NEWS BANJUL THE GAMBIA(MB)-The 10th Edition of the bi-annial International Roots Festival was stated for 4th-10th February 2011, with a weeklong programme.
“The 10th Edition of the Roots festival was expected to bring together positive thinking Africans who share the same common objectives, origins and heritage, who collectively focus on all positive key aspects that may contribute to the social, cultural /and economic growth of the continent as we move forwards the next century”.
According to the national coordinating committee, the international Roots festival is designed to encourage peoples of Africa Descent who reside within the Diaspora to further discover, re-affirm and re- embrace their ancestral identity through confronting a physical past. It is reported that the registrations of participants were as follows. US dollars 165, British Pound 100, and Euro 125 of the registration fee in both currencies. Participants on the 4th February will be expected to further at the Kairabe Beach Hotel between the hours of 7pm –9:30pm for registration of guest, introduction and orientation. There will be a carnival procession of masquerades and the official opening ceremony at the July 22nd Square in Banjul. The Gambian leader Yahya Jammeh is expected to grace the official opening, cabinet ministers, NAMS, Diplomatic coups, CSOs, media and individuals. On Sunday 6th, there will be a trip following Roots pilgrim to the village of Juffereh and James Island, which delegates will departures from hotels at 8:00 am. In the afternoon visit will made to the ruins of a farmer British slave fostress on James Island, located in the middle of The River Gambia located in upper district, North Bank River. On 7th February, discover move of the Gambia starting from the capital city Banjul to Bakau all the ways Bijilo the Tanjiand Bato kunku at the hours of 9:00am to 5:30pm. In the evening, made in he Gambia Evening featuring Gambian Buffet, Art Expo African fashion-show, Handicrafts, Textiles, Book fair, Food and Drinks which will be puautuated by musical and cultural entertainment at the Duras Hotel starting 7:00pm onwards, and the initiatives to depart for the futampaf rites at the hometown of the Gambia President Kanilai, Foni Kansal, west coast region at 3pm. On 8th February, Futampaf, that is Jola rites of passage, Guests to be initiated and adopted into a family in Kanilai. 9th February 2011, in the morning at the hours of 9:30am, a symposium be held at venue TBC, afternoon in the same day, chefs culinary meeting to be hosted by renown Senegalese Chef Pierre Thiam from New York city and in the evening film night at Sheraton resort Hotel and spa from 7:30pm. On Thursday, an award winning culture forest to be done at the Makasutu Eco Tourism Forest at 10:00am, followed by conference on investing I Green Energy and a sustainable future in the Diaspora. This conference is hosted by Mr. Ogo Sow, from the USA a panel guest speakers. In the same evening , African Gala Farewell Dinner and awards ceremony at the Ocean Bay Hotel, Bakau, 8:00pm, which will mark the official closing of the 10th Edition of Roots 2011 and a farewell Gala Dinner after party dance at venue TBC midnight onwards. 11th Friday February, departures from airport and post of departure. According to National Organizing committee, “LUM” local mark from 4th – 10th International Roots Festival are united Kingdom Africa Roots Travel promotions, Mr. Waka Jagne of London, UK, United States of America Alkamba Tours and Travel, Mr. Ogo Sow c/o Africa Travel Association (ATA) New York and Alpha Travel c/o Mr. Ousman Manjang Merietta. This years festival Gambian Minister of Tourism and Culture Aja Fatou Mass Jobe Njie at a press briefing told journalist that this year’s roots festival coincide with the black History Mouth, designated by the Untied States of America every February to remember great African – Americans.
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