A
three-day retreat for The Gambia’s Cabinet Ministers under the theme
“Collaborative Leadership and Dialogue” held at the Coral Hotel (former Sheraton
Hotel) on Friday at Brufut.
The
retreat is organized in partnership with the United Nations Development
Programme (UNDP) in The Gambia.
Among
the objectives are the achievements of more effective and holistic strategies
for inclusive processes that advance governance in the country and identify key
priorities for the government.
Speaking
at the opening retreat, Secretary General and head of Civil Service Dawda F.
Fadera, said the way forward is to create a national platform for dialogue,
encouragement, understanding, commitment and unity around the agenda for the
New Gambia.
He
added that expectations are high and they are all looking forward to an
interactive session, working together with facilitators, resource persons and
distinguished rapporteurs to have something to bring back to the new Gambia.
A
representative from the Economics Commission for Africa, Fatimah Denton, said
that the meeting is important for the ECA as it offers a unique opportunity for
the UN family and its strategic partner NEPAK to work collaboratively and
deliver as one.
She
added that for over 60 years, ECA has been involved in the economic and social
development of Africa through industrialization and economics.
The
United Nations Special Envoy for West Africa, Dr Muhammed Ibn Chambas, said
that it is a great pleasure for him to be part of this three-day retreat in the
new Gambia.
Dr
Chambas added that the people of The Gambia now have the opportunity to shape
and brighten and better future for all Gambians irrespective of their party,
ethnicity, religion or language.
He
stated that the world is impressed by the smooth transition of power in the
country and that the jubilant crowd that followed President Adama Barrow from
the airport shows that expectations are running high in the population.
Abdoulaye
Dieye, of the United Nations Development Programme for Africa, said the will of
the people is the only legitimate foundation for any government and that the
protection of free expression should be the first object of any organisation.
Gambians,
he added, have shown that people united will never be defeated and the people
of The Gambia have already built a bridge to the future.
President
Adama Barrow, in his opening remarks, said the retreat could not have come at a
better time given that the new cabinet members and their technicians are
working hard to finalize and align the vision contained in the Coalition 2016
election manifesto with the new national development blueprint.
“This
workshop clearly provides us the unique opportunity to interact and enhance our
ability to create a conducive environment in which we can hold inclusive and
constructive conversations on how best to serve our people,” he said.
“We
have inherited many challenges including a low performing public service, a
lack of accountability as well as a lack of a credible policy direction that
has, understandably, led to a growing frustration in the population,
particularly among the youth,” he added.
“Clearly,
we have come from a painful past, especially in the last two decades, in which
we hurt each other in many different ways. While I strongly believe in the
healing power of reconciliation and forgiveness, it is important to underscore
the reality that justice must not only be served but in fact be seen to be done
where necessary. However, what is urgently required of us is to unify the
country around our transformative development agenda so that we can move
speedily with our bilateral and multilateral partners to bring about
socio-economic development for our people,” he continued.
Concluding
he said: “Accountability will be a crucial start and a most important element
is for the leadership to be exemplary in the management of natural resources.
“As
such, we must demonstrate by our personal action a commitment to the highest
standard of integrity and personal positive reform for the public to follow.
“The
Gambia’s aspiration for inclusiveness that leaves no one behind and builds
peaceful and strong communities across the country is vital to the success of
our democracy.
“The
Gambia cannot afford to leave its women and youths behind making it important
that all collaborative efforts include and involve women equally, to achieve
sustainable peace and development.”
