It is a well known fact that a clean environment is key to maintaining a healthy populace. Under adverse sanitary conditions, the health of the general public suffers.

This, in turn, has a negative impact on the economy. Cognizant of the need to maintain healthy environmental conditions within the Tourism Development Area, especially ahead of the country’s 45th Independence Day celebration, the Gambia Tourism Authority (GTA) last Saturday 13th February 2009, organised a cleaning exercise along the Bertil Harding Highway. Among the establishments that responded to the Tourism Authority’s call, was Oceanic Bank Gambia, whose staff came out in overwhelming numbers to contribute to a cleaner Gambia. This is not the first time that staff of the bank, which currently has its head office along the Bertil Harding Highway is collaborating with the GTA to help keep the TDA clean. At the start of the current tourists’ season, the staff of the bank joined the GTA and others from various walks of life to clean the TDA.

Speaking to the Daily Observer at the cleaning exercise ground at the TDA last Saturday, Thomas Kojo Quayson (Jnr), head of Corporate Communications at Oceanic Bank Gambia, explained why the bank responded to the call, which according to him resonates with the Gambian leader’s ‘Operation Clean the Nation’ as well as the Vision 2020 blueprint. “As you know, we are committed to building a stronger Gambia in every sense of the word. However, we cannot have a stronger Gambia without a healthy people and the environmental sanitation is a key factor in achieving this,” he said. “We are partners in the development of this country and we show this not only in words but in action,” he remarked.

He also explained that Oceanic Bank has not only collaborated with the GTA but has also been of assistance to other segments of Gambian society, particularly the security personnel. The sterling work done by the bank since it commenced operations less than two years ago, led to President Jammeh’s approval for the bank to be granted the Insignia of Member of the Republic of The Gambia (MRG). For her part, Habibatou Drammeh, the acting head of Treasury at Oceanic Bank, expressed their resolve to keep participating in such worthwhile ventures. “You cannot work productively if you are sick. That is why we are always pleased to be partners in such laudable ventures,” she emphasised.