As
a show of solidarity, the Association of Wood Re-exporters and Forest Users in
The Gambia last Thursday presented a cheque of one hundred and fifty thousand
dalasis to the Basse market inferno victims. The donation was handed over to
the governor Upper River Region, Fanta Manneh Samateh for onward transmission
to the affected victims.
At
the presentation ceremony held in Basse, chairman of the association, Lamin
Barrow expressed dismay over what befell the market blaze victims, saying the
inferno had caused a negative impact on the lives of the affected victims.
Barrow
explained that his association thought it befitting and as a show of solidarity
to present the token, which he said, is part of the association’s contribution
toward national development.
He
indicated that his association is not only here to engage in profit making, but
also to contribute towards national development.
“We
are here to show solidarity with the affected victims of Basse market disaster.
We are very sorry for what had happened but let’s have faith and patience. I
also want to urge affected victims to exercise more patience as this is the
will of God. He knows better why this happened.”
Mr.
Barrow also assured that his association would continue to support the affected
victims until they settle down as it is not easy considering the magnitude of destruction.
For
her part, Fanta Samateh Manneh, governor of Upper River Region, thanked the
association for what she called a “timely and kind gesture.” The donation, she
went on, is not small as it is designed to support and ameliorate the lives of
the affected victims.
She
described the association as real partner in development and encouraged others
to emulate the timber association.
In
a separate but related development, Nassem Trading Company, a Mauritanian
private company also donated five hundred thousand dalasis to the victims in
Basse Market inferno.
Meanwhile,
the Senegalese ambassador to The Gambia also visited to scene to show
solidarity with the victims.
