The British High Commission in Banjul is working alongside the National Centre for Arts and Culture (NCAC) to open a new visitor’s museum in Fort Bullen, Barra, in the North Bank Region (NBR).

The NCAC was recently awarded £5,000 by the British High Commission to create an exhibition on the Abolition of the Slave Trade in which Fort Bullen played a crucial role.

Fort Bullen was built by the British military to abolish the trade in slaves being transported along the River Gambia after the 1807 Abolition of Slavery Act and is today a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Commenting on the development, the UK high commissioner to The Gambia, David Morley said: “I am delighted the British High Commission is able to help the National Centre for Arts and Culture with such a worthy cause.Fort Bullen is a tremendously important site due to the important role it played in abolishing the West African slave trade.It is a Gambian treasure and I’m pleased we are able to help in creating a small onsite museum which I look forward to visiting once open early next year.”

On his part, Baba Ceesay , director general, NCAC said the Centre is grateful to the British High Commission for granting the funds.

He added that they look forward to upgrading the facilities at Fort Bullen to provide a fascinating museum, which will educate both Gambians and visiting tourists on the important role Fort Bullen played in eradicating the slave trade.