Sky Gallegos, the deputy chief executive officer (CEO) of Intergovernmental Affairs for the Democratic National Convention, yesterday, held the first of her series of public lectures in The Gambia.  Ms Gallegos arrived in the country on Monday, and, according to officials at the US Embassy in Banjul, her visit was aimed at exposing Gambians to the democratic proceses in the US.

Yesterday's lecture was held at the Kairaba Beach Hotel, in Kololi. The US official described the lecture as "very encouraging and interactive", considering the huge turnout, and the questions asked during the session. "I am really impressed with the turnout," she told this reporter, adding that she was even more impressed  with people in both the morning and afternoon sessions. Mr Sam Dubois, an elderly man from Bakau, as part of his contributions, advised Americans, through Madam Gallegos, not to take chance in losing Barack Obama. "If America loses Obama it will be too painful for both Americans and Africans," he said.

The public lecture was attended by senior officials from both government and the private sector and the press.

Ms Gallegos is set to embark on her third lecture at the University of The Gambia today, Wednesday, 15th October, commencing from 10am to 12pm, before going to the Gambia College in Brikama, where she will be engaging college students from 2pm to 4pm, on the same day.

The general public is being urged to take part in the discussions of this historic US presidential election.