“It is healthy and quite democratic to disagree across political lines and ideologies, but we can never disagree on being Gambians,” Sheikh Omar Faye said. “The well being of The Gambia and its future generations must be the priority of all Gambians living today. We must build the foundation for a tomorrow today, since Gambia will always be there after we are long gone.”
Faye made this remark on Saturday while addressing members of the US-based West African Masquerade Society (WAMS) and Awo Hunting Society, a cultural group of Gambians and Sierra Leoneans. The event which took place in Atlanta marked the tenth year anniversary of the association, coinciding with the Gambia’s Golden Jubilee.
Faye said: “It is time to take stock as a nation and revisit the last 50 years. This celebration today, alongside our 50th Independence anniversary is both historic and significant in the sense that on February 18, 1965, we promised the world that our diversity and culture will be the bedrock of our growth as a country.
“For the past ten years, WAMS have been worthy cultural ambassadors of our country and today, I wish to register my appreciation and that of the embassy of The Gambia to you all for what you have done in the promotion of our culture. We could not have asked for more, and on behalf of The Government and people of The Gambia I say congratulations and keep the flag flying.”
WAMS was founded in November 2004 and is said to be the first hunting society outside the shores of The Gambia and Sierra Leone.
The Asheba General, Zack Ogoo, said: “We are at our best when we hold each other up. Without the support of the Gambian people in the US, WAMS would not have been the household name it is today. It was important that the country’s birthday was celebrated alongside our tenth year anniversary. The Gambia is our homeland and we are proud of it.”a
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