By Amadou Manjang
The Fishermen Association of the Gambia on Thursday received safety gears from The Gambia Maritime Administration at Bijilo.
The donated safety gears comprise 500 life jackets, 500 headlights, 500 fishnet sights, and 500 knives for local fishermen across the country.
The Director General of Gambia Maritime Administration, Bakary Karamo Janneh, said the donation is to protect the lives of local fishermen. He said it is their responsibility to ensure that local fishermen are safe.
He told the fishermen that the donated materials are not for sale and therefore the materials should equally be distributed. He added that the fishermen should properly utilize the materials. He said all fishermen should have a basic tool to protect themselves at sea. He said this is the first phase of the donation.
“We can’t compromise safety,” he said.
Board Chairman Hon. Mass Axi Gaye said they will do their best to assist local fishermen. He said the materials would be properly shared.
“We will continue to assist and make sure that safety and security are provided,” he said
The Director of Maritime Safety and Security, Ebrima Jobe, said the donation came in the wake of their tour when they learned that the fishermen lacked the aforesaid materials.
He added that it is their mandate to ensure the safety of fishermen at sea. He advised the fishermen to take the safety gears seriously. He said the donation is limited, but it will have a significant impact on the lives of the fishermen.
The President of Fishermen Association, Momodou B. Dibba, thanked the Gambia Maritime Administration for the wonderful gesture.
‘We are very happy and we will ensure this is utilised properly,’ he added.
