The World War II Veterans’ Family Association has insisted there is ‘very’ little transparency in the allocations and distribution of millions of pounds in charitable funds meant for veterans that fought for the British crown in World War II.
Tens of Gambian soldiers served in the 81st West African Division of the Fourteenth Army in Burma during WWII. Most were however forced to fight in the war.
The British government however reciprocates the act by over the years mobilising and dispensing millions of pounds to veterans in about 29 countries including The Gambia.
But as part of celebrations marking this year’s V-J Day, marked August 15 each year, World War II Veterans’ Family Association, is saying there’s little transparency in how the funds are allocated.
The group said in a statement: “The World War II Veterans’ Family Association is indeed grateful to the British government and its citizens for providing “charitable support” committing about 1.8 million pounds to a fund over the years, in support of WW2 veterans and their families (especially widows) in 48 countries across the world including the Gambia. The fund we understand is being managed by the Royal Commonwealth Ex-services League(RCEL) in partnership with the Gambia Legion.
“The fund we understand is being managed by the Royal Commonwealth Ex-services League(RCEL) in partnership with the Gambia Legion.
“However, in the case of the Gambia, there is very little transparency in the allocations and distribution of this fund. The WW II veterans family association has discovered that those who are charged with running the affairs of the Gambia Legion and to manage the funds, have woefully failed in reaching out to the eligible beneficiaries as highlighted by the RCEL i.e ” Veterans who served the British Crown prior to their country gaining independence or one surviving eligible widow after the veteran has deceased and who are living in poverty”.
“The WW2 Veterans family Association comprising of widows, daughters, sons and grandchildren do understand and sincerely appreciate who and what the grant is meant for. However as siblings who lived and or still continue to live with and support the remaining veterans and their widows, we are calling on the RCEL and Gambia legion to reach out and work closely with the association so that the funds can reach the eligible veterans and their widows.
“As we celebrate V-J Day it is important to highlight that the majority of veterans and widows in The Gambia, until their death never knew that any such grant exists and had never benefited from it. The remaining few who are still alive are languishing in poverty and misery. This is a reality and the WW2 veterans family association have adequate proofs to back these assertions.
“In light of the above, we are calling on both the UK government ( through the British Embassy) and the Government of the Gambia (through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs) to take urgent action to address this undesirable situation and regularise a “decades long anomaly” so that our gallant soldiers and legends can be given the recognition and dignity they deserve. The WW2 Veterans’ family association will continue to research and document all relevant information pertaining to the WW II and the legacy and plight of WW II veterans of the Gambia. We request from henceforth to be involved in the coordination of the celebrations and commemorations of WW2 events in the Gambia as well as any benefits and support provided towards the welfare of World War II veterans ,their widows and families by extension.
“This association is established based on the need to contribute collectively towards raising awareness on the legacy and plight of WW II veterans of the Gambia and to advocate for fair compensation and reparations to WW II veterans and their families. All descendants of WW II Veterans who accepts the aims and objectives of the Association are eligible for membership.
“We wish to join the people of the world to celebrate V-J day and pray for the departed souls of our gallant veterans to rest in peace and hope that the few remaining veterans will be celebrated and accorded the honour and dignity that they deserve.”
