By Fatou Dahaba
The Kairaba Conservation and Leadership Organization (KairaCLO) marked Sir Dawda Jawara’s Centenary Celebration with a tree-planting exercise at The National Assembly and the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Center in The Gambia on Thursday, May 16th.
Dignitaries convened at The Gambia’s National Assembly and International Conference Center to commemorate the centenary of the late first President, Sir Dawda Jawara, amid solemn tributes and heartfelt memories.
During a moving ceremony, officials planted trees to honor and remember his significant contributions to the country.
Chief Justice Hassan B. Jallow, together with Honorable Speaker Fabakary Tombong Jatta, Bishop of Banjul Gabriel Mendy, the Police Commissioner of Banjul representing the IGP, and Hon. Madi MK Ceesay, planted five trees in a collaborative effort.
At the conference center, ten plants were planted by professionals, including Prof. Abdoulie Saine, former Justice Minister Abubakar Tambadou, Demba Ali Jawo, and Beatrice Mboge.
Fabakary Tombong Jatta, Speaker of the National Assembly, said the tree planting exercise will pay homage to Sir Dawda Jawara’s remarkable legacy and reaffirm the government’s dedication to upholding his values of unity, progress, and environmental stewardship.
“As the newly planted trees take root and grow, they will stand as living tributes to his memory and the enduring spirit of The Gambia.”
The Chief Justice Of The Gambia, Hassan Bubacarr Jallow, underscored the importance of preserving Sir Dawda Jawara’s legacy for future generations. He also emphasized the significance of environmental conservation, echoing his commitment to sustainable development and the protection of natural resources.
Professor Abdoulie Saine also reaffirmed Sir Dawda’s visionary leadership style while acknowledging his reputation as an environmentalist and a human rights activist.
Professor Saine said Sir Dawda will always be remembered as the father of the nation. He guided this nation with moderation, which is among his distinguishing elements.
Former Justice Minister Abubakar Tambadou said Sir Dawda personifies the principle of legacy for the rule of law and fundamental human rights.
“As long as we continue to talk about human rights and respect for the rule of law in the Gambia and the African region, it is thanks to Sir Dawda for his vision, commitment, passion, and principles position for fundamental rights, so therefore we should all pay tribute to sir Dawda, and there’s no better way than planting trees on his behalf.”
He called on the government of the Gambia to continue what KairaCLO has started by challenging themselves to plant over a million trees across the country within one year in honor of the former president.
Sir Dawda Jawara, a distinguished figure in the history of The Gambia, played a crucial role in guiding the nation to independence and nurturing a legacy of unity and advancement. As the country commemorates its centenary, the tree-planting initiative is a concrete manifestation of appreciation for its lasting influence on the Gambian populace.
The day also witnessed the holy Ouran’s recitation at the Pipeline Mosque.
