The vehicle, worth two million and five hundred thousand dalasis, is earmarked for Kaur Police Station in the Central River Region (CRR North).
The latest gesture, officials said, is part of the company’s fulfilment of its corporate social responsibility in giving back to the Gambian community. However, it is also geared towards the donor’s desire of curbing the alarming surge of crime and banditry in the country especially in Central River Region.
The beneficiary believes the donated vehicle would go a long way in augmenting their efforts and stance against crimes most especially breaking, cattle rustling and other clandestine activities within the area.
The beneficiary further acknowledged that CRR North is the only region where there is no police vehicle to effectively and timely respond to emergencies when the need arises.
The police, they continued, were heavily reliant on the community when the needs arise for them to respond to emergencies or even effecting arrest.
At the presentation held in Kaur, Momodou Sowe, deputy Inspector General of Police, described the donor as a ‘development oriented’ Gambian, who prioritises the country’s peace and stability.
“This is another milestone in the history of the GPF as the donated vehicle will significantly help the police in the area in their fight against crime. I can tell you that I am so pleased to receive this vehicle on behalf of the police.” he said.
The government, he went on, cannot do it alone, thus the need for partnership. “Therefore, we need all hands on the desk in our quest to make the country a crime free nation. This gesture clearly indicates that the CEO of Cornerstone Company is not only interested in the country’s peace and stability, but he equally wants the growth and development of the country because there can’t be any meaningful development in the absence of peace and stability.”
In light of this, the country’s deputy police chief urged other Gambians to emulate the donor, saying: “The CEO of the Cornerstone Company could have used that huge amount of money he used to buy the vehicle into personnel stuff. However, he decided to support the police, thus this means a lot to us.”
Abdoulie Cham, Community Engagement Officer for Cornerstone Company, spoke at length on the significance of peace and stability in the development of any nation.
Cornerstone Company, he said, is committed to participating in national development, adding their objective is always to give back to communities in improving their lives and livelihoods.
“So, we don’t only want to put smiles on the faces of Gambians, but we also want to address some of the challenges affecting them.”
He recalled that over the years, the company has embarked on many humanitarian activities across the country.
Cham underscored the role of police in ensuring law and order in any country adding: “Empowering the police means supporting yourself. Without the police and other security services, we will not be here. Therefore, it is crucial that we support them in order to make their work easy.”
He thus thanked President Barrow for creating the enabling environment for businesses to thrive, saying as a Gambian owned-company, their intention is always to contribute their quota in improving the condition of the needy people.
Ousman Bah, regional governor of CRR, thanked the CEO of Cornerstone Company for their relentless support to communities in CRR.
“Security is paramount to any country and without mobility it would be difficult for the police to effectively do their work. With the new vehicle, the police can do their work effectively and patrol the area so that we can have stable community.”
While urging the beneficiary to make good use of the donated vehicle and ensure its routine maintenance, he equally called on the community to also participate in the maintenance of peace and stability in the area.
Presidential political deputy Adviser, Dou Sanno, thanked the donor for his benevolent gesture to Gambians, pointing out the need for all to empower Gambian companies.
“When you support Gambian companies, they will inject the little profit they have into national development.”
“This gesture came when the CEO of the company was passing by and noticed that mobility was among top challenges of the Police Station in the area. He therefore, didn't hesitate to support them with the vehicle. I therefore, urge other Gambian companies to emulate the donor and complement government efforts in nation building.”
Regional Police Commissioner, Omar Darboe, acknowledged the importance of mobility in their broader quest to maintain peace and order in the area.
“The vehicle has come at a time when it is needed the most. This vehicle will help to patrol the area and not only maintaining peace, but also preventing it [crime] from happening.”
District Chief, Ali Jay Touray and Pa Matarr Sowe, both hailed the donor for the gesture.
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