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Published on 2024-02-29 08:53:05
Dr. Morro Krubally, a Gambian author, recently won the prestigious Senegambia Book Prize, which symbolizes the collective appreciation of literary arts and their impact on societies in The Gambia and Senegal. The award ceremony took place at the Gambia Tourism and Hospitality Institute (GTHI) in Kanifing, where Dr. Krubally was presented with a check for the prize amount.
The event was attended by notable writers from both The Gambia and Senegal, senior officials from the Ministry of Tourism and Culture, the National Centre for Arts and Culture (NCAC), the GTHI, and representatives from the Senegalese Secretariat. Members of the jury, friends, and family also joined in celebrating the inaugural winner of the Senegambia Book Prize.
In her address at the ceremony, Ma’am Isatou Drammeh, Deputy Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Tourism and Culture, highlighted the significance of the Kaffrine Agreement, which established the annual Senegambia Book Prize. She emphasized the aim of the literary accolade to recognize and promote the excellence of talented writers in the region.
The generous endowment of 5 million CFA for the prize signifies the collective appreciation for literary arts and their profound impact on societies. The cultural collaboration represented by the Senegambia Book Prize goes beyond monetary rewards, serving as a bridge of understanding and dialogue between The Gambia and Senegal.
The Ministry of Culture in both nations praised the bilateral partnership and its potential to strengthen the bonds of shared history and cooperation. Initiatives like the Senegambia Book Prize demonstrate a commitment to preserving cultural legacies and promoting literary excellence for future generations.
The Senegambia Book Prize, which covers books, theses, dissertations, and scientific articles, marked its inaugural edition with Dr. Morro Krubally as the deserving winner. The prize stems from the Kaffrine Agreement signed a year ago between the Honourable Minister of Tourism and Culture of The Gambia, the Minister of Cultural Heritage of Senegal, and other officials.
Hassoum Ceesay, Director General of the National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC) in The Gambia, elaborated on the Kaffrine Agreement’s provisions for promoting cultural heritage in both countries. He emphasized the importance of the Senegambia Book Prize and the efforts of the jury members from The Gambia and Senegal in selecting the winners.
Dr. Cherno Omar Barry, Head of the Jury for The Gambia, expressed his honor and privilege in overseeing the Senegambia Book Prize selection process. He highlighted the historic significance of the event for Gambian literature, culture, and the Senegambia region as a whole.
The Senegambia Book Prize will continue as an annual event, focusing on research, book publications, and scientific articles related to the region. The ceremony also recognized Dr. Jalibah Kuyateh, the King of Kora Player, for receiving the Emparo of Kora award from Senegalese President Macky Sall.
Overall, the Senegambia Book Prize and the cultural collaborations it embodies serve as a testament to the rich literary heritage and cooperative spirit between The Gambia and Senegal.
Read the original article on The Voice Gambia
