As
part of efforts to control the porous Gambian borders, 25 security officials
have completed a three-day basic first aid training on border frontline
control, held at the Amdallai Border Post.
Fumiko
Nagano, Chief of Mission, International Organisation for Immigration (IOM) The
Gambia said in most basic form, first aid is the initial assistance given to a
victim of injury or illness, and at the International Organisation for
Migration, they strongly believe that knowledge of first aid is vital for
security personnel, more crucially as first responders at the borders during
potential health emergencies.
According
to her, in a region with growing movement of people across borders that also
has faced public health emergencies in recent years, delay in first aid
response may cause further injury or harm, and as frontline border officials,
they are the country’s gatekeepers.
“Your job is not easy, and it is admirable
that you continue to protect the country’s borders from the unwanted
pathologies of migration which, as we know, must be done in a safe, regular and
orderly manner in order for us to harness its benefits.”
The
training project is funded by the government of Japan under the framework of
the project “Enhancing Capacities of The Gambia’s Local and Central Governments
to Manage Borders and Contribute to Trade Facilitation, Community and Economic
Development.’’
Arai
Tatsuo, Ambassador of Japan said his government supported the training with a
funding contribution of one million US dollars, adding that the project aims to
enhance the capacities of Gambian personnel in managing borders and strengthen
border health system as well as to facilitate the economic development through
providing building equipment and seminaries.
Seedy
Mutarr Tourary, director general of Gambia Immigration Department, said border
management and control is the responsibility of The Gambia Immigration
Department as mandated by the relevant provisions of The Gambia Immigration Act
of 1965.
Mr
Tourary explained that the legal requirement is such that every person entering
or leaving The Gambia is required to present himself or herself before an
Immigration officer at the port of entry or exit to be properly identify,
profile and recorded accordingly.
