By Awa Macalo
The Gambia Immigration Department in partnership with the Diplomacy-Etiquette and Protocol Consulting, Gambia’s leading diplomatic training center, Monday began a 5-day training on diplomatic etiquette and protocol practice for 20 senior officers in a bid to further their understanding of diplomacy and international relations.
The capacity building training, underway at Immigration training centre in Tanji, was graced by the director general Seedy M Touray, PS Ministry of Interior Fanta BS Manneh, representative of the German Federal police and other senior officers.
The training will be conducted by retired former Gambian ambassador Ebrima Ousman Ndure in three thematic areas; diplomatic etiquette, protocol practice, and document security.
Director-General Seedy M Touray, in his opening remarks, explained that the 5-day training epitomizes the department’s commitment to ongoing capacity development for its workforce which is being implemented for all ranks. “Today,
we have gone a step further to prepare the ground for our participation in international relations concerning the welfare of our citizens in the diaspora.
“GID continues to pay attention and gives services to citizens at home and abroad. As enshrined in our Strategic Plan, we are poised to ensure the protection of constitutional rights and privileges of our countrymen in the diaspora by providing them access to representation on immigration matters. Therefore, efforts are underway to increase liaisons in Gambian Missions abroad,” he further said.
The lead trainer, former Gambian Ambassador to Dakar, Ebrima Ousman Ndure said the trainees will be looking at specific areas that are of main interest to their work and will improve their day-to-day life as an immigration officer.
Upon completion of this training, he said, the trainees are expected to comprehend a corporate, professional, and comportment protocol. “When dealing with dignitaries, they should be able to grasp the act of self-assurance and reduce stress and nervousness. They will cultivate positive relationships with their partners, fostering confidence and trust. They will create a pleasant connection climate for the immigration department’s employees and the organizations with whom they work.”
