Yankuba Touray, the secretary of state for Fisheries, Water Resources and National Assembly Matters, last Wednesday, launched the Master Fishermen Training Programme at a ceremony held at the Tanji Community Fisheries Centre at Tanji village, Kombo South.

The training programme which is expected to last for a period of one year, is meant to help Gambians to adopt the culture of fishing, which is dominated by foreigners.  

In support of the training programme, The Gambia government under the Department of State for Fisheries, Water Resources and National Assembly Matters has provided fishing materials worth D400,000 including two boats, outboard motor, mobile phones, nets, rain coats, knives, life jackets, long ropes, rakes, spades and fishing suits to the Tanji community.

In his launching statement, SoS Touray highlighted the significance of the event. He stated that this is not the first time the people of Tanji are benefiting from such a package and reiterated government's commitment to ensuring that Gambians are engaged in the fishing sector.

He also emphasised the need for Gambians to adopt the culture of fishing citing the fact that one of the major problems of Gambians is the believe that such ventures are not worthy. "Nobody owns a profession. The profession does not belong to anyone but a person who is committed and willing to do it," he said. He then urged the youths to take fishing up as a profession.

SoS Touray further added: "We must strive hard to make sure Gambians don't suffer again during the Tobaski feast due to the lack of fish in the market when foreigners have gone to attend their [festive] ceremony. Gambians can supply enough fish for our market," he said.  

He finally said the aim of President Yahya Jammeh and his government is to encourage and create a conducive environment and job opportunities for Gambians and to reduce the level of unemployment and the dream to improve the welfare of the Gambian people.

Alhagie Ebou Mass Mbaye, a fisheries officer at the Fisheries Department, said this is not the first time the department of state is conducting fishermen training for young Gambians. He said that a total of 158 Gambians from Burufut to Kartong benefited from the programme since the late 80's.

According to him the fisheries department has also supported three NGOs in training Gambian fishermen NYSS, BAFROW and YAFSSE.

Babucarr Sarr, the manager of Tanji Community Fisheries Centre, Abdou Kumba Njie, a retired fisherman, and Bakary Cham, a young fisherman, all spoke at the ceremony.

Lamin Nyabally, permanent secretary, Department of Fisheries, Water Resources and National Assembly Matters chaired the ceremony. Also present were Lt Colonel Sarjo Fofana; Fansu Bojang, director general, Gambia Civil Aviation Authority; Lamin Haja Bojang, vice chairman, Brikama Area Council; and  Adialon Njai, the director of the Fisheries Department among others.