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Gambia News : Gambian capital marks 10th anniversary of a cultural festival

The ceremony followed a march past punctuated with drumming and cultural manifestations from the entrance at the Arch 22 in the entrance of Banjul round the city of Banjul to the venue for the opening ceremony.

The event, which was attended by diplomats, cabinet ministers, leading citizens of Banjul and members of the commercial and cultural establishments, was formally opened by the Minister of Tourism and Culture Mrs. Nancy Njie.

In her speech, she outlined the history of the event and dilated on its objectives and achievements to date. Noting that the inhabitants of Banjul are well known for their peaceful disposition and tranquillity arising from their harmonious co-existence as one large family of the city’s diverse cultures. She also underscored the fact that the Banjul Demba Cultural Festival was a credible driving force that contributes to the peace and unity in diversity of the city.

Minister Njie added that the cultural group was a shining example of an organisation that has embraced the call for Gambians to love their culture and promote it as stated in the country’s national cultural policy. She said it is this love of culture and respect for one’s traditions and customs which motivated the government to institute the International Roots Festival and the Kanilai International Festival (Kanilai is the birth village of President Yahya Jammeh).

She added “we must nurture, promote and develop our cultural values in order to preserve our cultural identity for now and for posterity.” She also stressed that culture was the bedrock on which lie the people’s development aspirations and goals. "It is the grease that turns the wheels of development," she said.

Among several other speakers at the occasion, which lasted until late at night and continuing for the rest of the week with a variety of cultural activities and manifestations, was the organisations secretary general, Emmanuel Williams.

Williams recounted the history of the organisation and gave a run down of the many scholarships and financial assistance they have given to primary and high school students to enable them to pursue their educational goals.