By Abdoulie John
President Adama Barrow has lauded the Royal Couple for making Gambia as the first stop in their West African tour, saying it is illustrative of Prince Charles determination to be on Gambia’s side as the country is emerging from the shadows of two-decade long dictatorship.
The Gambian leader made this remark in a statement he delivered at an official welcome ceremony he offered Thursday in honour of the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall. Held at McCarthy Square in Banjul, the colourful ceremony was witnessed by hundreds of students wearing their school dress who stormed the venue.
Prince Charles and Camilla ended Friday a tree-day visit to the tiny West African nation. It was their first visit since Gambia returned back into the 53-member organisation, mainly comprised of former British colonies.“As a new government, we look forward to a meaningful engagement with the Commonwealth and structures to implement our development program,” remarked President Barrow
Turning his back to the politics of isolation initiated by the former regime, Barrow expressed his gov’t readiness to forster international cooperation to develop the country.In his speech, the Prince of Wales reiterated the commitment of the United Kingdom and other members of the Commonwealth to accompany Gambia to overcome the challenges that are lying ahead.
“We are both friends and partners,” he said in an attempt to highlight the type of relationship that unites the two countries.
He said he was delighted to welcome Gambia back into the Commonwealth during the Heads of Govt meeting held in April on British soil.
Prince Charles added that both countries can now work together to promote democracy and the rule of law
The British Embassy in Banjul described the visit as a “celebration” of The Gambia’s re-entry into the Commonwealth in February this year.
The Prince Charles expressed his willingness to work with Gambian authorities to address some of the “pressing challenges” our world is confronted with such as Climate Change, the continued depletion of natural resources, youth unemployment and rapid urbanisation.
During his tree-day, the Royal Couple visited MRC Unit The Gambia (at London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine), Saint Therese High School, the Gambian Armed Forces Training Centre.
The Prince of Wales and wife were seen off by President Adama Barrow in Banjul International Airport as they were heading towards Accra, Ghana.
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