On May 4, 2023, Ambassador Sharon Cromer accompanied by several ambassy staff embarked on a tour of U.S. government-funded projects and programs in The Gambia. The tour presented an opportunity for the Ambassador to engage with partners and regional authorities to discuss a variety of partnerships that the U.S. government is engaged in with The Gambia to advance economic development, support education, and improve health in the country.
The Ambassador and team visited Hands-on Care Medical Center in the West Coast Settlement of Brikama – where they interacted with staff and inspected the newly acquired HIV Biochemistry Analyzer, which was purchased through the Ambassador’s Self-Help Fund. The tour party also visited Tahir Ahmadiya Senior Secondary School in the Lower River Region, where they met with members of the Competitive College Club (CCCs), which are after-school programs designed to promote academic excellence and provide opportunities for youth empowerment. The Public Affairs Section of U.S. Embassy Banjul provides a yearly grant to fund six CCCs in rural Gambia.
The team proceeded to the Upper River Region of The Gambia, where the Ambassador had an audience with the Governor of the region, Samba Bah, and toured the New Peace Corps Training Center in Basse. During her meeting with Governor Bah and other authorities in the region, the Ambassador engaged in discussions about a range of partnerships between the U.S. government and The Gambia aimed at advancing economic development and improving the country’s education and health sectors.
The visit to the new Peace Corps Training Center in Basse provided an opportunity for the Ambassador to meet with peace corps volunteers and staff to learn about their work in the region. Peace Corps The Gambia welcomed more volunteers to The Gambia in 2022, who are assisting in the Health, Education and Agriculture sectors in rural Gambia.
The Ambassador concluded her public engagements in Upper River Region by visiting the U.S. President’s Malaria Initiative (PMI) project in Baniko Ismail, a milling center in Basse, and Peace Corps volunteers and host families in Perai Tenda. During her visit to Baniko Ismail, she engaged in discussions with health workers and community members to assess the impact of the PMI program on the settlement.