July 28th 2003:

The President Dr. Alhaji Yahya Jammeh on Tuesday received in audience the Peace Corps Regional Director for Africa Henry Mckoy and the ArchBishop of Canterbury Reverend Dr. Rowan Douglas Williams.

In an interview with GRTS, Mr. Mckoy said his discussions with the Gambian leader centered on the role of Peace Corps as well as exploring other avenues for the expansion of its programmes in the Gambia. He reported that President Jammeh expressed appreciation of the role Peace Corps is playing in the socio-economic development of the Gambia. Mr. Mckoy expressed his organization’s desire to expand its work in the Gambia especially in the fields of health, education, agriculture and the environment.

Also speaking to the press after his audience with President Jammeh, the Bishop of Canterbury, Reverend Douglas Williams hailed the Gambia for its religious tolerance. He said he’s been deeply impressed by the way in which religious communities in the Gambia work and live together. He therefore expressed his wish to see other parts of the world emulate Gambia’s bright example. Dr. Douglas also commended the Anglican Mission in the Gambia for the assistance being rendered to refugees from war torn countries. Reverend Douglas Williams arrived in Banjul on Monday for a two-day visit. He was met on arrival by Vice President Aja Isatou Njie Saidy at the Banjul International Airport.

In another engagement, the Senegalese Ambassador to the Gambia, Njouga Njie on Tuesday delivered a special goodwill message to President Jammeh from President Abdoulaye Wade. Ambassador Njie however fall sort of disclosing the content, saying it would be disclosed to the press at a later date.

President Jammeh with the Bishop of Canterbury

Ambassador Njouga Njie seated with the President