Forum
for Exchange of Ideas for Development (FOREID), a newly-established
organisation out to complement the effort for good governance through the
culture of dialogue in The Gambia, yesterday held a press conference, at the
Gambia Press Union on their incoming inaugural forum.
Speaking
at the conference, Hon. Madi Ceesay said FOREID was created to serve the whole
nation, noting that the aim and objective was to complement national
development by organising forum where ideas would be exchanged to meet the
demand of all.
He
said the organisation is independent, voluntary, non-partisan,
non-discriminatory and non-profitable.
He
said FOREID have diverse members of expertise that would speak on diverse
issues of national and international interest that would help to raise
awareness about the importance of dialogue for national development.
The
organization would also provide the government and other stakeholders with
authoritative views on issues concerning them.
For
his part, Katim S. Touray, said the organisation was timely to bridge the gap
that was created during 22 years of dictatorship to good and democratic
governance.
He
disclosed that after few months of setting up the organization, they invited
Prof. Abdoulaye Saine from the department political science, Miami University
in USA, to lecture on transition from dictatorship to good governance.
Prof.
Saine is a well-known Gambian academic who has written, edited and contributed
to many books about African politics.
He
added that the lecture is expected to bring together government officials,
civil society organizations, the private sector, religious leaders, media
organizations, youths, university students, women’s groups and international
development partners to discuss on the way forward for The Gambia and transitioning
of The Gambia to democratic rule and good governance.
