President Jammeh has supported the work of renowned Gambian musician, Mbye Gaye, with D243,250, after Mr Mbye had written to His Excellency asking for support to develop his music further by producing records.

The presentation of the sum to Mr Gaye took place in the Secretary General's office at State House. The SG was accompanied by the SoS for Communication and Information Technology, Mrs Neneh Mcdouall-Gaye.

"His Excellency, the president, has always supported the development of indigenous Gambian culture and music," said the SG, adding "His Excellency has readily provided what you asked for. Your music is appreciated far and wide and I am one of your fans. President Jammeh wishes you all the best in your endeavors and only state business prevents him from being here to hand this money over to you in person".

SoS Gaye remarked that "when GRTS was established in 1996, most music was foreign. Then Gambian musicians were encouraged and they have come forward and answered the President's call to support our indigenous culture and music.

The President is well aware that music is a medium of entertainment and education. Mbye Gaye, I want to recognize you for what you have done for music in this country. Your songs on President Jammeh's leadership and development efforts have become a hit and we all applaud your commitment to development in this country".

Speaking in Wolof, Mr. Mbye thanked the President for the good gesture. He prayed for the President and his family to have long healthy lives. Quoting a Wolof proverb, he said "The elephant does not pray to be bigger for he is already big, but he prays for longer life.

May Allah bless our great President with long life," he said. Mr Mbye's brother and manager, Mr. Saine, was one of the first people to undergo the President's diabetic treatment and he too thanked the President saying "The President did not just give me the treatment, he also gave me money to live on for a month".

The Daily Observer (Banjul)
16 January 2008