The charge d’affair of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela in The Gambia, on Friday, celebrated the birthday of the country’s great liberator, Simon Bolivar, at a colourful ceremony held at the Old Jeshwang-Simon Bolivar’s Lower Basic School.

The day is celebrated every year by Venezuelans across the globe.
As part of the activities marking the day, the charge d’ affair donated over 1400 school bags and at least 4000 exercise books and pencils to Simon Bolivar’s Lower Basic School.

Speaking at the occasion, Lourdes E Pirez Martinez, the charge d’affair of the Venezuelan embassy in The Gambia, said Simon Bolivar earned himself the title of liberator due to the fact that he liberated Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Panama, as well as Venezuela. She noted that his dream was to see the unity of the South American countries, but died in Colombia on December 17th, 1830, before it could be realised.

‘’But in reality, his dreams never died since political leaders in Latin America are now going by his dreams. His ideas are recalled through our actions, our struggle to gain unity and integration, as well as solidarity within our countries’’  she said. She underscored the realisation of the historic Bolivarian integration, which according to her is based on political compromise to eradicate poverty, guarantee the independence and sovereignty of their natural resources in their quest to achieve the developments that the Venezuelan people truly deserve.

Madam Martinez called on the citizens of Venezuela and The Gambia to cherish their freedom stressing that neo-colonialism should never be tolerated.

Commenting on the ongoing fruitful relationship between Venezuela and The Gambia, the charge d’affair pointed out that it is part of her government’s solidarity call aimed at promoting integration.

She recalled that in April, this year, 60 young Gambians started their undergraduate studies in Venezuela, noting that 100 more Gambians are currently learning Spanish and are set to travel to her country for similar studies under the FUNDAYACUCHO Program.

‘’In the same vein, 7 instructors and 3 women farmers are set to travel to Venezuela for training in the area of agricultural. We are also glad that 7 Gambian children have safely arrived in Venezuela for congenital cardiopaty operation,’’ she said.
The Venezuelan charge d’affair concluded by reaffirming her government’s commitment to boost ties with The Gambia.

For her part, Marta Mendy, headmistress of Old Jeswang-Simon Bolivar’s Lower Basic School, hailed the Venezuelan charge d’affair for such a laudable gesture, noting that her school continues to receive Venezuelan generosity. She indicated that the massive renovation of her school at a tune of D72,000 was funded by the Venezuelan charge d’affair. This, according to her, was as a result of the memorandum of understanding signed between her school and the donors.

While commending the bilateral ties between the two countries, Marta Mendy assured the gathering that the gifts will be put to good use.

Other speakers at the occasion included Alkalo Ba-Karamo Ceesay, Councillor Sheriff Sarr, and Sheik Secka, PTA chairman.

Friday’s celebration was attended by a host of dignitaries including the Iranian ambassador, as well as a cross-section of the community of Old Jeshwang.