By Yunus S Saliu
The Trust Bank Limited (TBL) has Thursday donated six desktop computers to the National Centre for Arts and Culture (NCAC) to support the work of the research team of the Centre.
The presentation of the items took place at the premises of NCAC in Banjul and it was witnessed by some members of staff of the two institutions.
Oreme Joiner, chairman Board of Directors of the NCAC applauded TBL for this gesture said it was indeed gratifying that TBL responded to the Center’s request made to them positively.
As it is not the bank’s first time, he said the gesture is highly welcome thus it came at the appropriate time while he quickly disclosed that the collaboration has been there for a long time “and we will continue to collaborate with you year-in-year-out.”
Hassoum Ceesay, Director General of National Centre for Arts and Culture said the presentation of the items will add more value to the work of the centre particularly to conserve and preserve the cultural heritages; “at the research section and of course, in the offices like the outstations – Juffureh, Wassu, Janjangbureh and so on.”
He added that it is the aims of the centre to equip their outstations too, because they are all UNESCO World Heritage sites. Adding that there are some minimum forms of administrative and professional standard that have to be maintained in those sites.
Therefore, he said, the items will help to boost their efforts and works at the research section, museum and outstations while he thanked the TBL for adopting the stone circles as one of their symbols.
He reflected on the partnership between the two institutions including the activities and thanked them for partnering with NCAC all these while, saying TBL supports to the Centre “is very important in preserving our culture heritages as it brings confidence to our partners.”
Sheik Trawally, Head of Sales at Trust Bank Limited described the TBL’s donation to NCAC as most appropriate, noting that NCAC is responsible for fostering, developing and improving the knowledge, understanding and practice of “our arts and culture and their presentation, execution and exhibition.”
Arts and culture, he said, is a key part of the country’s heritage that helps to know and celebrate diversity and also brings people closer. “That’s why as a proudly Gambian Bank and a stakeholder, Trust Bank Limited became a natural partner to NCAC and we reiterate our commitment to further support the development and promotion of the sector in The Gambia,” Mr Trawally reiterated TBL’s commitment to NCAC.
He disclosed that arts and culture sector has grown beyond expressing social values and building cultural bridges as it has now become a fundamental component in educational and economic development.
“Our partnership with NCAC is grounded on the strategic objective of creating opportunities for people who enjoy arts and culture to chose from a wide array of discipline in both the formal and informal settings in order to make a decent living for themselves,” he gave an in-depth insight to their partnership.
However, this “is a continuation of a journey which started over a decade ago with the strategic objective of complimenting the Center‘s efforts in ensuring the advancement, promotion and preservation of our cultural heritage and that quality and credible research materials are accessible to all Gambians.”
He therefore acknowledged and applauded the incredible work that NCAC is doing in the promotion of arts and culture saying Trust Bank have been immensely encouraged while he used the opportunity of the presentation reassured the Centre’s of their firm commitment to further strengthen and expand the scope of our partnership for the benefit of the people of The Gambia.
Mr Alex Head of Marketing TBL as well made short remarks while Mr Siaka Fadera of NCAC on behalf of the NCAC thanked the management of the Trust Bank Limited for the support.
