Yesterday, 18th February 2009, marked the 44th anniversary of our nationhood, since the Gambia gained indepedence from Britain.

In commemoration of this significant day, thousands of Gambians in Banjul, Kanifing Municipalilty and Western Region, converged in their respective regions to celebrate the day. The mayors of Banjul and Kanifing Municipality as well as the governor of Western Region presided over the occasions in their regions and delivered speeches on behalf of the Gambian leader, Professor Alhaji Dr Yahya AJJ Jammeh.

The occasions, all of which were graced by senior government officials, service chiefs, National Assembly members, and the diplomatic and consular community also saw various displays of Gambian cultural traditions and march pass by students from across the three regions, from the University of The Gambia down to nursery schools.

Our reporters on the ground described briefly the situations in all the occasions.

Banjul
by Assan Sallah

In Banjul, celebrations began with an inspection of the guard of honour by the Lord Mayor of the city, Samba Faal, followed by march pass by the various units of the security, school children and voluntary organisations.

After the march pass, Mayor Samba Faal read the independence message, on behalf of the Gambian leader, Professor Alhaji Dr Yahya Jammeh. Soon after the independence statement was delivered, the 'Sunu Rew', song,  the AU anthem and the national anthem were sang. This was followed by cultural performances by the different groups.

The independence celebration was graced by the Speaker of the National Assembly, Hon Fatoumata Jahumpa-Ceesay, Chief Justice Abdou Katim Savage, secretaries of state, security chiefs, religious leaders, National Assembly members, diplomats, senior government officials and a cross section of the Gambian society.

KMC
by Bekai Njie

In the Kanifing Municipal Council, the Lord Mayor, Yankuba Colley, delivered the  independence speech on behalf of His Excellency President Jammeh.

The occasion was graced by  secretaries of state, National Assembly members, service chiefs, religious leaders, members of the security forces, school children, the boys scout, voluntary organisations, among others.

As part of celebrations,  the secretary of state for Local Government and Lands, Hon Ismaila Sambou, accompanied by  Mayor Yankuba Colley,  laid thefoundation stone for the construction of a new market at Abuko. The delegation also proceeded to Tallinding and Kanifing South. There, secretary of state for Youths and Sports, Sheriff Gomez and Honourable Fabakary Tombong Jatta, Majority leader and National Assembly member for Serrekunda East, laid the foundation stone of the Talinding and Kanifing  markets respectively.

W/Region
by Amadou Jallow

The Western Region celebration also commenced with a march pass led by The Gambia Police Band. It was held at the Canaan Mini Stadium in Brikama.

The Western Region governor, Lamin Sanneh, inspected the Guard of Honor,  followed by a march pass by students, government departments and private sector as well as security forces. The ceremony was also characterised by cultural performances by various cultural groups as well as APRC party militants and supporters.

Governor Sanneh delivered the independence message on behalf of the Gambian leader, Professor Alhaji Dr Yahya Jammeh. The celebration was graced by  secretaries of state, the chairman of the Brikama Area Council,  mayor of Grand Yoff, Mamour Jobe, deputy speaker of the National Assembly, National Assembly members, and chiefs in Western Region.