On Saturday, November 16, about 70 honourable private guests (more according to one estimate) (#Gambians & others from ministries, business, diplomatic missions and civil society) turned up for the inauguration of Konko Banta Calabash (KBC).

They were led by our Gambian elders: His Excellency Uncle B.B. Dabo (Vice President of the #Gambia (1982-92), Imam Momodou Lamin Touray (President, Supreme Islamic Council), Mr. Ismaila Ceesay (former Practice Manager of the World Bank & Director of the Treasury, United Nations), Auntie Yamai Jack (former Director at the #US #Peace Corps (the Gambia), and my partner, Abdul Aziz Khan (Proprietor of Calabash Hotel).

The youthful continent was led by my nephews and nieces from Sintet, Kwinella and elsewhere (Fatou Bah, MBE, PhD, accompanied by her husband, Alpha Robinson (former MD of NAWEC, and kids), Lamin Sanneh (HR & Logistics Manager, Heeno International), Mariama Daffeh (HR & Admin Officer, SOE Commission, Ministry of Finance), Kulay Sanneh (Senior Accountant, the Gambia Teachers’ Credit Union), Bubacarr Saho (Deputy CEO, Gambia Chamber of Commerce & Industry), etc. The KBC staff were led by Abdoulie Bah (Konko Banta’s General Manager) and Anton Bakary Daffeh (Head Chef). The compliments and expressions of gratitude are still coming in.

Examples:
“The event organisers overwhelmed me with courtesy and consideration, way beyond what I had expected or perhaps deserved, seeing that it was for me a duty to attend and offer moral support” (His Excellency Uncle BB, barrister, a man of modesty & great sense of humour, prolific writer).
“The food was delicious and healthy.” (Auntie Yamai)
“The event was great. I’ll be going back In Sha Allah.” (Alpha Robinson)
“This is the perfect #restaurant for someone who loves the serene, good #food, lovely staff and excellent service standard.” (Mr. Ismaila Ceesay).

FOR ANYONE WHO HAS ATTENDED THE INAUGURATION, YOU HAVE A RESTAURANT NOW FOR THE REST OF NOVEMBER 2024 – COME FOR A FREE MEAL ANYTIME YOU WISH! THIS OFFER IS IN LINE WITH TRADITIONAL GAMBIAN HOSPITALITY! I am grateful to all the attendees, for supporting my work and contributions at home and enabling me to be still at home though very far away from home! #konkobanta