By Samsideen Ceesay
The Ministry of Trade, Industry, Regional Integration and Employment (MOTIE) on Thursday 14th April 2022 handed over three canoes with life jackets, and a smokehouse to support the women of Kartong on their oyster production site.
The canoes and oven are expected to increase the level of production and income, with a principal focus on ensuring safety in the production process.
The Gambia Government provided this support in partnership with the Entrepreneurship and Private Sector Development Project (EPSDP) of the UNDP.
Speaking at the event, the Permanent Secretary at MOTIE, Mr. Ebrima Sisawo expressed appreciation to the EPSDP and ECOWAS National Office for reaching out to the women of Kartong to support their business operation and improve cross-border cooperation.
According to him, the donated boats and life-saving jackets will enhance the lives of women in oyster production and help to alleviate the challenges women face in the harvesting process.
“The equipment will improve the capacities of women in the business of oyster, and will facilitate the distribution of their products to reach out to their intended clients,” PS Sisawo stated.
Isatou Madeline Jarju, the President of the Women Oyster Association in Kartong expressed delight and appreciation to EPSDP and the Government of The Gambia for their gesture, saying that the donated equipment will help them produce quality and affordable oyster in Kartong.
“I encourage my fellow women to take good care of the donated materials,” Madeline Jarju echoed.