July 25, 2006 State House Report on Jeck Cham's Business Center:

President Yahya Jammeh yesterday inaugurated a D45 million multipurpose business complex owned by Fatou Cham, commonly known as Jeck Cham. The self-service offices, apartment suites and shopping centre was named after Bin, Jeck Cham's mother, situated at Kotu Elton Fuel Station on Badala Park Highway.

Speaking at the ceremony, President Yahya Jammeh said 12 years ago as young soldiers, they pledged to transform The Gambia into an economic power to be reckoned with in the sub-region. President Jammeh said very few Gambians then believed in what they were saying. "As we stand here today, you know that whatever we dreamt of have become a reality, thanks to the Almighty Allah".

He noted the role of the private sector as pioneers in economic growth, stressing the need for Gambian entrepreneurs to dominate the private sector so that whatever profit is made will be ploughed back in the economy. President Jammeh said development is about partnership, noting that if we join hands together, we can make The Gambia paradise on earth. He however emphasised the importance of peace and stability as prerequisite to achieving our development goals. "Peace and stability are indispensable factors that cannot be ruled out in the development process and therefore his administration would not compromise with it in anyway. It's only in a peaceful and stable environment that there can be development, without which, the latter is impossible", President Jammeh said.

President Jammeh thanked Jeck Cham and paid tribute to pioneers of the hotel industry, notably, Laye Mboge, Ardy Sarge and Mustapha Njie. President Jammeh also thanked Gambian women for their support and contributions, and their role as the driving force behind the success of the July 22nd Revolution. He also thanked the youth and assured them of his government's support in alleviating their status to the level where they will become the champions of Africa.

Delivering a statement on behalf of the Secretary of State for Tourism and Culture, Communication and Information Secretary of State Neneh Macdouall-Gaye said the Bin Suite Apartment Complex is the newest addition to The Gambia's tourism product. She said this world class investment is indeed one 'we are proud of. We will continue to encourage major investments in high quality tourism establishment'. She said the Department of State for Tourism is very much aware of the fact that The Gambia tourism product, which has for a long time been known as a sun, sea and sandy holiday destination is becoming obsolete. She thanked Jeck Cham for such a laudable investment.

Speaking at the inauguration Jeck Cham said: "I have been doing business well before 1994, but only excel during the 12 years of President Jammeh's presidency." According to Ms Cham, without the support of President Jammeh, she would not have secured the land that houses the murtipurpose apartments.

She also thanked President Jammeh for providing the enabling environment for women to engage in business. "Also, I would like to thank your Excellency, the Vice President, the Secretary of State for Tourism and Culture, Gambia Tourist Authority, Gambia Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Women's Bureau for their support in making my dream come true," she concluded.

Also speaking Aja Fatoumatta Jah described Jeck Cham as a hard working lady who venture into business at the age of 12. At that early age, she portrayed the determination, confidence and belief in what she was doing.

The ceremony was chaired by Fatou Mass Jobe.