The president of the Republic, Professor Alhaji Yahya Jammeh, has described science and technology as a fundamental requirement for national development.

The president was speaking to GRTS in the run up to the forthcoming Gambia Ports Authority organized ‘Operation Promote Excellence in the Sciences (OPES)’.  “I want to commend GPA for the good work they are doing,” Professor Jammeh told GRTS. “They are doing it for me, because Science is my baby.”

The president emphasized on the fact that without the promotion of science education, the country would hardly reach its desired development level. He indicated that he was appreciative of the support of foreign nationals in the form of technical assistance, but that he was also cognisant of the need for The Gambia to be contributing to the human resource base of the world in the form of international cooperation, by sending Gambians to other parts of the world to help build these societies.

President Jammeh called on Gambians to take the lead, saying that everybody’s contribution, regardless of the amount, can make a difference. “A patriotic Gambian is one that would aim well for the country, not one that would mean bad for it,” he asserted.

The first part of GPA’s grand fundraising shows, which is the gala night, is scheduled for Friday December 13, at the Kairaba Beach Hotel. And it will be followed by a dance and show on the following Saturday and Sunday respectively.

The proceeds gotten from this fundraising shows will be used to sponsor students pursuing careers the sciences; many of whom are currently at the University of The Gambia and other tertiary institutions.