The Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs (MTCA) with support from United Nations Development Program (UNDP) on Sunday 13th September, 2020 wraps up training on “Climate change resilience for women entrepreneurs in tourism coastal risk areas” in Kent Community.
In his opening statement the chairman of the program the Deputy Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs Hon. William I.K. Robinson elucidated on the importance of the training to the people of Kent Community stating that similar training programs have been done in Sulima and Banana Island respectively. He 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 the opportunity of an alternative livelihood.
In his welcoming address, the Kent Headman Mr. Samuel Massaquoi stated that the training is necessary for the people of Kent Community adding that it is a privilege of the community to be selected as one of the beneficiaries of such training. He assured the Hon. Minister and her team of their fullest cooperation as they have never benefited from such training before. He also assured the Minister and team of maximum security in the community and thanked the Minister for considering them in bringing development for their community.
The Kent Community women’s leader Madam Phebian Henry, said the training to them is a laudable venture by the Minister to empower the woman of Kent community with the skills and professionalism to handle entrepreneur matters as she further assured the Minister that they would make good use of this opportunity. She concluded by presenting a gift to the Hon. Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs as a sign of appreciation.
The representative of UNDP country Director Madam Musu Tanzila pointed out 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 this training. She emphasized on the negative effects of sand mining, destruction of the mangrove and many more which causes climate change. She encouraged the women of Kent Community to make good use of this opportunity and also recognized the hard work of the Minister and her team.
The Director of Tourism Mr. Mohamed Jalloh emphasized on the importance of the training pointing out that ecotourism works side by side the protection of our climate, adding that “the training is to stimulate the minds of all participants on alternative livelihood.” He encouraged them to take the training seriously as this is 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 emphasized on the need to capacitate our women in coastal Communities especially on Climate change. She said that “climate change is now with us and we must take the necessary steps to avoid its negative impact on tourism.”
She also said the Ministry recommends its partnership with UNDP and that she believed that their support will continue stating that she intended undertaking lot of activities including workshop on massaging to sensitize our people on the negative effects of climate change on tourism.
The Minister furthered that these three Communities; Sulima, Banana island and Kent are very important to the development of Tourism in the country. “We have given new hope to women, new life to the development of Tourism and we must ensure that it continues.”
She concluded by admonishing all that we have to keep the peace of this country as tourist love to visit peaceful country and encouraged participants to make good use on this training as it will help on an alternative livelihood.
