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| Conference delegates at NaYCONF 2012 (Photo Credit: Gambia Sports News Online) |
In what many
see as a rare scenario, the Lower River Region went unopposed in their bid to
host the next biennial National Youth Conference and Festival (NaYCONF) 2014.
Gambia’s
Minister of Youth and Sports, Mr. Alieu K. Jammeh confirmed LRR as the host of
the 2014 NaYCONF In his closing statement on Jan. 92013.
This is the
first time in history of the event that a single region bid to host the youth
conference and festival without opposition or contestants. "We are left
with no option than awarding it to Lower River Region," says Bakary
Badjie, chairperson of the NaYCONF conference sub-committee.
Now, the
focus is for a taskforce committee to assess the
condition of infrastructure and facilities in their suitability to host the
event.
The LRR
delegation at the just-concluded NaYCONF in Bansang, begged to be given the
opportunity to succeed Central River Region in hosting NaYCONF for the first
time in history of the region.
Previously, the region threatened to boycott the 2010 NaYCONF after a
series of unsuccessful attempts to host it.
The Youth
Chairperson of the region states in a letter to the National Youth Council
(NYC) that "as the region never has the opportunity to host such a
national event, we believe that we should be given the greatest advantage over
all regions/municipalities in the country."
In response
to whether the region can meet the required condition in hosting the national
event the letter stated that the Mansakonko region will met all the criteria
set for the bidding of the NAYCONF, ranging from the required budget to other
resources including land for the construction of the NaYCONF villa with respect
to time.
As part of
their proposed fundraising plans, the region outlined its intention to setup a
Local Organizing Committee (LOC) in all the six administrative districts in the
region to among others, take care of accommodation, health, security, and
sports.
According to
their NaYCONF bidding document, the LRR region intends to use the various
facilities within the regional headquarters, such as schools, lodges, and other
institutions for accommodation and all the activities for the event.
It also
intends to put up mechanisms to ensure enough security, water and electricity
supply and health services to make the event a successful one.
Written by Modou S. Joof
- Ebrima Bah, Gambian freelance journalist, editor and publisher of Campus and Field News contributed to this story.
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