Sukuta UK Charity Association holds annual congress

The Sukuta UK Charity Association, then known as GAMSUK on August 7th 2010, held its first annual congress in the city of Birmingham United Kingdom.

The association, which was founded in 1998, in White Chapel, East London, according to its executive members, was created to "promote or contribute to the targeted needs of those in need."

Thus, the association's core values have always been targeting those less able and to forge unity among its well diversified membership through a multi-cultural approach. The Point was sent a special invitation prompting this correspondent to travel to the country's second city to attend the congress.

In a sombre and well delivered speech, after reciting the Gambia National Anthem, Babucarr Bojang, the outgoing Chairman of the Association explained clearly that it is based on a "strong non-political or religious discriminatory principle which serves as a forum for the exchange of ideas to assist in the development of our motherland and also to provide help to members financially or otherwise should the need arises..."

Mr. Bojang also revealed that the charity consists of over 300 members and accepted that with "hard work and determination, they will be further strengthened." This, he said, will make a stronger positive impact on development for everyone, including those back home in The Gambia.

The outgoing Chairman also reminded participants that in order to achieve such dreams, it must provide the required funds to finance facilities for health centres, schools and other projects it is currently supporting.

He also stressed the need to reject the "negative tendencies of the past and adopt a positive attitude." He concluded: "If we commit to all of the above, we can turn our dreams into reality and achieve our common goal of lasting prosperity.”

Lamin Manjang, the Chairman of Gunjur Committee also elaborated the historical link between Gunjur and Sukuta, as well as the importance of the members to join hands and further secure such a vital bond for the benefit of both present and future generations.

Ousman Cham, the Secretary of the association also expressed his gratitude to members and outlined the essence of nurturing such an association for the interest of all and sundry. 

The efforts of the Birmingham and Leeds Committees who have successfully generated a good amount of funds for the charity was highlighted and called on others to emulate them.

In his closing remarks, Dr. Yankuba Sanneh, spoke passionately on "the negative as well as the positive characteristic of immigration" and reminded everyone to strive for the latter.

Dr. Sanneh also stressed the importance of developing ourselves positively and insisted that knowledge is not confined to a single race or creed. He further called on the audience to be tolerant.

The association also used the opportunity to meet families, friends, brothers and sisters in England and other parts of Europe, notably Scandinavia. Most of the members travelled long distance across the UK to meet in Birmingham, thus reinforcing their commitment to the charity.

There was also an emotional reunion of some family members and friends. One of the members revealed to this correspondent that he met a friend he missed over a decade.

A dinner was organised, characterised by music to entertain the guests. The prayer was led by the association's Imam.

Prominent members including Ousman Bayo, subcommittee member and Sedat Bojang also attended the congress.