The
EU has been making true its promises of giving a full scale of helping hand to
The Gambia government and people under the Barrow regime.
It
has just disbursed D1.25 billion less than six months since the EU Commissioner
for International Cooperation and Development, Mr Neven Mimica, made a promise
during a visit to this country last February that the EU will endeavour to
contribute to stabilise the national budget, and contribute to the balance of
payments of the country. He also signed an immediate package of some D3.75
billion and announced a subsequent one of about D7.5 billion before the end of
2017.
We
have started seeing that promise coming to pass, especially with the latest
disbursement of D1.25 billion to the Government of The Gambia.
Indeed
the EU has ever been a pillar of support to The Gambia, as it has been to other
countries in Africa and developing nations around the world.
Despite
the somehow hostile or harsh relationship created by the former regime of
Jammeh, the EU has remained committed to assisting The Gambia with huge
resources in most essential areas as road, health, agriculture and civic
education. Such a support has contributed greatly to sustaining The Gambia’s
infrastructural development and social services.
Today
under the Barrow regime the EU has vowed to even do more, which prompted its
Commissioner Neven Mimica to this country in February this year.
The
European Commission Director for West and Central Africa, in her handing over
statement of the D1.25 billion, said they “remain committed to supporting
Gambians in their democratic transition”.
Indeed
this sound encouraging more so that through this grant, the EU aims to “promote
sound public financial management, mobilising domestic resources and fighting
corruption as well as supporting political reforms”.
The
aspects of migration, economic development and youth employment, are also
expected to be addressed and supported under the EU-Gambia relations.
As
we look forward to seeing the realization of this support to boost our struggling
economy and put it on a better footing to meet the challenges of development,
we would like to commend the EU for keeping its promise to giving a helping
hand to our economic growth and national development.
“Actions
are the seed of fate deeds grow into destiny.”
Harry
S. Truman
