By Abdoulie John
A renowned Gambian philanthropist Momodou Turo Darboe on Saturday extended great largesse to the Kololi-based Gambia Center for Victims of Human Rights Violations. Through his Vision Development Foundation (VDF), Mr. Darboe showered 100 bags of rice and 225 bags of sugar to the targeted people.
The victims’ centre Chairperson, Sheriff Kijera, lauded VDF for coming to the aid of the victims at the right time. Mr. Kijera wanted The Gambia’s businesses to emulate Mr. Darboe’s goodwill gesture. He however urged the government to create the enabling environment for indigenous business people to operate.
Baba Hydara, son of slain journalist Deyda Hydara, said since the inception of the center, donations were mainly made by Western organisations. “This is a significant donation coming from a Gambian national,” Mr. Hydara said, commending the benefactor for coming up with such a wonderful gesture, which according to him, goes straight to the heart of victims.
The widow of the late Mahawa Cham – a beneficiary of VDF’s donation – also added her voice to the chorus of commendations.
“While I have three children, my co-spouse has for her part five kids to take care,” Isatou Fatty said, taking the opportunity to highlight the huge difficulties her family is confronted with.
Mrs. Fatty urged the government to fulfill its moral obligation in addressing the plight of victims.
In a rather emotional tone, Momodou Turo Darboe explained the reasons for giving out the donation. The Faji-Kunda native who follows the footsteps of his late father Alhagie Turo Darboe said his organisation is compelled to act based on the hard times victims are going through. Mr. Darboe gave gave assurances of his support, saying the donation was just “the beginning.”
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