Tomorrow, Thursday, January 17, 2008, marks the one year anniversary of President Jammeh’s HIV/Aids breakthrough.  Since the treatment programme began, a lot of Gambians and non-Gambians have been treated and a lot more are undergoing the treatment.

The Daily Observer, went around to assess people’s opinions and views about this treatment process.  Below we produce the full text of the views and opinions of some individuals.

Balla Garba Jahumpha, Gambia’s Ambassador to Venezuela

“The breakthrough is a great pride not only for The Gambian people but for the whole of mankind. It is common knowledge that the treatment of HIV/Aids is a multibillion dollar industry, but the President is doing it free for all. Even when we went to Venezuela with His Excellency, the president, we took along some of these medicine.  The people of Venezuela were surprised that some of them had to test it.  So, this is a gift from God.

Moses was for the Jews, God gave Daniel to the people in Babylon and God is giving President Jammeh to the African people.

Fabakary Tombong Jatta, Majority leader at the National Assembly

“As we celebrate the 1st anniversary of this breakthrough, I just want Gambians to reflect their minds on the type of leadership we are blessed with.

His Excellency the President has transformed The Gambia from 1994 to the pride and joy of all Gambians. He  sponsored Muslim pilgrims to Mecca and he is the same President whom God has given the knowledge to treat HIV/Aids. The breakthrough is worth celebrating.

I therefore urge all Gambians, despite our political affiliations, to pray for the President to live longer and also pray for the blessing of our nation, The Gambia.

Yankuba Colley,  APRC mayoral candidate for K.M.C

I would like to congratulate the President for what God has given him.  He is prepared to share his gift with Gambians and non-Gambians alike .

In fact, President Jammeh, as I normally call him, is the president of the youths, women and the whole world at large.

He is kind and he likes sharing with people.  No wonder God will give him the knowledge to cure  HIV/Aids. He could have levied a fee on the treatment but he is doing it free. It worth more than just a celebration, my brother. I am proud of him and indeed all Gambians should as well be proud of him.

Hon. Tina Faal - Nominated member of the National Assembly

I would like to congratulate His Excellency, the president,  Dr Alhaji Yahya Jammeh for saving mankind from the world’s most dreadful disease, HIV/Aids.

President Jammeh is indeed a real philanthropist for Gambians and for humanity in general. He has come to salvage us from darkness, abject poverty and discrimination.  His kind is very rare because he is down to earth and he does not discriminate or belittle anybody in his treatment programme despite your political affiliation or background.  He does not distinguish between the rich and the poor and he treats Gambians and non-Gambians alike.

In fact, the President could have said that he will not have the time to treat a sick person or kept his knowledge to himself but because he loves his country and people, he decided to wholeheartedly bail humanity from the scourge at gratis. I, therefore, call on all Gambians to rally behind President Jammeh, for he has rescued scientists from their 24 hours research. Let us all go out to the July 22 Square to celebrate with him.

Ndey Haddy Jeng, staff of International Commercial Bank

The breakthrough is a thumbs-up not only for President Dr Alhaji Yahya Jammeh but the African continent and the world at large.  Most people have been doubting the talents of Africans and here is the president showing that we African can make a difference.  It shows that we are not only intellectuals in western education, but also in our own African tradtional research.  I pray for a more successful breakthrough.

Ya Kanni Jobe, staff of International Commercial Bank

She said “It’s not a surprise to those who know the background of President Jammeh. He hailed from a renowned traditional herbalist background. He really deserves to be commended for discovering a cure for such a major ailment after decades of scientists’ failure on finding a cure for HIV/Aids. This is not a glory for only The Gambia and Africa, but the entire world at large.

Once again, I congratulate the Gambian leader on the breakthrough anniversary which coincides with my birthday.

Momodou Turo Darboe, APRC campaign manager for Kanifing Muncipality

The Gambia is fortunate to be blessed with a visionary and exemplary leader like Dr Alhaji Yahya AJJ Jammeh, who’s 13-year rule has brought rapid development and changes in the lives of people irrespective of race, colour, religion, nationality or origin.

It is high time that the West and his critics face the reality.  Our able President has made a significant record in the history of mankind in his herbal treatment of HIV/Aids, hypertension, infertility, asthma etc.

I would use this medium to urge all Gambians and non-Gambians alike, since his treatment has no boundary, to show solidarity on Thursday on his one year anniversary.

I wish His Excellency God’s guidance and blessings in his treatment programme and wish every one a successful celebration.