At the handing over event, President Barrow explained that the new patrol vessel was expected to significantly strengthen the Navy’s fleet to curb the many risky departures of migrants from The Gambia’s coastal waters.
The President further stated that the new patrol vessel would be one of the five patrol vessels in service to crack down on illegal fishing and smuggling in The Gambia.
The new Patrol vessel – GNS FANKANTA – has the capacity and endurance to stay at sea for a longer time than any of the current fleet of vessels, the president disclosed, adding that the Navy’s ability to prevent various forms of illicit or irregular activities at sea will thus be considerably enhanced henceforth.
“The high dependence of The Gambia’s economy on the maritime sector and the sector’s enormous potential to contribute to food security and employment generation, make the assurance of effective maritime security imperative,” he said.
He added that as the lead maritime security agency, The Gambia Navy deserves all the support it needs to effectively carry out its mandate.
Mr. Barrow urged the Navy to take up the fight against the rising trend of unauthorised and irregular ship-to-ship transfer of fuel and other goods at sea.
Notably, he said, narcotics and human trafficking, smuggling of irregular migrants to Europe through the unsafe conditions of locally constructed boats, in addition to other maritime crimes, required closer attention and more drastic action.
President also recalled that a vessel – GNS JAMBARR – previously called LOMS-52, was impounded during an operation in 2019. After a long legal process, the platform was forfeited to the State, and he directed the Office of National Security to hand it over to The Gambia Navy.
To determine the Gambia seaworthiness and endurance, Mr. Barrow further said that on 6 February 2023, the Navy tested the vessel’s performance during a Shakedown Cruise or Trial Run.
Renamed GNS JAMBARR, the vessel was deployed to execute fisheries inspections, conduct patrols, and provide escort duties and other short-range coastal missions.
President Barrow expressed his government’s desire for more progress in the Navy’s development and capabilities, as well as broader collaboration with the Kingdom of Spain for the mutual benefit of their respective countries.
Barrow thanked the Kingdom of Spain for their close and fruitful friendship with The Gambia, and equally thanked the Spanish Guardia Civil for making the occasion a reality.
The form of operational platforms and training from the Kingdom of Spain to The Gambia were offered in 2008, Barrow stated, adding that ever since, their cooperation has been gathering momentum, with the Navy training and working with Spain’s Guardia Civil to strengthen sea safety and security.
