Hon. Papa Tunkara, Chairman of the Kerewan Area Council, along with the Chief Executive Officer, Mrs. Sainabou Martin Sonko, recently attended the World Conference of Mayors from August 21st to 24th, 2024, in Atlanta, Georgia, USA. During the event, both Chairman Tunkara and CEO Martin Sonko were formally introduced to local government authorities from the United States and other countries, and they were sworn in as formal members of the World Conference of Mayors Organization.
The conference addressed important global issues, including Trade, Technology, Education, and the Twinning of cities and councils. One of the highlights for Kerewan Area Council was the opportunity to establish a twinning arrangement with the City of Union Springs, Alabama. Chairman Tunkara, CEO Martin Sonko, and Hon. Sheriff Baldeh, a Board Member of the World Conference of Mayors, had a fruitful meeting where they discussed potential cooperation between Kerewan and Union Springs in areas such as agriculture, education, and waste management. This collaboration aims to support Kerewan Area Council in achieving its development goals for the people of the North Bank Region.
Another significant outcome of the World Conference of Mayors was the passing of a resolution for the protection and preservation of Jufurreh/Kunta Kinteh Island in Albreda, recognizing its historical importance to The Gambia. Kunta Kinteh Island, along with sites like Fort Bullen in Barra, San Domingo, CFAO buildings, and Maurel Et Freres buildings in Albreda, was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2003. The island holds immense cultural value, especially for African Americans linked to the heritage of Kunta Kinteh, as discovered by Alex Haley in his research. However, rising sea levels due to climate change pose a threat to the island’s survival, and the resolution calls for efforts to protect this important heritage site.
Kerewan Area Council looks forward to a promising partnership with the City of Union Springs that will positively impact the socio-economic development of the North Bank Region. Chairman Tunkara and CEO Martin Sonko would like to express their sincere gratitude to the council members who unanimously supported their participation in the conference, with special thanks to Hon. Sheriff Baldeh for facilitating their involvement, and to Dr. Abubacarr Jawara, CEO of Gach Global Trading Company, and all others who contributed to their successful attendance at this important event.
