The 2009 Miss Black USA Talented Teen, Jasmine Alexis, who is currently in the country on a visit, has joined other prominent American celebrities in acknowledging and commending the achievements registered by President Jammeh since he took over the mantle of leadership in the country 16 years ago.

The 19-year-old Alexis,  who is accompanied to the country by her mother, Jennifer Wright, was speaking Monday evening at State House in Banjul during an interview with reporters shortly after having audience with the Gambian leader. "His Excellency, the president is wonderful and has made so many changes over the past 16 years. He has done so many wonderful things and I definitely commend him," she told reporters, while describing President Jammeh as a credible leader.

The 2009 Miss Black USA Talented Teen, who resides in Washington D C, also shared with the newsmen the activities she is involved in, among them an art therapy programme for young women who have experienced trafficking, violence, abuse and so on. Concerning what she would like to do for the country, Jasmine Alexis said: "His Excellency and I specifically spoke about our different initiatives that I wanted to do - how I can help the Gambian people and how to promote the country abroad," she disclosed to reporters, while reiterating her interest in marketing the country abroad to boost tourism.

She also stated that she has always been interested in education, and underscored its importance especially among young people, as well as its role in empowering and helping young women and men as to get self-esteem. For her part, Jennifer Wright, Alexis's mother, described the Gambia visit as wonderful and also commended President Jammeh for  extending his hospitality to them. "Every person, every place we have gone to has been very gracious," she stated, describing Gambians as the most loving and friendly people that she ever met. Also talking to reporters, Mbacke Dioum, a Senegalese based in the US , who facilitated Jasmine's Gambia trip, and was also instrumental in the recent visits to the country by top American celebrities, hailed President Jammeh's leadership qualities and openness.

He revealed that the president's achievements and the way he is developing the country has attracted attention in America, revealing that many Hollywood stars want to come to The Gambia. Mbacke, who has been playing a great role in the reconnection process between Africans and Africa-Americans, commended President Jammeh and acknowledged the fact that he has massively transformed this country development wise.

He expressed his resolve to showcase President Jammeh's achievements to the world, reiterating that the president loves the country and his people. While wishing President Jammeh the best in his governance endeavours, Mbacke assured that more good things will be coming in the future. He stressed the importance of bridging the gap between Africans and African-Americans, and assured that he will continue to nurture the initiative.