Hon. Fatoumatta Jahumpa-Ceesay, the speaker of the National Assembly yesterday received the executive members of the University of The Gambia Medical Students Asociation (UNIGAMSA) at her office at the Assembly chambers in Banjul.

The visit was meant to brief Speaker Jahumpa-Ceesay of the aim of the association, give an overview on the activities and programmes as well as the achievements registered since its inception. Addressing the students, Speaker FJC firstly thanked President Jammeh for the bold step in establishing the University of The Gambia which presently houses different   departments and  the school of medicine. According to her, the Gambian leader has pasted an ink in the history books of the Gambia which will always be remembered. She observed that the opportunities for Gambians to train medicine in the country is the first of its kind.

She then congratulated the students for their dedication and commitment to their career. She advised them not to be enticed by the greener pastors after completing their courses but instead, serve the country. “Serve your country after completing your courses. Be loyal to the people and the leadership. Respect authorities, your parents as well as elders” she urged. She then assured of her continues support.

Speaker Jahumpa-Ceesay then promised that a private member bill will be tabled before house by the Health committee to avoid any medical student who finihes his or her course at the University of The Gambia to leave the country without serving for 15 years. Peter T  Mendy, the president of the University of The Gambia Medical Students Asociation, thanked Speaker Jahumpa-Ceesay for granting them the audience. He explained in detail to Speaker Jahumpa-Ceesay, the achievements and proposed programmes of the association as well as their constraints.

According to him, the asociation was formed in 2004 with the aim of forming a common front to solve students’ problems, work closely with the adminstration of the UTG as well as forging international links. Other speakers at the ceremony included Hon. Fabakary Tombong Jatta, Majority leader and NAM for Serrekunda East, Momodou Sanneh, Minority leader and NAM for Kiang West.