The Foni village of Dassilameh, Western Region, yesterday, benefitted from a relief assistance from the Taiwanese Embassy in Banjul, following a heavy windstorm that also battered houses in neighbouring Jiramban Village, leaving many displaced and properties damaged.

Richard Shih, the new Taiwanese ambassador to The Gambia, who recently assumed office, presented a cheque for D24,000 for the victims. Alkalo Buya Touray, who received the cheque on behalf of the village, at a presentation ceremony held at the Taiwanese Embassy yesterday, said eight houses were destroyed and at least 220 villagers were affected in Dassilameh.

The gesture came after the embassy learned about the incident in the reports published in Daily Observer, prompting the Taiwanese plenipotentiary to send three of his staff on a fact-finding visit to the village, to assess the extent of the ruins left by the windstorm.

Presenting the cheque, Ambassador Shih expressed sympathy with the damage caused by the storm. "We are really sympathetic with incident. We have tried to get some money from our coffer to help our brothers and sisters in The Gambia," said Ambassador, expressing hope that the assistance helps to restore conditions of the people affected.

In an acknowledgement letter thanking the embassy for its benevolence, Alkalo Touray expressed appreciation for the assistance and assured that the sum would be put into good use. The Alkalo was accompanied to the embassy by his deputy Jai Hydara and Seedy Hydara, the deputy Imam of the village.