Gambia News : Gambia tackles illegal migration
Apr 18,2009 00:00
by
Anna
The Gambia Immigration Department has vowed to curb the
practice of illegal migration in that country. The department is on the
verge of introducing what it calls the Sea Horse Network System, a
satellite surveillance system which is one of the most effective
weapons in tracking illegal migrant boats.The intensive debate on the tricky issue of illegal migration however has become more intensified with daily reports of boats capsizing here and there.
Sulayman Jack of Comium a private cell phone company described illegal migration as a risky, adding many youths lose their lives in undertaking this dangerous journey through the seas. He described the strategy by the authorities as a good move in curbing illegal migration. He urged the Immigration Department to extend the system to a larger coverage as it will help in overcoming the phenomenon.
Amadou Tijan Barry, an IT administration assistant said the initiative is a good start as it will help to contain the menace. He advised the youths to desist from embarking on this adventure that has already left so many families in agony. He called for more cooperation among countries in order to overcome the phenomenon. He therefore urged the youths to involve themselves in self-employment jobs as going to Europe is not the only option.
According to him, people are still in a state of distress following the capsize of a boat off Libyan shores, in which many Gambians lost their lives. In a similar vein, Mustapha Hammad, a senior IT lecturer, vehemently deplored the fact that despite the great number of losses there are still some recalcitrant youths who think that the road to Europe is the only way out.
He urged the youths to desist from the act as people rarely succeed in reaching the European citadel. He called for people to be sensitized on the negative impacts of illegal migration. He commended the Gambian Immigration Department for coming up with such a system in curbing the phenomenon.
Ousman Kinteh, a taxi driver, also told our reporter that the risk attached to illegal migration cannot be over emphasized as thousands of young Africans continue to perish in the oceans.
He revealed that he was once tempted by the idea of embarking onto illegal migration, and that during their journey, 120 people were on the boat but two died before they reached Morroco. He urged the youths to stay at home and contribute to the development of the country.
He added his voice to the chorus of people thanking the Immigration Department for this laudable initiative.
Src: Buya Jammeh