A two-day sub-regional seminar for National Commission on Small Arms and Light Weapons yesterday kicked-off at the Jerma Beach Hotel in Kololi.

The forum, which draws participants from Cape Verde, Guinea Bissau, Conakry and the Gambia is being organised by the Ministry of Interior, in partnership with the ECOWAS Small Arms and Light Weapons Programme (ECOSAP).

In his keynote address, Mr. Sheriff Gomez, the Minister of Youth and Sports, who deputised for the Minister for Interior, said the forum is a clear demonstration of our mutual desire to curb the proliferation of Small Arms and Light Weapons, as well as to control and eradicate armed violence in the sub-region with a view to engendering an enabling environment for sustainable development.

According to him, the seminar was meant to create a forum for mutual dialogue and to discuss with stakeholders on how to review and plan the implementation of activities in the member states, among other capacity-strengthening initiatives.

He further acknowledged the support ECOSAP has been rendering to them over the years. He cited the provision of a Toyota to enhance mobility and funding for the conduct of the National Small Arms and Light Weapons.

He, however, underscored government’s resolve to continue pursuing the course for a more secure-Gambia.

Other speakers at the occasion included Ms Sirra Horeja-Ndow of the UNDP and Mr. Mawdo Touray, the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Interior.