By Ndey Sowe
The government of the Kingdom of Netherlands through its Embassy in Dakar on Monday, 6 January 2025, commenced a five-day training on hostmanship for Gambia Immigration Department personnel at the Banjul International Airport, making it the third phase of such an initiative since it started last year.
The training aims to enrich the capacity of these frontline Immigration officers by equipping them with knowledge to deliver professional services to travelers, especially the vulnerable and the physically challenged.
At the opening ceremony, Rob Van Bokhoven, Director of International Affairs for the Ministry of Justice and Security of the Kingdom of Netherland, said it was both an honor and a privilege to be here for the third Hostmanship training for the Gambia Immigration Department.
This, he said, is a significant moment in their journey of bilateral collaboration between their two security services.
Van Bokhoven underscored the importance of the training saying it is not merely about acquiring a set of skills but embracing a mindset that places respect, care, and dignity in every interaction. He outlined that Hostmanship as an art of making people feel welcome, is a principle that resonates deeply with the values of the two security services.
“The first steps in this endeavor were taken in June last year when all staff at the Banjul International Airport was trained on the Hostmanship philosophy. That foundational training has already set a standard of professionalism and hospitality, making a profound difference for everyone passing through the airport. In September last year, the selected ambassadors and supervisors received their in-depth training,” Rob Van Bokhoven said.
As they embark on this new phase, Van Bokhoven encourages participants to embrace the principles of Hostmanship in their daily work, noting by doing so, they will not only enrich the experience of those they serve, but they will also inspire pride and purpose within themselves and their teams.
On his part, Ebrima Mboob, the Director of the Gambia Immigration Department expressed deep appreciation of his Department on behalf of the country, to the Kingdom Netherlands for extending the program to their newly deployed staff at the airport. He said the gesture reflects the Dutch government’s unwavering commitment to their shared goals, and said their efforts align seamlessly with their Strategic Plan, which prioritizes capacity building and training as critical components of institutional advancement.
Director Mboob said the training is a pathway for participants to become leaders in their field by using the knowledge gained to lead with excellence, ensuring that every individual who interacts with them feels genuinely welcomed and valued.
“Since the inception of this program, I am proud to report significant improvements in service delivery at the Banjul International Airport. Staff attitudes, operational efficiency, and the art of making passengers feel welcome have greatly enhanced our professionalism and bolstered our reputation. The partnership and training it facilitates are invaluable in our journey towards excellence,” Director Mboob concludes.
