The Daily Observer (Banjul)
Amadou Jallow
5 November 2009
The minister of Fisheries, Water Resources and National Assembly matters, Antouman Saho, yesterday received on behalf of the president of the Republic, His Excellency Sheikh Professor Alhaji Dr Yahya AJJ Jammeh, four CD cassettes from the Organisation of Operation No Back Way to Europe (ONBWE).
The CD cassettes entitled: Â"BarcelonaÂ", were presented to Minsiter Saho at a ceremony held at his Marina Parade office in Banjul. ONBWE is a youth voluntary organisation in the country devoted to redirecting the focus of young people from the perilous journey of illegal migration to Europe through the high seas. The cassettes, which the organisation prepared in collaboration with Babacarr Gaye alias Mbaye Gaye (a famous Gambian Mbalax star), is expected to serve as guiding principle for Gambian youths and families on the dangers associated with illegal migration. The main motive for the production of the cassette is basically geared towards creating awareness on the dangers associated with illegal migration.
In his statement after receiving the cassettes from ONBWE, Minister Saho said that it is an implacable fact that the progress of any given nation solely rests on its human resource, which he said the young population forms the strongest component. The establishment of the association to redirect the focus of young people for good, he said, is indeed a step in the right direction. Â"Under the leadership of President Jammeh, many opportunities have been opened for young people to explore and make their ends meet within the country,Â" Minister Saho told the gathering.
He said every Gambian felt the pain when some of its young people lost their lives in the recent catastrophic incidents that occurred in the Atlantic Ocean. However, to make sure that such incidents are totally stopped or reduced, Minister Saho observed that it requires the contribution of all Gambians. Â"From all indications, it is clear that to address the issue of illegal migration, parents and family sensitisation must be strengthened,Â" he said.
He further highlighted that music can play an eminent role in sensitising the masses on any alarming issue in the country. He expressed hope that the cassettes will go a long way in raising awareness among Gambians on the negative impacts of illegal migration. The minister also emphasised the need for the association to endeavour to expand its mandates on the dangers of illegal migration. Saho then commended the executive members of the association and assured them of The Gambia governmentÂ's unreserved commitment to the empowerment of the young people of the country.
The president of the organisation of Operation No Back Way to Europe, Abubacarr Jabbi, vowed that they would always commit themselves to awareness creation in the country on illegal migration. The organisation which is the brainchild of Jabbi himself, who is a victim of illegal migration on three occasions, said the perilous and catastrophic journey has resulted to the loss of lives of many young Gambians, some of which happened in his presence when he was in the field of struggle. Â"Our activities are mainly based on sensitising both young people and parents on the dangers of illegal migration,Â" he said.
Jabbi further expounded that illegal migration through the high seas is a horrific venture, and have claimed the lives of many African young people including those from The Gambia. He used the occasion to commend President Jammeh for the support from the date the association named him as their father. He also thanked Minister Saho for granting them the audience.
For Mbaye Gaye, the musician, illegal migration is a disastrous venture that can lead to loss of life and property. He expressed hope that the cassettes would raise the awareness level of Gambians on the deadly venture through the Atlantic Ocean.
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