The 11th Ordinary Meeting of the Regional African Satellite Communication (RASCOM) Assembly of Parties on Tuesday ended at the Kairaba Beach Hotel.
In her official opening statement, on behalf of President Jammeh, Vice- President Isatou Njie-Saidy underscored government's gratitude by the strides initiated by RASCOM, to implement a satellite network for Africa.
Dr. Njie Saidy said this is indeed a crucial and timely effort for a continent eager to bridge the digital divide and become a strategic player in world affairs.
According to Vice-President Njie-Saidy, "for us in The Gambia the creation of such a supper-structure is an assurance to boost our drive towards attaining the middle income country status in line with the objectives of Vision 2020."
She noted that it was time that a Pan-African Union Satellite System comes to bear to provide complete connectivity for the entire continent.
The realisation of this proposal, Dr. Njie Saidy asserted, coupled with its effective implementation by RASCOM and the continuous support that is being provided by member states, brings immense personal joy and gratitude to her and rekindles trust and confidence in the social, political and economic future of the African continent.
Dr. Njie Saidy said "the satellite and associated systems presents huge added opportunities that would enable us to take full control of our affairs, including the leveraging of resources and the tapping of existing yet largely untapped potential to promote the continent's identity as a safe heaven for quality investment and business."
Dr. Njie-Saidy said with the launch of the satellite, which is a dream come true another milestone has been achieved to emancipate the continent from centuries of foreign hegemony, merciless exploitation and marginalisation.
