Honourable Yankuba Touray, Secretary of State for Fisheries, Water Resources and National Assembly Matters yesterday inaugurated a gigantic fishing vessel, built entirely in The Gambia by A and A Industries (Pvt) Ltd. 

Held at the naval company’s premises, located in the Kanifing Industrial Area, the ceremony was graced by senior officials of the Department of Sate for Fisheries, and the Gambia Navy commandant.

In his address, SoS Touray expressed his great sense of pride at having the privilege to witness yet another milestone project in the fishing sector. He described the initiative taken by the management of A and A Gambia, as a way to complement the government’s efforts in trying to achieve Vision 2020.

Taking into consideration the fact that out of 20 registered fishing companies only 6 are operating, he pointed out that there are several factors influencing such a situation. According to him, the main problems faced by the industry are caused by shortage in the supply of raw materials and huge dependency on the artisanal fishing sector. He then invited the private sector to venture into the fishing industry, as it can help to curb the unemployment rate. He also expressed hope that more Gambians will capacitize their skills through technology transfer.

Speaking earlier, Mr Njie, director of Fisheries, expressed deep gratitude for having been associated with the project. ‘‘We’ll continue to collaborate with any entrepreneur who is ready to invest in the fishing sector,’’ he indicated.

For his part, Riaz Mirza, one of the initiators of this immense project, seized the opportunity to thank President Jammeh for allocating them the plot of land where they were able to establish the first naval industry of its kind in the sub-region.  With Rashid Ibrahim, his business partner, they are really committed, he said, to increase the employment rate in the country. He further stated that it took them 4 months, instead of 6, to achieve the construction of the fishing trawler. 
 
Elaborating on the gigantic proportions of the boat, he said it is powered by a 270 horse power engine and can carry 25 tons of fish with a speed of 18 miles per hour. The boat crew also has access to a wide range of possibilities provided by GPS.

The ceremony was chaired by Momodou Nyabally, permanent secretary at the Department of State for Fisheries, Water Resources and National Assembly Matters. In his remarks, he drew people’s attention to the need to avoid having such a vessel end up fuelling illegal migration.