Diaspora 6th Region Deputy Chair Noah Kabia & Gambia Host Chair Alimamy Dumbuya
Scheduled to take place from 19 to 22 December this year, the epoch-making retreat will attract members of Sierra Leone’s biggest and strongest opposition party from all parts of the world to the humane and serene nation of The Gambia.
Party members ranging from former president and vice presidents to ex-ministers, parliamentarians and executive members are expected to retreat to Banjul from the United States of America, the UK, Canada Germany, the Middle East and other diasporan countries to have some tranquil moments of discourse on unity and cohesion for progress of their party and nation.
“We want to critically look at what is happening with the party in Sierra Leone to find solutions to all the issues; that is why we decided to organise this retreat, to harmonise and arrange all differences among ourselves in the Party, starting with the diaspora and then unite the elders and leaders in the party to let them see reason to work together as one. And we can all come together, unite for the party’s progress,” said Noah Kabia, deputy Chairman of the APC Diaspora 6th Region, who are the initiators and key organisers of the retreat.
“We expect all APC members to come to this retreat. These include members from the diaspora, the home-based, the flag-bearer Dr Samura Kamara, intending flag-hearers, the parliamentarians and former parliamentarians, down to the executives of the party - all are expected to converge on the Gambia, God willing. It also includes even the former President - whosoever is an APC member,” said Mr Kabia, who is in The Gambia to assess the preparations for the retreat scheduled for 19 through 22 December this year at the Kairaba Beach Hotel.
Preparations are at full speed in hosting the retreat in Banjul, in a convivial atmosphere, for peace, unity and progress, said The Gambia host chair of the retreat, Alimamy Dumbuya.
“Preparation is on course; we have secured the hall that should accommodate everyone, to share our ideas and decide on the relevant issues that will make the party come together and try to get control of governance as soon as possible,” Mr Dumbuya said, adding that they have gone two-thirds of the preparations to hosting a historic convergence in The Gambia.
“We have set various committees for work to ensure that guests that are coming are secure,” he said. “We have informed the Gambian authorities that we are receiving guests from the diaspora to come and join us in our meeting. The APC party has registered with the Attorney General’s Office of The Gambia since 2002, and by the dictates of our agreement, we can associate as an organisation. But since we are getting or receiving a huge number that will come, we should bring that to the attention of the Inspector General of Police to provide security for us. So that also is on course.
“We are also putting in place transportation, to be able to move our people from one place to another. The Gambia being a peaceful nation and a tourist country, it is good that as our people are coming, they feel the hospitality of the country.”
Mr Dumbuya applauded the Gambian authorities and people for their hospitality and kindness, saying The Gambia and Sierra Leone have historical ties dating back to the colonial period.
He also highlights the fact that strong social and blood relations exist between the Gambia and Sierra Leone, particularly in intermarriages and sectors such as education, health, culture and entertainment.
“So it’s like The Gambia is home away from home,” he appreciates. “We are living here peacefully; nobody disturbs you. Once you get your immigration qualifications and pay your permit fee, you can live here as long as you are living peacefully. So the ties are so good, which is also a key reason this retreat is coming in The Gambia.”
