THE GAMBIA WHERE THE MYSTIC NEVER ENDS

THE GAMBIA WHERE THE MYSTIC NEVER ENDS

30th May – 7th June 2008

The Department of State for Tourism and Culture invites all people of African descent and all persons committed to the well being of Africans and the development of Africa, to come home to The Gambia and participate in The 9th edition of the International Roots Festival which is a historical, cultural and educational event, scheduled to take place in The Gambia from 30th May – 7th June 2008.

For over 400 years our people have been separated by the results of the African Holocaust (Trans - Atlantic Slave Trade) and the legacy of colonisation has kept us at odds with our true history, identity, cultural traditions while preventing unity and growth amongst African People and the African Continent.
Roots 2008 commemorates the enforced enslavement and transportation of millions of Africans to the Americas and the Caribbean Islands. Africans and friends of Africa from the Diaspora are presented with a unique opportunity to attend and participate in The International Roots Festival 2008.

Come home and experience the African Continent. Confront a physical past and glimpse the horizon of a brighter future. Come home, rediscover and reaffirm your African heritage, and unite with your people and your ancestral family.

During the festival, you can visit places of Historical, Cultural and Educational interest such as Juffureh (The Late Alex Haley’s Ancestral home), Fort James Island, Georgetown (now Janjanbureh), and establish cultural ties. Attend International Musical Concerts and Cultural Jamborees, Visit a traditional African Batik Factory, Craft Markets, experience traditional African cuisine, Hairstyles, Fashions and Jewellery and witness traditional events such as “Futampaf” (rites of passage) ceremony in the home village of President Jammeh.

WELCOME STATEMENT
BY
HIS EXCELLENCY THE PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE GAMBIA

As we prepare to celebrate the International Roots Festival 2008, the people of the Gambia join me in welcoming home all people of African descent wherever they may be.

The International Roots Festival affords us the golden opportunity, to share with our brothers and sisters from the Diaspora, the richness and the unity in diversity of The Gambia’s cultural heritage.

Above all, the festival provides for further strengthening of the bonds of kinship and unity, that bind us together as Africans as well as providing the unique platform to discuss our common problems and share our experiences as a people.

My Government and indeed the entire people of The Gambia attach great importance to this historic event and we all look forward to this symbolic reunion of Africans in a true spirit of oneness and love, thus bridging the gap that has separated the sons and daughters of Africa for so long.

I trust therefore, that as many of you Africans-in-the-Diaspora as possible will love to come home during this time and be part of the celebrations.

Alh. Dr. Yahya A.J.J. Jammeh