At the inauguration, Yahya Gassama, managing director of Dock Labour Company Gambia Ltd., described the day as another significant milestone in the maritime history of The Gambia, as they officially inaugurated the Dock Labour Company Gambia Limited.
He recalled that the journey began in March 2022 when the project was incorporated and that since then they’ve worked tirelessly to bring their mission to fruition.
“By March 2023, we have successful commenced operations managing and administering dock labour at the ports of Banjul. Today, we celebrate not just the birth of a new company, but the dawn of a new era in our maritime sector.”
Gassama reminded that the company is more than just a business entity, but a testament to the power of collaboration and partnership.
To that end, he acknowledged the combined efforts of The Gambia Ports Authority and The Gambia Maritime Dock Workers Association for laying a strong foundation for that they believe will be a beacon of excellence in maritime service in the country.
He thus expressed the company’s resolve to provide efficient, reliable and professional services to their esteemed clients including shipping agents among a host of others.
He also paid glowing tribute to their dedicated team, who he said, is the backbone of their operations in ensuring smooth turn-around time in handling cargo at the terminal.
As they look ahead into the future, Gassama also spoke of the company’s vision to set new standards in Dock Labour Management thus fostering innovations efficiency through skills development in all their operations.
Joseph Attah Quansah, consultant and a representative of Benom Consul based in Ghana, expressed delight for his firm to grace the official inauguration of the office complex of the Dock Labour and Maritime Company.
Benom Consul, he said, is a maritime transport consultancy firm, which provides consultancy service and institutional human resources development to the maritime sector in the West African subregion.
The firm, he added, also provides consultancy services to international institutions like International Maritime Organization, UNESCO and the World Bank.
“It also provides technical assistance to ports authorities including Ghana, Nigeria, Liberia, Sierra Leone and The Gambia.”
Also speaking, Ousman Jobarteh, managing director of The Gambia Ports Authority, acknowledged the crucial role played by dock workers in the development of the ports of Banjul.
The Dock Labour Company, he added, is one of the first achievements of the GPA in their transformation process, recalling that when the Ports was established in 1972, Dock Workers were transferred to The Gambia Ports Authority to provide services.
MD Jobarteh equally reminded that in 1997, the GPA decided to embark on a transformation and they went with the Dock Workers and series of consultancies firm, but with all of these studies, the primary recommendation is the need to establish a private cargo handling company.
At that juncture, he paid glowing tribute to all those who played a role in promoting the welfare of Dock Workers, saying as they inaugurate this significant milestone, they look forward with optimism and determination.
In his inaugural address, Baboucarr Joof, minister for Trade and Economic Affairs, acknowledged that the inauguration of the edifice presents significant milestone in the development of the maritime sector and the broader economic landscape of The Gambia.
The government of the Gambia, he added, always encourages private sector partnership like this one to boost economic growth, income generation thus alleviating poverty.
“In fact, this inauguration is a testament to the power of collaboration and smart vision. The formation of Dock Labour Company Gambia Ltd, a joint venture between The Gambia Ports Authority and The Gambia Maritime Docker Workers Union exemplifies how collective effective efforts can lead to significant achievements.”
Minister Joof acknowledged that the company since its incorporation on March, 2022 and the commencement of its operation, has demonstrated a strong commitment to excellence especially in ports operations.
The role of Dock Workers, he added, is pivotal to the country’s economic development and, as a primary provider of labour services to the Gambia Ports Authority, the company ensures the efficient loading, discharging, unloading, securing and handling of cargos at the ports of Banjul.
This efficiency, Minister Joof observed, is crucial not only for the smooth operation of the ports, but also for the broader economic activities that depend on maritime trade.
The event also witnessed presentation of awards and certificates to deserving individuals in recognition of their outstanding efforts towards the development of the company.
