By Amadou M Jadama
At least 24 imams in Brikama recently received bags of sugar each from a US-based Brikama Association New York Inc.
Organised at the Brikama Central Mosque, the donation came to support the imams and their families as the Holy Month of Ramadan intensifies.
Presenting the items, Ebrima Cham who was representing the non-profit organisation explained how it came into being in 2015 and registered in the State of New York.
Mr Cham said the goal is to support the people of Brikama and its development efforts in education, health, sports and religion.
“Brikama Association NY is here to stand with the people of Brikama and at all times render valuable support needed to ease daily life challenges for all in the town,” he said.
Cham reminded the gathering that this was not the first time the US-based association came to the support of the communities of Brikama.
He said: “In November 2017, following that heavy down pour which destroyed many homes, properties and food stuff, we bought significant bags of rice and was distributed among the victims through the National Disaster Management Agency Brikama branch.”
Bakary K Sanyang, the Governor of West Coast Region, harped on the importance of imams and generosity in Islam, especially in the Holy Month of Ramadan.
Governor Sanyang praised the organisation for realising “that there are people in our community who are still living in acute hardship and cannot even provide a spoonful of sugar to put in their tea.
“Ramadan is an honorable and blessed month, and the best charity is that which is given in Ramadan.”
Governor Sanyang thanked the “entire executive” members of the association for the donation.
Kombo Central Chief, Jammeh K K Bojang, also spoke at the event and called on other NGO bodies to emulate Brikama Association of New York Inc.
The imam Ratib of Brikama Alhagie Sankung Touray said: “We didn’t ask for anything from them. They did this out of their own wish. We are very happy for the donation.”
He told his fellow beneficiaries to pray for the continuous success and wellbeing of the donors and the association.
