16th September 2003:

The President on Tuesday received in audience at State House twenty Cuban doctors en posted at the Jammeh Foundation for Peace Hospital in Bundung and the Royal Victorial Teaching Hospital in Banjul. The doctors are among the 151 members who arrived recently to serve in the Gambia for two years.

Speaking to them, President Jammeh commended the Cuban government for its continuous assistance in the health sector, noting that its contribution is highly appreciated by his government. The Gambian leader however advised them to work as a group to make the Gambia a model country in Africa.

President Jammeh told them that he is responsible for their welfare and urged them to emulate their predecessors who have done exceptionally well during their stay.

The Secretary of State for Health Dr. Yankuba Kassama accompanied the team to State House.

In another engagement the president of the International Olympic Committee Dr. Jacques Rogge who is attending the 10th general assembly meeting of the organisation at the Senegambia Beach Hotel also paid a courtesy call on President Jammeh.

After his audience with the President. Dr. Rogge told reporters that he briefed President Jammeh on their meeting and the plans the committee has for the Gambia. He said his committee spent over 18 million dollars in Africa and the Gambia National Olympic and Sports Committee will benefit from these funds to complete the building of the local office.