The Ministry of Fisheries donated over a dozen fishing boats to ten communities within the country worth three hundred and thirty three thousand dalasis each.

The vessels worth up to D4.7 million and the ten beneficiaries are Tankular, Salikenni, Barra, Jurunku, Bato Kunku, Sambuya, Banjul, Madina, and Kanuma

The vessels are meant to help and encourage communities to take active roles and participate industriously in the fishing domain. The boats are expected to expound fish production at the community level, contribute to the food security, create employment and also spawn revenue for the respective communities.

The director of fisheries and water resources, Famara Darboe, who presented the donated vessels on behalf of the ministry of fisheries, noted that the sole objective of this initiative is to boost the fish production and dwindle unemployment in the country

“Four out of the fourteen boats will be used for different purposes. Youth  participation in the fishing industry is essential and for that reason, out of the fourteen boats, the ministry will be giving out two for the training of young people on how to do fishing while the other two will be for combating illegal fishing in the sea.” he explained.

He added that his ministry mobilizes funds annually to reach out to the fishermen in the country and ensure that they are financially empowered, fish production is increased and creates employment through such initiatives.

“It took three months for the construction of the boats to be accomplished but at the end, it is something worth it,” he said.

One of the beneficiaries of the vessel Alhagie Babucarr Faye, who doubles as the Alkalo of Barra, extended his sincere gratitude and praised the ministry for coming to the aid of his people. He said the vessels will go a long way in helping them become self reliant and make their trade unexacting. He advised the fishermen to be cautious and use the vessels prudently.

The permanent secretary at the ministry of fisheries, Bamba Banja, said, the grail of the ministry is to ensure a spirited fisheries sector through research, utilisation, and employment creation.

 

By: Fatoumatta Samateh