Monday, March 28, 2011
The
president of the Republic, His Excellency Sheikh Professor Alhaji Dr
Yahya Jammeh Friday evening officially opened the 2011 Legislative Year
with an emphatic call on the citizenry for more concerted commitment and
rededication as the country moves closer to the deadline of achieving
her development blueprint, Vision 2020, and the Millennium Development
Goals (MDGs).
The occasion, which is a traditional
constitutional requirement, was graced by their Excellencies, the First
Lady of the Republic, Aja Zineb Yahya Jammeh, and the vice president and
minister of Women’s Affairs; as well as the president of the Senegalese
National Assembly, Momodou Seck; amongst other dignitaries. It accorded
the Gambian leader the opportunity to table before lawmakers his
government’s development programmes for this year, achievements and
challenges amongst others.
In a 40-page marathon speech on the
theme “The achievements of MDGs and Vision 2020 – a collective
responsibility”, the president emphasised that the theme is a
recognition of the fact that as the deadlines for the MDGs and Vision
2020 draw closer by the day, it is urgent that all Gambians, at home and
abroad, become more determined in their resolve to mobilise a more
committed, stronger, and unified populace that would ensure that the
development goals and targets are achieved in record time. The Gambian
leader stressed that it behoves on all to take their rightful places as
Gambians, and be guided by the noble task of nation building; something
he said requires nothing less than honesty, hardwork, and patriotism.
Achievements
Achievements
President Jammeh informed the gathering that The Gambia as a nation has every reason to be proud of the its’ achievements, but was quick to stress that there is certainly no reason for the citizens to rest in their laurels, saying national development is a continuous and relentless process. He said: “All the assessment reports conducted both within and independently, by others on The Gambia’s status on achieving the MDGs suggest that despite the many challenges that confront us, significant progress has been achieved in virtually all sectors of the Gambia economy including the critical sectors of education and health.”
“Since
the advent of the 2nd Republic,” the Gambian leader continued, “we have
been able to implement many projects that have brought beneficial
social and economic transformation to the people of this country.” The
country today, according to the Gambian leader, can look back with pride
that its development experience has become a success story and an
example for other nations to emulate.
Agriculture
Agriculture
In this area, the Gambian leader reaffirmed that the main thrust of his government in what he called this all important sector is attainment of not only food self-sufficiency, but becoming a major player in the agricultural exports market. Agriculture being one sector that has the greatest potential to provide employment for hundreds of thousands of people across all walks of life in the country, according to the Gambian leader, his government is bent on eradicating poverty through this sector. To this end, he disclosed that his government through the Ministry of Agriculture and the Taiwanese Agricultural Mission, is putting rice cultivation about 400,000 hectares over a period of five years that has started since year 2009.
“The objective is that
even with an output/yield of one tone of rice per hectare, once the
entire 400,000 hectares are put under rice cultivation, we will have
produced more than what we consume and can go into the export market.
With the expected investment of about eighty to a hundred million
dollars into this sector in the very near future by a Gulf State
company, in addition to the recently launched programmes to be funded by
the World Bank Group, The Gambia Allah willing will soon realise her
dream of becoming the bread basket of Africa,” the Gambian leader
stated.
President Jammeh also talked about diversifying this sector with a view of making it more appealing to all manners of people; and from the labour intensive to aquaculture, animal husbandry, livestock agriculture, poultry, and horticulture, amongst others. Given the high cost involved in animal and poultry feed which has to be imported, the Gambian leader disclosed that his government has gone into a joint venture with a Middle Eastern (Gulf State) Company to build an animal feed plant, which he anticipated to be operational before the end of this year. In addition to that, he also disclosed that a flour mill will soon be established to compliment that effort.
President Jammeh also talked about diversifying this sector with a view of making it more appealing to all manners of people; and from the labour intensive to aquaculture, animal husbandry, livestock agriculture, poultry, and horticulture, amongst others. Given the high cost involved in animal and poultry feed which has to be imported, the Gambian leader disclosed that his government has gone into a joint venture with a Middle Eastern (Gulf State) Company to build an animal feed plant, which he anticipated to be operational before the end of this year. In addition to that, he also disclosed that a flour mill will soon be established to compliment that effort.
While
emphasising that his government has launched an all out war on hunger
and poverty, the president also informed that the government also
launched the Gambia National Agricultural Investment Programme (GNAIP),
which he said has the overall objective of harnessing agriculture and
natural resources, and increasing food security, amongst others.
Tourism and Culture
President
Jammeh explained that an important dimension in the Tourism sector
development that his government is pursuing is the aggressive marketing
of the country’s tourism potentials. He said: “I am happy to announce
that a new marketing strategy has just been concluded to which an
additional 3 million dollars will be provided this year by the
government. This will be backed by huge multi-million dollar modern
resorts and facilities that will cater for all types and classes of
high-profile tourists, visitors, etc. These projects, when completed,
would usher in a new era of Tourism that would be meaningful and very
beneficial to our economic development.”
He also announced that
in the course of this year, a bill which seeks to restructure the Gambia
Hotel School to make it a hub in the region for professional knowledge
in tourism resources and hospitality management will be laid before
lawmakers. In a bid to revitalize the culture sub-sector, President
Jammeh disclosed that efforts are being intensified to facilitate the
establishment of a National Theatre Complex, thus underscoring that such
is considered vital for the development of performing arts industry.
Health and Social Welfare
Underscoring
health as indispensable and the fact that no nation can prosper without
a healthy populace, President Jammeh reaffirmed that providing quality
and affordable healthcare delivery system to the doorstep of every
citizen is the ultimate goal of his government. This, he added will be
intensified over the years to ensure a healthcare system that is second
to none in Africa and one of the best in the world. Acknowledging that
this cannot be achieved without the requisite medical facilities and
state of the art equipment, the president assured that modernising the
facilities is a matter of do or die for his government’s overall
socio-economic development objectives.
With over 85% of the
population now having easy access to healthcare within 5km, according to
the president, an average Gambian has become healthier. “The Gambia is a
success story already as a potential achiever of MDG Goal 4 (child
mortality), Goal 5 (Maternal health), and Goal 6 (Reversal of
communicable diseases, including HIV/AIDS),” he said, and added: “From
available statistics, significant reductions in mortality rates have
been realised with improved antenatal care, coverage has been made
possible with the introduction in 2008 of free maternal and child care
services for all mothers.”
Noting that the government takes pride
in the improvement of disease control, the President Jammeh noted that
with the immunization coverage being expanded over the years, there has
been no reported outbreak of any contagious diseases in The Gambia for a
very long time since the advent of the 2nd Republic. “Malaria
constitutes the most formidable challenge in our strive to control
diseases, but with a 90% reduction in deaths due to malaria, The Gambia
would soon become a malaria-free area, Almighty Allah willing,” he
stated.
Basic & Secondary Education
The
Gambian leader emphasised that education will always be at the core of
the country’s socio-economic development; an education that is high
quality, relevant, accessible, and affordable to all Gambians. President
Jammeh was delighted to report that in terms of enrolment, the Gross
Enrolment Rate at the early childhood development and lower basic levels
reached 36% and 88% respectively, while upper basic and secondary
levels registered 66.2% and 34.5% respectively, with the Madrasses
contributing over 15%. He described these as important gains for a
country where the sky is the limit.
“In pursuance of the
education related goals of the PAGE, government will, during the course
of the year, intensify its efforts towards improving literacy and
numeracy skills of children in the early grades to lay the foundation
for a comprehensive education framework,” he added. President Jammeh
further disclosed that the 992 Education Act, which has been guiding the
operation of the education sector until now, will be revised and
brought before the Assembly this year for ratification.
Higher Education
On
this sector, the president emphasised that technical and science
technology based education would be pursued to equip Gambians with the
type of skills necessary to man all the facilities of a modern and high
tech nation. “Work has begun, and is satisfactory progressing towards
the formulation of a successor Higher Education Policy as well as a
Science Technology and Innovation Policy,” he disclosed.
According
to President Jammeh, in the course of the year, his government will lay
before deputies, two important bills in support of the country’s higher
education development agenda. Such bills, according to him are the
Venezuela-Gambia Government Agreement for the recognition of higher
education courses offered in either country, and the establishment of a
Review and Follow-up Commission; as well as that of the University of
The Gambia Amendment Bill that seeks to unify all public institutions
such as the Gambia College and Management Development Institute under
the ambit of the university.
“Meanwhile, the construction of the
university village in Faraba, which will serve as the hub for the
science techno pole is almost complete,” he stated, while disclosing
that the Taiwanese funded Technical and Vocational Education and
Training Centre will be established in Ndenban for the nation’s youth
folk.
Finance & Economic Affairs
The
Gambian leader reported that the country’s economy has been growing
appreciably despite the recent turbulent times when the overall global
economic climate has not been friendly particularly to developing
countries. The GDP [Gross Domestic Product] growth figures for 2010, he
highlighted indicated a strong 5.5 percent economic growth rate,
assuring that from all indications would be maintained. He noted that an
important milestone this year is the Programme for Accelerated Growth
and Employment (PAGE) that is being developed as a successor of the PRSP
II [Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper]; which will cover in two phases
from 2012-2015, and from 2016-2020 to end with the timeline for Vision
2020, respectively.
“The PAGE process is intended to become my
government’s medium-term policy framework to accelerate growth and
social progress while consolidating macroeconomic stability,” he
explained.
The Gambian leader also reported that the banking industry
continues to be sound, with a record 22.7% increase in the total assets
of the industry to D17.8 billion last year.
Foreign Affairs
The
Gambian leader stated that his government will continue with its
open-door policy to all those that seek genuine friendship, and the
fostering of good bilateral cooperation and lasting relationships based
on the principles of neutrality, impartiality, non-interference, and
respect for international laws, treaties and conventions. “Our
principled stance against double standards, racism and exploitation will
continue to be the bedrock of our foreign policy,” he stated.
President
Jammeh indicated that in 2011, The Gambia will continue to engage in
bilateral meetings in various areas to expand, deepen, and cement the
ties that exist between his government and its true friends and
partners. He added: “My government strongly opposes all acts of
terrorism, banditry, and aggression against any nation big or small,
rich or poor. We subscribe to dialogue, consensus, and peace building
where disputes erupt.”
Trade, Regional Integration and Employment
On
this area, the Gambian leader revealed that inline with the country’s
liberalized economic policies geared towards enhancing trade and
investment, a new Trade Policy Action Plan 2011-2015 is being currently
developed, with the special focus on integrating trade into the overall
national development planning framework.
On the regional
integration, President Jammeh asserted that the Gambia is fully on board
the Ecowas Trade Liberalization Scheme under which duty unprocessed
goods from the Ecowas region enter the Gambia duty free. “Last year, 15
Gambian registered companies were granted approval under the scheme, and
three are actively exporting,” he disclosed.
Communication, Works, Construction Infrastructure
On
these areas, the president noted that pursuant to his government’s goal
of enhancing direct and unhindered access to the Global Information
Super Highway and meeting the increased demand for greater bandwidth,
the Gambia is among the states participating in the Africa Coast to
Europe Project. This, he added is part of many other projects with
similar or complementary goals to support the Gambia’s e-communication
and e-development drives into the 21st Century.
He explained:
“Key among the priorities set for this year in the drive to enhance
communication including transport communication, is the expansion of the
Banjul International Airport infrastructure. In this regard, under the
second phase of the airport improvement project, for which bids are
being processed, the parking apron will be expanded together with its
related lightening requirements; the new passenger terminal building
will be rehabilitated; there will also be the provision of a new
instrument landing system; a new fire station; and a new equipment for
the new control tower.”
While noting that efforts are underway to
revitalize and develop the airline cargo unit, as well as efforts being
concerted to revitalize maritime and port operations, especially in the
area of ferries and river transport, merchant shipping and the control
of maritime pollution; the Gambian leader stated that bills on the
latter two are being finalised for subsequent enactment this year by the
Assembly. On roads infrastructure, the Gambian leader also indicated
the progressive nature of the major road projects in the country with
some expected to be ready by September.
Energy
The
president underscored that despite the gains registered his government
is not relenting in pursuit of ensuring that The Gambia attains full
energy security the shortest possible time, with greater emphasis on
clean renewable energy. To this end, he disclosed that before the end of
this year, his government will commission an additional 22MW Generating
set under the West Coast Region electrification project, that he said
will electrify for the first time, 56 towns and villages from Kartong to
Kalagi.
He added: “With an additional 8MW Phase II of the Rural
Electrification Project, and the upgrading, refurbishment, and expansion
of the transmission and distribution network, under the USD 22 Million
Venezuela Project to minimize electricity losses, the entire Gambia will
hopefully become an electrified City State, and a model in Africa.”
Water and Sanitation
President
Jammeh informed the Assembly that his government has partnered with key
collaborators such as the European Union, IDB [Islamic Development
Bank] and the UNICEF, which has made it possible for 100 communities to
benefit from pumping systems. He disclosed that it is expected that in
2011, some 95,000 additional rural inhabitants will have access to safe
water through the sinking and construction of 100 boreholes and
installation of solar powered reticulation systems in 18 large
communities. The Gambian leader indicated that his government’s
achievements in the water sector have already surpassed the MDG targets.
Petroleum
On
Petroleum, President Jammeh told the Assembly that efforts are being
intensified in the area of upstream petroleum exploitation and
development. He noted that in the last quarter of 2010, an important
milestone that has been registered was the successful acquisition of
2500 Square KM of 3D Seismic Data acquired by the operator of two our
off-shore blocks at a cost of USD 13 million.
“In November 2010,
government signed an off-shore exploration license agreement with Oranto
Petroleum Company Limited for the Western Onshore area of The Gambia.
The company is bracing up for some onshore petroleum exploration
activities to start soon this year,” the president disclosed.
He
also disclosed that negotiations are far advanced for the licensing of
two additional off-shore blocks in the latter part of this year. He then
disclosed that a downstream petroleum bill is being finalised for
tabling before lawmakers later this year.
Environment
The
Gambian leader underscored that issues around environment and the
climate change challenge would continue to receive the attention of his
government, stressing that he has always emphasised the need for the
citizens to protect their environment from degrading, and becoming too
unsafe and hazardous to our healthy living. He then stressed that more
stringent laws would be put in place to curb practices such as the
indiscriminate and illegal cutting of trees, waste disposal, bush fires,
sea and marine pollution. He also said that urgent plans are being
advanced to secure funding to protect the country’s coastline.
Gender
President
Jammeh informed the deputies that The Gambia has not only ratified all
major international protocols and conventions, but is among the first to
domesticate the CEDAW and the Protocol to the African Charter on the
rights of Women 2010. “Government will this year, table a Bill on
domestic gender-based violence to address issues such as rape and other
domestic violence that go unpunished as a result of their not being
reported,” he disclosed. The president noted that with regards to the
interventions in support of the population dynamics of this country,
plans are at advanced stage for the conduct of the 2013 Population and
Housing Census and Demographic and Health Survey.
Youth & Development
The
youths being the most important productive force, President Jammeh
assured that his government has not relented nor will it ever relent to
come up with programmes to support endeavours in employment, sports,
agriculture, performing arts, and enterprise development amongst others.
He however appealed to the youths to recognise that their role in
national development is very crucial. “The greatest enemy to youth
development includes drugs, laissez faire attitude, and illegal
migration,” he stated.
The president noted that with the recently
concluded National Youth Conference and Festival, he is sure that the
resolutions passed that are being shared with the government would
enhance a more positive approach to dealing with all issues affecting
youths. To this end, the president announced that his government will
continue with plans to upgrade all sporting facilities for youths,
including the National Independence Stadium that is currently under
refurbishment.
Fisheries
The
Gambian leader asserted that in the continuing drive to effectively
sustain the development and management of the country’s fisheries
resources for improvement on livelihoods, national food security,
employment and income generation, his government is implementing a
strategic multi-pronged approach that embodies, among others,
strategically positioning fisheries infrastructural facilities, the
provision of the necessary equipment, and building partnership.
He
also stated that they are mindful though, of the prudence of taking
measures to protect and conserve our fish stock. To this end, he said:
“The acquisition of more new Navy patrol boats to boost the capacity of
our national patrol fleet, and the upgrading of the microbiology
laboratory at the Department of Fisheries to meet accreditation and
requirements are some of the measures to protect our fish as well as
ensure that fish from The Gambia meet international quality and
standards.” In view of the sectors potential to mitigate against
unemployment, food insecurity and poverty, the president asserted,
aquaculture initiatives are being reviewed for intensification.
Internal security, peace and security
Here,
the Gambian leader stressed that as the country boldly moves forward
towards the attainment of the MDGs, we [citizens] must be cognizant of
the importance of maintaining and jealously guarding the peace, security
and tranquility that The Gambia is renowned for. To this end, he
reaffirmed that his government will continue to promote quality internal
security through support to the various security and agencies.
He
said: “Government will also continue to give attention to greatly
transforming the security services sector and improving the welfare of
its workforce. Plans are far advanced to construct more living quarters
for the police and the personnel of the Gambia Fire and Rescue Services
throughout the length and breadth of the country as well as refurbish
the existing ones for better living standards and incentives.”
President
Jammeh disclosed that in the course of the year, the government,
through the Ministry of the Interior will present the African Union
Convention for the Protection and Assistance of Displaced Persons in
Africa (otherwise called the Kampala Convention). Also to be presented
at the Assembly, President Jammeh continued, is the Private Security
Bill, which he said seeks to regulate the operations and activities of
private security companies in The Gambia as well as to set the legal
regulatory framework for their registration, operations and monitoring.
While noting that the government’s zero tolerance for crime, drugs and corruption will be strongly reinforced, the Gambian leader stressed that the peace, security and stability of this country will be maintained at any cost.
Defence
President
Jammeh emphasised that his government will continue to accord priority
to the country’s Defence sector through training and other forms of
capacity building support to enhance the combat preparedness and
responsiveness of the nation’s gallant men and women in the Armed Forces
at all times, and in all circumstances. He indicated that in the past,
his government has embarked on putting additional structures and living
quarters in the Barracks to upgrade the living conditions of soldiers, a
policy he stressed would continue unabated. “Our primary objective
which is within reach to have a highly motivated, well equipped
professional Armed Force that is capable of not only defend every inch
of the country but also operate in any modern theatre of warfare with
confidence of victory,” he asserted.
Judiciary and Justice
On
this sector, the Gambian leader said: “My government will continue to
provide support to the Judiciary and Justice sector for its role in
enhancing the speedy dispensation of justice.” A key area of concern in
this drive, according to the president will be to match the improvements
already registered in the conditions of service for judicial staff and
personnel with expansion in judicial infrastructure, notably court
houses and residences for judges and magistrates.
Regional Government & Lands
President
Jammeh who stated under this sector that Local Government will be
replaced by Regional Government, emphasised that his government will
continue to encourage participatory grassroots development by pursuing
with unrelenting vigour, the decentralisation agenda and strengthening
the capacities of the nation’s regional government institutions and
structures that are already in place. He added: “An important area of
concern also relates to land resources use, management and
administration, and here; every effort would be exerted, including the
necessary reforms that would ensure a more robust land management and
administration system.”
Civil Service and Personnel Management
The
Gambian leader, while underscoring that government cannot implement its
development programmes without a strong human resources base with the
requisite knowledge and skill, was pleased to inform the Assembly that
significant progress has been made in the implementation of the Civil
Service Reform Strategy. He said: “Also of significance in the reform is
the creation of innovative retention strategies that would enable
government to attract and retain quality human capital for the effective
delivery of services to the public. In this effort, plans are far
advanced under the World Bank project to conduct a comprehensive grading
review, including revision of the schemes of services, allowances and a
reform of the pension system.”
President Jammeh announced that
the operationalisation of a medical insurance scheme for civil servants
and their dependents is also being studied as part of a benefit system
for all civil servants.
Conclusion
President
Jammeh concluded by craving the indulgence of all and sundry to work
hard together to optimize technology utilization and expand our
collective capacity for national development undertakings and ensure a
very modern, prosperous and peaceful stable Gambia that will be a super
power of economic prosperity and peace.
Author: by Hatab Fadera
http://observer.gm/africa/gambia/article/president-jammeh-opens-2011-legislative-year-calls-for-concerted-commitment-towards-the-realisation
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