The president of the Republic and leader of the ruling Alliance for Patriotic, Reorientation and Construction (APRC) party, His Excellency Sheikh Professor Alhaji Dr Yahya Jammeh accompanied by a high-powered delegation including ministers, APRC bigwigs, militants and supporters Sunday afternoon received a tumultuous welcome in the North Bank Region (NBR) starting from Barra, as he began his 2011 presidential campaign.

The Gambian leader and entourage who landed at the Barra Ferry Terminal around 1500 hours were received on arrival by the governor of NBR, Alhaji Edwarr Seckan, National Assembly members in the region, district chiefs and other local dignitaries. As customary, the Gambian leader before landing at the Barra Ferry Terminal was escorted by a fleet of locally-made wooden canoes by the youths of the regions, who started escorting the presidential vessel right from the middle of the sea with the APRC green flag flying high in the air.

As soon as the Gambian leader disembarked from the vessel, an immeasurable excitement filled the air in Barra with thousands of people including students, cultural troupes, 'Yai compins' and APRC militants lining up to welcome a leader whose presence in their midst serves as a great morale boost. The ferocious drumming and dancing, coupled with the most beautiful and fascinating typical Gambian cultural display by the people of the region was a befitting welcome to the Gambian leader and delegation, something that speaks volumes of the immense love the people harbour for him. 

Also customary on the presidential welcoming was a Q'uranic recitation that was held for the president and delegation at the entrance of the Barra Ferry Terminal by the elders of the region with a view to bless the campaign. Barra was not a meeting point on the official itinerary of the campaign; however the brief stop that was characterised by much excitement and great ambiance was enough for the people of that community and environs to manifest a great show of appreciation to the president for the numerous infrastructural developments he brought to their area. 

Projects executed by the Jammeh administration in Barra are easily visible to whoever comes to the town. Among such projects are the modern ferry terminal, the Barra-Amdallai road, the Barra-Essau Power Station, potable water facilities, feeder roads etc., all of which have transformed the lives of the people in the area.