The Gambis Biometric System in collaboration with Pristine Consulting on Wednesday opened another branch in Brikama along the Brikama-Gunjur highway.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Lamin Sanneh the Governor for Western Region, said the occasion is important because the introduction of the biometric system is a step in the right direction and that Gambians should try and embrace it. He went on to say that the Gambia is the first country to introduce the biometric system in the sub region. "The biometric system will go a long way in tracing the true identity of Gambians because the other identity cards were easily tampered with by some people".

He added that they don't want foreigners to be in possession of the Gambian ID Card.

Also speaking at the ceremony, Abdourahman Touray, the CEO of Pristine Consulting noted that the inauguration of the new biometric office in Brikama is very important for Pristine Company; noting that it was a top priority for the ministry of Interior to introduce the biometric system in the Gambia. He added that they will go further to use the biometric system when issuing birth certificates, passports, licence etc. He also thanked the Ministry of Interior and the Immigration Department for being great partners in national development.

The Director General at the Immigration Department Mr. Buba Sanyang said that people do not need to travel to Banjul to acquire ID Cards.

He advised Gambians to change their I.D Cards and warned non Gambians to keep away from obtaining the biometric identity card.

Yaya Sireh Jallow, the Permanent Secretary at the office of the Interior said they really appreciate the partnership with Pristine Company and noted that the latter really lived up to expectation "This is important because it shows that Gambians are issued with correct documents at ease with less pressure." He went on to say that they will send a team to the provinces to re-issue ID Cards to the people in the communities. He revealed that over 17,000 Gambians have acquired the new biometric system Identity Card and considered it a good record.

He added, "We are also working with the police to make sure that driving licences are issued using the biometric system