FOROYAA Newspaper (Serrekunda)
Saikou Ceesay
21 April 2008
Twenty seven senior army officers were on Thursday, 17 April promoted and decorated in a ceremony presided over by President Jammeh at State House.
Presiding over the ceremony, President Jammeh indicated that Gambia Armed Forces is a merit based security apparatus. He indicated that promotion in the army is not based on tribe and religion, but on patriotism.
Going further, President Jammeh said the officers may be surprised to know that he is aware of their hard work. "Wherever you are, whether in Kartong or Koina I know if you are doing well," said President Jammeh.
He said that in the army, it is a common phenomenon for one to be punished for what he or she did, but indicated that he is someone who believes in rewarding people for their hard work, dedication and commitment. He applauded countries that have contributed in rendering support in consolidation of The Gambia Armed Forces. He pointed out that it is only a true friend who will endeavour to defend another country.
He further tasked the officers to take fierce steps to crack down on money laundering and drug trafficking. President Jammeh dwelt on the negative effects it has on an economy and how it affects the cream of the society. He urged the officers to employ zero tolerance on drug trafficking and money laundering.
He indicated that it is human to have conflict but that the inability to settle conflict is inhuman. He said since 1996, The Gambia lost only six (6) officers on peace keeping missions; that he used part of the occasion to reminisce on past events. He urged Gambians to be proud of their armed forces and render them support.
Nine (9) vehicles were donated to The Gambia Armed Forces.
In his address, General Lang Tombong Tamba, said that this year's promotion is unique in the history of The Gambia and that elevation in the army is rare. He advised the officers to renew their commitment and rededicate loyalty to the State. General Tamba noted that they are aware of the importance attached to The Gambia Armed forces as a tentacle for maintaining peace in the country. He said that they would not have done well without the support of their respective families and the general public. General Tamba observed that the military is a noble profession that has the mandate to execute peace and sustainability in the country.
He noted that The Gambian Armed forces are privileged to hold the ECOWAS Chief of Defence Staff meeting in The Gambia. He said that the deliberations were fruitful. The decoration ceremony was attended by the Vice President, Secretaries of State, Ambassadors, Diplomats.
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Definitely, I am congratulating the CDS Lang Tombong Tamba. He really deserves to be given the highest rank in the military set-up. But my 1 million dollar question is "WHY DON'T H.E ATTEND or PRESIDE OVER THE SENIOR POLICE OFFICERS' PROMOTIONS AT ANY GIVEN TIME. If he calls himself a true patriot, all security forces should be equal to him. But as the saying goes,"ONCE A SOLDIER FOREVER A SOLDIER Please your Excellency, treat all the forces as equals. You are nomore a soldier but a civilian. For some of the soldiers promoted, congratulations. But for the others who got… [Read Full Text]