Power Up Gambia Blog

Kebba Badgie, CEO of SJGH, kindly provided both my mom and I with traditional Gambian dress for the ceremony today. We wrangled with the headwraps until we both gave up and the sister of a patient tied them for us. The program was held near the administration block adjacent to the hospital’s canteen. What a turn out! I had not expected to see so many people. As we arrived at the tents that had been put up for the program, Kebba informed my mom and I that we would each be giving a speech. Yikes! After taking my seat (yay for being in the shade this time) I scribbled down some notes on the back of the program. The proceedings started late because we were waiting on word from the President. Unfortunately, he was unable to make the ceremony because he was off traveling. Instead, the Speaker of the General Assembly was given the honor of making the keynote speech and cutting the ceremonial ribbon. There were several high officials in attendance, most notably the American Ambassador to The Gambia, the Chairman of SJGH, the Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Health, a representative of the WHO, and several others. Each praised Power Up Gambia for our hard work and commitment to helping the hospital. I wish I could relay the deep sense of appreciation on behalf of the hospital staff, administrators, and officials for the solar energy system. All of our hard work in the USA has made such a difference! That was made clear today.

    

After many, many speeches (phew, both our speeches went well) on an indecisive microphone, turning on and off as it pleased, the traditional dancing began. The Jola warriors who danced at the March inauguration (yes, this is the second one) were back. What a show! (See our most recent newsletter for details).

My favorite part of the program was when the key hospital staff members were introduced to the distinguished guests. Although a lengthy process, it was encouraging to see the hard work of each staff member recognized by the some of the country’s top officials. I’m certain that I witnessed more than a thousand handshakes during this part of the ceremony.

When the ceremony had officially concluded we had a delicious lunch of benechin (a local dish of rice, tomato paste, onion, hot pepper, yeast, and fish). Smiles all around.

(from left to right) Kebba Badgie (Hospital CEO), Barry Wells (American Ambassador), Permanent Secretary for Ministry of Health, Speaker of the National Assembly.