Government Retreat

The Daily Observer (Banjul)

Daily Observer

10 June 2011

editorial

One of the fundamental tasks of a representative and responsible government is to fulfill the ever increasing needs and dynamic aspirations of the citizenry. Besides, the entire process of development is complex and requires sound government polices and programmes for it to be realised. It is only a proactive, people-centered and action-oriented government that engenders such sound policies and programmes and enhancing its capacity to fulfill its mandate.

In respect of these, it is worth mentioning that 16 years now such people-centred leadership qualities are on a daily basis being manifested by President Jammeh. A three-day retreat, where various public officials and other stakeholders come together to take stock as well as reflect on the country’s future is again underway in Kanilai. The retreat, which is the third of its kind to be organised under the directives of the Gambian leader is no doubt a clear indication of government’s commitment to meeting the development aspirations of the country.

Just as the president himself stated at the opening of the retreat, the country is only nine years away from the target date of the national development blueprint – the Vision 2020 – and four years to the target date for the achievement of the United Nations Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) The coming together of public officials to review the progress and challenges of the country’s development process and as well formulate strategic plans to ensure the speedy accomplishment of our development achievements could not come at a better time. This has indeed demonstrated the ever-increasing zeal of the president towards fulfilling the needs and aspirations of the people.

What even makes the third retreat much more fundamental is the president’s call for the public officials to tighten their belts for the accomplishment of our common good. It is obvious that President Jammeh has placed this country on the path of massive modernisation and development. The maintenance of peace and security, coupled with hospitable environment has given birth to an expansion of both the public and private sector; the decentralization and subsequent civil service reform, infrastructure among others.

Avenues for self-employment have also been opened and expanded; with the establishment of the youth service scheme and foresight initiatives like ‘back-to-the-land’, every Gambian has a chance of living an improved and decent livelihood. This however does not mean that our civil servants should relax, much has been accomplished but much still needs to be done. They should continue to uphold the president as a role model and work collectively in the interest of the nation.

Suffice it to say, our technocrats and administrators and all other stakeholders should realise that we have gone very far towards the target dates of the two most important documents that underpin our development process – the vision 2020 and the MDGs – they should tighten their belts to guarantee the sustainability of what has been achieved and move the country forward. The stakeholders should endeavour to ensure that the recommendations that would be reached at the end of the retreat are implemented without delay. They should also ensure that state interest supersedes personal interest and as well execute their various functions with honesty and a sense of responsibility.

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