Dr Patrick Chang, the Taiwanese Ambassador to The Gambia, on Tuesday presented D140,000 cash to the bereaved families and injured victims of the tragic Serrekundanding truck accident. Ten APRC supporters lost their lives in the accident during the campaign period of January 24 local government elections.

The money was presented at a ceremony held at the Western Region Governor's Office in Brikama, where families of the deceased, the injured gathered to benefit from the Taiwanese magnanimity. Sympathisers and well-wishers of the APRC party also attended the presentation.

Each of the bereaved families was given D10,000 and those who sustained serious injuries each received D5,000, while those who sustained minor injuries received D500 each.

Speaking at the ceremony, Ambassador Chang paid homage to the deceased, expressing condolence to the families on the tragic demise of the departed souls. on behalf of the government and the people of Taiwan. He prayed for the speedy recovery of those hospitalised. He assured that his country shall always stand by The Gambia in moments of joy and sorrow.

The gesture, Ambassador Chang said, was executed by his government after he informed them about the fatal accident.

"After I heard the announcement of the accident broadcasted on GRTS, I promptly wrote to my government in Taiwan to see how best we can show our condolence," Dr Chang explained.

He assured the affected families of his government's highest consideration for the Gambian people, and commended Governor Abdou FM Badjie, the JFP and the Brikama Area Council, for their efforts in facilitating the presentation ceremony.

Abdou Badjie, governor of the Western Region, acknowledged the support of the Taiwanese government, noting that Taiwan "is The Gambia's true friend who always shares moments of joy and sorrow" with her.

He further assured Taiwan and its embassy in Banjul of his region's cooperation. "Once you are around us, even though such a bereavement is hard to forget, we take it in good faith and will always remember you as part of our family," Governor Badjie said.

Hon. Paul Mendy, NAM for Kombo South, who chaired the ceremony, said a friend who shares joy and sorrow with a friend deserves praises and emulation.

Bai Matarr Drammeh, president of the Gambia Chamber of Commerce and Industry who is also a board member of Jammeh Foundation for Peace (JFP), and Ousman Jammeh, chief executive officer of JFP, also spoke at the ceremony.

Other speakers at the ceremony included the CEO of the Brikama Area Council, Momodou Jallow, and the Imam of Serrekundanding. Momodou Ceesay, councillor for Kembujehka Ward, delivered a vote of thanks.