Gunjur Welfare Association (GWA) over the weekend awarded certificates of appreciation to a Medical Doctor, Dr. George Simpson and his wife and the staff and management of Black and White Car Dealers and Repair for the support given to the village health centre.
This, according to the association, was in recognition of their valuable support that goes beyond Gunjur to 18 satellite villages that the village health centre covers. The Chief of Kombo South, Alh. Sheriff Ajay Janneh presented the certificates to Dr. George Simpson and the management of Black and White Car Dealers and Repair.
Gunjur citizens initiated GWA in the late 80s to provide welfare support to patients from Gunjur and its environs admitted at the Royal Victoria Hospital. Reconstituted in 2002, the association also went further to provide burial services for patients who died at the hospital.
A management committee charged with the task of steering the affairs of the association was set up and opened a Bank account with Arab-Gambian Islamic Bank (AGIB).
Addressing hundreds of people at a colourful ceremony held at the Gunjur Health Centre on Sunday, the Secretary-General of GWA Mr. Kebba K Barrow, alias KKB said from year 2000 to date, his association has spent a total of D74, 905.00 from a total collection D83, 224.00 from members and supporters.
He added that earlier this year, a volunteer Medical Dr. George Simpson and his wife from the UK came to Gunjur under the auspices of the Gunjur Marlborough Link to work at the health centre for one year.
According to him, Dr. George had a good working relationship with his colleagues at the health centre, and was also aware of the support of Gunjur Welfare Association and other philanthropist individual organizations are giving to the health centre. He said it is against this background that he provided funding for solar panels, inverter, and other electrical equipment, such as lightening systems in the wards, maternity and the out patient.
Mr. Barrow also used the occasion to thank all those who provided services and support to the welfare of Gunjur and its environs through health or any other means, especially the Black and White Car Dealers and Repair.
Also speaking at the award ceremony, Mr. Bambo Janneh, the Chairman of the association said his association was established with the aim of improving the health status of the people of Gunjur and its environs by providing health and welfare services; promote and advocate the rights of women and children in the community.
He added that the association also seeks to promote the provision of labour saving devices for the women of Gunjur and its environs and to provide scholarship to needy students in Gunjur and its environs.
Others speakers included Mr. Faburama Darboe of Gunjur Youths and Sport Development Association, who on behalf of the youths assured the GWA that, they are ready to partner with them for the welfare of the community and the nation at large.
The ceremony was attended by the Alkalo of Gunjur, Alhagie Sulayman Touray (Panding Sulu) Ngansimba Aja Mai Kebbeh Darboe, Council of elders and a cross section of the people in Gunjur and its environs.