) hall on the MDI road. The purpose of the congress was to enable members to review the activities of the previous year, plan for the current year, discuss financial matters, elect a new board and develop resolution.

In delivering his speech, The SOS for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Malick Njie, said that this congress was made to understand participants and representatives from eight registered disabled person organisations across the country. SOS Njie revealed that congress participants, in this connection should not be for fame or gain but to inspire and lead the members in the pursuit of their common aims and objectives.

According to him, the board, to be more effective, must have the support and participation of the membership that it serves. Dr. Malick Njie noted that as partners in development, the Gambian government under the dynamic leadership of President Jammeh has made provisions under section 31 and 216 of the Gambian Constitution on the plight of the persons with Disabilities.

He said the UN Convention on the promotion and protection of the rights and dignity of persons with Disabilities has been empowered. The SIS went on to thank VSO, British High Commission, sight savers international, African Decade and many other international organisations for their support to the disabled organisations. Other speakers include the chairperson of The Gambia Federation for Disabled, Mr Mohamed Kora who expressed similar sentiments.