One of the hallmarks of  the President Jammeh/APRC government is  its commitment to youth development and their empowerment. This has been affirmed time and again in speeches and deed. Over and over again in speeches he has maintained that the development of Gambian youths cannot be isolated from the development of the country. He has always said that as far as  the development of our youths is concerned, the sky is the limit. This he has done through the building of necessary infrastructure, provision of logistics, guidance and encouragement. The question now is whether this is paying any dividents. Well, the answer to that is definitely a resounding YES!!!!

Pre-1994, Gambia could hardly boast of more than 3 bands of reasonable clout or recognition. Now the Gambia can boast of over two dozen bands of high calibre who are doing very well in The Gambia and beyond. Their performances range from Jazz, cultural, reggae, R&B, Dancehall etc.

Added to that, the development of the game of soccer is going on with much promise. I am sure the hosting of the 2005 under 17 soccer by The Gambia would leave a lasting mark in Gambian soccer.

In the field of athletics, the story is even more spectacular. The Gambia has won Zone II Cadet championships four times in a row!!!!From The Daily Observer of April 24th, 2002, please read on.

GAMBIA SWEEPS ZONE TWO CADET ATHLETICS AGAIN

The Gambian delegation to the 4th Zone II Cadet Championship in Mauritania has returned home after sweeping the medal table for their fourth championship in this category. Their delegation comprised Demba Njie (Head Coach), Mr. Ebou Fatty (Coach Jumps), Mrs Mariama Sallah (Coach Sprints) and 23 athletes.

The Gambian team participated in all 18 events and won 14 Gold, 8 Silver and 6 Bronze Medals. Even where they missed the medals, the Gambian athletes finished with three honourable positions. One athlete failed to complete a race due to a twisted ankle.

Five countries participated in the Championships, the hosts Mauritania with 5 Officers and 20 Athletes, Senegal with 9 Officers and 32 Athletes, The Gambia with 3 Officers and 23 Athletes, Mali with 3 Officers and 8 athletes and Cape Verde with 2 Officers and 2 Athletes.

This government is an Action-Oriented Government - All Action and less talk.

Have a good day, Gassa.

From SOS Jatta's 2002 Budget speech........

• Poverty and unemployment generally, and particularly in the case of Youths, do not augur well for society. Subsequently, the mandate of the National Youth Service Scheme (NYSS) is being expanded to incorporate apprenticeship training and market relevant skills development for more young men and women in the economy, in a continuous effort to assist youths individually towards self-development and collectively for national development.

• In the domain of sports, the construction works on the Basse, Soma and Farafenni multi-purpose Youth and Sports Centres are well advanced. Plans are also underway to extend sporting facilities to District and municipal levels, and to set up a Sports Development Fund, to be financed through the Tobacco Advert Levy and from other sources.