The Daily Observer (Banjul)
Amadou Jallow
29 June 2009
The president of the Republic, His Excellency Sheikh Professor Alhaji Dr Yahya Jammeh has branded the government of the Republic of China (Taiwan) as true examples of humanity, who have improved the lives of many people around the world, including those of The Gambia.
President Jammeh also observed "If yesterday is anything to go by, The Gambia will be the last country to turn its back on Taiwan". The Gambian leader was speaking at the Naval Command headquaters in Banjul, last Friday, during the handing over of four patrol boats to the Government of The Gambia. The boats were donated by the Taiwanese government.
According to the president, the provision of the boats is an invaluable gesture that amply demonstrates the strength of the unwavering bond of friendship and cooperation that exists between The Gambia and The Republic of Taiwan. "This grand project of improving the maritime security and coastal defense capabilities of The Gambia Navy is unprecedented, but highly necessary," President Jammeh said, and added "The necessity of the gesture is due to the fact that the African continent and particularly countries that are on the Atlantic coast continue to face and grapple with old and emerging challenges brought to their shores as a result of globalisation, drug trafficking, poaching and dumping of toxic waste as well as their attendant implications on human security and the sovereignty of states."
The Gambia, the President said, has made considerable progresses in the economic and social spheres amidst great political and social instability within the sub-region. "While my government pushes for sustained economic growth, improved living conditions and human security, some elements are at play far and near our maritime domain, posing serious constraints to our cherished goals and aspirations," he said.
The Gambian leader further informed the gathering that in recognition of the fact about the negative impacts illegal activities in the sea can do to the socio-economic gains of a country, the Government of The Gambia is determined to confront these challenges head on. "The need to improve and strenghten the maritime security and coastal defence capabilities of The Gambia Navy cannot be over emphasised," he remarked.
Describing Taiwan's donation as one of the biggest gestures The Gambia have ever received, The Gambian leader announced that the naval capabilitiese associated with the acquisition of the four patrol boats will be further enhanced by the establishment of naval bases in Kartong and Tanji. President Jammeh further maintained that The Gambia will be well placed to operate in a wider spectrum with greater visibility, thus ensuring security at sea.
The visibility, the president said, is of paramount importance because of the great controversy that hangs over the maritime region stretching from the gulf of Guinea to the North of the African continent and beyond, particularly in relation to the trafficking in persons and drugs as well as illegal migration and fishing. "The magnitude of these illegal activities is such that they transcend national boundaries, thereby requiring greater cooperation among states bordering the Atlantic Ocean," President Jammeh explained.
The Gambian leader further disclosed at the gathering that resources will be committed to ensure that the Navy plays an effective role in combating sea-based crimes, while promoting bilateral cooperation to ensure coordination of efforts in curbing illegal maritime activities. The acquisition of the four boats, the president added, will undoubtedly result in the transformation of The Gambia Navy's operational configuration, which should enable it to effectively carry out its role and clock for longer periods at sea in order to deter, detect and prevent illegal activities.
While warning officials of The Gambia Navy to endeavour to keep the boats in good condition, the president assured them that they can serve for about ten to fifteen years if they are adequately handled. On the issue of maintenance, President Jammeh told the Navy officials that the boats were accompanied by a fully loaded container of spare parts. "Take care of these assets as you would take care of your own lives," he said.
The Gambian leader then used the occasion to thank the Government of Taiwan for what he described as an 'inestimable' gesture, saying "One word that could serve as a principle of conduct for life is reciprocity, which provides the basis for action that is mutually beneficial to two parties." The president concluded by remarking that The Gambia may not be in the position to reciprocate the privilege that The Republic of China (Taiwan) extends to her in this socio-economic development partnership "but we shall abide by our pledge of unreserved friendship and commitment to them and stand by their side at all times in the international fora, in defence of their interest and just cause."
Handing over the boats to The Gambian leader, the Taiwanese deputy Foreign minister Andrew Shia said The Gambia and Taiwan have shared common goals in over the past decades. According to the Taiwanese top official, The Gambia has indeed made remarkable economic growth while its partnership with Taiwan continues to depend and strengthen in many areas. Foreign Minister Shia then expressed his trust and confidence that with the provision of the boats, The Gambia will be able to curb illegal exploitation of its territorial waters, thereby strenghtening peace and tranquility within the country. He commended the Government of The Gambia for its continued developments.
For his part, the chief of defence Staff of The Gambia Armed Force, Major General Lang Tombong Tamba, commended the Taiwanese government for the gesture. "These vessels will no doubt increase the capability of The Gambia Navy to mount a 24-hour surveillance of our territorial waters to ensure that illegal maritime activities and drug trafficking are controlled," Major General Tamba said. The Gambia army chief thanked the Taiwanese government for their unflinching support to The Gambia and assured them that greater care will be given to the boats to ensure their durability.
Commander Sarjo Fofana, chief of the Gambia Naval base, disclosed to the gathering that due to the capacity of their navies, third world territories, especially the sub-saharan waters are indequately policed. According to him, statistics available from Green Peace and other international environmental organisation have indicated that their resources are ruthlessly being exploited or their territories are becoming venues for terrorists and other undesirable criminal activities.
"Today, our nation's maritime capability must not now only be seen as a projection of military power at sea but more importantly in our ability to protect our political, economic and social interest by ensuring a secure and safe maritime environment for our development goals," Commander Fofana said. He added that The Gambia's maritime environment must be made safe to help the country to peacefully reap its resources.
Fofana then pointed out that the acquisition of the four vessels is by no means the end of the problem but was rather, the beginning of their biggest challenge. In his conclusion, Commander Fofana expressed unreserved gratitude to The Gambian leader, whom he said they consider as the father of the Navy. He also thanked the Taiwanese government for the gesture. Shortly after the handing over ceremony of the vessels, the Gambian leader and the Taiwanese officials went on a tour of the River Gambia with the four vessels up to Mandinaring.
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