In fulfillment of its vision to bring security to the doorsteps of all and sundry, the Gambia Police Force through the Fajikunda-based business tycoon, Modou Turo Darboe, Wednesday opened a new police post in Fajikunda.
The new Police post, seen by community members as a giant step towards the promotion of community policing, was single-handedly funded by Turo Darboe, who is also the Chief Executive Officer of Vision Development Foundation, a non-governmental organisation.
Located at his own residence, the new police post is fully furnished with air conditioning, among other facilities.
Speaking at a handing over ceremony, witnessed by senior police officers, imams, alkalos, councilors and community members, Biran Mbye, Commissioner for Kanifing Division, lauded Modou Turo Darboe for his foresight and vision towards the development of his community and the country, in particular.
According to him, the inauguration of the new police post will ensure that there is peace and stability within the community of Fajikunda.
“This new police post will protect the community against criminals,” Mbye noted, adding that the importance attached to the new police post cannot be overemphasized.
Mbye used the opportunity to advise both the police and the community to work hand in hand in giving accurate information to the police for the safety of the people from criminals.
Noting that the new police post will help in settling disputes within the community, Commissioner Mbye, said this will also help in fostering relationship between the police and the community.
He told the gathering that bringing the police to the doorsteps of the community was the idea of President Yahya Jammeh, noting that the police are not enemies but servants of the people.
“The police should interact with the community for effective implementation of their work, especially in cracking down on criminals within the society,” he said, adding further that the police cannot do this alone, but with the help of the community, their work will be made easy.
Commissioner Biran Mbye went on to advise those harbouring criminals to desist from it as anybody found wanting will face the full force of the law.
While advising the community to work together, Mbye said the new police post was not created to witch-hunt anyone, but to ensure that the community enjoys peace and stability and ensure the safety of lives and properties.
Alhagie Saikouna Faye, ex-police officer, also lauded Modou Turo Darboe for the move, noting that the community was not surprised by Turo Darboe’s urgent intervention.
While urging other Gambians to emulate Turo Darboe, Faye stated that this was a major development not only for Fajikunda, but for the country as a whole.
Mbemba Gassama, councillor for Fajikunda ward, said the new police post came as a result of a request made by the station officer of Fajikunda police post, as the initial police post was very small in size for their operations.
Gassama advised the community to take ownership of the police post by working hand in glove with them to make sure that criminals are exposed within the society.
Also speaking at the handing over ceremony was Dodou Njie, alkalo of Fajikunda, who described Turo Darboe as a patriotic citizen, whose contribution to society has been recognized by all.
Alhagie Modou Picca Jallow of the Kanifing Municipal Council said the setting up of a new police post in Fajikunda is another development under the government of The Gambia.
He hailed Modou Turo Darboe for his personal contributions to nation-building, and urged the community to take ownership of the new police post.
Other speakers included Dembo Bojang, the officer commanding Bundung Police Station.
