The Banjul Demba Festival’s 13th edition was officially opened on Saturday at the Laico Atlantic Hotel in Banjul. The 13th edition of the cultural festival was presided over by the deputy permanent secretary (DPS) of the Ministry of Tourism and Culture, Modou Joof, on behalf of the Tourism minister, Aja Fatou Mass Jobe-Njie. The week-long festival in the City of Lights is organised by Banjul Demba Cultural Organisation in collaboration with the National Centre for Arts and Culture (NCAC) with the support of the Gambia Tourism Board (GTB).

In his opening remarks, DPS Joof, who is also the chief adviser to the Banjul Demba Organisation, welcomed all the participants to the festival on behalf of the Tourism ministry and congratulated the Banjul Demba Cultural Organisation on organising such a remarkable annual festival.   “For the continuity and popularity of the festival for the last 13 years, the Banjul Demba Cultural Organisation has unquestionably and prominently carved a niche for itself in the annual calendar of the cultural activities of the city of Banjul,” he remarked.

In terms of reviving our culture and heritage, DPS Joof said, the organisation’s contribution to the revival of culture in Banjul, which encompasses the diversity and pluralism of the city’s populace, has been resolute and profound. In addition to his words of encouragement and advice, he also showed appreciation of his ministry on behalf of the organisers to all the numerous sponsors and congratulated them on being part of the festival. He however assured the organisers of the continued cooperation and support of the Ministry of Tourism and Culture.

The director general of GTB, Fatou Beyai-Raji, who was represented by Ousman Kebbeh, said in a statement that based on ‘promoting culture through tourism’ the promotion of tourism through culture is considered as a resource that could greatly enhance our product innovations and diversification efforts, as outlined in the country’s Vision 2020 blueprint. “The Gambia is unique as a destination of peace, with a rich cultural diversity of beautiful and friendly people,” she stated.

According to her, promoting our unique cultural attractions to tourists will not only improve the general tourism sector but would also benefit the rural communities who are the custodians of our culture and thus will ultimately contribute to the overall development of the country. She informed that GTB in its mandate to promote, develop and regulate the tourism industry has been and continues to engage other stakeholders like Banjul Demba Cultural Organisation and the National Council for Arts and Culture, to promote tourism and culture. “It is envisaged that promoting culture through tourism will not only add value to The Gambia’s tourism product, but would enhance the preservation of local culture; thus making The Gambia a better place to live in and a better place to visit,” he said.

Matty Jobe who presented a paper on behalf of Alhagie Baba Ceesay, director general of NCAC said since its inception, the Banjul Demba Cultural Organisation has not only been a stakeholder but also an indispensable partner of the NCAC in its drive to enhance peace and unity through the strengthening of cultural awareness particularly in Banjul. He noted that the contribution of festival in promoting cultural diversity and intercultural dialogue among the diverse people of the Gambia is seen as a vehicle engendering mutual respect, peace and tolerance in our communities.

The opening of the festival was marked by various activities, among them are carnival parade around the whole of Banjul, cultural manifestation from different cultural groups; like Sere Sangama, Fula acrobatic, Banjul Demba, Kabekel Cultural groups, among others. Also, an amount of D40, 000.00 was distributed to 40 selected students for educational purposes.

Abdullahi Sohna, who spoke on behalf of director general of Banjul Breweries, one of the sponsors of this festival, advised students to learn more about culture.