Greetings:

The ALD events are shaping up quite nicely and the excitement is building. The social activities including the soccer tournament promise to be quite memorable and we urge all out-of-staters who are able to come to make the journey to this nation's capital. A wonderful time is certainly assured!

Equally important and indeed of historic importance is the symposium being scheduled. The following representatives of the various political parties in The Gambia have confirmed their participation:

Ousainou Darboe

(Secretary General - United Democratic Party)

Hamat Bah

(Secretary General - National Reconciliation Party)

Halifa Sallah

(Central Committee Member - People's Democratic Organization for Independence and Socialism)

Other participants are:

Cherno Baba Galleh - Independent Press

Dr. Sulayman S. Nyang - Howard University

Leaders/Representatives of Gambian Associations/Communities of Chicago, New York, Minnesota, Atlanta, Miami, Rhode Island.

We are expecting a response soon from the Government of The Gambia as to their participation in this effort to open communication lines between and among Gambians in our collective effort to shape the destiny of our beloved country.

The program format will be posted shortly.

Latjor Ndow

For: The ALD Symposium Organizing Committee