Welcome to The Gambia!

The Gambia is small in size but big in action. Just about two years ago, we had the honour and privilege of playing host to the whole of the African continent. Before then, we had also successfully hosted the CAF Under-17 Tournament. In 2005. It was in that tournament that The Gambia established itself as an emerging football powerhouse on the continent, because after emerging as the African champions, The Gambia went on to give a good account of themselves at the Under- 20 World Cup Tournament in Peru.

We are therefore not surprised that that Gambia has been chosen to host the 2008 Commonwealth Games Federation General Assembly. The Gambia subscribes to the ideals and values of the Commonwealth of Nations – unity in diversity – being the underlying value of the august body.

It is an indication of the importance the government and people of The Gambia attach to the CGF General Assembly that the President of the Republic Dr Alhaji Yahya AJJ Jammeh decided to grace the occasion with his presence.

The decisions and resolutions that will be taken at the Banjul meeting will enable the organisers of the Commonwealth Games to plan successfully for the Games in India. So far, the deliberations have been progressing well – and ended yesterday.

It is so because we a friendly and hospitable people who live in a peaceful country. As the delegates enjoy our famed hospitality and cordiality, they will be better able to take meaningful decisions without being distracted in any way.

Importantly, the CGF General Assembly offers The Gambia yet another opportunity to showcase its numerous attractive sights to the rest of the world, because there are delegates from 71 Commonwealth Games associations. In a way, it helps to foster other economic activities that are geared towards the development of The Gambia.

Meanwhile GNOC should be commended for successfully hosting the meeting, the second to be held in Africa.