By Jainaba Kargbo
The National Organising Committee for the celebration of the 200 years anniversary of McCarthy Island, also known as George Town or Janjangbureh was on Wednesday, 14th December 2022, launch at The Gambia Tourism and Hospitality Institute in Kanifing.
The planned grand festival has been slated to take place from April to May 2023 and is expected to attract both national and international participants.
Gambia Daily’s Jainaba Kargbo caught up with Mr. Hassoum Cessay, Director General of the National Centre for Arts and Culture (NCAC) to shed light on the initiative.
Mr Ceesay said the Ministry of Tourism and Culture and NCAC are expected to work with the community to “undertake a national festival to mark the event”.
He narrated that in 1823, the British purchased the Island and used it as a settlement for the liberated Africans. “These are the people we now call the Aku,’’ he added.
He explained that this story is a major aspect of Gambian history; hence the need to have a cultural festival with a national outlook.
The function of the National Organising Committee, Mr Ceesay explained, is like the co-group that will help to organise the festival in conjunction with all the relevant players and partners.
‘’The purpose of this festival is to celebrate the culture and history of McCarthy, but also, to celebrate the culture and history of the entire Gambia. There will be a lot of activities in McCarthy, but generally, every Gambian region will be offered the opportunity to showcase what they have,” he expounded.
The Director noted that the event will attract visitors, who may come around, stay and spend some money in certain areas. “The youth will be engaged both on the Island and outside the Island while business will feel the good effect for the duration of the project.’’
He however noted the festival is not meant for making profit but to celebrate culture and history and by doing that, there will be a lot of financial order and other benefits to the community.
As to what is next after the launching of the NOC, Ceesay said the plan is to move ahead – make sure the sub-committees start the work “as there is no time to waste’’.
