Office of The Gambian President: State House Online: Yahya A.J.J. Jammeh

The Government of the Republic of China on Taiwan on Thursday made a handsome donation to the Gambia government to help purchase one thousand tons of rice for people experiencing food shortage as a result of long spell of drought at the start of the rains this year. .

The Chinese Ambassador Dr. Edgar Lin handed over the cheque to the President Dr. Alhaji Yahya Jammeh at a ceremony held at State House. In a brief speech Ambassador Lin said it is the duty of every human being to assist people experiencing food shortage and the presentation is Taiwan's token of help to the affected people.

In reply President Jammeh thanked the government and people of Taiwan for the benevolent gesture. He spoke about the excellent relations between the two countries and said the money would help in the country's disaster relief programme and alleviate food shortage.

In another engagement

Dr.Jammeh held a meeting with senior officials of the department of State for Agriculture. Addressing the meeting, the Gambian leader stressed the need for attitudinal change from all stakeholders for the advancement of the agric sector.

He promised to create a conducive environment for the development of sustainable mechanized agriculture under a special department for a meaningful attainment of food self-sufficiency to be realised within three years.

He therefore solicits their positive contribution towards it. His Excellency the President also called for a complete halt to what he called the "Workshop Syndrome" (discussing plans at workshops without subsequent action) and be replaced with implementation of projects. The president also calls for the rejuvenation of mixfarming centres across the country and pledged to provide more tractors next year. .

Reported by Lamin SM Jaiteh.