By Modou Kanteh
The general body of the Association of Gambian Sailors recently held its sixth biennial congress in Banjul. The congress aimed at, among other things, selecting new leadership for the association.
Addressing the gathering on behalf of the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Fisheries, Water Resources and National Assembly Matters, the Deputy Permanent Secretary, Mr Malang Darboe, noted the importance and timeliness of the congress. Having expressed the Ministry’s delight to be associated with the event, he described congress as a performance measurement tool that also helps to map the way forward. “This kind of forum promotes dialogue, coordination and exchange of experiences between seafarers, in order to create a healthy work environment,” he added.
The DPS reminded the members of the association that his ministry is aware of the importance of the association and its contribution to the fishing industry. He went on to explain that the association provides the much-needed services in terms of labour in the Fisheries sector.
“For this reason, your work is seen as a true sacrifice geared towards the development of this country,” said DPS Darboe.
He encouraged the association to continue the good work in the best interest of the country as well as build the capacities of the members including on the job training programmes to enhance work at sea, especially on sea safety issues and to upgrade the members to be more qualified and competitive for both national and international jobs.
Mr Momodou Sidibeh , Deputy Director at the Department of Fisheries in his statement said the department recognises the works of the sailors in the country whiles describing it as noble but tedious.
“But this is what it takes to build a nation and thank you for taking this risk,” He posited
Deputy Director Sidibeh pointed out that the purpose of an association is to create harmony, and strengthen unity in working toward a shared vision.
He assured the sailors of the Department’s collaboration to enhance performance of the association with the requisite competency training programs.
