The Gambian leader said this in a statement read by Badara Joof, minister of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology (HERST) during the MSDG 5th stake in the nation forum; held at the International Conference Centre (ICC) in Bijilo over the weekend.
The theme was: ‘Consolidating and Accelerating National Development.’
“Whatever income the diaspora gets, whether little or large, they share it with their families and communities in The Gambia. This is true in times of feast and in times of famine, as evidenced by their increased contributions during the COVID-19 pandemic,” he said.
Barrow said as individuals and organisations the diaspora is a very important partner to the government in the noble task of consolidating and accelerating national development.
“I am optimistic that the collaboration between the MSDG project and the Ministry of Finance and Central Bank of The Gambia on structured diaspora finance and diaspora bonds will also progress in 2022.”
He said the recent legislation on Capital Market Bill would enhance diaspora-government partnership and help in the implementation of policies and programmes.
President Barrow recalled that during the first edition of stake in the nation forum, he told Gambians, there is a need for ‘vigilant for opportunity of infrastructure- led development and the opportunity of diaspora- development’.
He said since then his government has completed a number of major infrastructure projects in both rural and urban settlements, he is humbled by how those developments are positively improving the life and livelihood of Gambians.
However, the Gambian leader said, he is reminded of the urgent need for more projects and programmes to consolidate and accelerate regional, national development.
He commended the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for ensuring its full operation with the Gambian Diaspora and Migration Directorate over the past years.
“As the directorate leads the review and updating of the Gambia Diaspora Strategy in 2022, I urge all institutions to put more emphasis on timely and effective implementation of the commitments we make in our policy and strategy documents and plans,” he advised.
He said, in many instances Gambian shortcomings are not due to the absence of good policies and plans but absence of effective implementation, while adding that operational effectiveness is paramount for all state institutions.
He thanked the diaspora for contributing to national development and helping their families while away.
Mamburay Njie, minister of Finance and Economic Affairs, commended MSDG project team under the leadership of Prof. Gibril Faal for the tremendous work done in attracting diaspora investment in The Gambia through championing the diaspora bond.
“As enshrined in the National Development Plan, the government recognises and values the Gambian diaspora as an important factor and actor in national development,” he said.
Dr. Saikou Jabbi, deputy governor of Central Bank of The Gambia, said despite the challenges of the coronavirus, diaspora Gambians have not relented in supporting their families and enhancing the development aspirations of their motherland.
“During the year 2021, remittance volumes increased to an unprecedented level of $773.7 million from $589.81 million in 2020 recording an increase of 31.3%,” he noted.
Prof. Gibril Faal, director of MSDG, said the diaspora has contributed immensely to national development. He cited that about 90% of The Gambian national football team is from the diaspora.
He said there should be no bridge between the diaspora and the Gambia Government and added the duo should work collaboratively to enhance national development.
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