Brufut Marathon Committee Sensitize Youths on Illegal Migration

As part of preparation for the 13th edition of the annual Brufut marathon run slated for December 8, a stakeholders’ workshop was organized on Saturday at the Golden Beach Hotel to discuss issues concerning illegal migration which is the theme for this year’s marathon.

Participants were drawn from coastal villages and towns in the country and the one-day event deliberated on the effects, causes and measures of illegal migration.

Deputising for the Inspector general of police, Mahmud Jobe Commissioner of Training said illegal migration is a major concern to government describing it as a very severe problem which leads to heavy loss of life.
He added that the consequences of illegal migration are loss of labour force, financial loss by families and the disgraceful treatment of those young people who enter Europe without the correct documents.
He pointed out that monies used for these illegal journeys could have been spend in very productive ventures that would yield results.

“Gambia is one of the richest and luckiest countries in the world but we lack proper management of resources” Jobe noted.
Director of Immigration Sarkou Drammeh commended the Brufut marathon committee for coming up with the sensitization workshop describing it as long overdue.
He said mass education and sensitization of youths is the solution to illegal migration adding that all stakeholders should be involve for concerted efforts aimed at eradicating this menace.

He added, “Poor socio-economic conditions, family society set up, poor living standards, social factors and unemployment are possible factors that may lead to illegal migration”.
Mambanyick Njie Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Department of State for Youth and Sports said the government of The Gambia will continue to dissuade young Gambians from undertaking such a diabolical venture. He added that it is equally beholden on parents and those that provide the funds to change their attitudes in a bid to curb this scourage.

Ba Jabbi chairman of the Brufut Marathon committee commended Musa Susso for making the event possible adding that the out come of the event will be documented and presented to government and stakeholders for urgent action.

Meanwhile as part of contribution for the event, £200 was received by the Brufut Marathon Committee from Mr and Mrs John Carter sponsors of the Tallinding Project. It could be recalled that recently two cheques of D75, 000 and D16, 000 were received from Taf holding company and Friends of the Gambia Association of UK (FROGS) respectively as contribution for the event.