By: Haruna Kuyateh
The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Kerewan Area Council and others have recently returned to The Gambia after attending a Conference of Mayors global network held in Atlanta Georgia, United States of America an event held from 21st to 24th of August 2024.
The duo, Chairman Papa Tunkara, and the CEO SainabouMartin Sonko described the conference as a successful one in an interview with this
reporter as they were officially introduced to the local government authorities from the United States and other countries and were sworn in as formal members of the World Conference of Mayors Organization.
According to them, the conference addressed important global issues, including trade, technology, education, and the twinning of cities and the Kerewan Area Council.
One of the highlights of Kerewan Area Council’s engagement, they said, is the opportunity to establish a twinning arrangement with the City of Union Springs, Alabama.
The officials also had a fruitful meeting as they discussed potential cooperation between the Kerewan Area Council and Union Springs in areas such as agriculture, education, and waste management.
This collaboration aims to support the Kerewan Area Council in achieving its development goals for the people of the North Bank Region.
Among other significant outcomes from their participation in the World Conference of Mayors was the passing of a resolution for the protection and preservation of Jufurreh/Kunta Kinteh Island in Albreda, recognizing its historical importance to The Gambia. Kunta Kinteh Island, and its Related Sites like Fort Bullen in Barra, San Domingo, CFAO Buildings, and Maurel Et Freres Buildings in Albredawere designated as UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2003. So, the resolution calls for efforts to protect this important Heritage Site.
However, Chairman Tunkara and CEO Martin expressed their sincere gratitude to the council members who unanimously supported their participation in the conference, with special thanks to Hon. Sheriff Baldeh for facilitating their involvement, and to Dr. Abubacarr Jawara, CEO of GachGlobal Trading Company, and all others who contributed to their successful attendance at this conference.
Meanwhile, the Chairman engaged citizens of North Bank residing in Louisville, Kentucky, Seattle, and Washington in a forum to update them on the ongoing works at the council level, the challenges, and plans for the North Bank Region.