The Gambia Red Cross Society (GRCS) on Monday received two brand new vehicles from the Institutional Development of West African Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, to Strengthen Response Capacity (IDWARC) project.

Speaking at the presentation ceremony, held at the GRCS headquarters in Kanifing, Mrs. Carmen Echezerreta Inurritegul, the representative of the Spanish Red Cross Society, said that IDWARC is a regional project that is being implemented jointly by the International Federation of Red Cross, Spanish Red Cross and eight Sister West African National Societies with the objective of strengthening the response capacity of those societies. He said that the project is entirely funded by AECID (Spanish Agency for International Cooperation). She revealed that within the framework of the project, the GRCS will benefit from two vehicles, ten motor bikes, eight computers, and printers, four fax machines, four scanners, eight cell phones, furniture and the rehabilitation of the Basse branch. “On the other hand, GRCS personnel will participate in different training courses that will strengthen national society response capacity,” she said.

Mrs. Fatou Mas Jobe, president of GRCS, said that the greatest challenge and constraint faced by the society is mobility, but the vehicles donated will boost their operations. She described the donation as timely and thus thanked the partners and their donors for the gesture. She assured that the vehicles will be put into good use.

Dr.Malick Njie, Secretary of State for Health and Social Welfare, said that the government and his state department recognise the invaluable support and auxiliary role of GRCS in responding to emergencies and other humanitarian needs countrywide. He commended GRCS

for meeting their expectations. He also thanked the partners of GRCS for making it possible for the society to function effectively. Mrs Ndey Sireng Bakurin Secretary General Gambia Red Cross Society chaired the ceremony which was attended by several dignitaries.