Africa-Press – Gambia. The United States Ambassador to the Gambia, Her Excellency Sharon L. Cromer, has assured that U.S. foreign assistance to the Gambia has not ended, despite ongoing program reviews.
She made this clarification during the celebration of the 249th anniversary of the independence of the United States, which took place at her residence in Fajara.
The event brought together government dignitaries, political party leaders, civil society representatives, diplomats and international partners.
In her speech marking the Fourth of July celebration, Ambassador Cromer addressed recent concerns about U.S. aid, saying, “The U.S. government is not ending foreign assistance. We are still awaiting the results of the review of all our programs.”
She confirmed the continuation of several major initiatives, including the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food for Progress and Food for Education programs, worth more than $40 million, as well as a $3 million contribution in medicines and equipment to combat malaria over the next five years.
Ms. Cromer revealed that the evolution of U.S. foreign policy emphasizes economic partnerships that promote private sector investment. “Some have criticized me for promoting U.S. business investment in The Gambia,” she noted, adding that “the private sector is the engine of growth in the U.S. economy, and it can be the same in The Gambia.”
She emphasized that American companies, especially those run by Americans of Gambian descent, are eager to invest in The Gambia. However, she noted that bureaucracy, regulatory hurdles, and corruption remain major obstacles. “These are good investments that could stimulate economic growth, create jobs, and improve living standards, especially for young people,” she emphasized.
Ambassador Cromer shared her deep thoughts on the values enshrined in the United States Declaration of Independence. She said, “America is a work in progress. We have not yet achieved our perfect union, but we continue to strive toward it.”
She congratulated President Adama Barrow and the Gambian people on the occasion of their 60th anniversary of independence, commending their continued quest for a just and inclusive society.
During her time in The Gambia, Ms. Cromer said she witnessed the resilience of Gambians, from health workers in rural communities to women working in agriculture and ambitious students. “The spirit of determination is evident in every nook and cranny of The Gambia,” she said.
She also commended Gambia’s continued commitment to transitional justice, highlighting the recent swearing-in of members of the Reparations Commission. “We understand that an account has been opened to receive reparations funds, which brings us closer to returning the proceeds from the sale of Jammeh’s property in Potomac to compensate his victims,” she said, adding that senior Gambian officials have repeatedly assured her that 100 percent of these funds will go directly to the victims.
Ambassador Cromer also noted the recent conviction in the United States of former Gambian jungler Michael Sang Correa, who was found guilty of five counts of torture. She emphasized that the United States would not provide safe haven to individuals who commit such crimes abroad.
In closing, Ms. Cromer reaffirmed the U.S. government’s partnership with The Gambia and its people, based on mutual respect, shared democratic values, and a common vision of progress.
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