WELCOME STATEMENT
BY
HIS EXCELLENCY THE PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE GAMBIA

As we prepare to celebrate the International Roots Festival 2008, the people of the Gambia join me in welcoming home all people of African descent wherever they may be.

The International Roots Festival affords us the golden opportunity, to share with our brothers and sisters from the Diaspora, the richness and the unity in diversity of The Gambia’s cultural heritage.

Above all, the festival provides for further strengthening of the bonds of kinship and unity, that bind us together as Africans as well as providing the unique platform to discuss our common problems and share our experiences as a people.

My Government and indeed the entire people of The Gambia attach great importance to this historic event and we all look forward to this symbolic reunion of Africans in a true spirit of oneness and love, thus bridging the gap that has separated the sons and daughters of Africa for so long.

I trust therefore, that as many of you Africans-in-the-Diaspora as possible will love to come home during this time and be part of the celebrations.

Alh. Dr. Yahya A.J.J. Jammeh