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

A charitable non-political organization, named after the head of state of The Gambia, The Jammeh Foundation for peace (JFP) held a grand fund-raising Gala dinner at the Kairaba Beach hotel. His Excellency the president Alh.Yahya Jammeh and the Vice-president were among the distinguished personalities who grace the occasion with their presence and eminence. The occasion was also an award night for the Diamond, Gold, silver and bronze sponsors of the fund-raising initiative.

Speeches and appeals made at the dinner have been described by many as far-reaching on the conscience of the public and sponsors to continue to patronize the foundation. The President of the Republic, Dr.Alh.Yahya Jammeh described JFP as an independent, non-political, charitable organization with a prime aim of effecting sustainable improvements in the standard of living of all communities in the Gambia through support in the areas of health, education, agriculture, women and youth development.

In a strongly applauded speech, characterized by waves of alluring objectives in praise of President Jammeh’s, Vice-President Njie saidy described him as a frank Pan-African and an illustrious son of Africa who strives to rid his people of illiteracy, hunger, disease and instability. She wasn’t also sort of words of commendation for the First Lady Madam Zainab Yahya Jammeh who is the president of the foundation. V.P Njie-Saidy described her as the mother of the nation and a person with an adorable character. She proposed a toast to the health of the President and wife describing the couple as “wonderful personalities.”

In response, the First Lady expressed profound appreciation to the guests for their positive response to the call of the JFP to raise funds for a charitable cause. “Looking at the impressive turnout this evening, I must say I am very touched indeed by the concern, affection and generosity that is radiating in the hall tonight. Gambians are blessed with a wonderful heart that reaches out indiscriminately to the less fortunate segment of society.”

Henrietta Brummer Sonko, executive director of JFP said since the launching of the foundation on June 21st last year, series of fund-raising activities have been conducted with impressive results which have contributed to the “break through” the foundation has been making.

The foundation in collaboration with the department of state for Health and social welfare has in the past one year paid medical attention to over a hundred thousand-100,000 out-patients most of them pregnant women and children.

Hon.Ousman Badjie who gave the vote of thanks hailed the president’s vision 2020 agenda for development, saying the health sector is succeeding with the presence of doctors and nurses even in remote parts of the country. Mr.Oremi Joiner was the master of the Ceremony.

The highlights of the Gala dinner was the presentation of the Holy Quran,a bouquet of flowers and a cheque of an undisclosed amount to President Jammeh by Susan Hakim and Jainaba Sanyang on behalf of the children of the Gambia. This was followed by the presentation of awards to sponsors of the Diamond, Gold, Silver and Bronze tables.

Due to the varied and useful services rendered to the public, the centre has seen tremendous increase in demand for health services resulting in severe strains on the present facilities. This has necessitated the need for expansion in service delivery.

This fund-raising gala dinner and the marathon fund-raising event on national Television-GRTS telethon are all geared towards meeting the cost of construction, provision of equipment, drugs and other operational cost of the foundation’s hospital in Bundung, KMC.

Reported by Lamin SM Jaiteh.