[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 85 (Thursday, June 29, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1149]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                           SUPPORT FOR GAMBIA

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. BENNIE G. THOMPSON

                             of mississippi

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 28, 2000

  Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, today I show of friendship 
and support for the African continent. During the December recess, I 
visited the West African nation of the Gambia with several of my 
colleagues and discovered a country full of hope and motivation for 
advancing their country's welfare and future potential. In light of 
this body's efforts to pass legislation that would increase and better 
our economic relationship with the African continent, I was deeply 
impressed and my hope for Africa buoyed by the dynamism I saw in 
Gambia's duty-free import zone and its booming tourist industry.
  In this regard, I would like to submit into the record a recent 
Editorial in The Journal of Commerce newspaper by Viola Herms Drath 
``Emphasis should be on Africa's role models'' that praises Gambia, as 
one of a handful of African nations, that is developing systems for its 
own internal development seeking trade and not aid. While much work 
remains to be done in terms of ameliorating the country's 
transportation and technological infrastructure, the Gambia is well on 
its way toward developing constructive partnerships that will enable 
them to sustain and increase their development potential. I am happy to 
draw attention to the Gambia's very positive achievements and look 
forward to lending them this chamber's continued support and 
encouragement.

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