9TH INTERNATIONAL ROOTS FESTIVAL 2008

The Department of State for Tourism and Culture invites all people of African descent and all persons committed to the well being of Africans and the development of Africa, to come home to The Gambia and participate in The 8thInternational Roots Festival 2008 which is both a historical, cultural and educational event.
For over 400 years our people have been separated by the results of the African Holocaust (Trans - Atlantic Slave Trade) and the legacy of colonisation has kept us at odds with our true history, identity, cultural traditions while preventing unity and growth amongst African People and the African Continent.

Roots 2008 commemorates the enforced enslavement and transportation of millions of Africans to the Americas and the Caribbean Islands. Africans and friends of Africa from the Diaspora are presented with a unique opportunity to attend and participate in The International Roots Festival 2008 Come home and experience the African Continent. Confront a physical past and glimpse the horizon of a brighter future. Come home, rediscover and reaffirm your African heritage, be at one with your people and your ancestral family.
Visit places of Historical, Cultural and Educational interest such as Juffureh (The Late Alex Haley’s Ancestral home), Fort James Island, Georgetown (now Janjanbureh). Establish cultural ties. Attend International Musical Concerts, Cultural Jamborees, Visit a traditional African Batik Factory, Craft Markets, experience traditional African cuisine, Hairstyles, Fashions and Jewellery; Witness Traditional events.

Introduction: To The Roots Secretariat 2008.

The Roots Secretariat was founded and established to facilitate, integrate and to culturally enrich Gambian nationals and Pan African people who travel from the Diaspora, to The Gambia exclusively, to reaffirm and reconnect with their Roots respectively. The Roots Secretariat caters for Africans in the Diaspora and friends of Africa, delivering information and useful insights on the festival in particular, and the Gambia at large.
“The Roots” programmes are designed to further enlighten people culturally. The historical significance The Gambia bears, and the rich ethnical cultures which prevail in The Gambia will be introduced to “pilgrims” as they integrate with various tribal groups in villages throughout several regions of The Gambia. Embracing Gambian culture, customs and values, history and traditions strengthens and reaffirms one’s African Cultural Heritage.
The Roots Secretariat’s National coordinating Committee shall design a selection of historical and Cultural awareness events, programmes, merchandise and literature, which are rewardingly educational and entertaining for both Pan Africans and Gambians.

Roots Experiences, The International Roots Festival, Roots Concerts, Root Merchandise and other Pan African Edutainment programmes are to be implemented by the secretariat throughout the year.
The President of The Gambia- Alh. Dr Yahya A.J.J. Jammeh under the auspices of the department of State for Tourism and Culture is inviting all African descendants living in the Diaspora to come Home to The Gambia and attend The International Roots Festival 2008.

The Roots Homecoming Festival commemorates the enforced enslavement and transportation of millions of Africans to the Americas, The Caribbean Islands and Britain.
Let your resolution be;

“I AM HOMECOMING TO AFRICA NEXT YEAR.”

Come Home and experience the African Continent. Confront the physical past and glimpse the horizon of a brighter future. Come Home and rediscover your roots, re-affirm your African Heritage and at one with your people.
Visit places of Historical, Cultural and Educational interest such as Juffureh (Alex Haley’s Ancestral home) and Fort James Island. Participate in Roots Redemption day