The country’s security forces, yesterday, received a boost in the form of 20 brand new vehicles, courtesy of their commander-in-chief, President Alhaji Dr Yahya Jammeh.

The presentation of the vehicles was done at a ceremony held at State House grounds in Banjul.

14 Greatwall Wingle Pick-up’s, two Benz military jeeps, a Toyota van and three Toyota Land Cruisers ambulances, the vehicles would contribute immensely in the enhancement of the work of the country’s security establishment by easing their mobility.  The bulk of the vehicles went to The Gambia Police Force. 

In a frank and uncompromising speech, President Jammeh pointed to the recent increase in violent crimes, which he said necessitates for the procurement of the necessary equipments and logistics to the security forces to effectively enhance their performance in executing their duties.

But he wasted no time in informing the security chiefs present that the vehicles were meant purposely for officials use, and that they should not be used for any private purpose.

Those who want vehicles for private purposes, the president said, can apply for a loan to that effect.

To him, gone are the days when vehicles get abandoned due to lack of proper care, vowing to deal with any station officer and driver who would be the first to wreck their vehicles.

He indicated that there was nothing like a good or bad vehicle, insisting that a vehicle’s life span depended on its handling.

He said that vehicles were being provided but that proper care was not being taken of them, thus leading to them been  wrecked   before their actual life span. He advised police chiefs to ensure that only designated police drivers be assigned to drive the new vehicles and not just any police officer in a particular station. 

He further vowed to deal with any station officer who was found wanting in his job for a flimsy excuse of lack of fuel, maintaining that all vehicles would be provided with enough fuel strictly for official use.

He then urged the police chiefs to introduce the vehicle log books,  and   to label all their vehicles with the GPF logo and the name of   the appropriate station "for proper accountability." Dr Jammeh also urged them to ensure that vehicles were properly and regularly maintenance for longevity.

The Gambian leader then warned the police to desist from over-speeding, except for reasons of emergency.  To this end, he implored the general public for their full support in reporting any unwarranted action by police officers across the country.

The ceremony was witnessed by the vice president, Aja Dr Isatou Njie -Saidy, secretaries of state, the secretary general and Head of the Civil Service, services chiefs, APRC Yai Compins, amongst others. Joseph P Jassey, permanent secretary, department of state for Defence, chaired the ceremony.