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ABRAHAM
United Kingdom
25 Posts |
 Posted - 24 Sep 2006 : 12:00:46
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1965:
The Duke and Duchess of Kent have celebrated the end of 300 years of colonial rule in Gambia with 35 chiefs.
At midnight Gambia will become the smallest - and 37th - sovereign state in Africa and the last of Britain's West African colonies to gain independence.
It was the first African nation conquered by the British and will become the 21st member of the Commonwealth, as well as the 116th member of the United Nations.
Representing the Queen, the royal couple was escorted to the mansa bengo - gathering of kings - by Gambian Prime Minister Dawda Jawara and Governor Sir John Paul.
All the Gambian leaders showed their respect by removing their shoes before greeting the British dignitaries.
The oldest chief, Toure Sagniang, said: "It gives us confidence to know that as a monarchy we are members of that family of which the Queen is head."
And he thanked the UK for its assistance in making the transition to independence.
The traditional ceremony - in the village of Brikama, 22 miles from the capital, Bathurst - included soothsayers and standard bearers, accompanied by drumming and string instruments.
Guests from around 30 nations were present, including the US Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, George Mennen, and the Soviet Ambassador to Sierra Leone, Grigori Pashchenko.
Flag up
The major celebration will begin tonight when the Union Jack is lowered for the last time and replaced with the red, white, blue and green of the Gambian national flag.
Presentations from the Gambian and British delegations will complete the formal beginning of independence.
The British Government has promised to provide support for Gambia, valued at £3m for the next two-and-a-half years.
Smaller than Yorkshire in the UK, Gambia extends 295 miles inland from the Atlantic, along the River Gambia, and has a total population of 320,000.
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