Great Tourism Potential for The Gambia

Delegates who attended the 35th Annual Congress of the African Travel Association (ATA) say they appreciate The Gambia as a great potential for harnessing the 'untapped' tourism market in the continent, PANA reported from here Thursday.

They said that they had learnt great lessons from The Gambian experience and believed that the country could be a model for the Africa's tourism industry with specific regards to the development pace of the industry.

"The Gambia is situated in a strategic position and has a great potential for the sustainability of the tourism market," they said, nothing that the traditional and cultural heritage in the West African country painted a mental picture of "the norms and values of our great ancestors".

The delegates were taken on a conducted tour, organized by The Gambia Tourism Authority (GTA), to historical sites like the James Island and Juffureh (a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site) which was the base for the transportation of slaves from The Gambia, across the Atlantic Ocean to the New World of the Americas.

They also visited the Eco Tourism Centres at the GIG Farm, Mama Africa Museum Centre in Brufut and the President's Village of Kanilai , which has been transformed into a cultural stronghold by The Gambian leader.

Kanilai is known for hosting the country's biggest annual cultural jamboree, the Kanilai Cultural Festival.

Having seen just a few tourist centres, Mr. Ogo Sow, the first African Immigrant and Expatriate to start a Radio Programme in the United States and Canada, aimed at promoting African tradition and positive image, said the delegates had a lot to learn from The Gambia.

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ATA World Conference The Gambia

GAMBIA, May 20, 2010 – The Africa Travel Association’s 35th Annual Congress ended today with a commitment among Africa’s tourism stakeholders to boost efforts to develop new public-private partnerships devoted to advocating for and developing the tourism industry in Africa. Honorable Fatou Mass Jobe-Njie, The Gambia Minister of Tourism and Culture and incoming ATA President, closed the event that was attended by more than 300 participants as well as press from Africa, Europe and North America.

In her closing remarks, the Minister highlighted the importance of tourism as an engine for economic growth and prosperity. She also said, “This may mark the end of a successful event, but it also marks the beginning of our joint efforts to work in partnership with the public and private sector to promote the travel and tourism industry to and within Africa. The Gambia was a proud host of this event and hopes that our infectious spirit will inspire other countries and tourism stakeholders to take action.”

At the meeting, ATA announced a number of milestones for making a strong case for increased
investment in Africa’s tourism industry. “ATA members and friends and supporters have shown that we are truly committed to promoting tourism to Africa as a means to promoting socioeconomic development,” said Edward Bergman, ATA Executive Director. “I know that when we return to our home countries, we will continue to work in partnership with tourism stakeholders in the public and private sectors to promote the industry and inspire others to follow our example.”

Congress milestones include the following:

The announcement of the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the Africa Union and ATA. The MOU, which was signed by Honorable Shamsa Mwangunga, outgoing ATA President, Minister for Natural Resources and Tourism of the United Republic of Tanzania, and Dr. Elham M.A. Ibrahim, Africa Union Commissioner for Infrastructure and Energy, declares that the two organizations undertake a commitment to develop collaboration in the area of travel and tourism promotion.

The launch of a joint effort by New York University’s Africa House, the World Bank and ATA to make a case for developing Africa’s tourism industry with the preparation of the joint publication The State of Tourism in Africa. Using facts, figures and stories, the report paints a picture of the current and potential impact of tourism on both a country’s and a region’s development strategy. The report also advocates for increased attention and resource allocation from national governments to the tourism industry.

During the industry workshops and networking events, ATA and UNWTO engaged in discussions on how the two global organizations would pursue collaboration and cooperation in the areas of travel and tourism development in Africa in the future.

The Gambia Organizing Committee announced its commitment to hosting the first “Carbon Off-Set Free” ATA congress. In addition to planting seedlings to grow an “ATA Forest” at the GIG Forest, the Committee limited the “carbon footprint” of the congress by ordering produce from the award-winning project Gambia is Good. GIG sources all its produce from local producers.


As a sign of his commitment to developing The Gambia’s tourism industry, President of The Republic of the Gambia, Sheikh Professor Dr. Alhaji Yaya A. J. J. Jammeh, hosted the delegates at a number of special events, including a visit to his home village, Kanilai, and a gala dinner and evening of entertainment at the Sheraton Hotel Spa and Resort.


In what has become an ATA congress tradition over the last few years, Shamsa Mwangunga
(MP), ATA President and Minister for Natural Resources and Tourism of the United Republic of
Tanzania hosted a special evening of dinner and dancing held at the five-star Ocean Bay Hotel.

On the first of two Host Country days, delegates visited James lsland and Juffureh. James
Island is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, and was a base of transportation of slaves from The Gambia to other parts of the world. At James Island, delegates participated in a special memorial, in which they floated flower wreathes down the River Gambia and stood in a moment of silence. Delegates were also asked to consider making a donation for the restoration of the jetty to James Island. The project was organized in cooperation with U.S. Ambassador Barry Wells.

Following the day-long visit to James Island and Juffreh, the delegates enjoyed a special cocktail reception at the luxury hotel, Coco Ocean Resort and Spa. The evening event was cohosted by the US Ambassador to The Gambia, Honorable Barry Wells.

Under the banner “Discover Africa’s Genuine Warmth,” the ATA-Gambia event brought together tourism ministers and more than 300 travel industry professionals from across Africa, Europe and North America for four days to explore the latest issues facing the travel trade industry, learn about “Destination Gambia,” and advocate for increased resources to the tourism industry.

During the congress, delegates explored the following industry topics: Sustainable Tourism in
The Gambia, Innovative and Interactive Marketing, Niche Markets and Emerging Trends,
Standards in the Hotel Market in Africa, Connecting the Africa Diaspora to Destination Africa,
and Hospitality and Tourism Education in Africa. Special sessions were held on tourism and
development, advocating for tourism resources, and partnerships with airlines serving Africa.

Kanali Featival 2010 Picture Gallery

Kanilai, the home village of the Gambian leader, will be involved in a long weekened celebration of culture as the much-hyped Kanilai International Cultural Festival kick-starts this month in Kanilai Foni Kansala District. The event, which will run from 21st May to 7th June 2010 under the distinguished chief patronage of His Excellency President Sheikh professor Dr. Alhaji Yahya Jammeh, is designed to revive, promote and develop our rich cultural heritage and showcase the diverse performance traditions of different ethnic groups of the sub-region.
In a brief chat with Entertainment recently at the National Centre for Arts and Culture, Mr. Cornelius Gomez, director of Literature, Performing and Fine Arts, said this festival has been created by the president since 2001 and is the fifth. He added that this has been established and has created more awareness for African people and also play a higher role in national development. Director Gomez explained that coming up with this kind of festival is the biggest not only involving Gambians but as well as the Diaspora to come together and renew our African culture. It is going to be a very big festival because is going to include both Latin America, Europe as well as other countries. African musitical power will all demonstrate during the festival and there will be prices giving for the best performance in all different areas.

Gambia Art and Crafts

African art comes in the most wonderful abstract forms, from paintings to murals to sculptures and wood carvings. Hand woven cloth, batiks, and mudcloth can be made into soft furnishings or designed into unique high fashion clothing.
The textures and designs are underused in the western world, but in Africa the rich vibrant colours are best used in the exotic clothes which are also embroidered
with wonderful original designs. The country of origin of traditional clothes can be identified by the style and use of material


Melted beeswax is mixed with paraffin and applied to the fabric before being dipped in dye. The beeswax will bind to the fabric and the paraffin wax will allow cracking, which is a characteristic of batik. Several colours are used with a series of dyeing. Thin wax lines can be applied with a canting, a wooden handled tool with a tiny metal cup and spout, out of which the wax can seep. 

Other techniques to apply the wax onto the fabric include pouring the liquid wax, painting the wax on with a brush, and applying the hot wax to pre-carved wooden or metal wire block and stamping the fabric. After the final dyeing the fabric is hung up to dry and then dipped in a solvent to dissolve the wax, or simply ironed between paper towels or newspapers to absorb the wax and reveal the deep rich colors and the fine crinkle lines that give batik its character. 

Gambian tie dye and batiks are extravagant, rich in different shades of colour and are often seen at tourist markets and are tailored into men’s Kaftans (haftans), women’s yara Wollof, or warambas (grandmubas), skirts, shirts, ladies blouses, as well as bed sheets, curtains and tablecloths.

Mudcloth or bògòlanfini is a traditional Malian fabric dyed with fermented mud, particularly associated with the Bambara. Bògòlanfini is a Bambara word meaning “earthcloth.” To create it, simple cotton cloth is woven, shrunk, and then soaked in a preparation of leaves
from certain trees. An artist then outlines an intricate design, often taking several weeks to cover the entire cloth, with a mud dye.

The areas of yellowish mud are then treated with caustic soda, bleaching them white and creating a stark black and white design. Traditionally, a man will do the weaving while a woman will do the dyeing. In recent years, fashion designers such as Chris Seydou have
employed bògòlanfini in international clothing lines, while Malian painter Ishmael Diabate
has developed it as a fine art form.


Wooden masks, either human, animal or some mythical creature, are one of the most common forms of art in western Africa. In their original context, masks were worn by a chosen or initiated dancer and used for celebrations, initiations, crop harvesting, and war preparation.


During a mask ceremony the dancer goes into deep trance, and while in this state,“communicates” with his ancestors. Masks can be worn in three ways: vertically covering the face: as a helmet, encasing the entire head, and as a crest, resting upon the head, usually covered by material as part of the disguise. African masks often represent a spirit and it is strongly believed that the spirit of the ancestors possesses the wearer


Within the vicinity of most of the major tourist hotels you will find small craft markets called bengdulas made up of a number of stalls offering a selection of items such as tribal masks, wooden carvings, batiks, tie dye fabric prints, beads, gold and silver jewellery and locally made hand woven baskets. There are larger markets at Serrekunda, Bakau and, the most famous of all, Banjul’s Albert Market.

Despite the influence of tourism in creating mass production of such art, there are some really beautiful original good quality handmade items, such as leather hand bags and shoes, hand woven cloths or solid silver jewellery but you will have to search for them. Special
items will be made to order for you in two or three days but they are worth the wait. Watch out for dipped silver bangles! Mostly these can be found being peddled on the beach or by street vendors.


You have to be prepared for the haggle in the markets and also be prepared to do a lot of hard bargaining, the price is always negotiable! So it depend on “your luck” as to the price you pay for any item … Our advice is to start with about 1/3 of the asking price
then, depending on your bargaining skills and your common sense, it is up to you how much you pay!


DON‘T TAKE OFFENCE AT AN EXTORTIONATE PRICE …the starting price is not meant to offend or to “rip you off”!


Bargaining is part of the way of life, and is meant to be part of the fun! It‘s part of the culture and should be treated light-heartedly. In the same vein the Vendor will not really take offence at your low offer even if he/she make out they are, if you cannot agree and you walk away “9 times out of 10” they will call you back …if they are not interested in your offer … then your offer was TOO LOW!


If you can‘t cope with the bargaining most hotels and gift shops will have fixed price
items for sale. You will expect to pay a little more for the convenience but sometimes
you may find a better selection and quality items than the local market.

Contact details and Reservations:
Luigis Complex for the best Gambian self-catering apartments, serviced flats, beachside accommodation, bed and breakfast, restaurant and eco-tourism excursions.
Relax and enjoy your Gambia Holidays with us!
info@luigiscomplex.com
www.luigis.gm/
Tel +220 4460280

Gambia Local Food

Local foods are worth trying. A word of warning, be prepared to eat a bit more than
“just a little spice” – Gambians like their food hot! The food is a melting pot for all the
nations and tribes from the sub-regions who live in harmony and enjoy sharing food
from all cultures. If you interact with local people don‘t be surprised to be invited to a
compound to share a meal as the Gambian culture is very friendly and hospitable. 


Food is always shared, normally a group will eat from one bowl. As a guest you will be offered a spoon and sometimes your own plate! It is said you will not argue with someone
you share a bowl of food with! Fish plays a major part in Gambian cuisine due to the
variety of fish available in both river and sea. Oysters fresh from the creeks make a quick
and easy stew, Ebeh is made from an amazing array of ingredients including smoked fish,
crabs, oysters and fish eggs amongst other things. Benachin meaning “one pot” is the
equivalent of an Italian risotto or a Spanish paella. The beach bars are the best place to
find many of the local tasty dishes. Some are better than others so choose wisely. Some
bars don’t have electricity or running water, so keep this in mind when ordering food!
Nefertiti Beach Bar, Banjul offers a great location with a fresh menu local food and
snacks daily and Kotu Point Beach Bar, Kotu offers a B-B-Q every Saturday lunch time,
join in the fun, come Jamming with Lamin and try your hand at drumming!

Local Drinks
The most popular are Wonjo and Baobab. Wonjo juice is made from the dried red flowers of the Sorrel, which are boiled with sugar to make a refreshing, sweet drink full of Vitamin C. Baobab juice is made from the fruit of the Baobab tree. The fruit is soaked in water, sieved and the seeds extracted. The pulp is then mixed with a little sugar to make the base juice. Other ingredients can be added according to taste; the most popular are milk and coconut, but it is also tasty with mango, papaya or banana – making a thick natural smoothie. Both Wonjo and Baobab are very nutritious, healthy and with a unique flavour. They also make a wonderful cocktail when mixed together.


Great African Secret
Locally people use these drinks as regular source of nutrition, in Europe it had been forgotten. During World War 2 it was given to soldiers in bread to prevent scurvy. Recently rediscovered it is being branded as a superfood of the future. It has been clinically proven that it is a pro-biotic with 5 times more vitamin C than an orange and twice as much more calcium than a glass off milk as well as containing antioxidants and Omega 3-6-9.



Contact details and Reservations:
Luigis Complex for the best Gambian self-catering apartments, serviced flats, beachside accommodation, bed and breakfast, restaurant and eco-tourism excursions.
Relax and enjoy your Gambia Holidays with us!
info@luigiscomplex.com
www.luigis.gm/
Tel +220 4460280

Gambia Music

Music plays an important part of Gambian culture: “The drum” made of carved
wood and goatskin seems a simple instrument, but use of the drum is not limited to
musical entertainment, such as in music from the Americas or Europe. It has a serious
application in many societies across the continent. 


Many West African tribes are well known for their use of drumming in daily activities and special events and a native speaker of a language can often perceive an actual message in the music. This effect also forms the basis of drum languages (talking drums). In days gone by drumming was used as a way of communicating news from village to village, for example to inform members of their respective tribes about major news, such as a death, funeral, meeting, or celebration within the tribe. In the past it was used as a warning of imminent attack.


The drum is the sign of life – its beat is the heartbeat of the community. Such is the
power of the drum to evoke emotions, to touch the souls of those who hear its rhythms.
The beating of the drum is an opportunity to give one another a sense of belonging and of
solidarity. It is a time to connect with each other, to be part of that collective rhythm of the life in which young and old, rich and poor, men and women are all invited to contribute to the society.



Traditional music is mostly functional in nature, there are for example, many different
kinds of work songs, some of the drumming that goes on in the middle of the day even
helps women and men of the tribe get daily chores done more quickly as the drums allow
them to follow a rhythm while they work, Ceremonial or religious music accompanies
childbirth, marriage, hunting, and even political activities.

Ceremonial music will often be accompanied by the Balafone and the Kora, which
produces a harp-like sound. The player uses the thumb and index finger of both hands to
pluck the strings in polyrhythmic patterns. The combination of instruments used depends
on the tribe. Male griots, or praise singers, are born into the profession. They most often
act as a solo or duo instrumentalists and are traditionally heard at weddings and infant
naming ceremonies. They attend the ceremonies to bring good luck with their songs and
historical recitations. In some areas they may form part of a larger group that may include
Kora, Calabash, Flute and Tamo Drums. The griot or “Jali” society acted as historians,
advisors, arbitrators, praise singers and storytellers and essentially these musicians were
walking history books, preserving ancient stories and traditions through song. Their
inherited tradition was passed down through generations. They were said to have deep
connections to spiritual, social, or political powers through their music and speech. The
talking drums (Tamo) are some of the oldest instruments used by West African griots
and their history can be traced back to the ancient Ghanaian empire. Many griots have
developed a highly sophisticated genre of music centred on the talking drum

Contact details and Reservations:
Luigis Complex for the best Gambian self-catering apartments, serviced flats, beachside accommodation, bed and breakfast, restaurant and eco-tourism excursions.
Relax and enjoy your Gambia Holidays with us!
info@luigiscomplex.com
www.luigis.gm/
Tel +220 4460280

Gambia Culture

We have compiled this weblog to create a better understanding of your holiday
destination, to give an insight into its rich history and culture and to let you know
what is acceptable in Gambian society and what is not. 


Please spare a few minutes to read on – especially if this is your first visit. You will find important information along with some interesting stories based on facts and history, and some which stem from legend and personal beliefs … peoples opinions may differ.


Most importantly please remember although the official language in The Gambia
is English this does not mean everyone speaks it fluently. As you read on you will
learn there are several different tribes, each with their own language. Many children
have very little schooling and even less interaction with visitors please be patient
with the local people as they won’t all have a good understanding. Speak slowly if
someone is having difficulty understanding you. Many people
have a habit of saying “YES” when they don’t understand – this is a way of
avoiding embarrassment in their culture.

Contact details and Reservations:
Luigis Complex for the best Gambian self-catering apartments, serviced flats, beachside accommodation, bed and breakfast, restaurant and eco-tourism excursions.
Relax and enjoy your Gambia Holidays with us!
info@luigiscomplex.com
www.luigis.gm/
Tel +220 4460280

Health Benefits of Baobab

British chefs should start thinking about recipes that make use of the African baobab fruit, after the European Commission gave the green light on the use of its pulp in the UK.


The powdery pulp of the fruit, which is famously used to make the liqueur Amarula, is nutritionally high in vitamin C, calcium, iron and antioxidants, which makes it perfect for use in smoothies, cereal bars, jams and as a fruit filling. Gambians have long used the fruit pulp as a traditional food for pregnant women and children, due to its nutritious content, and is mixed with water to make refreshing drinks and as a baking ingredient.

Baobab as a Super Food contains Sterols saponins and triterpenes. Studies were carried out in the laboratory showed that doses between 400 and 800 mg/kg determine a marked anti-inflammatory effect. 

Baobab as a Super Food contains Thiamine and Riboflavin which optimizes development of the organs for maintaining cellular integrity of the nervous, skin and ocular systems. In addition the presence of epithelia and niacin (vitamin PP or B3) is very important to regulate many metabolic functions.

Furthermore, the fruit contributes to the injection of some essential minerals and essential fatty acids. In fact, 100 g of pulp contains an average of 293 mg of calcium, 2.31 mg of potassium, 96-118 mg of phosphor and alpha-linoleic acid (27 mg of acid per gram of dry product).

Baobab as a Super Food contains Omega 9 which provides protection against cardiovascular diseases, arthritis, skin conditions, depression and other mood related disorders and strokes. Baobab contains a blend of all 3 of the important fatty acids EPA, GLA and OA making it an excellent choice as an omega 3 6 9 supplement.

Baobab as a Super Food contains tannins (astringent), mucilage (wetting), cellulose and citric acid. The particularity of Baobab fruit pulp is that it is effective against diarrhea.

Probiotic products are living microbial food supplements, which beneficially affect the host animal by selectively stimulating the growth and/or activity of beneficial micro flora improving its intestinal microbial balance. Tests carried out by Adesanya et al. (1988) showed that the pulp could be used to treat sickle cell anemia, as it showed considerable antisickling activity. Tannins, mucilage, cellulose, citric acid and other typical constituents of the fruit pulp may be responsible for its effect against diarrhea. 

The soluble fibers of baobab are Symbiotic which combine the prebiotic and probiotic aspects in a single product.

In traditional pharmacopoeia, it is used as an intestinal regulator, prevention and treatment of gastric and IBS disorders, osteoporosis, varicose veins, dysentery, haemoptysis, small pox, measles, hemorrhoids, anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, anti-diarrheal, anti-oxidant, excellent source of dietary fibers, analgesic, hepatoprotective febrifuge anti-diabetic and antipyretic activities.

Contact details and Reservations:

Luigis Complex for the best Gambian self-catering apartments, serviced flats, beachside accommodation, bed and breakfast, restaurant and eco-tourism excursions.

Relax and enjoy your Gambia Holidays with us!

info@luigiscomplex.com

www.luigis.gm/

Tel +220 4460280

Baobab Superfood

A British woman who has lived with chronic kidney failure for 15 years claims her condition has been dramatically eased by eating a bizarre African "wonder" fruit.

Janine Franssen, 36, was diagnosed with renal failure last year and told she urgently needed a kidney transplant as her's was functioning at only seven per cent of normal capacity.

A scramble to find a suitable donor started and Janine was surgically fitted with equipment to allow for dialysis once her kidneys failed - which she has been told is inevitable.

But after the discovery of the Baobab fruit, Janine's kidney function has improved and she has even been taken off the transplant list.

She insists it is all down to drinking ground-up Baobab in water, and said: "It feels like I have won the lottery."

After nine months of worrying about her failing kidneys she says she has a new outlook, although she is well aware she has not been cured.

The discovery of the fruit was made by her partner Mark who read an article about the Baobab's high concentration of vitamins and nutrients.

They decided to import some to see if it could help Janine stay strong during the wait for a kidney donor.

The large, dry fruit has only been available in Europe since July last year.

It is said to have around six times the vitamin C content of an orange, more iron than red meat, more magnesium than spinach as well as high levels of calcium and antioxidants.

It is said that this makes it a valuable aid in the prevention and treatment of gastric and irritable bowel syndrome conditions, and effective for osteoporosis, varicose veins and even haemorrhoids.

Janine grinds it down and takes it with water in the morning and afternoon.

The Clydebank woman said she was "astonished" at the difference baobab made, and she credits it with her kidney function now climbing to 20 per cent. Janine, who lives on Dumbarton Road, told the Post: "Mark said I should try it for a couple of months to see if it could increase my kidney function - buying me some time to get donor tests completed.

"Within that first month I started to notice some changes like my hair and nails getting stronger.

"The following week I had a hospital appointment to see where my kidney function was at and miraculously it had gone from seven per cent to twelve per cent. "I was amazed as was my consultant and, not only that, but my blood pressure and cholesterol had come down."

Janine knows at some point she will need a kidney transplant - when her's succumbs to the illness she has had since 1994 - and her sisters Lesley and Annsophia, boyfriend Mark and close friend Christina have all now been tested for kidney donation.

But with her improvement she has been able to return to her work as an administration assistant - something unthinkable just 12 months ago.

Janine said: "I am under no illusions but I now have hope my kidneys will last a bit longer. My doctors reckon they will."

Contact details and Reservations:

Luigis Complex for the best Gambian self-catering apartments, serviced flats, beachside accommodation, bed and breakfast, restaurant and eco-tourism excursions.

Relax and enjoy your Gambia Holidays with us!

info@luigiscomplex.com

www.luigis.gm/

Tel +220 4460280

Gambia attends Miss ECOWAS Peace Pageant

The Gambia otherwise called the smiling coast of Africa has never been left out in the world of fashion, beauty and creativity.

The country over the years participated and continue to participate in series of fashion and beauty  related competitions at both local and  International level.The country is blessed with beautiful, intelligent, smart  and creative young girls, who from the inception of fashion and beauty competitions  continues  to grab  awards and other crowns which  earned them titles of  beauty queens thus the glory added to the good name of The Gambia as a nation.

 Fatoumata Koroma, a graduate of Ndow's Coprehensive School and Mary A.A.Camphell,a fourth year Medical student at the University of The Gambia (UTG),who doubled as the 2009 crowned  Miss  UTG beauty queen were  selected to represent The Gambia at the forth coming Miss ECOWAS peace pageant scheduled to take place on the 14th of November 2009 in the Nigerian City  of Port Harcourt.

The November 4th beauty  pageant is more than a mere beauty competition but to serve  as an avenue for intelligence and creative exhibition for the selected participants who will be competing to become the peace  ambasssadors of ECOWAS and other paece loving stakeholders both  within and out side of Africa. This year's event  is the  second edition oragnised by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in the said River state of Nigeria. 

The coveted Miss ECOWAS beauty pageant as it has  always been  the case with other  beauty pageants  aimed among other things towards promoting and strengthening  the ideals of peace and the pace of development within the subregion of west Africa and beyond. The theme of this year's event is "Peace and Development in Diversity". As the theme suggested, participants will be require to present peaceful  messages that befitted  the objectives of the programme.The venue has been choosen due to  the relative and steady peace enjoyed in that state of Nigeria thus set  it as an example for states  to emulate.

A total of thirty (30) contestants two (2) drawn from  each of the   fifteen (15) member states of ECOWAS are expected to participate in the beauty and creative competition. Contestants are expected to participate  in series of activities marking the programme such as exhibition  of fashion and styles tenable at their country level. They will also  participate in swimsuit competition, exhibition  of elegance in their  evening gowns among others.The eagle eye  panel of judges for this  event will look for nothing else  in the participants  beyond  beauty,  intelligence, personal  charm  and approachability.
The team panel of judges  would also  consider confidence,  self assured and  the ability to have  a sense of self  control  in a wide variety of settings. The  lucky winner of this historic subregional beauty  competition  will be decorated ECOWAS peace Ambassador and would stand to  sign series of contracts with the Subregional body as well as other stakeholders interested in  promoting peace and development in ECOWAS  member states and beyond.

The Gambia's participation to the ECOWAS  peace pageant is coordinated by the famous Gomez Promotions  in collaboration with the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Employment,the ministry of Tourism and Culture and the Ministry of Youth and Sports as well as a  strong support from the Office of the president. The invitation for The Gambia's participation came through the Ministry of Trade,Industry and Employment to the  Gomez promotions. The two Gambian contestants described by many as  intelligent, beautiful and  little creative  queens  are expected to  leave the Gambia on the 28th of October to Ghana for a short and precise stay.

From there they would be travelling to the    Nigerian River state  of Port Harcourt on the 30th of October for two weeks prior to the day of the contest schedule for the 14th  of November 2009. George Gomez, Coordinator of the Gomez promotions, in a chat with the Arts and Culture  anchorman  in his GNOC office along the Bertiling High way, spoke extensively about the prospect of the Gambian delegates to win the competition. "I have no doubt that our delegation to the ECOWAS  beauty  competition will emerge winners.They got all what a beauty contestants need. They have the comportment, intelligence and creativity  as well as the command of the language.Our delegation is second to none",George Gomez explained in an excited spirit filled with love for beauty and creativity.

The famous Gomez promotion boss,as part of efforts meant to put his points across with clear cut precision made  extensive reference to success stories registered by Gambians in the world of beauty and fashion industry. He recalled the first ECOWAS beauty competition held in The Gambia in 1999 and won by a Gambian lady in the name of  Amie faye as a success story and the first  Peace Message beauty competition organised by ECOWAS last year in the Nigerian River State of Port Harcourt, where the Gambia representative in the name of Amie Ceesay won the best peace message.

Mr Gomez further recalled numerous beauty competitions held in The Gambia and  organised by different organisations and institutions such as the National Centre for Arts and Culture (NCAC),the Gomez promotion among other things is  geared towards promoting and sustaining  the spirit of beauty and fashion industry in the country. He revealed plans to organise what he called the Miss Hotleg UK scheduled to take place in December 2009 to be followed by the first ever Miss world Hotleg,where competent Gambians can participate.

Contact details and Reservations:
Luigis Complex for the best Gambian self-catering apartments, serviced flats, beachside accommodation, bed and breakfast, restaurant and eco-tourism excursions.
Relax and enjoy your Gambia Holidays with us!

info@luigiscomplex.com
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Tel +220 4460280

Gambia braces up for fine arts festival

The Gambia is set to host the first ever Banjul Fine Arts festival, scheduled to take place from the 4th to 17th of January 2010 at the Alliance Franco Gambienne, along the Kairaba Avenue.

As part of activities geared towards the successful hosting of the sub-regional festival, the organising committee of the festival recently paid a courtesy call on Momodou Joof, director general of the National Centre for Arts and Culture (NCAC), in his Banjul office. Joof received the committee comprising artists and journalists, on behalf of Madam Nancy Njie, minister of Tourism and Culture and the NCAC.

Yuspalkala, a renowned artist and coordinator of the Banjul Fine Arts festival, gave a detailed overview of the festival, its aims and objectives as well as its perceived impact on The Gambian arts and culture.  Yuspalkala told DG Joof that the meeting was meant to brief officials of the ministry and the centre about the festival and to inform them of their desire to work with them. He added that the program will bring together participants from The Gambia, Senegal, Mali, and other countries in the sub-region and beyond.

"The festival aims to promote the development and preservation of the spirit of arts and culture in The Gambia, and to explore the potentials of both young and experienced artists. The programme is also meant to serve both as a meeting point for the participating artists and a breeding ground for prospective ones," he explained to the NCAC director general. As a mark of appreciation, Yuspalkala, on behalf of the organising committee, presented the symbol of the festival to Madam Nancy Njie through Momodou Joof.

Ebrima Jobarteh, manager of the Kanbeng Traditional Dance Group of Brikama, Western Region (WR), spoke at length on the role of artists in any given community. Jobarteh expressed the hope that the Banjul Fine Arts festival will be a success. "The Gambia, as a developing country needs such programmes to boost the morales of artists and arts lovers. Artists contribute significantly towards human, political and economic development of communities," he said. For his part, Momodou Joof thanked the committee for the visit. He described the idea as a step in the right direction and assured the organising committee of the support of both his Centre and the Culture ministry. 

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Gambia's Magic Stone Circles

The Senegambian stone circles lie in Gambia north of Janjanbureh and in central Senegal. Coordinates: 13° 41 N - 15° 31 W. Approximate area: 15,000 square miles (39,000 km²). They are sometimes divided into the Wassu (Gambian) and Sine-Saloum (Senegalese) circles, but this is purely a national division.


The stones were erected around the eighth century on top of earlier graves. The ten to twenty-four stones in each circle vary in size up to ten-ton stones, from 1 to 2.5 metres high and are generally of laterite. The stones mark burials and were erected before the twelfth century. There are around 1,000 stone circles, the biggest concentration being more than 1,000 stones in fifty-two circles at Djalloumbéré and those around the village of Wassu, which has a museum devoted to them. One notable circle is actually a V formation.


Traditionally, for unknown reasons, people leave small rocks on the stones. The use to which the stones were put is not clear but recent excavation work (2006), reported by the National Geographic Society, suggests a funerary purpose given the large number of human remains found at the sites. Archaeologists at the site are pursuing the theory that different parts of a body were buried at different sites and at different times


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Gambian Ninki Nanka Expediition

A Ninki Nanka is a legendary creature based inWest African folklore.  According to tradition, the Ninki Nanka lives in the swamps of West Africa. The animal is said to be extremely large and very dangerous. It is said that when a child gets too confident and feels they can disobey their parents and go into the swamp they will be taken by the Ninki Nanka.


The "dragon" is rumoured to look rather like a game of zoological "consequences", possessing the body of a crocodile, the neck of a giraffe and the head of a horse with three horns. Less fantastically,Richard Freeman of the Centre for Fortean Zoology, suspects the ninki-nanka of being a species of colossal monitor lizard. "Whatever the truth," he says, "this is the first dedicated expedition to search for this animal."


More encouraging are the witnesses. A compelling chap called Papa Jinda had described a scene of devastation at a pumping station where, the blog gushes, "a ninki-nanka had destroyed several pipes". It continues: "The mention of a ninki-nanka had caused a panic among the workers, and they had asked for a mirror as it was thought that the only way to get rid of the animal was to show it its reflection.

Back in 1983, amateur naturalist Owen Burnham discovered the fresh carcass of a strange beast on a remote beach in the Gambia. It was around 15 feet long and looked like a cross between a crocodile and a dolphin. Realizing that it was something unknown to science, Owen, a missionary’s son, made detailed sketches of the creature. He and his family then buried it in the hot sand above the tide line, hoping that the dry sand would preserve the body. He also made a detailed map.


Makasutu a 500-hectare piece of bush in the Kombo central district of the republic of The Gambia is deemed by some to be a sprits home. They say he is there in the form of a ninkinanko or dragon, and protects the hidden crown and clothes of King Jatta from Busumbala who was killed 200 years ago by the Muslim king Kombo Silla on his way east to take over the country. Jatta's men took the crown and clothes and placed them for safekeeping in the area of Makasutu, now known as the Big Forest.


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Gambia Cultural Extravaganza

Kanilai International Cultural Festival
Attracts thousands of people from Gambia and the Diaspora who all converge on the village of Kanilai in the Foni Kansala District of Western Region, which is the country home and birth place of President Jammeh.


This Cultural Festival is normally held in June Bi–annually has now become a household name where you can join in and enjoy the cultural shows and dancing for this 16 day festival.

Roots Home coming Festival
Is a historical, cultural and educational event which invites all people of African descent and all persons committed to the well being of Africans and the development of Africa, to come home to The Gambia and participate in the festival, normally held in June bi–annually to the opposite year of the Kanilai Festival!

If you are unable to attend either of the festivals but would like to experience some of the wonderful culture Gambia has to offer, two of the most spectacular places to be entertained are Makasuitu and Kim Kombo , each with their own unique display of cultural entertainment.

Makasutu
Offers their “NIGHT EXTRAVAGANZA “ Watch the torch light precession float down the creeks where they will come ashore and entertain you with African dancing, fire eating and cultural entertainment enjoy a buffet dinner of African/European cuisine.

Kim Kombo: Offers a special “AFRICAN NIGHT“ twice weekly with original dance troops, included is a buffet dinner of African/European food AND as much of the local made liqueurs as you can drink.!

Tribal History

The Gambia is made up of Eight different Tribes, which originate from the surrounding Countries: The River Gambia being the main epicentre means most of the different tribes originate either north, east or south of the river.


Mandinka
In the 14th century, the (Manding) Mali Empire of Mali - established by Mandinka, Sundiata Keita, leader of the Malinké people - encompassed the areas from the edge of the Sahara to the forests of the south in what is now Liberia and Sierra Leone. From East to West, it covered all the regions between Takedda beyond the Niger Buckle covering Senegambia on the Atlantic Ocean.

This vast empire controlled nearly all the trans-Saharan trade, and contact with the rulers of the Arab states to the north led the Mali rulers to embrace Islam with great enthusiasm. Though the rise of the Mali empire was swift its decline was slow. By the beginning of the 15th century, the empire had lost its hegemony over the affairs of the Western Sudan and had been reduced into the small area of Kangaba, where it had first originated.

By the middle of the 15th century a group of Mandingos drifted into the area of the Gambia River basin and with them came Islam. The Mandinksa make up the majority of the population being the largest tribe to settle in the Gambia, the majority of which live in the provinces, upper and central river division.

Wollof
Are an ethnic group found in North Senegal, Mauritania and The Gambia, making up about 15% of the population, yet Wolof language and culture have a disproportionate influence because of their prevalence in the capital Banjul, where 50% of the population are Wolof.


Jola
Are the next largest community living in the Gambia, their people are believed to have pre-dated Mande and Fula peoples to the riverine coast of Senegambia, and may have migrated into Casamance before the 13th century.

Though the origin of the Jolas is still unknown, it is now confirmed by both oral and written history that they are the people who have been longest resident in the Gambia and among the indigenous people of the Senegambian region. Jola in Mandinka means to “pay your dues” Traditionally the women tend the fields and grow crops while men tap Palm Wine and Palm Oil

Sarahuli

Are Mandé people who descend from the Belfour and are closely related to the Imraguen of Mauritania. They were the founders of the ancient empire of Ghana c. 750-1240 CE) The settlers in Gambia are a minority group who live mainly in the up river division.

Traditionally their people are traders, they are renowned as being successful business people, many are property owners and diamond dealers.

Fula

Are traditionally a nomadic, pastoralist, trading people, herding cattle, goats and sheep across the vast dry hinterlands of their domain, keeping somewhat separate from the local agricultural populations. Their tribe can be found as far north as Mauritania, all over West and central Africa and as far east as Sudan.

The Fula people form a minority in every country they live, but in Guinea they represent a plurality of the population (40%). In the Gambia they are often found as local trades, commonly the corner shop will be known as the “Fula shop”.

Aku

Originated from Freetown, Sierra Leone, some still live in the area of George town where they had been resettled after the days of slavery as there was no way of knowing where they had originally been taken from. The Aku language which is still spoken in West Africa developed from the early West African Pidgin English.

Some scholars also argue that African slaves took this language to the New World where it helped give rise to the English-based creoles that developed there, including the Gullah language in coastal South Carolina and Georgia, Bahamian Dialect, Jamaican Creole, Belizean Kriol, Guyanese Creole, Sranan Tongo.

Manjago

Are an ethnic group in Guinea-Bissau. Which have migrated to south Gambia They are known as Manjaku by the Manjacks themselves, Ndiago by the Wolofs, Manjaco by the Portuguese, and Manjaque by the French. Each of these terms means "I tell you" Their trade by tradition is typically Palm Wine and Palm Oil tappers.

Serere

Are the third largest ethnic group in Senegal, also present in Mauritania and The North bank of Gambia they are predominantly Fishermen by trade and their principal sport played is wrestling.

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Makasutu The Sacred Forest

Makasutu a 500-hectare piece of bush in the Kombo central district of the republic of The Gambia is deemed by some to be a devil's home. They say he is there in the form of a ninkinanko or dragon, and protects the hidden crown and clothes of King Jatta from Busumbala who was killed 200 years ago by the Muslim king Kombo Silla on his way east to take over the country. Jatta's men took the crown and clothes and placed them for safekeeping in the area of Makasutu, now known as the Big Forest.

This skyline of ancient baobab and strangler trees looms over the eastern end of Makasutu and is now under the self-imposed guardianship of Echin, a Jola tribesman.The devil is not the only presence there to ward off encroaching. Along with him are jinns and giants -- spectral creatures that straddle animism and Islam.

They help watch over an Edenesque orchard, which is thought to appear to those with a purity of heart trekking across the land. Mandingo tribesmen tell you in ominous undertones that you can eat the fruit of the orchard while you are in the forest but can never leave with it.

When the Islamic wave came down through the Sahara in the 12th century it gave Makasutu its name, and greater protection from the men who wanted to ravage the bush of timber and wildlife. It became a place of prayer, and so a Mecca (Maka) in the forest (sutu).

It was strictly protected by local kings and marabouts who said that no tree could be felled or animal hunted in the sacred grounds. The land until the turn of the century was used only for godly communion.

Men prayed and boys recently circumcised in the name of Allah were brought to bathe in Mandina Bilon -- a tributary of the main Gambia river that lies five kilometres to the north.

The Bilon brings fish to Makasutu as the tide swells; from its sandy banks grow thick lines of mangroves, and from their grey tentacles the Koran women collect oysters.

As the 20th century moved in Makasutu with its untouched supply of wood and wildlife became a new mecca for the people of Kembujeh and neighbouring villages. It was on the verge of being stripped bare, when in 1992 Lawrence Williams, an architect, and James English, an engineer, came across the land and decided it would make a perfect location for a retreat and oasis for overlanders coming down off the Sahara.

They bought the land from the Sanni family who had ancient ownership rights, and after eight years of fencing and planting thousands of trees the land once again has found a protectorate.Makasutu has become a model for ecotourism in Africa.

Local women continue to grow crops on the western portion, and oyster women come and collect as ever, but now the birds are returning in droves to the trees and baboons stop at the safe haven on their migration route.

Momadou Jeeba, a Jola tribesman, has been manager at Makasutu for the past seven years and revealed that long before Williams and English arrived he and others had dreams that two whites would come by river and settle at Makasutu and keep it from harm -- a myth that has now turned into reality.

The Karon tribe oyster catchers were utilising the `fruits' of Makasutu long before the ecotourism project. Mangroves cover the banks of the Mandina Bilon and oysters cling to the branches submerged under the water. The women reach the branches by canoe and chip off the oysters at low tide. The women play an important role in keeping Makasutu fused with the local community.

Contact details and Reservations:

Luigis Complex for the best Gambian self-catering apartments, serviced flats, beachside accommodation, bed and breakfast, restaurant and eco-tourism excursions.
Relax and enjoy your Gambia Holidays with us!


info@luigiscomplex.com
www.luigis.gm/
Tel +220 4460280