By: Mariama Njie
The European Union and the Department of Fisheries on Thursday signed D50 million Dalasi six years partnership agreement for Sustainable Fisheries in The Gambia
Speaking at the signing, Emmanuel Berak, European Commission for Fisheries, said they have agreed on the modernity to monitor and implement the protocol in the next six years, adding that the six years will allow them to develop the fishery sector.
He pointed out, that this agreement made between the European Commission and The Gambia government will assist the government in terms of contributing and increasing employment of the Gambians.
“This partnership agreement will also contribute to develop the fisheries. We want The Gambia to be at the level with the capacity to monitor the activities of the fishery”, he noted.
He further said, the agreement is a learning process which will enable them to see and improve the process of asking for license and delivering them.
Hon. James F.P Gomez, Minister of Fisheries and Water Resources, described the agreement for sustainable fisheries with the European Union as a history, adding that this agreement will not only benefits the government but young people as well.
He explained that the EU ambassador in the Gambia has strived hard to create this opportunity they had today.
“This agreement is one of the agreements that have gone through leagues interception not only by us but our parliament as well”, he said.
He added that parliament has checked the agreement without changing any of the clauses, which shows the commitment that the agreement is beneficiary.
However, he said, as part of the agreement they will discuss on how to implement the sectoral support.
“In all aspect of our agreement one of our challenges is IUU, but we can deal with it if we collaborate together”, he observed.
He commended the EU for building a partnership with them, adding they will work together to ensure there is proper monitoring.
Dr. Bamba Banja. Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Fisheries and water Resources, also described this partnership agreement as significant, noting that they will ensure that the fishing sector continue to benefit the country.
He pointed out that, as a ministry they will upgrade their fishery information and data analysis system, which will be posted on their website.
He stressed t that, the image of this country cannot be compromise ,adding that accountability and transparency is a way of getting people to believe what they are doing.
