The Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced yesterday 17th January 2023, through their Facebook Page, that The Government of The Gambia and ‘Soumpoo do Khatie’, a national Soninke Community group together with the United States Ambassador to The Gambia, on Friday 13th January 2023, held the 1st commemoration of the New York Twin Tower fire incident that claimed the lives of seventeen Gambians in Bronx, in New York on 9th January, 2022.
The solemn convergence also acknowledged the honour bestowed on the late Alhaji Abdoulie Touray by the United States Government.
Dr. Mamadou Tangara expressed thanks and appreciation to the United States Government particularly Honorable Eric Adams, the Mayor of New York City and Her Excellency Ambassador Sharon L. Cromer, on behalf of the government and the people of The Gambia for the invaluable support rendered the survivors, victims’ families and the general Gambian community in New York during those difficult times, and reiterated the commitment of the government of The Gambia to strengthen ties with the government of the United States of America.
The US Ambassador to The Gambia, Her Excellency Ambassador Sharon L. Cromer, expressed condolences to the government and the people of The Gambia and the Gambian community in New York, and reiterated the United States’ commitment to continue supporting the survivors and families of the victims in New York and The Gambia.
In the same vein, the Sarahuli delegation led by Mr. Alhaji Basirou Jawara, extended profound appreciation to The Gambia and the United States governments for the timely and prompt assistance rendered during the incident, whilst requesting assistance for the families of the victims who have been stranded in The Gambia to return to the United States. They recognized the kind gesture of the United States government of naming 181 street in New York after the late Abdoulie Touray, the first Gambian believed to have settled in that community, in honour of the victims.
