The canoes fitted with power engines and nets are said to be worth D26M and forms part of the Ministry’s drive to enhance the livelihood of fisherfolks, boost local fishing activities as well as ensure the sustainable management of the fisheries in the country.
By providing this artisanal canoes and units, the Ministry reaffirms it unwavering commitment to empowering coastal communities, while fortifying the fisheries value chain and promoting economic reliance within the system.
The canoes were received by governors on behalf of their respective regions at a ceremony held at the Banjul jetty.
Presenting the canoes, Buba Sanyang, permanneet secretary at the Minsitry of Fisheries, Water Resources and National Assembly Matters, spoke about the genesis of the intiative,which he said, is part of meausres to curb illegal miration by Gambian youths, noting that one of the ways for government to succeed in that regards is engaging the youth in meaningful ways.
‘Engage them in our economc sectors and one of the economic sectors is fisheries.’
This, he said, is the reason why governmet deems it necessary to get this 20 canoes to encourage youth to use it and make fish available and affordable to all.
He made reference to the skyrocketing nature of the price of fish in the local market and that one of the measures is to provide these canoes for Gambians to venture into the fishing sector and support local communities.
In a move to make the canoes more sustainable and serve their purpose, PS Sanyang maintained that the mere involvement of governors and local community leaders is a testament to their resolve for communities to take onnership of the canoes.
To this end, he said the local structure will come together to put up operational mechanism that will guide the efficient use of these canoes and to ensure fish is made affordable to local communities.
Receiving the boats, Lamin Saidykhan, governor of the North Bank Region on behalf of beneficiaries, describing the day as a remarkable day, further expressing appreciation over the gesture.
He underscored the importance of the items in improving the livelihood of people especially those in the fishing sector, acknowledging that majority of stakeholders in the fishing sector are foreigners and so during feast, most of these people travel back to their countries leading to shortage of fish in the country.
This, he observed, also result in the skyrocketing of price of fish in the country, adding that government supporting the people in the provision of canoes cannot be overemphasised.
To that end, Governor Saidykhan called for the judicious use of the items to serve its purpose, noting that the purpose is to help enhance the livelihoods of people especially the youth.
He made reference to the country’s teeming youthful population and in view of the challenges in creating employment for all these people, this is another opportunity for youth to exploit and develop themselves.
Ousman Bojang, governor of the West Coast Region, returned thanks to the government through the Fisheries Ministry for the timely gesture.
He spoke of their resolve as governors to work with the beneficiaries and local authorities to ensure the judicious use of the items.
‘We will come with modalities and documentation so that we can sustain this. So of this group may even need assistance to be able to have organisation format, whereby they can register ways that is more sustainable to bring more to them and to the community.’
To this end, Governor Bojang assured that with their involvement at the government level they will ensure the judicious use of the items so as to serve it purpose.
He thus called for the cooperation of all further, thanking the Ministry for its foresight towards mitigating youth illegal migration and their employability in the country.
Momodou Bintou Dibba, president of Gambia Fishing Association, expressed similar sentiments.
He called on Gambian youth to change their attitude and work towards the development of the country.
He made a passinate appeal for Gambian youth to make judicious use of the canoes, citing that the country’s fishing sector is do minated by foreigners which calls the need for a change of attitude to food self sufficiency.
