Background
Andrew David was born on April 21, 1923 in Manasajang village, 240 miles from Bathurst in a Muslim Fullah family. He was converted to Christianity in the Anglican church when he started schooling.
Andrew David was born on April 21, 1923 in Manasajang village, 240 miles from Bathurst in a Muslim Fullah family. He was converted to Christianity in the Anglican church when he started schooling.
He was educated at St. Mary's School, Bathurst (1937-1940)
He became a teacher in mission schools himself, between 1948 and 1958, when he took up full-time politics. In 1960, he stood and won a seat as an independent member. He allied himself with the United Party and was offered a ministry by Pierre Sarr N’Jie when he became Chief Minister in 1961. Standing as a United Party candidate, he was returned with a big majority in the 1962 elections, but the party was defeated and afterwards he changed to the ruling People’s Progressive Party.
He was soon rewarded in 1963 by being appointed to the Education portfolio by Sir Dauda Jawara, and then to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Here he made a major contribution by bringing about a gradual improvement in relations with Senegal, which surrounds Gambia, except for the narrow outlet to the sea. According to him, political and economic integration can only be realised "through a series of well-defined and mutually acceptable stages . . . through constant dialogue and consultation’’. Popular opinion will not allow too rapid progress towards integration.
After Sheriff Dibba’s resignation, following a smuggling incident, Camara succeeded him at the Vice-Presidency, while retaining the External Affairs ministry.
In the People’s Progressive Party he is not a major office holder; indeed, he has been an independent and United Party supporter in his time and has never needed to fight for a party position since.
Six feet tall and one of the few Anglicans in the Gambia cabinet.