As Ambassador Stafford ends tour of duty

Joseph D Stafford, outgoing US Ambassador to The Gambia, on Wednesday hosted a reception marking the 231st independence anniversary of the United States of America, at his residence in Fajara.

Bala Garba Jahumpa, Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Neneh Macdouall-Gaye, Secretary of State for Communications and Information Technology, Angela Colley, Secretary of State for Tourism and Culture, and Chief Justice AK Savage, Senior government officials, politicians, security chiefs, foreign diplomats, media chiefs, venerable religious leaders, business executives, journalists, and staff of the US Banjul Embassy were also in attendance, amid a spectacular jazz entertainment by the Gambia Police Band.

Common ideals

July 4th marks the historical birth of America’s national day which saw the signing of the famous Declaration of Independence in 1776 in Philadelphia, by historic figures like Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, and John Adams. But, it was not until 1783 that the US gained its independence.

However, the date of adoption of the Philadelphia declaration seven years earlier was established as America’s national day to celebrate the fundamental ideals enshrined in that glorious document. “That is, that all men are created equal, that they have the inalienable rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, and that these rights are to be upheld by a democratic form of government. Throughout America’s history, we have viewed these ideals as the foundations of our society and its institutions,” Ambassador Stafford informed his guests at the evening reception.

However, Mr. Stafford acknowledged that the US is not alone in its attainment of these ideals. “I believe that the international community is attached to them - including here in The Gambia, whose government and people have made clear their commitment to equality of all citizens and their inalienable rights, as well as their commitment to promoting democratic institutions,” he added.

According to him, July 4th in The Gambia is an occasion to celebrate not only the American experience, but also the shared experience and solid bonds enjoyed by the two countries. He then buttressed: “Americans and Gambians have important interests to pursue in many areas - whether it’s combating terrorism, expanding economic cooperation, or fostering peace and stability in Sudan, where The Gambia has troops and police officers.” He paid tribute to the Gambian military and police officers on the “fine service your men and women” are doing in Darfur.

Bilateral ties

US Ambassador Joseph D Stafford, who finally left Banjul yesterday, after a three-year tour of duty, assured Gambians and the government of the United States’ support in upholding human dignity and freedom, promoting a free, vibrant and responsible press, and strengthening democratic institutions. He pledged that the US will continue to work closely with The Gambia to promote continued progress on reform and development in the spirit of partnership.

Ambassador Stafford’s speech turned to a farewell as he concluded, saying: “This will be the last July 4th celebration that Kathleen and I will host here in The Gambia, as our assignment is coming to an end. We leave with a sense of regret and many wonderful memories of our three years here. We also leave with feelings of respect and admiration for the Gambian people and their impressive country. Our stay here has been unforgettable, thanks to Gambian hospitality, their rich culture, and their tolerant enlightened outlook. We wish The Gambia and its people every success”.

For his part, the Gambian Foreign Secretary of State Bala Garba Jahumpa, who deputised for President Yahya Jammeh, felicitated Americans and the US through Ambassador Stafford on their independence anniversary.

In his charismatic speech, SoS Jahumpa expounded on the birth of America’s indecency and then expressed The Gambia government’s desire to strengthen bilateral ties between the two countries, saying this would not be pursued in a basement but on mountain top.

He lamented about the crisis in Darfur and Palestine and then sanctioned members of diplomatic and consular corps to ensure the restoration of peace in these embattled regions. He warned that history would judge them “harshly” if they failed to walk towards that path. He then expressed hope that the US plays a diligent role in is process.

The Gambian Foreign Secretary condemned the brutality of human lives in these countries, stressing that people have the right to peace and stability, health, education, and development.