The people of Central River Region last Saturday, February 21, celebrated the 44th anniversary of the country’s independence at Bansang Senior School in the Upper Fulladu District, Central River Region South.

In a message read on behalf of President Professor Alhaji Dr Yahya Jammeh, the governor of the region, Alhagie Ganyie Touray said the theme for the celebration is “peace and stability”, a moment for national reflection in view of the fact that nothing can be achieved in the absence of peace and stability. He called on Gambians to maintain peace and stability, nurture their potentials to the fullest and mobilise their productive talents and resources in the nation building process of the 21st century.

He noted that The Gambia has earned the respect and admiration of the world as a peaceful country, and as an example of a country where the maintenance of peace and stability has been the cornerstone of our development process. “Thus, peace is a virtue that we should all be proud of and champion not only for ourselves, but also in countries that are in stressful social and political situations simply because their peace and stability conditions have either been threatened or disrupted,” Governor Touray advised.

The event was graced by the National Assembly members, security chiefs, local authorities and a cross section of the community. The ceremony was characterized by cultural display and match pass by school children, security officers and the Armitage Scout Band.

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The Lower River Region (LRR) last Saturday also celebrated The Gambia’s 44th independence anniversary at the Jarra Soma Lower Basic School grounds.

Governor Modou Soma Jobe delivered the president’s Independence speech after inspecting the guards of honour led by the parade commander, Captain Jabang, and the march past by the security personnel and scouts as well as students, government departments and private sector organisations.
 
Government officials, including Abdoulie Manneh, permanent secretary, Department of State for Local Government and Lands; Major Yerro Jallow, officer commanding of the 2nd Infantry Battalion of the Farafenni Army Barracks; and Njie Darboe, National Assembly member for Jarra West attended the celebration. District chiefs of the region also attended the event.

See pictorial of both celebration inside