Question 1 :- Could you introduce yourself ?
Salieu Puye:- I am a middle aged man of 61 years old born July, 27th. A trained Teacher and I taught for over 20 years. I started working as a social activist as early as 1979/80 under an Organization called Movement For Justice in Africa (MOJA). I worked with the Local Gambian people for years organising and creating viable projects. I also served as Regional Governor for 8 years in Rural Gambia dealing with peasants and workers. In 2009, I and a few Traditional Healers came together and formed a National umbrella organization called Traditional Healers Assembly of the Gambia- (TRAHASS) with the help of the Ministry of Health of The Gambia. Up until today as The National President, I am still actively working as a Herbalist.
Question 2 :- What is your vision of panafricanism ?
Salieu Puye:- My Vision is to work harder than ever before to work for the interest of the Continent and the Diaspora. In terms of liberating our people from all sorts of exploitative bondage of suppressor and domination. And as far as my main domain is concerned, I cherish to achieved a Revolutionary transformation of natural medicine, in terms of domesticating endangered plant species across the continent, and processing and manufacturing of Traditional Medicine all over the continent Research work on plant- based medicines and studies at Universities and Colleges be established.
Question 3 :- Who is your favourite character in Panafrican history, and why?
Salieu Puye:- My favorite person is Comrade Amilca Cabral of Guinea Bissau.He was a very good activist, Revolutionary, organiser and a selfless struggler in fighting for the liberation of the peasants and working class of Guinea Bissau.
Question 4 :- With the onset of technology and investment in Africa, how do you see Africa in the 21st Century ?
Salieu Puye:- Well we are still classed by the west as third world or least developed, however, this should help to motivate us as Africans. In fact, we are the richest in terms of natural resources,. Therefore we should strive hard and concentrate on developing the productive base of our economy, engaged in production of our own local products and facilitate inter-trade links amongst us as Africans, just like how our ancestors were doing, The last hope in terms of mineral and human resources should be in our Continent AFRICA
Question 5 :- What initiatives and projects have manifested through your position within the State of the African Diaspora?
Salieu Puye:- Well as a new portfolio and Ministry, I would cherish to see more Medical Cities/Towns with state of the art clinics/ hospitals with enough plant-based medicines being manufactured here in Africa and affordable to our African Diaspora people. Also to see the introduction of Traditional Medicine Study programs effected in all higher learning institutions within the states of the African Diaspora.
Question 6 :- What are you planning to do in the future for the State of the African Diaspora?
Salieu Puye:- My planning and desire as earlier pronounced in my proposed program of action are:
– Take a stock of the level of TM development across the states of the African Diaspora.
– Unify all identified TM organizations.
– Carry out series of research on plant-based medicines
– Establish TM Syllabus in all higher learning institutions within the State of the African Diaspora.
– Establish Botanical Gardens to restore indigenous and endangered species.
