Gambian celebrates the birth of 2011

Ebrima Baldeh joined his colleagues to report on the spectacular new year celebrations at Senegambia.

This area is undoubtedly one of the most famous places in the burgeoning tourism industry. According to records, tourism contributes a staggering sixteen percent to the country’s gross domestic product. In this enclave call the Senegambia, you have more hotels in this area than anywhere else in the Gambia.

The dawn of the New Year was the first time that I have visited the area during this period. So crowded and frustrating party goers had no option but to hobble into the road paying attention on those who pilfer things. Others would look at you in the face and you begin to wonder when last you met such kinds of people.

At Senegambia road from the traffic light on the Bertil Harding highway, the traffic is busy as usual with all eyes focused on Senegambia for the big new year party.

Our car had to pack metres away from where the action had taken place, as the count down began, fire works rented the air. Flashes of light sparkle areas where the streets had failed to work as of that time the new year was coming.

Few people bothered to look at who is standing next to them, all eyes were on the sky, the fireworks thundering and cries of happiness took over. some holding their bottles, standing in rows, watching as the new year was coming from the sky.

Such was the scene at Senegambia as of the time we left. We were late, some people told us there was a big party at Kairaba Beach Hotel, Kololi Casino and Senegambia.

We had to rush back to the studio on time. And we went straight and crossed so many road blocks.