Subscribe
HELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanistan – Mohammad Fahim, the new district governor for Garmsir District, Helmand province, Afghanistan, arrived at the district center near Forward Operating Base Delhi, April 29.
A shura was held so the new governor could introduce himself to the people of Garmsir.
Fahim is a native of Wordak province and is only 30 years old, considerably younger than his predecessor. He is taking over for Abdullah Jan who served as Garmsir's district governor, on and off, for a total of 10 years.
"Abdullah Jan was a good man and we loved him and still love him," said Lt. Col. John E. McDonough, the commanding officer of 2/2.
When the Marines first entered Garmsir, they worked alongside Abdullah Jan, conducting shuras and using his input to determine what was best for the district, now they will do the same with Fahim.
"Starting today I work for you," said McDonough. "The Marines and the ANSF have accomplished a lot, but as you'll soon find out, there's still a lot to be done."
Fahim was greeted by Afghan national security force leaders and the leaders of 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, and 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, shortly after landing at FOB Delhi. After a short introduction they moved their meeting to the district center where hundreds of local village elders waited to meet the new district governor.
The elders packed into a small room and Fahim took the opportunity to introduce himself and spoke about what he hopes to do for the district.
"Over time we can provide peace and security for the people," said Fahim. "Fighting is not the solution. Justice, being together, all these things depend on cooperating with each other."
He asked that the village elders begin to send their young adults to serve in the Afghan national security forces so that natives of Garmsir could defend its streets as opposed to using police from other districts.
He stressed the need for a relationship between the government and the people. He added that not helping the government is the worst thing a person could do.
"Here today, as the governor of Garmsir, I promise I will provide security, medical care, and reconstruction," said Fahim. "I promise God and I promise you."
As part of the shura, the local ANSF leaders and community council members presented Fahim with a new turban and gifts, colorful leis and large colorful hearts made into necklaces.
After the presentation of gifts, the ANSF leaders, Marines, local elders and Fahim sat down to enjoy their first lunch together; the first of many to come.
"He's a young guy coming into office and hopefully he does well," said Carter Malkasian, a U.S. State Department representative.
| Date Taken: | 04.29.2010 |
| Date Posted: | 05.01.2010 02:51 |
| Story ID: | 48967 |
| Location: | HELMAND PROVINCE, AF |
| Web Views: | 535 |
| Downloads: | 339 |
This work, New Garmsir District Governor arrives at district center, by Sgt Dwight Henderson, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
