By Adama Makasuba
The Embassy of United States of America in the Gambia on Tuesday celebrated its country’s 243 Independence in a colorful ceremony at Cocoa Ocean in Bijilo.
United States of America-a world super power, gained its Independence from the colony of British on July 2, 1776.
And the 2019 celebration in the Gambia brought together both officials of the Embassy, U.SA citizens in the Gambia, ministers of Gambia government and citizens of the Gambia.
Speaking at the celebration ceremony, US Ambassador Carl Paschall expressed delight about the celebration of his nation’s Independence.
“We hold these truths of self-evidence, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and pursue of happiness,” he said.
Ambassador Paschall added that to secure these rights, governments are instituted among men deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed.
He recalled that in 1961, former president of USA John F Kennedy challenged his nation to land astronauts on the moon before the decade was out, adding this was a great completion between the United States and the Soviet Union which US wanted to get there first.
He said “this was an effort to show that we were the leader in science, the leader in technology, the leader in engineering, and the boldest, most innovative nation on earth.”
“And we continue, to this day, to explore space, and we do so in coordination with countries around the world,” Ambassador Paschall told the gathering.
Meanwhile, he said the Gambia also played a vital role in the U.S space program by partnering NASA to support the numerous launches of the U.S space shuttle.
He said the Banjul International Airport was the site U.S- Gambia cooperation in the event of shuttle space was required to make an emergency landing, while expressed happiness and commitment to continuing that cooperation.
He said technology innovation has led to innovations that improves people’s health, food security, and transportation, while expressing hope that it will lead to advancements to help mankind overcome many challenges like climate change, deadly diseases and global food shortages.
“But those advancements will not be possible if we do not invest in our youth and prepare them for an ever-changing world,” he said.
Representing the Gambian President, Minister of Justice Abubacarr Tambedou extended the nation’s congratulations and wishes to the United States of America in its 243 independence celebration and assured the Gambia’s continues support and collaboration with United States at all time.
He said “the relationship between the United States and the Republic of the Gambia is based on our short values on democracy and human rights.”
He commended United States for its, continues support to the Gambia in strengthening democracy and rule of law, supporting good governance, advancing human rights and supporting education.
“The United States provides advisory and capacity building program to numerous government ministries and Institutions. They also partner with all sectors in the Gambia to empower the youthful population to actively participate in Gambia’s economics and democratic development,” he said.