The Gambian leader His Excellency the President Sheikh Professor Alhaji Dr. Yahya A.J.J. Jammeh on Monday afternoon received in audience Miss Black USA 2009-2010, Miss Jasmine Alexis at State House in Banjul.

Miss Alexis 19, from Washington DC won the crown last August 2009 in a Miss Black USA beauty contest held in USA.

She was accompanied to State House by her mother Mrs. Jennifer Wright and Mr Mbacke Jioum, promoter.

Speaking to reporters at the State House ground shortly after her audience with President Jammeh, Miss Jasmine said she advocates for young women who have experienced trafficking, violent abuse and other forms of discrimination. She said she has also discussed with the Gambian leader ways to help the Gambian people to promote the Gambia abroad.

She added that one of the things she also discussed with the Gambian leader is the area of education, noting the importance of education especially among young people and to empower young women and men. Miss Jasmine said what motivated her to contest for the beauty contest is that she believes that encouraging young African American women is very important and that African women are beautiful.

The young Miss Black USA described President Jammeh as a wonderful person who made so many changes within 16years. She said the Gambian people are friendly and nice people.

Jennifer Wright, the mother of Miss Jasmine Alexis also commended the Gambian leader and the rest of the Gambian people for being friendly and they have never experienced such hospitality before.

Mr. Mbacke Dioum, facilitator and coordinator between African Americans and The Gambia disclosed that a lot of African Americans especially business and Hollywood are egger to visit The Gambia and all this is because of the effort of His Excellency the President.

Mr. Dioum said the President is so humble that he can talk to anyone, shares ideas like an ordinary person. He promised that he will do all his best to continue bringing people from the Diaspora into The Gambia.

By Alhagi Ceesay