A workshop on the “Ramifications of illegal migration on youths in The Gambia” was recently held at the Golden Beach Hotel.

The workshop was organised by the Brufut Marathon Committee and aimed to identify the effects and causes of illegal migration as well as measures to reduce the instance of it.

Mr Mambanyick Njie, Deputy Permanent Secretary Department of State for Youth and Sports was deputising for the Secretary of State for Youth and Sports at the Workshop. He hailed the event observing, “the scourge of illegal Migration has, in recent times, claimed the lives of so many young Africans, including Gambians, who undertake the perilous sea journey to the Canary Islands.”

He noted that many of our young people “complain about the near impossibility of obtaining a visa for the European Union” adding that “the allure of being able to earn the equivalent of several months wages in one day makes the journey worth the risk for many.”

“But does it really worth the risk?” he asked. “To me and to many other Gambians that I have spoken to, the answer is an emphatic No”.

“Imagine paying D25,000 to undertake such a dreadful venture. This amount no doubt could have been better utilized in small-scale entrepreneurship, which if properly managed, can make a big difference in life. This business venture, if vigorously pursued and managed with dedication and determination, would in the not too distant future convince any consular that yes, I want to get to Europe but have no intention of staying in their country illegally, thereby subjecting oneself to harassment and slavery,” he reasoned. He added:” The young people and whoever is providing them with the funds must realize that there are a good number of very successful Gambians who got everything they have today from Motherland, Gambia. Most of them never set foot in Europe prior to earning their riches.” Mr Njie called on parents and those that provide the funds to change their attitudes in a bid to this scourge.

He added that while we acknowledge the problems posed by unemployment and underemployment, we expect young people to make good use of the opportunities provided for us by the government, noting that many non-Gambians that are profiting from most of the things Gambians regard as not beneficial.

“I want us to see us get to Europe in a more respectable and dignified manner. We as young Gambians and Africans must not lose sight of the fact that many years ago, the Europeans came here and forced our ancestors into penal servitude. It was because of this and colonialism that Europe and Europeans are where they are today,” he said. “But it is as if today, young Africans have reverted to forcing themselves into slavery all to fulfil the cliché” in search of greener pastures,” he added.

“I know that attitudes won’t change overnight. We all need to play our part- parents, politicians, journalists, the private sector, musicians and the whole society, “he concluded.