Some personnel from The Gambia Armed Forces, along with several police personnel, have ended a three-week intensive training course on peacekeeping orgainsed by members of the British Army.

Lt. Col. Andrew Mortimer, the Defence Advisor to the British High Commissioner in The Gambia, living in Rabat, Morocco, praised the 240 soldiers and 140 police and called them lucky. “You are going to defend innocent civilians. It is a task, face it,” he said.

Representing the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Lt. Yankuba Drammeh, the Army Chief of Staff, thanked the participants for being part of the peace support operations for three weeks. “It was thought provoking and you showed a high sense of respect,” he said.

He further said that President Jammeh and Gambians attach great importance to peace. “Thus our forces continue to serve in peace missions across the world especially in Sudan, Liberia, Eritrea and the Ivory Coast. As you join your colleagues out there you are required to set a high standard of responsibility, you are going to represent The Gambia; show impartiality and  maturity.” He said. He added that they should share their knowledge with their friends.

Lt. Col. Andrew Mortimar, the Defence Advisor to the British High Commissioner thanked all concerned for making the training possible and urged trainees to remember what they have learned and put it to good use in Darfur. “I look forward to welcoming you back,” he said.

Lt. Col. Mortimar said, “You are going to do a fantastic job by protecting those who need protection and my heart goes out to them.” He said they should be very proud of doing a wonderful job. Mr. Graham Birse, the Deputy British High Commissioner, expressed similar sentiments and Commissioner Gibba and others presented the certificates.