NCAC board honours President Jammeh, others <http://observer.gm/africa/gambia/article/ncac-board-honours-president-jammeh-others#map> Africa <http://observer.gm/africa/news> » Gambia<http://observer.gm/africa/gambia/news> Monday, June 20, 2011 The board of directors of the National Centre for Arts and Culture (NCAC), the ministry of Tourism and Culture and stakeholders in the promotion, development and preservation of arts and culture in the country Thursday presented a certificate of appreciation to the Gambian leader, His Excellency Sheikh Professor Alhaji Dr Yahya Jammeh, and other institutions for their invaluable contribution to the overall development of arts and culture in the country. The decision to honour and appreciate the Gambian leader came at the end of a three-day review meeting for the adoption of a five-year strategic plan for NCAC, held from 14-16 June at the Dunes Resort in Kololi. Institutions and organisations awarded certificates of appreciation included the Daily Observer , the Gambia Ports Authority, Social Security and Housing Finance Corporation, Katchikaly Sacred Crocodile pool and Gamtel/Gamcel among others. The certificates are meant to show appreciation and acknowledge the contributions of the awarded institutions and organisations for their valuable contribution to the promotion, development and preservation of arts and culture in the country. Participants at the three-day forum deliberated and brainstormed on different issues covering wider aspects of the country’s arts and culture industry, with recommendations made for possible implementation within the confines of the five-year strategic plan. Issues recommended for implementation included the need to revitalise wrestling as a cultural sport, capacity building of NCAC staff, especially the marketing aspect, and public relations strategies, among others. The stakeholders further recommended strengthening and implementation of the Copyrights Law of The Gambia, establishment of the collecting society of The Gambia, and promotion of culture-related festivals. Addressing stakeholders at the closing ceremony, Fatou Mass Jobe-Njie, the minister of Tourism and Culture assured of her office’s commitment and determination towards the promotion, development and preservation of arts and culture-related issues in the country and beyond. She thanked all the participants for honouring their invitation and contributions to the proceedings of the meeting. She further assured that recommendations from the meeting will be implemented with diligence and commitment by her Ministry and the NCAC. The Tourism and Culture minister harped on the important role culture plays towards achieving sustainable development of any given country across the globe. She also stated that President Jammeh sponsors arts and culture in the country. Bakary Sidebeh, the Gambia’s arts and culture ambassador-at-large, described the meeting as very important, considering the pertinent issues highlighted, discussed and recommended for implementation within the confines of the five-year strategic plan. Dr Pierre Gomez, a senior lecturer at the University of The Gambia (UTG) delivered the vote of thanks on behalf of the participants. He expressed appreciation to the organisers of the meeting and expressed optimism about the outcome of the recommendations for implementation within the five-year plan for NCAC. Author: *by Sanna Jawara* -- * ***************************************************************************** GOD BLESS THE GAMBIA. LET US JOIN HANDS AND SUPPORT SHEIKH PROFESSOR DR. ALH YAHYA JAMMEH (NASIRU DEEN) TO BUILD OUR COUNTRY. * ¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤ To unsubscribe/subscribe or view archives of postings, go to the Gambia-L Web interface at: http://listserv.icors.org/archives/gambia-l.html To Search in the Gambia-L archives, go to: http://listserv.icors.org/SCRIPTS/WA-ICORS.EXE?S1=gambia-l To contact the List Management, please send an e-mail to: [log in to unmask] ¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤