Members of
the National Assembly Wednesday commenced the 2014 legislative session two days
after the annual session was opened by President Yahya Jammeh.
The members commended President Jammeh for a well presented statement before the National Assembly Chamber.
Hon. Fa Bakary Tombong Jatta, member for Serrekunda East and Majority leader of the National Assembly, said the statement of the 2014 State opening of the National Assembly delivered by the President covers all areas of government plans.
“We want to thank the President for his wonderful speech which he delivered before parliament to discuss on his government plans,” Hon. Jatta said, adding that all the bills are emanating from the executive and thanked the President for seeing their efforts.
As regards the economy, the Majority leader told members of the National Assembly that government target and programmes focus on macro-economic development.
He added that the government key areas include domestic borrowing, which they should try and manage.
“Whatever we look at is in the interest of the Gambian people and the sovereignty of the country,” he stated.
In the area of civil service reform, Hon. Jatta said the President’s statement highlighted payment of taxes, as well as payment of pensioners, which is key to national development.
He also talked about the establishment of the copyright board, saying Gambian artistes should be protected so they could also benefit from what they are doing.
On education, Hon. Jatta noted that education is second to none and thanked the Ministry of Education, particularly for its new education policy.
“Even those who are not supporting this government know that the government is here to bring development,” he said, adding that the next state opening of the National Assembly would be held at the new building which is being constructed for over US$26 million.
Hon. Sulayman Joof, member for Serrekunda West, said the provision of the National Assembly Members was to carry out their functions all of which are in the constitution.
“We must thank the government of the day for improving the quality of life of every Gambian,” he said.
Hon. Joof therefore called on all Gambians to rally behind the President to develop “this great nation”, adding that the 2014 state opening of the National Assembly highlighted the importance of education a sector he said is vibrant and has a policy.
Hon. Netty Baldeh, member for Tumana, Hon. Fatou Mbye, deputy speaker and Hon. Mam Cherno Jallow, member for Lower Nuimi, all thanked the President for his speech on the 2014 state opening of the National Assembly.
