GAFSIP LAUNCH

A PROUD DAY FOR THE GAMBIA AND AVON FIRE SERVICES.

GAFSIP celebrated its official launch at Avon Fire and Rescue Service Headquarters on Friday the 20th May 2005.

Local school children performed for the dignitaries and guests.

Roger Bakurin, the Gambian Fire and Ambulance Service Chief Officer travelled from the Gambia to take part in the celebrations. He joined His Excellency Gibril Joof , The High Commissioner of The Gambia together with members of Parliament, local Mayors, leaders of the Unitary Authorities and elected members to celebrate the charity status of this long standing and unique partnership.

A charter was signed by the Chief Fire Officers of the Gambia and Avon Fire Services and David Hutchings, the Patron of the GAFSIP Charitable Trust.

The day's formalities of speeches was interspersed with entertainment given by local school children and an African Drum and Dance group.

The day was concluded with Fire Service displays and home safety demonstrations.

The event was opened by Councillor Terry Walker, the Chair of Avon Fire Authority, who stated that of all his over 40 years in politics this was one of his proudest moments and that the success of this unique long term relationship was based on the efforts by two professional organisations and its officers whose aims in life were the same. They battled through the morass of bureaucracy and politics and were totally focussed together as two brigades trying to save lives and reduce suffering.

The Gambia national flag and Brigade Standard presented for blessing by The Brigade Chaplin Reverend Clarke and Imam Sheikh Nagib Khan.

St Mary Temple & Redcliffe School Gospel Choir

National Anthems sung by Chiedza Maburutse

Roger Bakurin, The Gambian Fire and Ambulance Service Chief Officer,

Responding with appreciation, Roger Bakurin stated that the partnership was born out of personal friendships and the Fire Service family in caring for each other. The Gambia Fire and Ambulance Service save lives and reduces suffering. It improves the quality of life for the Gambian people.

David Hutchings, Patron of the GAFSIP Charitable Trust.

David Hutchings told of the start of the partnership, of him witnessing a road accident and watching a family of six die because of the lack of the most basic equipment and the sadness and frustration of his Gambian colleagues as they could do nothing to help. That day lead to the formation of the partnership that reaches a new level with the launch of the GAFSIP Charitable Trust.

The launch was a proud day for him and he talked of the development into education and health.

He asked for help with shipping costs which amount to £20000 a year. He stressed that all work was voluntary and there were no administration costs.

Kevin Pearson, Chief Officer of Avon Fire and Rescue Service.

Chief Fire Officer (CFO) Pearson spoke of his pride in the partnership and his desire to see the next 15 years development.

"Crew Saver International" donated Rescue boat safety kit.

CFO's Pearson and Bakurin with Mr.Steven Wilde of The Gambia Experience Tour Operators (long term supporters of this partnership since its inception).

Poster display depicting the work of GAFSIP.

Cllr Glyn Duck and Cllr Astra Brand ( 2 of GAFSIP's trustees) with CFO Roger Bakurin.

CFO Roger Bakurin and Sandra Connolly (Brigade co-ordinator).

CFO Roger Bakurin and Claire Hutchings (GAFSIP Secretary).

African dancing.

Please also see the Avon Fire Service news item here.