By Buba Gagigo
In a recent ceremony marking the handover and commissioning of a patrol vessel donated by Spain to the Gambia Navy on Tuesday, President Adama Barrow expressed gratitude to the Gambia Navy for their dedicated efforts in combating illegal fishing within the country.
During the event, President Barrow took the opportunity to commend the competence and dedication of the officers and ratings of the Gambia Navy, acknowledging their successful endeavours in addressing the issue of illegal fishing. While celebrating this achievement, he also urged the Navy to extend their efforts to combat unauthorized ship-to-ship transfers of fuel and goods at sea, as well as address concerns related to narcotics and human trafficking, the smuggling of irregular migrants, and other maritime crimes.
“This ceremony gives me the opportunity to reaffirm my confidence in the competence and commitment of the officers and ratings of The Gambia Navy. I am glad to publicly acknowledge the achievements of the Navy in the fight against illegal fishing. With these added patrol platforms, however, I urge the Navy to take up the fight against the rising trend of unauthorised and irregular ship-to-ship transfer of fuel and other goods at sea. Notably also, narcotics and human trafficking, the smuggling of irregular migrants to Europe through the unsafe conditions of locally constructed boats, in addition to other maritime crimes, require closer attention and more drastic action,” the president said.
President Barrow reassured the Navy of his government’s unwavering commitment to support ongoing capacity-building initiatives. He emphasized the importance of responsible utilization of the newly acquired patrol platforms to enhance maritime security, pledging continued support either directly or through partnerships with friends and allies.
In his official handover of the GNS FANKANTA vessel to the Navy for operations, President Barrow conveyed his best wishes to the officers and ratings, particularly those who would be serving on board the new vessels, expressing hope for fair winds and calm seas.
“I reassure the Navy that, either directly or through our friends and partners, my government will not waver in supporting the ongoing capacity building efforts. For your part, as a Navy, we expect wise and productive use of the assets in your custody to guarantee the much-desired maritime security aspirations of the nation. On this note, distinguished ladies and gentlemen, it is my honour to officially hand over GNS FANKANTA to the Navy for operations. I wish the officers and ratings, particularly those who will sail on board these vessels, fair winds and calm seas,” he said.
Delighted about the addition of the Fast Patrol Vessel to the Gambia Navy’s Fleet, President Barrow highlighted the vessel’s significance in aligning with the government’s development agenda and vision for the nation to become one of the most prosperous and peaceful in the world.
“We place a high premium on national security. This incorporates maritime security and maritime resource generation and protection,” he said.
President Barrow concluded by noting that the GNS FANKANTA, a High Endurance Fast Patrol Vessel, marks a historic addition to the Navy’s fleet, being the first offshore patrol vessel since 1989.
“It is expected to significantly strengthen the Navy’s fleet to curb the many risky departures of migrants from The Gambia’s coastal waters. This Fast Patrol Vessel, GNS FANKANTA, a High Endurance Fast Patrol Vessel, is the first offshore patrol vessel in our Navy’s fleet since 1989,” he said.