By Amin Kef Sesay
On Sunday 13th September, 2020 the Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs (MTCA) with support from United Nations Development Program (UNDP) concluded training on “Climate Change Resilience for Women Entrepreneurs in Tourism Coastal Risk Areas” which took place within the Kent Community.
Hon. William I.K. Robinson, Deputy Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, who chaired the program, in his opening statement dilated on the importance of such a training exercise for residents of the Kent Community also citing that similar training exercises were done in Sulima and Banana Island respectively.
The Deputy Minister further elaborated on the historical significance of Kent Community to the Tourism sector adding that the training on Climate Change and Entrepreneurship will empower women by giving them an opportunity of alternative livelihoods.
Samuel Massaquoi Headman of Kent Community Headman, in his welcome address, maintained that indeed it was a joyful day for residents of Kent Community to be considered for such a training exercise. He gave assurance to the Minister of Tourism and her team of their fullest cooperation as they have never benefitted from such a training before adding that they are guaranteed of maximum security.
Madam Phebian Henry, Kent Community Women’s Leader said the training for them in the community is a laudable venture by the Minister and UNDP and that they would make good use of the opportunity. She concluded by presenting a gift to the Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Dr. Memunatu Pratt as a sign of appreciation.
The representative of UNDP Country Director, Madam Musu Tanzila in her statement, said that Kent Community was not part of the project initially but considering the historical relevance of the community and their passion for women’s empowerment they gave a second thought in considering the women of Kent to benefit from the training.
She highlighted the negative effects of sand mining, destruction of the mangrove and many more which causes climate change. She also encouraged the women of Kent Community to make good use of the opportunity and also recognized the hard work of the Minister and her team.
The Director of Tourism, Mohamed Jalloh, in his statement on the purpose of the training emphasized on the importance of the training adding that ecotourism always go along with the protection of our climate, he added that “this training is to stimulate the minds of all participants on alternative livelihoods.” He encouraged them to take the training seriously as such should be seen as an opportunity for them to prepare for tourists that would be coming to their Community.
In her keynote address, the Hon. Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Dr. Memunatu B. Pratt, underscored the need to capacitate our women in coastal communities especially on climate change. She said “climate change is now with us and we must take the necessary steps to avoid its negative impact on tourism.”
The Minister also stated that the Ministry is happy for the partnership with UNDP expressing hope that the support will continue. She added that she intends undertaking a lot of activities including organizing workshops to sensitize community residents on the negative effects of climate change on tourism.
The Minister furthered that the three communities of Sulima, Banana Island and Kent are very important to the development of Tourism in the country.
She added that “we have given new hope to women, new life to the development of Tourism and we must ensure that it continues.”
Dr. Memunatu Pratt concluded by admonishing all that they have to keep the peace of this country as tourists love to visit a peaceful country and encouraged participants to make good use of the training as it will help them have alternative livelihoods.
