By Amadou M Jadama
A three-day community disaster preparedness and response organised by Service For Peace the Gambia, Sukuta Chapter recently wrapped up at the Sukuta Health Centre.
Speaking at the occasion Cherno B Cham National Coordinator for Service for Peace the Gambia Sukuta Chapter explained that the training is aimed at equipping the youth on disaster prevention.
Cham said they believe if the youth are trained on disaster prevention, they would be able to respond to it when it occurs.
Ousman Mama K. Bojang, a member, said the training is crucial as it prepares the youth on disaster response. “As far as disaster has no boundaries, there is a need to prepare before it occurs.”
He saluted the participants for their readiness to respond to disaster victims.
For her part, Binta Sey Jadama disaster coordinator for West Coast Region asserted that “disaster prevention is very expensive but is cheaper than response.”
“The training is very critical as the authorities cannot do it alone, they need the support from the Community.”
She called on the participants to be front line soldiers in disaster response. She applauded disaster management for providing the free disaster training.
Buba Darboe, acting secretary general Red Cross who doubles as head of disaster management Gambia Red Cross asserted that the training is extremely important and challenged the participants to always consult each other when they are in the field and also to have protective materials.
Mr Darboe also advised them to continue research and work for the interest of the people.
Sheriffo Makalo, representing the Alkalo of Sukuta underscored the importance of the training. He advised them to communicate to each other in case of fire or other disaster.
Mr Makalo vowed that Sukuta will support them to ensure that they do their job effectively.
Certificates were awarded to the participants.
