The British High Commissioner to The Gambia, H.E. Philip Sinkinson, has commended what he termed as close links between Britain and The Gambia in a speech delivered on Saturday in Bansang. The High Commissioner made these comments at an official ceremony to mark the handing over of equipment for the new children’s wing at the Hospital in Bansang.

Praising the work of Anna Smith, who spearheaded the hospital project, the UK Diplomat highlighted her as an example of the “warm and close relationship” which exists between Britain and The Gambia.

He emphasized the role of British tourists in fostering this close relationship by telling the gathering that the number is now “approaching 60,000 a year.” Along with these visitors, he went on, over 3,000 Britons now “choose to live here permanently” while a further 20,000 “return on a regular basis.” 

High Commissioner Sinkinson went on to cite a number of other projects which are geared towards helping to improve the lives of people all over The Gambia, including a school opened by the Don McMath Foundation in the Kombos and the “adoption of the village of Soma by the Lord Lieutenant of Hampshire.” 

In conclusion H.E. Sinkinson denied claims “that Britain and the British people have not contributed and do not contribute sufficiently to The Gambia.” He said that the examples cited in his speech clearly indicate “how the peoples of The Gambia and Britain can work closely together for the betterment of The Gambia and its people.”