One of the largely untold stories about the Gambia's independence celebrations in February 1965, is the sheer amount of goodwill which dropped in from all parts of the world wishing the newly independent country a smooth and peaceful transition into statehood.

Aside the delegates representing thirty countries from all parts of the world, including, and perhaps most prominently, Menem Williams, the inimitable American Under Secretary of State for African Affairs, who were in Bathurst to attend the celebrations, countries, international organizations, personalities, local firms and individuals also gave gifts to the new nation.

These varied from handsome cash gifts from Nigeria to tokens such as sets of cutlery; however, it was clear that almost each and every country in the world at the time had at least given The Gambia some symbol of good wishes for the long journey ahead into nationhood.