The donated Land Rovers.

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Pictures taken by Statehouse Photographer.

Earlier News Reports available at Archives

28th September 2005:

The Government of Taiwan on Wednesday donated to the Gambia Government 10 brand new and well-equipped land rovers worth $400,000 about D11.2 million.

The vehicles, which were purchased from OSA Motors, the only authorised land rover dealers in the Gambia, is specifically meant for the Gambia Police force's patrol team.

Presenting the vehicles on behalf of his government, the Taiwanese Ambassador to the Gambia Dr. Patrick P.C. Chang said it is a great privilege and honour for him to present such vehicles to the Gambia government.

Ambassador Chang informed his audience that the idea of providing patrol vehicles to the Gambia Police force came from President Jammeh himself, who he said attaches great importance to security. He said this project, Taiwan-Gambia Development Partnership, was initiated by President Jammeh and his Taiwanese colleague President Chen Shui Bian. He added that he was very pleased to see that the project had been accomplished for the betterment of Gambians.

Ambassador Chang reminded Gambians that President Jammeh has a big heart for his people and ambitions to maintain security of the Gambian people. "We the Taiwanese are honoured to have such partnership between these two countries, and would like to strengthen the work of the Police countrywide," the ambassador said.

According to Ambassador Chang, his government is always happy to see that efficiency of brotherly countries like the Gambia is strengthened and improved.

Receiving the keys and vehicles, the President Yahya Jammeh thanked the Taiwan Government for "this wonderful gesture", pointing out that Taiwan assistance to the Gambia cannot be over-emphasised.

"This is the first time I have been taken by surprise", the President said, adding that it is a pleasant surprise but he has always been vindicated by Taiwan in his decision to open up diplomatic ties with "this great nation". He observed that restoring diplomatic relations between the two countries is in the best interest of the Gambia, adding that Taiwan is the first Asian country to recognise the Gambia's sovereignty.

President Jammeh asserted that it was a big mistake for the Gambia to have abandoned Taiwan, noting that if the relationship was maintained since then, we would have by now attained food self-sufficiency.

The Gambian leader thanked the police beneficiaries, and informed them that the life span of any vehicle depends on how they are handled.He said weekly or month inspection of the vehicles will be conducted and cautioned the Police top brass that "these are not private and must not be used for personal use or errands".
The President further stated that police stations whose vehicles are well managed will be rewarded. He pointed out that development cannot take place without security.

The Inspector General of Police, Ousman Sonko, said they the Police sincerely appreciate the vehicles, and promised that they would be handled with care, using handling methods and record keeping.

IG Sonko observed that the donation will further consolidated the already existing bilateral relations between Taiwan and the Gambia.

The Permanent Secretary at the Department of State for the Interior, Yaya Jallow, who gave the vote of thanks, also expressed similar sentiments.