By: Binta Jaiteh
The Association of Gambian Sailors (AGS) recently held the 6th Biennial Congress at the Procure Hall in Banjul.
Speaking at the congress, Abdou Sanyang, the newly re-elected Secretary General for AGS said all members under his stewardship are protected. Adding that the Association absent from being a docile and corrupt organization before 2008 to a vibrant institution.
“We have not gotten a single butut in form of a subvention from the government in those days and we have not benefited from any government. We, however, regret to inform this August Congress that the Treasurer of the Association continues to make steady but slow progress in his medical treatment toward full recovery.
He added that the unfortunate incident of the theft case involving amounts of more than one million Gambian Dalasi and five million CFA France Equivalent to roughly three hundred thousand Dalasi altogether is more than GMD1.3 Million (One million and three hundred thousand dalasi)
“These amounts were meant for payment of salaries of crew members and as such required the Association to repay the amounts from its fund as loan to help pay the salaries of the crews. Which could not wait to be repaid when these funds-currently under litigation and at an advanced stage, are eventually recovered from the suspects by the police,” he disclosed.
Malang Darboe, Deputy Permanent Secretary Ministry of Fisheries representing the Permanent Secretary, also said this kind of forum promotes dialogue, coordination, and exchange of experiences between seafarers to inform and enhance collaboration, to create a healthy work environment.
He noted that the Ministry of Fisheries, Water Resources and National Assembly Matters is very much aware of their contribution to national development and their Association is a stakeholder in fisheries and provides many services in terms of labor.
“Our Ministry is aware of all your work onboard fishing vessels as challenging and hazardous, sometimes resulting in serious injuries. For this reason, your work is seen as a true sacrifice geared toward the development of this country,” PS complimented their efforts.