Maritime security - The Gambian Navy and other security units have begun a two-week training on maritime security under America’s Africa Partnership Station (APS) programme.

PANA quoted official sources as saying Friday that American Navy experts on board a navy ship recently arrived in Banjul, Gambian capital, to carry out the training.

Speaking at the start of the programme, US Envoy in Banjul Cynthia F. Gregg, said The Gambia, like other countries within the region, continued to face maritime threats from illegal fishing boats, drug trafficking and human trafficking networks, among others.

“The US navy is here to help The Gambia in protecting against maritime security threats,” she said.

Charles E Eaton, one of the lead trainers, said the APS is an international initiative geared towards building relationships that would improve maritime security in Africa.

Pana 16/09/2011