Cherno Barra Touray, the Gambian ambassador to Guinea Bissau, has congratulated President Alhaji Dr Yahya Jammeh, ahead of the 14th anniversary of the July 22 Revolution, which would be celebrated next week Tuesday.

In a message sent to the president, Ambassador Touray also extended best wishes on behalf of the staff at the Gambia Embassy and the entire Gambian community in Guinea-Bissau.

"The date 22nd July, 1994, is significant in our historical calendar for the reason that it is the end and the beginning of the first and second republic of The Gambia respectively, and marked in earnest the beginning of The Gambia's unprecedented, accelerated socio-economic development. The Gambia's electoral system is free, fair and transparent.

Therefore, it's unique and is a model on the continent of Africa. It is the foundation stone of The Gambia's political stability and good governance that blessed The Gambia with continuous peace, security and development," the ambassador stated.

He then added: "Your Excellency, all these achievements resulted from your great leadership of commitment and determination to work sincerely for the interest, well-being and progress of The Gambia and her people. The love you have for this country and its people has [been] manifested under your exceptional leadership and this type of leadership [are] like Eagles; they don't flock [together] but [are] found one at a time. Therefore, you deserve to be called the eagle of the sub-region. Gambians are aware and appreciate your concern for their plight."

"Your Excellency, you are nationally and internationally vindicated for your past continuous calls and advices [for us] to go back to the land to feed ourselves. It is now a reality that the era of cheap food, crops, grants, etc is gone and may not likely come again. No wonder, Your Excellency, agriculture has ever been one of your main priority areas for development."

Ambassador Touray then thanked the ruling APRC Party and the government for achievements recorded by The Gambia in the past 14 years. He also prayed for "long life, good health in order to enable you to accomplish your aspiration and vision for The Gambia. Finally may Allah the Almighty continue to bless you and your family (Amen)".