Association of wood exporters and Forest users in The Gambia, Thursday, donated a cheque for one hundred and fifty thousand dalasi to the Basse Market fire victims. The donated cheque was handed over to the Regional Governor of Upper River Region for onward transmission to the affected victims.
Speaking at the presentation ceremony held at the scene, in Basse, the Chairman of the association Mr. Lamin Barrow expressed condolence to the victims over the destruction of the markets, saying that the fire outbreak has caused a negative impact to the live of the affected victims.
He said his association deemed it fitting to donate a cheque for one hundred and fifty thousand dalasi to the victims as part of their association contribution toward national development.
He quickly added that his association is not only here to engage in profit making entity but also to contribute to the development of the country’s national development programme.
“We are very sorry for what had happened but let have faith and patience,” he sympathised.
Mr. Barrow assured the Governor of his association’s continuous support for the affected victims until they settle down as it is not easy considering the magnitude of the destruction.
On her part, the Governor of Upper River Region Fanta Samateh Manneh thanked the association of the timber dealers for the kind gesture. She said the amount is not a small measure as it will go a long way in supporting the affected victims in recovery the lost items. She described this association as real partner in development. “I encourage others to emulate the association of wood re-exporters and forest user’s bold step in supporting the affected victims,” the Governor urged.
Meanwhile, Nassem Trading Company, a Mauritanian private company donated five hundred thousand dalasi to the affected victims of the Basse Market, the Senegalese Ambassador also visited the scene to show solidarity.