The
Gambia government has launched a 16-member national think tank tasked with
giving technical and expert guidance to the vision and priorities of the new
administration.
The
think tank consists of people with different areas of expertise and experience
that would be harnessed in building a New Gambia.
It
was launched on Thursday at the State House in Banjul on behalf of President
Adama Barrow by the Minister of Women’s Affairs, Aja Fatoumata
Jallow-Tambajang, who is also overseeing the Office of the Vice President.
Madam
Jallow-Tambang said the national think tank initiative was the first of its
kind in The Gambia and it represents the president’s political vision and
commitment of Coalition 2016 to bring citizens together in building a New
Gambia.
“The
national think tank will help the government and the private sector in national
development, empowering the youth in particular,” she said, adding that the
think tank secretariat will assist the government in policy making, advocacy
and bringing partnership for positive change.
The
secretary general and Head of the Civil Service, Dawda Fadera, said the
launching of the think tank was “a historic milestone in the history of The
Gambia”.
“The
think tank is a classic vision of President Barrow and a vital part of the
manifesto of the coalition government,” he said, adding that the group
represents the national expert bank for The Gambia.
“The
body comprises great men and women who have expertise from various
backgrounds.”
According
to Mr Fadera, the think tank is critical in the present situation of The Gambia
for the country is “in ground zero” in terms of development.
“After
22 years, we endure poor governance, a broken economic, a challenged public
service and lack of national dialogue,” he said.
Serign
Falu Njie, coordinator for the think tank, said the think tank will facilitate
a national vision 2030, the national development plan that will support and
enhance priority development goal in focusing on key issues of development such
as education and infrastructural development.
He
said the mid and long term plans for the think tank is for the government to
achieve its aims and objectives and to create a one-stop shop that will enhance
development data information among all sectors and also facilitate development
to all Gambians using modern technology and enhancing a knowledge generation.
“The
membership of the think tank secretariat is not link to any political
affiliation but rather on expertise and willingness to serve the country,” Mr
Njie said.
