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Alhaji M.C. Cham Sr, 87, who was the only surviving delegate to the famous and decisive 1964 The Gambia Constitutional Talks at Marlborough House, London, has died at his Banjul residence on Friday, November 27, 2025.
His demise was announced shortly after Friday prayers, following a brief illness, and he was finally laid to rest at the Old Jeshwang Cemetary on Saturday, November 29, 2025.
History shows that Cham was part of the United Party delegation with others like P.S. Njie, K.W. Foon, I.A.S. Burang John. The PPP, which was in power, had a strong delegation led by Sir Dawda Jawara, then Prime Minister, and assisted by S.S. Sisay, Kalilou Singhateh, Henry Madi, Amang Kanyi, A.B. Njie, Famara Wass Touray, S.M. Dibba, Omar Mbacke; while J.C. Faye was there as High Commissioner of The Gambia to the UK. I.M. Garba Jahumpa represented The Gambia Muslim Congress.
He held several ministerial portfolios under the PPP regime led by Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara.
According to Hasoum Ceesay, a renowned Gambian historian, Alhaji M.C. became Minister for Education, Youth Sports, and Culture in 1972.
He was also praised for introducing Oustass (Arabic/Islamic teachers) in Gambian formal schools, and for giving Gambia a balanced budget as Finance Minister in the 1970s.
