The ambassador of the United States of America Mr. Barry L Wells on Tuesday presided over the inauguration of a milling machine and an Early Childhood Development Centre at the villages of Shom and Julanfari respectively.

The two projects were part of many community projects funded by the Ambassador’s Self-Help Fund.

Speaking at the handing over ceremony in Shom in Kombo East District, Ambassador Wells expressed his delight at visiting the village as it was his first visit out side the Greater Banjul Area since assuming office in January. “ I am happy that the machine is here for the women to help you with your daily chores of milling your cereals. The people of United States and the US Embassy in Banjul believe in working to help rural Gambians improve their welfare”. According to him, they do this through collaborating with communities in solving their problems. He advised the women to take proper care of the machine.

The father of the Carawas Kafo, the beneficiary group, Dawda Jarju appealed for water in the women’s garden.

Honourable Lamin Bojang, national assembly member for the area, thanked the US embassy for complementing government’s efforts in empowering women.

Chief of Kombo East Alhagie Basiru Jarju expressed similar sentiments. He assured the Ambassador that the machine will be properly taken care of. The machine, according to official sources, was sponsored to the sum of D117, 000.00.

From Shom, ambassador Wells and delegation also visited Julkanfari a border village with Casamase. The village also hosts to some Casamase refugees.

There, ambassador Wells and delegation received a rousing welcome. In his inaugural statement, US diplomat thanked the community for the contribution in the construction of the classrooms. He thanked all those who contributed to the success of the project. He commend the villagers for being so hospitable to the refugees.”This is highly appreciated as we all know that refugees do not leave their country by choice” he said.

Marcel Badgie Director St.Joseph’s Family Farm revealed that about D200,000.00 was spend on the centre by the US embassy, Concern Universal, his NGO and the community.

Other speakers include, the chief of Foni, Bintang Karani Mustapha Camara, Hon. Ebrima Solo Jammeh PM for the area and Mrs Guju Badgie a refugee.

Alkalo Alhagie Kawsu Badgie of Julanfari thanked the donors for the gesture.