#National News

Fabakary Kalleh elected new GRCS President

Dec 27, 2022, 12:46 PM | Article By: Makutu Manneh

Fabakary Kalleh was recently elected as President of The Gambia Red Cross Society (GRCS) at an assembly held at Paradise Suites Hotel.

 

 Kalleh secured 27 votes while challenger Momodou Lamin Fye got 12 votes. Bakary Sanneh and Ousainou O. Jallow were elected Vice President and Treasurer unopposed respectively.

Customary of The Gambia Red Cross Society, the National Society organises elections every three years to elect board members who would steer the affairs of the National Society at policy and strategic level.

The election is a constitutional requirement where volunteers’ representative vote in new board members to provide guidance and oversight functions to the management. The Governing Board is responsible for delivering the overall direction and policy of GRCS and meets at least twice a year.

The assembly availed volunteers the opportunity to receive updates from the management within the last three years and the treasurer’s report on financial transactions during the period board served.

Alexander Claudon De Vernisy, Head of Delegation of International Federation of Red Cross in The Gambia said being elected to fulfill the office of president of any National Society is an enormous challenge in today’s world because nothing will spare any leader in any area.

He added that the level of expectation towards leaders defines the type of organisationvolunteers want; noted that it will be their collective ambitions and commitment that willprotect, leadto and determine the National Society’s best interest as well as the attainment of bothstrategic vision and mission.

Alasan Senghore, Secretary General of The Gambia Red Cross Society said the context of their existence has changed significantly in recent times and the challenges require very strong and consistentleadership to define the direction of the National Society.

He noted that without accountability and transparency, nobody would want to associate with the National Society. He added that a strong and sound management as well as both strong and good governing boards are critical and important.

Jato Sillah, outgoing President of The Gambia Red Cross Society thanked volunteers for their commitment and urged them to stay committed to serving humanity.

He described The Gambia Red Cross Society as a well recognised National Society that is one of the rapid growing societies both nationally and internationally.