By Yunus S Saliu
The Banjul City Council (BCC) on Tuesday, 16th January 2021, commemorated the 20th anniversary of the Ostend-Banjul partnership and also used the occasion to unveil its new office edifice along Independence Drive in Banjul.
The commemoration and launching brought together different VIPs, including the visiting Lord Mayor Bart Tommelein of Ostend City, Belgium, and his Deputy, Silke Bierens, National Assembly Members, CEOs, Directors, Ward Councilors in Banjul, senior officials of Ostend City, Belgium, and BCC among others.
Addressing the gathering, Lord Mayor Rohey Malick Lowe expressed gratitude to the partner, Ostend City, Belgium, and to other well-wishers, who descended on the Gambian capital to celebrate with the council on this auspicious occasion.
Mayor Lowe also thanked all the past Mayors of Banjul for contributing their quotas to the development of the city, as well as those who have made the occasion possible while urging the gathering to observe a minute of silence and pray for the former late Mayor Abdoulie Bah (blessed his memory).
“However, today we are killing two birds with one stone as we are celebrating the 20th year of our partnership with the Ostend City Council and also the unveiling of this giant building here,” Mayor Lowe said with joy.
She noted that the day was not meant for a long speech rather it was for appreciation of partners and those who have contributed immensely towards the relationship and success of the BCC.
According to her, governance is a chain, saying someone can start something while another continues with the process. She once again gave kudos to her predecessors and their family, saying: “Today, we remember them and indeed we thank their families – we say ‘saluto’ to them.”
“It is not time for politics but time for development of the city,” she added.
The Lord Mayor highlighted the development in the City of Banjul, which includes turning Crab Island into a modern place catering to different purposes, recording studio, Radio FM, greening the city activities, the project undertaken in the hospital, empowerment of the youths, and lots more.
“This partnership has brought development to the doorstep of the people of the city with some conveniences. Many people might say Banjul is small but I can tell you no capital in this world is small,” she elaborated.
She disclosed that the city is not stopping its partnership on this as they are working on more development to come to the capital city.
Speaking earlier was Lord Mayor Bart Tommelein of Ostend City Belgium.
He said it is a great honour for him to visit the City of Banjul for a second time as the Mayor of Ostend.”
“As representatives of the City of Ostend in Belgium, we [himself, deputy Mayor Silke Beirens, his head of cabinet, Margot Neyskens, and also a journalist, Stefaan Kerger] are very much looking forward to marking the 20th anniversary of the city link between our two coastal cities,” mayor Tommeleinsaid.
He noted that it is indeed unique for two cities to have a relationship that goes back such a long time.
“Twenty years during which schools in Banjul and Ostend have exchanged with each other and fostered meaningful relationships between students. Twenty years during which the two administrations worked together and where exchange visits took place in both directions. Twenty years during which a genuine relationship was developed between the Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital and Higher Education institutions in Ostend. Twenty years during which we developed mutual trust and understanding in each other,” he underlined.
He added that during the last years, the relationship became much more intense as Ostend City Council supported the Banjul City Council with the implementation of the EU project.
“The 3 million euro or close to 200 million Dalasi is something which we hope has created a meaningful change in the city and created opportunities for BCC staff and Banjulians,” he stated.
Mr Mustapha Batchilly, the Chief Executive Officer of the Banjul City Council also spoke on the occasion, which was characterised by cultural performances from different cultural groups.