By Lamin Kujabi
Madam Anna Fye, author of the book, ‘The Village Boy Who Would Be President’ on Friday, January 26th presented her book to His Excellency President Adama Barrow at State House. She was accompanied to state house by her mother and Dr Cherno Omar Barry President of Gambia Writers Association.
Anna Faye said noted that this is the first time a sitting President in The Gambia has had his life story written in a children’s book format. “The President was very generous when we went to interview him. He shared details, and gave us new accounts of his life, from his childhood in Mankamangkunda to where he is today as the President of the country,” she stated.
She revealed that they have been working on the project for over year and that they are glad to present the work to the President for the first time. “We wanted to make sure what was captured in this book was approved by the President; he was involved from the drafting of the book to the final stage.”
Anna Faye announced that the book will be officially launched in February 2024, and that Dr Cherno Omar Barry has been selected by the President to be the head of the organising committee for the book launch.
For his part, Dr. Cherno Omar Barry pointed out that the book about the story of the President is not political because is not about his political life; that it is about his upbringing and his journey and the challenges. He noted that the President’s story is like any other child’s story. “If you read this book it has to do with the humble background of someone who rose to become a president. His journey is important for every child to learn; is a journey that inspires,” Dr Barry explained.
He affirmed that the book is designed for children to enjoy and visualise the President in his childhood.
The Writers Association’s President informed that the President had expressed appreciation and delight for the book.
He informed that although the launch date is not confirmed yet, the plan is for it to coincide or be around the period of Independence Day celebration, and that dignitaries and people from all walks of life will be invited to grace the launching.