The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Lieutenant General Masanneh N Kinteh on Friday 18 October 2019 received in his Conference Room a delegation from the Gambia Armed Forces Veterans Association (GAFVA). The delegation which was composed of the Executive members of the Association were led to the Defence Headquarters by their Chairman, Captain Ebrima B. Cambi (retired).
In his welcome remarks, the CDS thanked the executive and members of the Association for the laudable initiative of creating such an important entity for members of the Armed Forces. The meeting, which was characterized as a family re-union was aimed at, among other things, informing the members of the Gambia Armed Forces (GAF) about the creation, aims and objectives of the GAFVA as well as introducing the Executive members to CDS and his Principal Staff Officers. The CDS went further to assure the Chairman and his members of the support and cooperation of the GAF and the Ministry of Defence. He also urged them to continue with the initiative to ensure that the Association becomes more vibrant for the benefit of its members and their families.
In his statement, Captain Ebrima B. Cambi (retired) stated that the GAFVA was formed in March 2018 with the aim of coordinating the welfare of its members. He indicated that the aim of their visit was to introduce the Association to the CDS as well as highlight some of the activities it has undertaken since its formation. He also dilated on some of their achievements and challenges while reiterating their readiness to work with the Armed Forces for the benefit of both serving and non-serving members of GAF.
The meeting was attended by the Deputy Chief of Defence Staff, Major General Yakuba A. Drammeh, the Commander of the Gambia National Army, Brigadier General Mamat OA Cham and several other senior officers at the Defence Headquarters. The engagement climaxed with a group photo and the presentation of a gift (in the form of a plaque) to the Association by the Chief of Defence Staff.
