The support came after the MDI students reached out to the SIS boss for support with a view to enabling them embark on their research and cultural trip to Guinea Bissau.
The students, who paid a courtesy call on DG Sowe recently after returning from Guinea Bissau, hailed the SIS boss for ‘successfully’ facilitating their trip by providing them with a mini-coaster vehicle with fuel throughout their journey.
“Through his support and connection, we didn’t encounter any difficulties throughout the journey, not even in the Senegalese border or Guinea Bissau. In fact, he didn't only provide us with vehicle and other logistical support, but he equally assigned his personal driver to take us. We were treated like diplomats in the borders of Senegal and Guinea Bissau thanks to the efforts of Ousman Sowe,” Bubacarr Baldeh, a lecturer at the school said.
“This is not the first time he (Sowe) did such a good thing for us. He has been supporting the MDI, especially the diplomacy and international relation students. Again, frequently we do invite him as a guest lecturer at the school and his lectures are one of the best. These are clear indications that the services have massively reformed,” Baldeh added.
“Before, people were not only running away from the services, but people were even afraid to even speak in public spaces for fear of being arrested. However, today, it’s an SIS DG lecturing students on diplomacy and international relations, thus this speaks volume.”
Ebrima Jawo, the public relations officer of the student association, said: “The trip was once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for us to gain first-hand experience and understanding of the socio-cultural, political, and economic dynamics of Guinea Bissau. It also allowed us to broaden our horizons and enhance our knowledge in the field of international relations and diplomacy.”
He added: “We want to express our deepest appreciation and gratitude for the immense support and assistance provided for us to embark on a successful trip to Guinea Bissau.”
For his part, DG Ousman Sowe thanked the students for the visit, saying: “SIS is here for the Gambian people. Everything we are doing here is for the interest of the country especially in maintaining the country’s peace and stability and ensuring that we enjoy rapid socio-economic development,” he said.
“Diplomacy is a tool of government and that is among the things we do here every day. Therefore, sponsoring students of MDI to embark on this trip is something that is special to us given the fact that we want our students to widen their knowledge on international relations, peace and security among others.”
“I can assure you all that the SIS has massively reformed and we will continue to cater for the needs of Gambian people. We will bring the services to the doorsteps of every Gambian,” he assured.
