Not becauseeverything is perfect. Not because every challenge has been solved. But becauseprogress matters, commitment matters, and good leadership deserves to berecognized when we see it.
That is why I want to recognize Dr. Mustapha Bittaye, Chief Medical Director of Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital (EFSTH), for thequiet but important work he is doing to strengthen confidence in one of ourcountry’s most vital institutions
EFSTH is more than a hospital. For us Gambians, it is aplace of hope. It is where we go during some of the most difficult andvulnerable moments of our lives, trusting that they will find care,
compassion and professionalism.
Leading such an institution is not easy. The challenges are many, theexpectations are high and the responsibility is enormous.
What I have personally seen under Dr. Bittaye’s leadership is something thatcannot be measured only in reports or statistics: a renewed sense oftrust.
As a friend of the hospital, and as a major donor and partner through the Cornerstone Foundation and our partners, who together have donated millions of dollars in medical supplies and support, that trust matters deeply to me.
Under Dr. Bittaye, I have felt that reassurance.
He has created an environment where partners can feel comfortable supporting EFSTH, where collaboration is welcomed and where there is a genuine sense thateveryone is working toward the same goal: better care for the Gambianpeople.
That may sound simple, but it is incredibly important.
Trust brings people together. Trust attracts partners. Trust encourages generosity. Trust strengthens institutions. And ultimately, trustgives patients and families hope.
Of course, EFSTH is not without challenges. No major public hospitalanywhere in the world is. But good leadership is not about pretending problemsdo not exist. It is about facing them with humility, determination and agenuine desire to make things better.
Too often, good people in public service hear from us only when somethinggoes wrong. When someone is making a sincereeffort, building confidence and helping move animportant national institutionforward, we should be willing to say so.
Dr. Mustapha Bittaye deserves our encouragement and ourappreciation.
His work reminds us that leadership is not always about speeches or publicattention. Sometimes leadership is simply about showing up every day, takingresponsibility, earning people’s trust and quietly making things better.
And for that, Dr. Bittaye, I simply want to say:
Thank you for your service. Thank you for your commitment. And thankyou for helping restore confidence in EFSTH.
By Alagie Sanyang
Founder & Chairman, The Cornerstone Foundation
