This year has been the most challenging since the project started in 1991. The financial economic constraints have markedly affected our fund raising.
The Gambia is also in severe financial difficulties due to the world recession with the most significant effect being a fall in their income from tourism.

On the brighter side, GFRS have received 4 water tenders, a rescue tender and a 40’ container.

The former Avon area radio scheme is now in storage in The Gambia awaiting Telent Engineers who will be travelling early next year to install the system. The ability to communicate across the country by radio will be an incredible step forward for The Gambia Fire and Rescue Service and will transform efficiency and support to incidents.

Kevin Pearson, Avon Fire and Rescue Services Chief Fire Officer formally handed over two of the fire appliance in his November visit.

Kevin was the guest of honour at the Gambia Fire and Rescue Services open day where crews put on demonstrations of their skills to Ministers and the public. Presentations were also made to members of the service for various achievements throughout the year recognising their contribution.

Investment into the project by The Gambia Government was evident in the provision of a health clinic which will operate 24hrs a day. This is located in Serrekunda, the largest town in the country and has a population in excess of 300,000 people. The clinic in the main has been equipped through GAFSIP from donations from Frenchay and Southmead hospitals.

The clinic was formally opened by The Minister of the Interior Ousman Sonko who remarked on the development of GFRS and their value to their communities.

A further project is underway with a new fire station being constructed at Farafeni which is half way up the country on the north bank. This will not only provide a community service for the central river division but will create a further 70 jobs.

Banjul International Airport received Hurst Rescue kit and uniform donated by AFRS and Bristol Uniforms.

In addition, the coastal beach safety rescue kit, donated by Serco earlier in the year, was handed over to 5 life guard towers in the main holiday area of the country.

This partnership has sustained and aided the development of a public service which serves the communities of a desperately needy nation. Many lives have been saved and impact of fire has been reduced. The existing clinics have treated in excess of 5,000 people last year free of charge. It is possible that these people may not have received any treatment without these provincial clinics.

We look forward to the continuation of the partnership throughout 2010.