The president of the Republic, Professor Alhaji Dr Yahya Jammeh, has received a letter from Pope Benedict, the head of the Roman Catholic Church, congratulating him on the occasion of The Gambia's 44th Independence Anniversary.

The message of the Pop reads:
Your Excellency,
I am pleased to send cordial greetings to you and the people of The Gambia on the happy occasion of your Independence Day, and I pray the Almighty God will bless the efforts of all who dedicate themselves to spreading goodwill, justice and peace.
Bendictus PP.VX

Meanwhile, a number of other letters flooded into State House, conveying messages of appreciation for the president on his numerous development gains and the wonderful performance of the country's Under 17 team, the Baby Scorpions.
Below is a reproduction of the full text of the messages.
 
Dr Huja Gass Jaiteh-Njie
It is with great pleasure and profound sense of national pride that I have learnt about the dramatic success of our national junior Scorpions, the U-17 football team, in the recent Africa U-17 football championship held in Algeria, over the sister republic of Algeria.
The success of the Scorpions which generated so much excitement in the nation is a telling pointer to the encouragement and support you and your government have given to football in particular and sports in general.

I am sure with the requisite desire and determination, we the people of The Gambia shall build on this success and rise to higher heights in the sporting arena.   Viva-Scorpions! Viva-Gambian sports!

Please accept, Your Excellency, my deep respect and highest consideration.
Dr Huja Gass Jaiteh-Njie, Ambassador-as large and Consul General, Lusaka, Zambia

Letter of appreciation
It is with great honour, pride and pleasure that I write to you this letter of appreciation in recognition of your benevolent gesture towards my son, Makang Sidibe, during your recent trip to Paris, France.

Your Excellency, words cannot express how delighted and grateful I am for the good Samaritarian behaviour you accorded to a young man who is struggling abroad to become a responsible and patriotic citizen.

I was born in The Gambia and having lived in this country for over 50 years and having travelled to so many countries all over the globe across all the continents of the world, I have never seen nor heard of any political leader, or any leader for that matter, so generous, so kind-hearted and so caring for his people like Your Excellency. Although your trip to Paris was a personal visit, you took the extra mile to perform your humanitarian functions.

Myself and the entire Jammeh family of 27 Pignard Street in Banjul cannot find any more fitting words of gratitude but to let you know that we are all praying for you to have long life, good health, a long lasting and happy relationship with our wife, Madam Zainab Yahya Jammeh. We are also praying for your two children, our dear niece and nephew, Mariam Jammeh and Mohamed Jammeh respectively, for God to bless them with all the rewards of your good deeds.  

May Allah Subhanah wa taalla bless you with more children. Finally, Mr President and dear brother, we would like to reiterate and emphasise that you are a man of your words. You have demonstrated this by your positive actions, your commitment towards the empowerment and progressive development of the people of The Gambia as enshrined in Vision 2020 and the Silicon Valley initiatives.

It goes without saying that the women and youths of this country are dear to your heart. Your far-reaching benevolence to Gambian youths living outside The Gambia is a shining example of a good and progressive leader.

Once again, we thank you so sincerely for your kind gesture.  We are indeed proud of you!

Binta Jammeh-Sidibe, Banjul
Your Excellency,
I am writing this important letter to congratulate you on the great performance of the Baby Scorpions in Algeria. I was so happy that day, after the game.  Thank you for the love you have for football and keep it up.  

I'm a Ghanaian citizen residing in the great, peaceful and lovely country - The Gambia, for about two years now.  Since I arrived in this country, I've seen so many things you have been doing for the country and the people.  May the Almighty Allah shower his blessing on you and your entire family forever and ever.

You are really a God-fearing human being and you have a supernatural love for your country and the people. Try and keep up the kindness and love you have been showing. Once again, may the Almighty Allah guide you from  evil spirits and give you long life and prosperity. I am praying hard for you and your beautiful and lovely family, Mrs. Zeinab (first lady), Mariama and my good friend, little 'prophet' Muhammed, his name shall be praised.

I'm from a very good royal family in Ghana Eastern Region.  One day by the grace of Almighty Allah, I will meet you.
Thank you in advance.