As part of the Islamic tradition of sharing and caring, the Government of The Gambia on 8 January 2020 received gifts of frozen carcasses of sacrificial meat from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia through the Islamic Development Bank for onward distribution to the poor and needy.
The donated gifts comprised of 2 forty-foot containers and 1 twenty-foot container of meat which is part of Saudi Arabia’s Project for the Utilisation of Hajj Meat.
Speaking at the handing-over ceremony at the Gambia Ports Authority premises, Permanent Secretary II Office of the President, Mr. Pateh Jah, recalled that the donation of sacrificial meat is a long tradition in the country. He observed that the strong bilateral cooperation between The Gambia and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is long-standing. He thanked the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for the donation and assured them that the donated meat will be distributed among the needy accordingly.
Mr. Ahmed Mohammed Reheimi, a representative of the Islamic Development Bank, said he was delighted to preside over the handing–over ceremony and prayed for Allah’s blessing and guidance on The Gambia and her leadership.
For his part, the President of Supreme Islamic Council, Alhagie Momodou Lamin Touray, thanked Allah and returned gratitude to the President H.E. Adama Barrow, the Government and the people of The Gambia for efforts made in making the day a reality. He expressed gratitude to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques as well as the Government and people of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for their continuing support to The Gambia.
The donation of sacrificial meat to The Gambia is part of Saudi Arabia’s sacrificial meat Utilisation Programme which was introduced in 1983. The objective of the programme is not only to ensure environmental protection in Mecca, Mina and surrounding settlements but also to feed millions of needy people across the world.
Issued by the Communication Unit of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad