As has become a tradition, Gambians in Seattle and their Children celebrated the Nation’s 45^th Independence Anniversary this time with new innovation and style. The event which was highly publicized in the community was organized by the Seattle Gambia Association.

The annual celebration is geared to enact the traditional independence celebration of the Republic of the Gambia replicating the format used to mark the event in Banjul where respected members of the government, high profile diplomats and local traditional elders surround the President and the first lady of the Republic to mark the nation’s attainment of independence from British colonial rule.

The Children who are always so excited to participate in this event to represent government ministers were in high gear two weeks leading to the event. As traditionally done in Banjul parents get excited and encourage their kids to participate in the event at the Independence station in Bakau.  The children in Seattle also become so excited that parents can be seen running to stores shopping for the kids to who wants to wear beautiful clothes ranging from traditional African Kaftans to expensive Western Style suits.  It is an event kids in Seattle cannot afford to miss as they will hear from their friends if they miss the event.

The children were lined up and called upon one by one to take their seats as respected members of the cabinet and other government representatives. It is a moment of joy to see these young children matching and waving the crowd with huge smiles while their nostalgic parents joined by friends and families stood to cheer Honorable… Honorable… to welcome the jubilant kids.

This time the President of the Republic of the Gambia was Sheik Professor Alhagie Dr. Mattar Sain and the Vice President was Dr. Ramou Jallow. After all the ministers and high dignitaries were seated, the President then entered the hall and walks around to shake hands with members of his cabinet. After singing the national anthem with the aid of recording, both the Vice President and the President then gave their well prepared speeches.

Below is the full speech of the Vice President Dr. Ramou Jallow:

Good Afternoon Everyone; It is a great pleasure to be here.  Today we are gathered here not just to enjoy, but to celebrate something special to all of us. But first, I would like to thank his Excellency the President of the Republic of the Gambia, the Speaker of the House, and members of Parliament.

So today is the 45^th anniversary of our independence from the United Kingdom in 1965. This was a very momentous day. Most people, when it’s an event like this, they just go to all the party’s but never actually get a chance to appreciate the meaning of this day. This is somewhat wrong. We should all on this day learn and study about our country’s history and its past. So everyone here today should at least go home knowing a thing or two about this day.

Now moving on to the next dilemma, Education! Let me tell you some facts about this. Education is the key! Education is the key! For me when my dad says that, I totally space out… they stress so much about education I can’t take it anymore. But every single time, they are telling me the truth. This is one of the best places to get a good education and not let it slip away. Every single being that ever walked the face of the earth has a talent. With talent come great potentials. Education is the key! Once again, thank you all for coming and celebrating this day with us!!!

The President Dr. Mattar Sain’s Speech to the Crowd!

Madam Vice President, Madam Speaker, Cabinet Members and members of the diplomatic co. Today’s date marks a great day in the history of the Gambia. We are all gathered here today to celebrate the 45^th Independence of our beloved country the Gambia.

Fellow Gambians, I want to use this occasion as an opportunity to give you some advice. As we all know that education is a key to Major success, I am urging all of you to work hard in School. Respect and listen to our elders especially our parents.

I thank you all for your kind attention. I want to thank my Vice President, Ministers and members of Parliament for taking this country forward. I also want to thank the Seattle Gambia Association for making this event a success. I want to thank my mom for being there for me and my brother. I want to thank you all for gathering her.

May God Bless the Gambia.

Both the President and the Vice President received a rousing applause from the crowd.  The kids were entertained with traditional Gambian Music and some refreshments with Pizza. That for sure made it all worth attending for them.   

The second component of the celebration of the day was the new and innovative night event put together by a stirring committee headed by Yandeh Harding Social Secretary of the Seattle Gambia Association. This five man committee was incredibly creative in putting together this event. To be honest for a moment it felt like we were in Hollywood attending one of the famous Grammy Awards. The hall was decorated with Holly style Red Carpets and several VIPs were invited as chief Patrons including this reporter.  The warm welcome and special escorts by beautifully dressed ladies of the organizing committee was second to none. Special seats were reserved for patrons and they were treated with beverages and other refreshments all with class and high level attention throughout the night.

The dance hall was full to capacity and a large section of the crowd was made of young boys and girls in Seattle all dressed to impressed. The night was entertained by D.J Pa boy Conateh and his high profile famous Jamaican Reggae D.Js from famous reggae clubs in Seattle. The music mixed with traditional African mbalax and Reggae Jams rocked the dance hall all night. The superstar D.Js interjected time and again to wish the mainly Gambian crowd a Happy Independence Anniversary.

As if there weren’t enough surprises of creativity and innovation, the crowd was surprised by an introduction of a well decorated birthday cake to celebrate the 45^th anniversary of the Gambia. The Chief Guest of honor of the night Mr. Bakemo Conteh and Madam Awa Conteh were invited to cut the cake. This moment was once again marked by singing the national anthem involving the entire crowd.

Seattle Gambia Association especially the organizing committee needs to be commended for putting together one of the best celebrations the Gambian community has ever witnessed in the history of the Gambian community in the greater Seattle Metro area. This group of dedicated members went out of their way to make sure that this event remains a memorable one.

It is an understatement to say that the crowd was very impressed with the organization and for several days the event was the talk of town.  Those who did not attend this celebration surely missed out and some could be heard expressing their regret for not attending. If one thing stood out from this event, it is the simple fact that Seattle Gambia Association has made a lasting impact in the community and has regained the trust and confidence of the people all under the leadership of Mr. Saidy Ceesay President of the Seattle Gambia Association who thanks his dedicated executive and the community for their support.