An organisation called Plymouth Banjul Challenge last Friday presented three vehicles to the Gambia Police Force, the Immigration Department and the National Centre for Arts and Culture.
The presentation, attended by representatives of the beneficiary institutions, was held at the Safari Garden Club in Fajara.
Speaking at the presentation ceremony, Modou Dimaland, administrative officer of Plymouth Banjul Challenge, said that since 2003 the ‘challengers’ have been coming to The Gambia and have been donating cars to institutions such the Police, the Immigration and the Customs department.
“Over the years we count on them for their support to provide security to challengers at the boarder,” he said, adding: “So on behalf of Plymouth Banjul Challenge, I thank you for the support you have been rendering to us.”
For his part, George Gomez of Plymouth Banjul Challenge said the move is to enhance the development of tourism in The Gambia.
“We encourage people to drive their cars all the way from their countries to The Gambia and when they get here they donate their cars through the Plymouth Banjul Challenge and these cars are auctioned off and the proceeds are used to fund projects that are community-based and also relevant to the development of the country, particularly to tourism and youth and sports ministries.
Mr Gomez informed journalists that their organisation is sponsoring over 70 projects across the country relating to tourism, small-scale businesses, entrepreneurs, enterprises and youth and sports.
Mr Gomez also revealed that over the years the organisation has donated vehicles to other services, which include fire engines, ambulances, pick ups and other utility cars to different departments.
Hassoum Ceesay, director of Copy Right at the National Council for Arts and Culture, gave the vote of thanks.
“I wish to thank Plymout Banjul Challenge for these wonderful gifts to government departments,” he went on. “We expressed particular thanks to Mr Gomez for his profound interest in the development of Tourism and Culture in The Gambia. I have no doubt that these vehicles will go a long way in alleviating the movement of these departments.”
