The visiting American artist, Jermaine Jackson, who is in the country as the President Jammeh's special guest, has expressed the importance of bridging the brotherly relations between Africans and African Americans.

The American artist made this remark while speaking to journalists shortly after his audience with the Gambian leader, His Excellency Sheikh Professor Alhaji Dr. Yahya AJJ Jammeh last Friday at State House in Banjul. Mr. Jackson was accompanied to State House by his wife, Halima Rashid-Jackson.

He noted that their ancestors all originated from Africa and so it is significant to bring back Africans from the Diaspora to know the African culture. He described President Jammeh as a straight forward leader; a leader who believes in Allah, who respects his people and above all a truthful person.

Mr. Jackson continued to emphasize that he had met different leaders worldwide but extracted President Jammeh being above all of them because of his devotion to Allah.

He explained that he converted to Islam in 1989 but that he has been happy since then. "My mind has never been enslaved and it is now clear I am a Muslim", he revealed.

Commenting on the death of his brother Michael Jackson, Jermaine Jackson said his brother has gone but the spirit is always present, adding that "as one people with one God we have to love people, help each other and unite as one destiny". He said the death of his brother is a shock not only to his family but to the world over. Michael, he went on, died on June 25th, 2009 as a result of Cardiac arrest at the age of 50.

In another development, the First Lady, Madam Zineb Yahya Jammeh received Halima Rashid Jackson, the wife of Jermaine Jackson, at the Cabinet Room of the State House. Speaking to reporters shortly after meeting with the First Lady, Madam Jackson disclosed that she was very delighted with the President and his wife for the warm welcome granted to them.

By Alhaji Ceesay