GFD Congress General Assembly, alongside commemoration of International Disability Day 2024 in Jarra Soma, LRR

The Gambia Federation of the Disabled (GFD) on Friday evening, 9 February 2024 start it's Congress General Assembly, alongside commemoration of International Day of Persons Disabilities 2024 in Jarra Soma, in Lower River Region (LRR), 180 Kilometres from The Gambian Capital - Banjul. GFD Congress is held every 4 years, while the International Disability Day celebrated in every 3rd December. This years celebration according to the GFD Chairman was delayed due to financial challenges.
Addressing the gathering, Mr. Muhammed Krubally, GFD Chairman said among others that theGFD Constitution provides for Executive members to hold office for 2 Term, and his board has successfully completed their first term, and Board Members interested to vy for second term in office can seek re-elections. Mr Krubally who also double as Principal Magistrate in Banjul among others said the theme for this years commemoration is “United in action to rescue and achieve the SDGs for, with and by persons with disabilities by 2030. Mr Krubally the first and only visually impaired Gambian Magistrate in his remarks said he became GFD Chairman following the disolution of the then GFD Board due to ineffeciencies, which resulted in the closure of the GFD Office, among others. He said he came as Interim Chairman, and later got elected to serve a four years term, which now came of an end, as a result of which they are converging to review activities and conduct Congress. The opning ceremony chaired by Mr Sainey Camara, retired social health worker, now private consultant, was characterised by Chairman's activities report and Treasurer's Financial statement. The second day took the form of March pass from Jah Oil in Jarra Soma Moses Lodge where statements were delivered. Speakers on Saturday morning includes Ms. Sirra Horeja Ndow- UNAIDS Country Director on behalf of UN Resident Coordinator; Mr Edrissa Waggeh- representative of the LRR Governor; and representatives of the Mansakonko Area Council and representative of the Minister of Gender, Children and Social Welfare on behalf of the Minister. GFD Chairman- Mr Krubally gave the vote of thanks Sessions continue with "Health Break", with a special session on HIV/AIDS currently ongoing. Congress proper will be held on the Sunday 11 February. GFD is the national umbrella body of persons with disabilities, aim to address the needs and welfare of persons with disabilities. Disabled Peoples Organisations (DPOs) in The Gambia came together to form the GFD in the early 1990s. There are currently 18 DPOs registered under the GFD. "The term persons with disabilities is used to apply to all persons with disabilities including those who have long-term physical, mental, intellectual or sensory impairments which, in interaction with various attitudinal and environmental barriers, hinders their full and effective participation in society on an equal." Further details will be provided soon

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