86 personnel from the Defence Headquarters Camp and the 1st Infantry Batallion of The Gambia Armed Forces were yesterday decorated with their new ranks of promotion at a ceremony presided over by the Deputy Chief of Defence Staff Colonel Massanneh Kinteh at the Yundum Barracks.

Speaking at the ceremony, Colonel Kinteh said the promotion was based on merit as they believe in rewarding people who have demonstrated loyalty and dedication to service.

He reminded the promoted officers of the challenges that goes with their new ranks and implored them to continue the good work that earned them the promotion. "These promotions are no mean an accident but meritorious. Keep up the good work and be dedicated to service."

Colonel Kinteh then heaped praises on President Jammeh who is also the Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces for lifting the status of the army since he assumed leadership of The Gambia in 1994.

"Those who were in the army before 1994 and after 1994 have seen the difference" he said.

For his part, Lt Colonel Sainey Bayo of the 1st Infantry Batallion said promotion within the Armed Forces is an annual event geared towards boosting morals of dedicated and loyal members.

He challenged them to always bear in mind that they should be loyal to the state and leadership as enshrined in the constitution of The Gambia and other laws related to the Armed Forces.

Present at the ceremony were the Chief of Army Staff Lt Col. Yankuba Drammeh, Lt Colonel Lamin Bojang of the Guards Batallion, families and friends of the promoted officers amongst others.