By Adama Makasuba
The remains of Gambians who died in the Bronx fire tragic have arrived in the country for burials amid days of grief and mourning by Gambians both at home and abroad.
At least 16 Gambians confirmed to have died in the fire incident occured in an apartment of Bronx in New York City, United States of America.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad informed the general public that the remains of Gambian victims who died in the New York fire on Sunday 9, January 2022 have arrived Wednesday evening, at the Banjul International Airport.
“The Ambassador and Permanent Representative of The Republic of The Gambia to the United Nations, H.E Lang Yabou, and the Director of the Diaspora and Migration Directorate under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr Musa Camara was at the foot of the aircraft to receive three (3) escorts of families that came with the four (4) deceased. Fifteen (15) escorts from the United States of America also arrived on Tuesday 18, January 2022,” a statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad said.
The remaining Gambian victims were laid to rest in the Bronx, New York, on Sunday 16, January 2022.
Speaking at the airport, Ambassador Yabou expressed heartfelt condolences to the grieving families for the tragic loss and assured them of the government’s continuous support in these trying times.
Mr Momodou Baldeh, who was also part of the escorts, thanked The Gambia Government for the support accorded to the families since the tragedy.
The Ministry added: “Senior Officials from the Ministry also left this morning to Soma, and Gambisara to attend the funeral of the four (4) deceased. The families and loved ones will be accorded all the necessary support to give a befitting burial to their loved ones. The Ministry prays for God’s infinite mercy and forgiveness on the souls of the departed and further prays that God grants the families the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.”