The Gambia Deaf, Arts and Culture (GDAC), a non-governmental organization dedicated to promoting Deaf culture and arts, on Tuesday, 12th August 2025, paid a courtesy visit to the Honorable Minister of Tourism, Arts, and Culture, Abdoulie Jobe, to introduce their work and highlight previous achievements.
During the meeting, Dawda Ceesay, a “Mister Deaf” who has previously represented The Gambia Deaf Arts and Culture in international competitions, shared his experiences with the Honourable Minister.
Mr. Ceesay was awarded two certificates for his participation in Tanzania: one for general participation and another recognizing him as the “Best Fashion Model.” While in Thailand, he received the “Mister Popular Vote” award.
He expressed gratitude to the Minister for the warm reception but also spoke candidly about the significant challenges the group faces in securing funding for international events.
Minister Jobe thanked them for the visit and further advised that they should register with the National Centre for Arts and Culture (NCAC).
He reassured them of government support and commitment at all times.
Other members of the delegation included Isatou Ceesay (Miss Deaf), Mat Panneh (Mister Deaf), Ebrima Jammeh (fashion model), Ndey Ceesay (board member), and Isatou Sanyang (advisor to the group).
Meanwhile, the Gambia Deaf, Arts and Culture has received an invitation to participate in an upcoming Miss and Mister Competition in Italy, scheduled to take place from October 18th to October 29th, 2025. The group formally requested the Minister’s support in securing the necessary funding to enable their participation in this significant international event.
In a separate, but related development, Her Excellency Mariam Sey, the new Senegalese Ambassador to The Gambia, also visited the Ministry for the first time since she assumed her new role in The Gambia.
Ambassador Sey expressed her delight in meeting the Tourism Minister, describing the meeting as fruitful. She stated that the relationship between The Gambia and Senegal is cordial and promised to strengthen it to higher heights for the mutual benefits of the two countries.
Similarly, the Senegambia Forever and Butabi Association was also at the Ministry and held discussions with the Honorable Minister, geared towards promoting tourism and preservation of our cultural heritage.
By Lamin Njie
Communications Officer
Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture