The National Centre for Arts Culture (NCAC) in collaboration with the Gambia National Commission for UNESCO, organised a three-day seminar in a bid to update the 1988 National Cultural Policy, held at the Baobab Holiday  Resort in Bijilo from  December 13-15th 2007, and sponsored by The Islamic Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (ISESCO) through the Gambia National Commission for UNESCO.

The seminar, which was chaired by Marcel Thomasi, former director of press at State House, brought together stakeholders in the promotion, development and preservation of arts and culture in the Gambia, Africa and the world at large. The three-day  forum  aims, among other things, to identify, mobilise and consolidate intellectual and policy  linkages, integration of culture as a tool for development in the Gambia, etc.

Papers were presented on different topical issues such as the need to bring culture into the foundation of development in the Gambia, creative and performing arts, partnerships, cross-sectoral linkages, material cultural heritage, conservation, interpretation and development among others. At the end of the seminar, a draft recommendation was made, which is to be followed by a policy document on national cultural policy to be submitted to the Gambia Government for approval.

In her address, Angella Colley, secretary of state for Tourism and Culture,  said culture must be seen as an integral part of the Gambia's development agenda.

"Our cultural norms and values, our traditions, customs and rites, our folktales, riddles and others, must be preserved, harnessed and developed for posterity. There is a need to continue indepth research into  various aspects of  our culture so that they can be documented for posterity. We must install the spirit of cultural pride in our children," she said.

SoS Colley described the seminar as timely. She expressed gratitude to the ISESCO through NATCOM  for sponsoring the seminar and the National Centre for Arts and Culture (NCAC) for initiating the idea of updating national cultural policy.

Speaking earlier, Momodou Joof, director general (DG), NCAC, emphasised the need for integration of culture in the development efforts of the country. He noted that culture is something that tells us who we are, where we come from and where we want to go.

According tto him, from March 9 to April 3, 2007, a series of consultative meetings were held at regional and municipal level on updating of the national cultural policy.

Sukai Bojang, Secretary General, NATCOM spoke at length on the role played by ISESCO in terms of promotion, development and preservation of cultural norms and values. She also thanked NCAC for what she called a wonderful step, which comes at the right time.