The Gambia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) recently donated D500, 000 to the Gambian farmers through the government’s food aid basket, earmarked for the farming communities that lost over 70 percent of their total crop production during last crop season a release from the Chamber reveals.

The half a million Dalasi cheque received on behalf of the Gambian farmers by the vice president and minister of Women’s Affairs, Her Excellency Aja Dr. Isatou Njie-Saidy at her office, was the proceed derived from the Chamber of Commerce’s 2012 annual dinner that was dedicated to the farmers.

Speaking at the presentation ceremony, the president of the GCCI, Bai Matarr Drammeh, expressed their sincere thanks to the president of the Republic, His Excellency Sheikh Processor Alhaji Dr Yahya AJJ Jammeh, the chief patron of GCCI, through Vice President Njie-Saidy, for the support.

The GCCI president also thanked the vice president for receiving the delegation and for always opening her doors to the business community.He expressed their profound gratitude to her for the untiring support to the Chamber, and especially for attending most of the events that were organised; such as the Business Awards Dinner and Trade Fair Gambia. 

For his part, the chief executive officer of the GCCI, Almami Taal, briefed the gathering on the GCCI commitment to providing support in response to the 2011 crop failure under the theme, “Standing by the Gambian farmer”.“The theme was adopted during the recently organised 2011 Business Awards Dinner held on 1st June 2012 at the Coco Ocean Spa and Resort sponsored by Africell together partners like SSHFCand Banjul Breweries,” he stated.

Taal further asserted that since part of the proceeds were earmarked for the above mentioned purpose, it was fitting that this presentation was made to Her Excellency, the vice president and minister of Women’s Affairs,Aja Dr. Isatou Njie Saidy.

The permanent secretary at the Ministry of Trade, Integration and Employment, Naffie Barry, who deputised for her minister, commended GCCI for their effort in supporting the Gambian farmer.She urged them to do even more in the future. The minister of Agriculture, Solomon Owens, for his part, expressed his delight with the support from the business community, and thanked them profusely for answering to the call of the government.He encouraged the private sector to invest in agriculture, asthe only way to attaining food security.

Thanking the business community, Forestry and Environment minister, Fatou Ndey Gaye, also echoed similar sentiments and urged the private sector to also consider investments in climate change. In her words of wisdom and appreciation of the gesture extended to the farmers through her office, Vice President Njie-Saidy said it was not a surprise because the business community had always responded positively whenever government called during similar incidents.She also stressed that The Gambia is an agrarian society, hence the need for investments in agriculture. She stressed that the government cannot do everything on its own, thus explains why strategic partners complement these efforts.

She concluded by commending the GCCI president for his hard work and dedication to private sector development.