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GAF’s participation in 2011 tree planting exercise applauded

Sep 13, 2011, 1:36 PM | Article By: Abdoulie Nyockeh

The intervention of the Gambia Armed Forces (GAF) in tree-planting has not gone unnoticed, with the director of Forestry, Abdoulie Sanneh, expressing his appreciation for this year’s high level of participation.

According to him, GAF’s participation has, in fact, started paying dividends with some ninety five percent of the trees they planted over the years surviving in their various camps across the country, and doing quite well.

Mr Sanneh added that this shows that the GAF is blessed with soldiers with a difference, and who also have a high regard for the environment.

Mr Sanneh made this remark over the week-end at the President’s farm in Kanilai, during another massive tree planting exercise conducted by the Department of Forestry there.

“The Gambia Armed Forces’ massive participation in the nation-wide tree planting exercise is a clear demonstration of their high sense of commitment and dedication to national development,” he said.

He also urged them to continue their hard work, and to be loyal to the President who is the commander in chief of the Gambia Armed Forces.

Director Sanneh further issued a stern warning to forest intruders to desist from such behaviour.

He said looking at the trend of tree-planting this year, with the active involvement of security officers, it is clear that there is collective responsibility in ensuring the restoration of the forest cover.

He asserted that his department will not relent in their efforts, until the directives given by the President are implemented, and that the Forestry department is always ready and willing to work with any association working toward the development of this country.

He added that their task and target in Kanilai has been accomplished, in the sense that three quarters of the area which was allocated for the department of Forestry has been planted with trees.

He also thanked the Academy students at Kafuta forestry station for their high participation in the exercise.

The forestry official further commended the President for his timely intervention at his Kafuta forest station for providing the necessary environment for learning.

He further used the opportunity to advise the pupils to continue their hard work and not to forget their books.  Sanneh further expressed appreciation with the way the previous trees were planted.