As The Gambia’s 44th Independence anniversary draws closer, preparations are currently intense in most parts of Scandinavia to mark the event in grand style.  

According to reports reaching What’s On, on the 28th of February 2009, hundreds of Gambians living in Sweden and surrounding countries like Finland, Norway and Denmark will converge in Stockholm to witness the first ever Miss Senegambia-Sweden beauty pageant.

The two main organisations behind the event are Onegambia.com and Newswatch Gambia, both based in Sweden. According to Sadibou Jadama of Newswatch, the beauty pageant is mainly geared towards showing the beauty and rich culture of The Gambia. “We hope the event will help in the promotion of The Gambia’s tourism industry at a global level,” he said. Sadibou moved to Sweden almost a decade ago and is one of the Gambians well known for their effective participation in promoting the image of The Gambia. He established Newswatch Gambia to promote the country.

Onegambia.com, under the management of Pa Njie, has supported musicians like Singateh aka Freaky Joe, Njie B, Yusupha Ngum, Sambou Susso, Nancy Nanz and many others. The recently held Gambian Kora festival in Serrekunda was sponsored by the organisation.

More than fifteen young girls have already registered their names to become the newest Senegambian beauty queen in the Scandinavia. “The Miss Senegambia-Sweden would be regarded as a cultural ambassador and would be tasked with the responsibility of promoting The Gambia in the Scandinavia. We will also support her in coming up with initiatives geared towards development back home,” disclosed Sadibou.  For further information about this beauty pageant, you can visit www.newswatchgambia.com or www.onegambia.com