Nbr — Side By Side,a charitable youth organisation based in Bakau New Town, on Thursday paid a courtesy call on the governor of the North Bank Region, Lamin Queen Jammeh.

Speaking at the occasion, Kawsu Jaiteh, the deputy national coordinator, told the gathering that their visit was in connection with their preparation for the anti-bushfire campaign, which is slated for the 9th of February, 2013. He explained that the campaign is part of their plans to create awareness on the dangers of bushfires in the community and to promote environmental regeneration, as well as ensure the sustainable use of natural resources.

For his part, Lamin Queen Jammeh, the governor of the region commended them for the initiative and assured them of his office's readiness to give them support in protection of the environment against bushfires.

The regional forestry officer, Ebou Janha, welcomed the idea and noted that the initiative complements the efforts of the Forestry Department in the protection of the environment. He went further to disclose that the most vulnerable areas to bushfires are Jukadou, Lower and Upper Nuimi, and that the most targeted people to sensitise are the councilors and district chiefs."We as a department will give you all the technical advice and support," he said.

Lamin K Saidy, the regional youth coordinator, said that Side by Side is one of the organisations contributing immensely to the development of youths in the country, particularly in the North Bank Region.