The President of the Republic of The Gambia has frowned against illegal migration saying the risk of boarding boats to cross the rough waters of the Atlantic for life abroad is most unnecessary.
His Excellency Adama Barrow who delivered his keynote address at the commemoration encouraged everyone to do like the Westerners settlers on the Island of Janjanbureh 200 years ago, and stay in their homeland and exploit the numerous opportunities available to build better homes, uplift lives, and support their families.
The Gambia President addressing the gathered audience who had descended on the beautiful Island said his government is aware of the role that heritage and culture can play in job creation and the economic well-being of youth.
“This partly explains our commitment to the Festival, and it will not end here. We will build upon the lessons and success stories of the Bicentenary and further promote the heritage and artistic sectors for the gainful employment of the youth.”
Through support from UNESCO, he stated, the Ministry of Tourism and Culture has developed regulations for The National Endowment For Arts and Culture. The instrument will attract funding, through grants, for artistic and cultural projects.
More so, the Island of Janjanbureh will also continue to receive the attention of The Gambia Tourism Board so that all the interesting heritage sites and cultural products will be fully upgraded and valorized to generate jobs through heritage tourism, foster national unity, and project a positive image of the people, he added.
Meanwhile, the President expressed that the moment allowed him an opportunity to convey gratitude to all the committed people who worked to make the festival a success.
By Yunus S Saliu. Thevoice
