Editor,

Please kindly allow me space in your Observer mail column to express my sincere gratitude and appreciations pertaining to the excellent achievements of His Excellency Sheikh Professor Alhaji Dr Yahya AJJ Jammeh and his Alliance for Patriotic Re-orientation and Construction (APRC).

It is indeed known to even a blind man that since the young energetic soldiers took over in 22nd July 1994, significant strides have been made in all sectors particularly health, education and agriculture; those being the focal points of the young energetic man. Within fifteen years, under the abled leadership of Prof essor Jammeh, the education sector has experienced tremendous improvements as it has been brought  to the doorstep of every Gambian and non-Gambian alike. The construction of more lower, upper basic and senior secondary schools has made teaching and learning easier as one does not need to travel several kilometres to school. It also discourages rural-urban migration.

The availability of a university as well as skill centres had been a dream of Gambians for many years.  Today the abled government has made every patriotic citizen proud. As the number one target of the APRC government, significant efforts have been also made in the area of health. Within 15  years, many   hospitals have been built almost all over the country. Some of the major ones are the Bwiam hospital, named Sulayman Junkung Jammeh Hospital; the Serekunda hospital and Farafenni AFPRC Hospital.

The then Royal Victoria Hospital is now a teaching hospital. All these hospitals are well-equipped with high standard electronic devices and experienced doctors. It should also be clear to everyone that Professor Jammeh is not only a doctor by tittle, but he has the potential and know-how to treat and cure complicated diseases such as HIV/Aids, and has treated some barren women, who by the power of Allah the Almighty have been blessed with babies. Yet some negative fellows do not believe or failed to admit the fact.

These should not be a surprise to anyone, since some human beings deliberately reject the existence of the Almighty God, the Most High, and Creator of the universe. Let us take a closer look at the area of agriculture. Within this short period, the country has experienced great improvements. The high cost of food stuff, which is a global problem, has now become a thing of the past thanks to the good friends of The Gambia such as the Republic of Taiwan. Your good gestures are well appreciated.

Today the high cost of the staple food in The Gambia, which is rice, has declined. This is through the efforts of Professor  Jammeh and the true friends of The Gambia. The introduction of different varieties of rice has motivated Gambian farmers to venture into rice cultivation. The availability of tractors for farmers means a lot. If you take a closer look at the fishing industry, the government has also implemented projects in order to encourage Gambian youths to go into fishing by providing ice plants as well as fishing equipment  including boats.

In the area of works, construction and infrastructure, the country now has its own television station and high standard roads as well as classic airport buildings. We have also seen bridges being built across rivers. Tourism and culture are two dynamic industries which require constant adjustment and fine turning to keep abreast with changes in perceptions and tastes of consumers. Consequently, the government through the Ministry of Tourism and Culture has ensured the safety of tourists on holidays in the country.

Another significant stride has been made in the area of gender mainstreaming and increasing the involvement of women in the socio-economic development process. The establishment of a cabinet committee on gender to proffer advice at high level has been done with a view to enhancing the advancement of Gambian women and to influence decisions concerning women. This is indeed a clear manifestation that women are not left behind. All these are done via the able leadership of President Jammeh, so may God guide and inspire him to carry on.