“We at the department are taking a new dimension and ensuring that all regulations process is duly followed,” Lt Colonel Corr stated.
The Forestry director issued this stern warning in an interview with this reporter on Wednesday 5 November, following a publication in one of the local media, alleging that army soldiers raided illegal charcoal vendors in Niumi, seizing large quantities from shopkeepers, for selling without clearance licence from the Department of Forestry.
According to the director, the pictures attached in that publication were false and misleading, adding that all deployed military officers at the Department of Forestry are required to put on green uniform like any other forestry staff.
He cited that support military officers are not directly answerable to the Gambia Armed Forces but at the Department of Forestry; therefore anyone who wants clarification should not consult the Gambia Armed Forces but the Department of Forestry.
He also made it categorically clear that no deployed military staff at the Department of Forestry puts on camouflage uniform. “No all-wear Green uniform like any other forestry personnel,” Director Corr maintained.
According to him, all that the department wants is to let people follow the due regulations process embedded in the Forestry Act. “If you are to engage into meaningful business in the forestry, there is need to get clearance from the Department of Forestry for advice, without which you can be intercepted in your dealing and dragged to court whereby all your belongings can be confiscated,” the Lt Colonel warned.
He also challenges all “unscrupulous” people to stop manipulating the public by spreading false news, trying to tarnish the image of the Department of Forestry.
He noted that people need to change their attitude towards the exploitation of the country’s forest cover, considering the importance of nation’s natural resources to life.
“We at the Department of Forestry that are entrusted with the responsibilities for the preservation and protection of our forest cover will do everything humanly possible to live up to expectations in accordance with the forestry regulations.
LT Colonel Salifu Corr assured the public that henceforth the Department of Forestry will be taking a new paradigm shift without any ‘masa-laha’ syndromes or (compromise). “If you are found selling charcoal, especially large quantities, without licence, the forestry personnel will surely intercept you and your fate will be decided at the court regarding the offence committed,” he warned.
Regarding bushfires, the director urged all district authorities to be vigilant within their environments, saying any suspect or culprits found engaging in such a dubious act should be reported to the rightful authority for deterrent.
He further challenges all Gambians to put all hands on deck and take full ownership of the country’s forest cover for the benefit of the nation even future generation.
Concluding, the Forestry director emphasised: “The Department of Forestry will not allow any unscrupulous people to hold our natural resources and society to ransom for their self-interest gain.”
