By Assan Bah
Dr Seedy Drammeh,the Deputy Director of Human Resources at the Gambia Revenue Authority (GRA)and renowned Gambian author, has launched his thirty-fifth (35th) book during the weekend titled:‘‘Memoir of the Beautiful Lifestyle in Rural Gambia.’’
Dr Drammeh, who hails from JarraSikunda in the Jarra West Constituency of the Lower River Region (LRR) of the Gambia, has received several awards for his role in developing and assisting young writers. He said he was not only inspired because of his rural origin, but because of the continued beautiful lifestyle found in rural Gambia. Dr Drammeh has eleven (11) books approved by the Curriculum, Research, Evaluation and Development Directorate in May 2022, to be used as supplementary material for Senior Secondary Schools and other higher learning institutions.
A book reviewer in the person of Michael H. Secka from the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education (MoBSE) said Dr Drammeh has added his name to both the list of Gambian authors and West African writers as well.He said writers publish books and implorepeople to buy the book as it has a lot of information in the book that can only be discovered when one buysit. He called on literates to read the book and interpret it to those who cannot read. He said in page 40 of the book, the author argues that despite the rapid development across the world, previous situations in many rural areas including rural Gambia in terms of lack of social amenities are no longer the gains
According to the author, it is people’s consciousness that reflectstheir social being, Secka explained, “our level of courage is not taken by the degrees we have, but the naming and marriage ceremonies we attend; the respect we give people particularly our elders, and the level of participation we give to community work; that this is why he said it is not our consciousness that reflect our social being, and said if one has a masters degree and lives above society, then ´the person’s entire education means nothing.”
He further confirmed that the author did not commit any intellectual dishonesty, as he congratulated the author, “he came up with reference to authenticate what he has written.Buy the book and donate them to schools.’’
Dr IsmailaCeesay, a native of JarraSikunda, said he is confident that the book would help guide all Gambians collectively in their quest to understand how beautiful rural Gambia’s lifestyle is.
“I strongly advise every Gambian particularly young people, to learn and practice the moral standards and values that conducts rural Gambian lifestyle,’’ Dr Ceesay said.
In his keynote speech, Dr Seedy Drammeh said it is a collective responsibility to restore our traditional values and cultures.
“It is a little reflection for some of us who come from rural areas, because it is indicated that thisform of tradition, heritage and culture was not only empowered, but was also practiced.Education is not defined by civilization in urban areas but by mind preparation.If your mind is prepared, the first thing of value is your people [where you come from].
“We have not gone to school to learn to forget our parents.We are from them and it is because of them, that we are who we are today. If we forget the values of our parents, we would lose the values that made us who we are today. Let us revive our values, and become the people who will champion peace, celebrate culture, train culture and live with culture,’’ Dr Drammeh said.
He expressed gratitude to his natives from Jarra Sikunda,and to the editors and reviewers for their support in making the book a success.
