Passport DC is a month-long event in Washington D.C. that highlights the thriving international diplomatic community and its lively and varied culture. The event is annually held in the month of May which is internationally dedicated to promoting culture around the world. Thousands of visitors turned–up to enjoy what The Gambia has to offer in terms of culture, tradition, hospitality, cuisine and opportunities for investment.
This year, The Gambia, Uganda, Malawi, Tanzania and Burkina Faso held their events at the University of the District of Columbia (UDC). Other African Embassies participated at African Union Mission in D.C. whilst others held their activities at their respective Embassies.
Speaking at the event, Ambassador Bah expressed delight at the efforts employed in making the event a success. Ambassador Bah said the aim of The Gambia’s participation is to create a platform that will showcase the country and promote diverse culture and other tourist attractions that The Gambia has to offer.
The Gambian Ambassador said our participation would facilitate cross-cultural
exchange and foster better relations between The Gambia, the United States and the rest of the world with a view to enhancing trade and investment opportunities in The Gambia.
He assured that more preparations would be done by the Embassy in concert with relevant stakeholders like the Ministry of Tourism and Culture, National Centre for Arts and Culture, The Gambia Tourism Board and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad to make subsequent Passport D.C. events more outstanding.
First Secretary – Information and Cultural Affairs at the Embassy of The Gambia in Washington, D.C., Mr. Saikou Ceesay, who coordinated Gambia’s participation said the aim of the event is to make people around the world have a better understanding of The Gambia’s culture and tradition. Gambian culture was exhibited through live Kora music, outfit and food. The opportunity was used to explain the importance and meaning of the Kora and traditional drums in Gambian society. The Gambian team also introduced Washingtonians to our traditional Benachin food.
At the end of the event, the delegation from Banjul and staff of the Embassy held a meeting at the Embassy to discuss how the event went, and what needs to be done to enhance Gambia’s participation in future Passport D.C. events.
