His Excellency Sheikh Professor Alhaji Dr. Yahya Jammeh, on Sunday afternoon distributed 29,000 bags of sugar to the seven administrative regions of The Gambia.
This is part of his traditional annual Ramadan gift to Gambians. Nine thousand 25kg bags went to the Kanifing Municipal Council, six thousand to Western Region, and four thousand to Banjul City Council, four thousand to Upper River Region, three thousand to Central River Region and finally three thousand to the Lower River Region.  The Regional Governors received the sugar on behalf of their people.

Speaking at the occasion, President Jammeh said he is not doing this because of politics neither for people to admire him but that it is a religious requirement. He stated that the Islamic religion calls for mercy, love and care, and protect fellow human beings. "If people know the benefit and rewards gained from this blessed month of Ramadan, they would have shared the little they have with people," the President remarked.

He expressed his dissatisfaction with some unscrupulous Gambians in the business sector increasing the price of commodities during this blessed month. The President noted that people claim to be fasting while feeding on "Riba" which is among the worst sins before the Almighty Allah.

President Jammeh also lamented on Gambians being in favour of foreigners at the expense of their fellow Gambians. The Gambian leader stressed the need for people especially in the business sector to desist from asking for CFA currency instead of the Gambian dalasi, noting that The Gambia is not a CFA zone. He warned the general public that anyone caught charging goods in CFA currency will go to jail. President Jammeh further revealed that he has informed the Interior Minister, Governors, Chiefs and Mayors to bring to book anyone found wanting.

On the recent increase in the rate of killings and fatal accidents, the President expressed his dismay and his resolve to address the situation. He said he will never accept anybody who would come here to jeopardize the peace and tranquility of this nation. He strictly advised parents to talk to their families in order to stop such practices and that anyone found guilty will be dealt with according to law. "I will set an example come the end of Ramadan," he vowed.

On the commitment of government officials, especially ministers, to work hard as he alone cannot do his job and at the same time do theirs, he said they should either work or leave, and to emulate the Vice President.

The mayor of Banjul, Samba Faal, who is also the president of the Association of Local Government Authorities, described the event as noble in assisting the needy and vulnerable.
Mayor Faal thanked the President for his generosity and for having the Gambian people at heart and promised that the sugar will be distributed accordingly.

The occasion was graced by the Vice President, Cabinet Ministers, Mayors, Governors, District chiefs, Yaye compins, party militants and a cross section of the public.

By Fatou Touray and Alhagi Ceesay