The President, His Excellency Sheikh Professor Alhaji Dr. Yahya A.J.J. Jammeh has urged Gambians to uplift the attitude of caring and sharing with their neighbours. These remarks were made by the President on Friday at the Banjul International Airport upon returning from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia after performing the fifth pillar of Islam, Hajj. He was accompanied by the First Lady Her Excellency Madam Zineb Jammeh and a high powered delegation.

In an interview, the Gambian leader told journalists that sharing and caring is the only way to eradicate poverty. He further added that people should not only care and share during Eid prayers but it should be a continuous process. "If we care for each other, we will minimize the suffering, but not withstanding, "he warned, "people should make efforts to sustain themselves rather than depending on others." He also called for unity among Gambians noting that unity is strength and that will bring progress, adding "if we put our hearts and minds together, Gambia will be one of the greatest countries on earth."

President Jammeh also advised Gambians to try living on their own and warned "let us eat what we grow and grow what we eat rather than depending on others."

He further urged the public to make destiny rest into their own hands adding "those who are supposed to be farmers should take farming seriously; those who are supposed to work in offices should work with seriousness and responsibilities and means of livelihood should be taken seriously."

He pointed out that here in The Gambia, people are taking things for granted and that is very unfortunate. He however thanked Gambian women for always doing their best when it comes to hard work. "May Allah continue to guide them and change the hearts of men so that we can follow the examples of women because that is the only way that this country can be out of poverty. No one will come and develop our country for us", President Jammeh emphasized. He called on Gambians to forget about their differences and concentrate on unity and hard work to develop this great nation.

The colourful and tumultuous welcoming ceremony was attended by Vice President Ajaratou Dr. Isatou Njie-Saidy, Cabinet Ministers, the Chief Justice, members of the Supreme Islamic Council, religious leaders, mayors regional governors, the Paramount Chief, yai compins, women groups dressed in white. The welcoming was also characterized by school children who lined the highway leading to Banjul chanting Islamic religious songs.

By Alhagie Ceesay