Gambia Maritime Administration donates 500 life jackets to national fishermen association
The Gambia Maritime Administration (GMA) recently donated 500 Life Jackets to the National Fishermen Association to be distributed among artisanal fishermen in Kartong Local Fish Landing Site and Provincial Fish Landing Sites in the country.
The purpose of the donation is to enhance Safety of Life in Gambian Waters by helping local fishermen with necessary and vital Life Saving Equipment (Safety Equipment).
The donation also includes 500 Fishing Net Lights, 500 Torch Lights and 500 Knives which are all part of the Safety Equipment required for Boat Operators while at sea.
The Director General of GMA, Mr. Karamo Bakary Janneh in his opening remarks welcomed the executive members of the National Fishermen Association and explained the rationale behind the donation of the Life Jackets and other safety equipment, to fishermen in the provinces. Mr. Janneh stated that the donation is based on government’s desire to prevent loss of life in Gambian waters which translates into the implementation of the country’s maritime safety regulations by the institutions that are mandated by law. The DG called on the beneficiaries to respect the safety requirements and utilize the donated equipment appropriately as intended.
The Board Chairman of GMA Hon. Mass Axi Gye pointed that “although the equipment donated is not adequate, if all the stakeholders come together with each one playing a part and contributing towards the maritime sector needs, it will enable us to develop the fishing sector among rural fishermen”. Chairman Gye urged the Fishermen Association Executive to distribute the equipment fairly among her members and ensure that they don the life jackets when at sea, regardless of their ability to swim or not.
The President of the Fishermen Association Mr. Momodou Binta Dibba thanked the GMA for the donation which he promised will be distributed among boat operators who go to sea. Mr. Dibba pleaded with GMA to help in establishing markings at the ship wrecks of Lady Wright and Lady Chilel to serve as a signal and warning for boat operators who approach the area.
Mr. Dibba recalled that there was a marking at the sites some years ago and it used to help fishermen in identifying the wreck, thus avoiding it. However these markings are no longer there and the ship wrecks have gone deeper in the water, thus making them invisible to fishermen. The Fishermen Association President lamented the damage that the ship wrecks cause to their boats, hence the need to find a solution to the problem.Mr. Dibba finally thanked GMA for extending its support to the fishermen.
Other speakers at the ceremony included the Head of Department of Maritime Safety and Security of GMA, Mr. Ebrima Jobe and a representative of the Fishermen who both spoke on safety and matters concerning the fishing sector.
The ceremony was graced by GMA Management and staff.
GMA Communication
