By Makutu Manneh
The Gambia Maritime Administration (GMA) has presented two patrol boats to The Gambia Navy to enhance the security and safety of Gambian waters. The handing over ceremony was done on June 21, at the Fisheries jetty in Banjul.
According to GMA authorities, this is part of efforts to ensuring safety and security of Gambian waters since it is part of their core mandate to protecting the marine environment against harmful effects of shipping.
Karamo Bakary Janneh, Director of GMA, said the patrol boats will help to enhance the capacity of the navy to better police the sovereign waters of the country, and prevent illegal activities such as illegal fishing, illegal migration and others.
“These are some of challenges that we are confronted with within our waters and they pose threats to safety and security in our maritime domain,” he said. He added that GMA acknowledges the support and collaboration of the Gambia Navy to enable them execute their mandate through the enforcement of maritime regulations.
Navy Captain Sambou Barrow said the two boats will go a long way in enhancing their operational readiness and capability during their routine operation at sea. He said one of the boats will be deployed to Kartong while the other will be deployed to Barra for support and functional operations in various locations in that area.
“The relationship between the Gambia Navy and GMA has been very cordial and it has been growing from strength to strength over the years. The Gambia Navy stands with the GMA in promoting and safeguarding maritime safety,” he said. Captain Barrow added that the boats will further boost the relation between them and GMA, and expressed gratitude for the donation.
On his part, Abbas Saidykhan, Director of Maritime Safety and Security, said the Gambia Navy always responds to their call and complies with their regulations. He said the Gambia Navy is dedicated to serving their country.
