Musa Drammeh in an interview with The Point clarified that Cruise Ship Crew Gambia is the only recruitment agency for cruise lines operating in the country.
“We have been here for a very long time and we have recruited about 500 Gambians who are working on different cruise lines across the world.” he revealed.
With over a decade of experience working on cruises, Drammeh underscored the economic benefits this cruise ships brings to the country.
Commenting on some of the recruitment procedures, the Director of Operation revealed that the agency recruits in different positions including sous chefs, line cooks, and chef de partie, among others.
This, he said, are all part of the culinary department, pointing out other positions which are currently not open namely; waiters, laundry attendants, security, and cleaners.
“We have recruited in all these areas before and we have crew members working on ships. Some work for 6 months and 8 months, they will come for two-month vacation and go back.”
Drammeh noted that they also have five years valid C1D visas and that the company takes care of their air tickets, food and accommodation.
“Almost everything is free for them on the ship.”
The cruise industry, he went on, doesn’t allow people to work continuously for a year. Accordingly, he said, they currently have unlimited openings for chefs and called on individuals with the qualifications to apply.
“Our target is for people who are qualified and they have worked in the industry for at least two to three years,” he emphasized.
This opportunity, he believes, will not only uplift the status of Gambians but would greatly strengthen the country’s economy through remittances.
However, Drammeh also shared some of the ongoing challenges the agency is faced with such as the absconding of crew members.
To this end, he expressed disappointment over that and this sends bad signals about the country and affects the faith of others.
“Some will abscond even before they get to the cruise that employs them. When we allow you to go to the United States you should work and come back but don’t stay there”, he reiterated.
