STATE OPENING OF THE 2019 LEGISLATIVE YEAR BY THE GAMBIAN PRESIDENT- ADAMA BARROW,
STATE OPENING OF THE 2019
LEGISLATIVE YEAR
BY
HIS
EXCELLENCY, THE PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE GAMBIA, ADAMA BARROW
19th
September 2019
Table
of Contents
Your Excellency, the Vice President,
Madam Speaker,
My Lord, the Chief Justice,
Honourable Secretary General and Head of the Civil Service,
Honourable Cabinet
Members,
Honourable Members of
the National Assembly,
Lord Mayor of Banjul,
Venerable Religious
Leaders,
Service Chiefs,
Members of the
Diplomatic and Consular Corps,
Members of the Media,
Fellow Gambians,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
1. INTRODUCTORY
REMARKS
It is with great honour
and joy, together with a deep sense of service to the nation that I deliver
this address to the Honourable Members of the National Assembly.
In view of the numerous
events that happened within the 2018 Legislative Year, my address today is a
concise account of my government’s performance during the course of the year.
It focuses on key achievements, legislative frameworks, policy concerns and
other matters of national significance. Additional details on any issue may be
pursued by this august body if you consider it necessary.
Government attaches
great importance to every public institution and sector, because any sector
that fails to perform well could undermine the performance of other sectors and
the nation at large. With this in mind, the address discusses each sector, no
matter how brief it is. The order in which they are discussed does not follow
any rule. However, I will begin with the economy, as it is the backbone of our
development framework.
2. THE FINANCE AND ECONOMIC SECTOR
Madam
Speaker, I am proud to report
that the country’s economic growth has generally
strengthened, while inflation has now moderated. For the past two years the
economy grew by 4.8% in 2017 and improved to 6.5% in 2018.
Balance of
payments (BoP) estimates indicate that the current account deficit narrowed to
1.5 percent of GDP in the first half of 2019 compared to a deficit of 1.7
percent of GDP in the corresponding quarter in 2018. The improvement in the
current account balance is attributed to the increase in foreign inflows
related to the support from development partners, diaspora remittances, and
tourism.
Gross
international reserves is projected at 4 months of next year’s imports of goods
and services.
The exchange
rate of the dalasi remains broadly stable supported by market confidence, and
increased inflows from private remittances, higher receipts from tourism, and
official inflows from development partners.
Government
fiscal operations for the first six months of 2019 indicated that total revenue
and grants stood at 9.8 percent of GDP compared to 8.6 percent of GDP in the
same period last year.
Total
expenditure and net lending declined from 11.5 percent of GDP a year ago to 10
percent of GDP in the first part of 2019.
According to the
financial soundness indicators, the banking sector remains adequately
capitalized, highly liquid and profitable. The ratio of non-performing loans to
gross loans declined to 2.3 percent from 2.7 percent a year ago, largely
reflecting enhanced credit administration processes and effective loan recovery
measures.
Private sector
credit expanded by 28.8 percent, higher than 20 percent a year ago.
With the private
sector expected to play a significant role in financing of the National
Development Plan (2018-2021), we have drafted a revision to the Public Private
Partnership (PPP) Law with the support of Expertise France and other
International Financial Institutions. As a result, we will submit the bill to
the National Assembly for consideration.
In the context
of the ongoing State Owned Enterprises (SOE) reforms, we are revising the SOE
law which is also planned for submission to the National Assembly before the
end of the year. Already, reforms have been initiated within the sector and are
progressing very well. Because of the need to review our tax regime the
Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs will present to this body a taxation
Bill, among others for ratification.
3. EDUCATION
Madam Speaker, the
education sector continues to be given priority by Government in view of its
centrality in the development process. This priority is demonstrated by the
heavy investments into our two education subsectors and their programmes. Some
of these will be mentioned, beginning with the Higher Education sector.
4.
HIGHER EDUCATION, RESEARCH,
SCIENCE
AND TECHNOLOGY
Madam Speaker,
Honourable Members,
The Higher Education
sector continues to implement various programmes with the primary goal of
building the human capital stock of The Gambia. Guided by the 65% Science and
Technology turnaround policy, the award of scholarships has been increased for
students reading the Sciences, including Medicine.
With external support,
during the 2018-19 academic year, 283 students either graduated or had awards at either Master’s or Doctoral level.
For the first time, The University of The Gambia (UTG) is now offering a PhD
course in Public Administration, in addition to a number of Master’s degree
programmes and a Bachelor’s degree programme in Dentistry.
Under the African
Centres of Excellence Impact Project, Government will shortly access Twelve
Million US Dollars (US$12,000,000), for infrastructure and capacity
development. Another Three Million, Five Hundred Thousand US Dollars
(US$3,500,000) has been secured from UNESCO-KOICA to transform The Gambia
Technical Training Institute (GTTI) into a university.
I must observe that the
education sector also continues to receive massive support from the University
of Brussels (VUB) and MRC Holland.
On frameworks, four
Bills relating to the UTG, GTTI, the Management Development Institute and the
National Accreditation and Quality Assurance Agency will soon be presented to
this august body for review and approval.
5. BASIC AND SECONDARY
EDUCATION
Madam Speaker,
enrolment trends in The Gambia show continual increases at all levels of the
basic and secondary levels. In real terms, enrolment ranges from 62% in 2017 to
64% in 2018 for the Early Childhood Development level; from 108.6% to 112.7%
for the Lower Basic Education level; from 67.4% to 68.1% for the Upper Basic
Education level; and, from 45.9% to 47.8% for the Senior Secondary Education
level. Completion rates also show upward trends at all levels.
To attain universal
access to education, 48 multi-grade schools have been constructed through World
Bank support. In addition, working with BADEA and OFID, two hundred and twenty
new classrooms are being built in forty-two schools. Noting the size of the
West Coast Region, the construction of three Senior Secondary Schools is
underway in Gunjur, Sanyang and Somita. Furthermore, through the Kuwait Fund
for Arab Economic Development Project, thirty-nine Upper Basic and Secondary
schools will be built.
Ladies and gentlemen,
the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education has embarked on a review of the
school curriculum. The national syllabuses now contain, for the first time,
subjects such as: Information and Communication Technology, Plumbing, Plastic
Work and Energy, comprising renewable and electrical energy. Entrepreneurship
education is also fully integrated into the school curriculum at this level of
the education system. The revised curriculum will be introduced into the school
system very soon.
The Ministry is
similarly working with the General Secretariat for Islamic/Arabic Education to
have a standard curriculum capable of equipping all students with functional
skills. Another development is a new re-entry programme for youths and adults
who dropped out of school for one reason or another.
6. WOMEN, CHILDREN AND
SOCIAL
WELFARE
Madam Speaker,
The creation of the
Ministry of Women, Children and Social Welfare indicates my government's
commitment to addressing the social, economic and general wellbeing of
children, women and the socially marginalised members of our society.
The new Ministry signals
our awareness of the importance of these members of society. I must observe,
however, that issues of women, children, the less privileged and minority
groups in the country cannot be addressed in isolation, as they affect the
whole of society. As such, efforts will be intensified to ensure that their
rights are protected, and their participation increased in all aspects of
development, including appointment to leadership positions.
Our goal is to empower
both women and men to live quality lives in an inclusive society free from all
forms of violence, neglect and abuse. To achieve this, I urge all sectors to
work together to address all issues of equity, equality and social justice.
7.
INTERIOR
Madam Speaker,
Distinguished Ladies
and Gentlemen,
The security
institutions under the purview of the Ministry of Interior have been making
steady progress in their endeavour to protect life and property. They have been
building the capacity of their personnel for this purpose.
In December 2018, five hundred and
forty-one personnel were
trained on protection, track control
and
management. The European Union has expanded this by
supporting the Security Sector Reform Process to the tune of 1.5 Million Euros, and has trained
forty officers.
The construction of a
Fire and Rescue Station in Bajakunda is near completion for use this year. The
project is estimated to cost Thirteen Million, Four Hundred and Ninety-five
Thousand and Eighty-four Dalasi, Fifty bututs (D13, 495,084.50). The
well-known Remand Big Cell Block at Jeshwang Prison has also been constructed.
Proposals for
this sector include moving the female Wing at Mile Two Prison to Jeshwang
Prison. Other construction works include building a modern prison, a new
headquarters in Banjul and a Training Academy in Mandinaring Village. Also
planned is the construction of a Fire Rescue Station and staff quarters in
eleven stations in the country.
Legislation and
policy frameworks for The Gambia Immigration Department are keenly being
monitored, and it is expected that the sector will endeavour to review the 2008
Refugee Act for tabling in this Assembly.
.
To conclude, the need
for tighter security measures is urgent and most desirable. Consequently, all
efforts will be made to secure all persons and property in The Gambia.
8.
DEFENCE
Madam Speaker,
The media has reported on the security sector reform and the security
sector policy and strategy. In collaboration with The Gambia Armed Forces
(GAF), the Ministry of Defence is working very hard to develop and reform the
Armed Forces in order to make them truly disciplined and professional.
In the interim, we recognise and appreciate the Gambia Armed Forces
(GAF) for their involvement in various types of activities. On national
security, GAF has recently created two additional battalions in Basse and Kanilai,
while The Gambia Navy continues to conduct coastal maritime security patrols
within our territorial waters and enforce relevant maritime regulations. As
evidence, the Navy arrested six fishing trawlers during the past year for
illegal fishing in our territorial waters.
In other fields of service, our soldiers continue to provide medical and
educational services, and are involved in construction works, crop production
and poultry.
Aside from their voluntary cleaning exercises across the country, our Armed
Forces participate in multinational peace and security operations, as well as
in training and joint military exercises. Over the years, about five thousand
peace keepers have participated in various peacekeeping missions.
We will continue to strengthen them and support them in every way
possible.
9. PETROLEUM AND ENERGY
Madam Speaker,
The Government, through the Ministry of Petroleum and Energy, has
completed the first successful bidding rounds for our Petroleum Oil Blocks.
This has resulted in the signing of a Petroleum Exploration and Production License
Agreement with British Petroleum (BP) for the A1 Block.
The Government has a 10% participating interest in the license at
signature and Gambia National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC) will represent
Government’s interest in the A1 Block license agreement. GNPC has also entered
into a Joint Operation Agreement with BP, which will help build the capacity of
young Gambians and enhance sharing of resources and expertise.
Considering the significant transformation of the petroleum sector,
Cabinet has approved the reform leading to amendments and formulation of new
bills during the course of this legislative year.
Madam Speaker, we have all noticed improvements on the supply of
electricity in the country due to policy and investment initiatives introduced
by my government.
This has increased the electricity generation capacity in the country
from forty-five Mega Watts in 2017 to eighty-five Mega Watts in 2019, thus
exceeding the peak load of seventy Mega Watts. Despite challenges with the
transmission and distribution (T&D) network, we have reduced T&D losses
from 22% in 2017 to 20% in 2019.
In March of this year, the European Union launched a One Hundred and
Forty-One Million Euro (€141,000,000) project for clean energy for The Gambia.
This initiative is expected to generate twenty-six Mega Watts of solar energy
distributed across four hundred kilometres, and will benefit one thousand rural
schools and one hundred health centres country-wide. The project is aligned
with the NDP policy objective of increasing our energy mix with renewable growth
from 2% to 40% by 2021.
In addition to the OMVG substation project launched in Soma earlier this
year, another substation is under construction in Brikama as part of a rollout
plan of the two hundred and twenty-five KV line from Soma to Brikama. Furthermore,
my government has secured a grant of Sixty-Six Million US Dollars (US$
66,000,000) from the World Bank to provide electricity to all rural and
peri-urban villages within one hundred kilometre radius of the Brikama and Soma
OMVG substations. Our goal is to address the energy needs nationwide.
10. TRADE,
INDUSTRY, REGIONAL INTEGRATION AND EMPLOYMENT
Madam Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Government has kick-started reforms to improve the business environment
in the country, promote investment and industrial activities and to establish a fair trading environment for
private sector development.
Action taken in this respect include the drafting of the 2018 Legal Metrology Bill to replace
the current Weights and Measures Act of 1977; updating the National Trade
Policy (2018-2022); development of a National Entrepreneurship Strategy;
updating the Investment Policy and formulation of the Trade Strategy and
Industrial Policy.
In its quest to spur
industrialisation, GIEPA has entered into a Joint Venture Agreement with TAF
Africa Global for the development and management of an Industrial Park at the
Banjul International Airport.
This Joint Venture is
an investment in excess of Three hundred Million US Dollars (US$3,000,000),
with the potential to spur more economic activity. The facility will be
developed to house manufacturing entities, educational institutions, hotels,
and office spaces.
To mitigate funding
challenges faced by Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), the first ever Gambia
Angels Investor Network has been created by the Youth Empowerment Project (YEP)
in close collaboration with GIEPA. The parties will work to facilitate domestic
and international investment in Gambian businesses. The eventual objective is
to trigger growth and development, and bridge income gaps.
Madam Speaker, a
National Business Council has been set up to provide a platform for the private
sector and Government to engage on business issues, and recommend policy
options.
Government is committed
to implementing the regional integration programmes. Already, the quality
policy framework for the improvement of The Gambia trading environment has been
revised and fully aligned with the ECOWAS Regional Quality Policy. The document
will be tabled here for discussion during the year. Let me add that The Gambia
now hosts the ECOWAS Regional Competition Authority headquarters. This office
is now fully operational.
In partnership with the
International Trade Centre, my government launched the ITC Shetrade project
Gambian Chapter in February 2019.
This is a global
initiative to empower women economically through trade and investment. The
project seeks to connect three million women to markets by 2021. Through this
project, two hundred and fifty youths
have been trained and deployed for service. 12% of them are “back-way” returnees, and 4%
are physically challenged persons.
Finally, to assure quality within the sector, and to produce a
responsive legal framework for an effective National Quality Infrastructure,
work is in progress to review the 2010 Gambia Standards Bureau Act.
11. OFFICE
OF THE VICE PRESIDENT
Madam Speaker,
Under the Office of the
Vice President are important units, comprising: the Social Protection
Secretariat (SPS), the National Nutrition Agency, the Food Safety and Quality
Authority (FSQA), the National Population Commission Secretariat (NPCS) and the
National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA). I will refer to them briefly.
With the Thirty Million
US Dollar (US$30,000,000) World Bank Social Safety Nets Project, the Office of
the Vice President has established leadership and coordination mechanisms to
reinforce social protection efforts in the country.
Linking
social protection and health, it is fitting state that the National Nutrition
Policy (2010-2020) has been reviewed, and a Strategic Plan (2018-2025) is being
developed to implement the new National Nutrition Policy (2018-2025).
The
National Nutrition Agency, as the institutional home for these developments,
continues to work on nutrition issues to foster healthy and sustainable
livelihoods, especially for women and children.
In
collaboration with the Ministry of Health, the US$ 21.18 Million Maternal and
Child Nutrition and Health Results Project is now being implemented in
thirty-seven (37) health facilities and three hundred and forty-five (345)
communities in the North Bank, Central River, Upper River and Lower River
Regions. The project aims to contribute to reducing maternal and child
mortality and ill health.
Similarly,
implementation of the EU funded Three Million Euro (€3,000,000) Project for
nutrition security is ongoing. The project is designed to support lactating
mothers.
It provides care, as
well, for women and their children for the first one thousand (1,000) days with
cash transfer for their diets, access to health care services and nutrition
education.
Over the last year, an
average of five thousand, eight hundred and seventy-five (5,875) beneficiaries
were paid six hundred Dalasi (D600) each, with additional three hundred Dalasi
(D300) for each twin monthly.
I am pleased to report
that a national survey shows a reduction in stunting, wasting and underweight.
However, the findings suggest an increase in the rate of non-communicable
diseases.
The Food Safety and
Quality Authority continues to ensure the safety and quality of food and feed
from farm to fork, no matter the source. The Authority has since won awards,
and continues to serve as a model within the sub-region.
The Gambia, through
NDMA, is among the countries that have met the global reporting standard of the
Sendai Framework and the African Union strategies devised to reduce the
incidence and impact of disaster in the country.
The NDMA is now
implementing two five-year projects, namely: the Africa Disaster Risk Financing
Insurance and the UN-India Partnership Fund. Crucially, the latter focuses on
the use of drones and early warning systems for disaster management linked to
floods.
The Agency has now
developed and validated the first ever National Disaster Response Plan
(2019-30) and, working with partners, provided seeds to 10,719 farmers across
the country in preparation for the 2019 rainy season.
Let me observe that
Government regrets the recent disaster that struck in the CRR and URR. It
certainly justifies all the steps taken by the Agency to prevent such
disasters. Together with support from partners, philanthropists and
stakeholders, we have taken steps to respond to the needs of the victims.
Such events make it
urgent to revise the National Disaster Risk Reduction Strategy and the 2008
NDMA Act in order to make them more responsive to disaster issues.
12. TRANSPORT,
WORKS AND INFRASTRUCTURE
Madam Speaker,
Guided by
the National Transport Policy (2018-2027) and the National Public Building and
Facilities Policy (2018-2027), the Government’s programs, through the Ministry
of Transport, Works and Infrastructure, cut across air, road and sea transport,
with a lot of infrastructure development.
In the area of
aviation, the sector registered steady progress in 2018, with the Banjul
International Airport recording 25% increase in passenger handling. Based on
the strategies employed, this upward trend is expected to continue.
On road construction,
lots of infrastructure development is ongoing. The one hundred and twenty (120)
kilometre primary road network on the North Bank, estimated at a cost of
eighty-seven Million US Dollars (US$87,000,000), for example, is due for
completion in February 2020.
In December 2018, the
three-year URR Bridges and Road Project, funded through a grant of Eighty
Million US Dollars (US$80,000,000) from the People’s Republic of China, was
launched. This project has been designed to ease movement and enhance economic
activity within the region.
In January of this
year, I commissioned the long-awaited Sene-Gambia Bridge, with H.E. Macky Sall,
President of the Republic of Senegal as Guest of Honour.
The importance of this
famous bridge, not only for The Gambia and Senegal but also for the sub-region,
cannot be overstated. We are certainly grateful to the African Development Bank
for the €67 Million grant that funded the project.
Madam Speaker, also in progress is a three-year 10.3
Million Euro EU/UNOPS Feeder Road
Project. Contracts for the construction of over one hundred kilometre
road have been awarded, and works have commenced in all Regions. Details on
this project will be provided as works progress.
Other projects include
the reconstruction of the Bansang Town access road, sections of the
Essau-Kerewan Highway, and Sankulay Kunda-JanjangBureh Bridge, the by-pass link
road from Stink Corner to Abuko.
On water
transportation, The Gambia Port Authority recently formulated a new Master Plan
(2019-2038) and a five-year Business Plan to guide the institutional reforms
and infrastructure developments to improve and sustain the operational capacity
and financial viability of the Port of Banjul. The Plan sets to attain the
National Transport Policy (2018-2027) objectives.
This august body will
be pleased to learn that the Port handled 2.5 million metric tonnes of cargo by
end-2018, compared to 2.4 million metric tonnes the previous year. This
represents a 2% increase.
Total Twenty-Foot
Equivalent (TEUs) Containers handled increased by 20% from one hundred and
thirty thousand (130,000) by end-2018 to one hundred and eight thousand
(108,000) for 2017.
These achievements confirm Government’s
commitment to upgrading the status of our Port, and they show how well we are
doing within the region.
On air traffic, work on
the Airport Improvement Project Phase II Extension is in progress at the Banjul
International Airport, and will last for eighteen months. The project is
expected to boost handling capacity to five hundred thousand (500,000)
passengers per annum. This is critical, as the country prepares to host the
Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC) Heads of State Summit in 2022.
Let me observe, in
passing, that the postponement of the OIC Summit is the only setback of the
year. However, rescheduling the meeting puts us in a stronger position to host
it better.
Related to this, the
construction of the International Conference Centre is progressing steadily,
with 75% of the works done. Completion is scheduled for September, 2019. The
project has the potential to create about one thousand (1000) jobs when
complete.
13. INFORMATION
AND COMMUNICATION INFRASTRUCTURE
Madam Speaker,
The Gambia Government,
through the Ministry of Information and Communication Infrastructure (MOICI),
is formulating a National ICT Master Plan to guide ICT implementation in The
Gambia.
With
support from the Council of Europe, Government is also developing legislation
on Cybercrime and Electronic Evidence, as well as Data Protection and Privacy.
In the same vein, a comprehensive review of the 2009 ICT Act is in progress.
The review seeks to make the Act more relevant to the ICT sector. The exercise
includes review of the draconian media laws to allow for freedom of expression
in the country.
The
National Broadband Network (NBN) Project was successfully phased out in April
2019. In this connection, the Twenty-Five Million US Dollar (US$ 25,000,000)
concessionary loan from China has been utilised to establish an additional four
hundred (400) kilometre national fibre optic infrastructure to complement the
existing ECOWAN project, which exceeds nine hundred (900) kilometres. The NBN
was formally commissioned recently.
14. WATER
RESOURCES AND FISHERIES
Madam Speaker,
Government remains committed to ensuring access to safe drinking water,
as well as providing timely and accurate information on weather and climatic
conditions for the nation. As a result, we have received funds from the African
Development Bank to finance the Climate Smart Rural WASH Development Project
for infrastructure and service improvement over a period of about sixty-three
(63) months, beginning October, 2018. The project will benefit one hundred and
forty-four (144) communities and increase access to safe water by 17% and
safely-managed sanitation by 2%. To complement this, in collaboration with the
Japanese International Cooperation Agency, portable water will be supplied to
about thirty additional communities.
A Bill will be brought to this Assembly for enactment of a comprehensive
Water Act, and will seek to establish a new National Water Resources Management
Authority. Similarly, The Gambia Meteorological Authority Bill will be tabled
by the Ministry of Fisheries and Water Resources for your review.
Fisheries: The Fisheries
Sector of The Gambia remains steadfast in their quest to contributing to food
security, nutrition and revenue generation, as well as addressing poverty and unemployment,
particularly for our women and the youth.
As discussed in this Assembly, in October 2018, The European Union (EU)
and the Republic of The Gambia signed a six-year agreement to allow EU vessels
to fish in Gambian waters. It offers the vessels to fish up to three thousand,
three hundred (3,300) tonnes of tuna and tuna-like species, and seven hundred
and fifty (750) tonnes of hake annually.
In return, The Gambia would receive a financial compensation of Five
Million, Four Hundred Thousand Euros (€5, 400,000).
Finally for this sector, Government is in the process of amending the
2008 Fisheries Regulations to include a 50% upward revision of the fishing
license tariff. This will increase the
revenue earning potential of the country.
15. THE AGRICULTURE SECTOR
Madam Speaker,
Honourable Members,
The
Agriculture sector represents a major area of economic activity and employment
in The Gambia. It contributes about twenty-two percent to GDP and constitutes
major economic activity in the country.
Of late, the sector has been pursuing its transformation
agenda, with the support of development partners, to implement vital projects
and activities. Examples of the projects in progress include the Rice Value
Chain Project in Sapu and the Small Ruminant Improvement Project in Yoro Berri
Kunda.
Aside from drafting and validating the National Strategy
for the Control and Eradication of Small Ruminant Pests, to protect our animal
stock, two hundred and fifty thousand (250,000) heads of cattle and fifty thousand
(50,000) birds have been vaccinated. Besides this, eight hundred and
eighty-eight (888) small ruminants’ schemes have now been established.
Government, through the Ministry of Agriculture, has
stepped up support to farmers countrywide. This has been in the form of supply
of tractors, transplanters, combined harvesters, power tillers, threshers, rice
planters and milling machines to improve agricultural activities.
For the 2019-20 farming
season, the National Seed Secretariat has planned to cultivate sixteen thousand
(16,000) hectares of foundation seeds. In the past, a total of three
hundred and sixty-five thousand, two hundred and eighty-six (365,286) people
were reached for one type of support or another.
Women have been the major target in most of these
interventions. With strong determination, Government will continue to
prioritise women issues across the broad spectrum of our development agenda and
priorities.
For better productivity, the Ministry is pursuing its goal
of mechanisation, and is arranging to secure machinery and expertise to
establish a fully functional Agricultural mechanisation unit.
On policy matters, the Ministry of Agriculture has
revised and updated the new Agriculture and Natural Resources (ANR) Policy
(2017-2026) to replace the former 2009-2015 Policy. Also reviewed is the first
Gambia National Investment Programme. The successor programme will be validated
shortly.
Madam Speaker, on the issue of feeding the nation or food
self-sufficiency, let me explain that all the initiatives devised within the
Agriculture sector and the support provided or solicited are part of the
overall policy of Government to attain food self-sufficiency in the country.
It must be emphasised, however, that the realisation of this goal rests
on all sectors, public and private, and on all citizens. This noble goal cannot
be accomplished through the formulation of a single policy framework or plan
for Government alone to implement. On the contrary, it is contained in the
overall development of the nation.
16. FOREIGN
AFFAIRS
Madam Speaker, Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen,
The Gambia maintains a policy of friendship and non-alignment with all
countries, as well as strong partnerships with regional and international
bodies.
Internationally,
The Gambia is enjoying, once again, full membership status within the
Commonwealth, while maintaining an observer status in the International Organization of the Francophonie, as endorsed by this
august body.
You will recall too that at the 2018 EU-supported Conference for The
Gambia held in Brussels last year, the sum of 1.45 Million Euros was pledged.
Significant EU follow-ups have ensued. One of these is support for Gambians
returning from the “back way” to integrate better and find new opportunities at
home.
The EU is also providing support to the security sector reform, and
helping to establish a Local Democratic Control of Armed Forces Local office in
The Gambia to promote international cooperation in civil-military relations.
The Agreement was signed in March, 2019.
To support the country’s sustainable and
inclusive growth programme, in November, 2018, the EU validated a new two-year
budget support programme, with a three-year technical assistance component,
summing up to Fifty-Five Million Euros (€55 Million). At the bilateral level,
the French Government is providing massive assistance to The Gambia. In
particular, they are investing heavily in a rice project in the URR to
contribute to food sufficiency.
Following Government’s
declaration of the Diaspora as our Eighth (8th) Region, the
Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad is
devising mechanisms to establish close links with Gambians in the Diaspora.
This development will enable them to contribute more effectively to national
development.
Madam Speaker, the year under review was a positive
year in which we had a lots of diplomatic engagements.
There were high-level visits, and a
good number of Ambassadors presented their Letters of Credence to me. Bilateral
ties of friendship
and cooperation were either established or renewed with countries near and far.
It was a year marked by substantial support from friends and partners.
Among the most notable is the Republic of China. Their support has been
remarkable in quantitative terms, and cuts across various sectors and areas of
development. As indicated earlier, the EU has proven to be very supportive in
various ways. We are grateful to all partners, friends, regional and other
international organisations, and will continue to cherish and deepen the ties
that exist between us.
17. TOURISM AND CULTURE
Madam Speaker, the
Tourism Sector is clearly a key contributor to the Gambian economy.
We proudly
continue to make tremendous success in Tourism and Culture. Arrival
statistics, for instance, show that for the 2017-2018 season, there was a
record breaking increase of 28%; that is, from one hundred and sixty-two
thousand and seventy-five (162,075) to two hundred and nine thousand (209,000)
visitors. The first quarter of 2019 registered a remarkable increase of
97%.
To match the increase
in visitors, the sector is registering a significant increase in the
construction and refurbishment of high quality hotels. This is linked to the
desire to develop new products that include culture and heritage tourism,
wellness and sports tourism. Tapping the huge potential of the River Gambia is
another area to exploit to expand the sector.
On the issue of culture, I am proud to say, as a Gambian, that my
government has also prioritised culture. In the 2018 budget,
the National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC) was granted a huge increase in
its operating budget. This is an indication of how seriously Government takes
the issue of culture and artistic development. In fact, for the first time in
its history, the NCAC was allocated a substantial capital budget to revitalise
all national museums and historical sites.
I am aware that culture
contributes to youth employment and sustainable living. The reality is that a
good number of Gambian youths are engaged in music, fine arts, literature, film
making, theatre, and so on. In consequence, we will continue to support them.
18. LANDS,
REGIONAL GOVERNMENT AND RELIGIOUS AFFAIRS
Madam Speaker,
Working with the
Ministry of Lands, Regional Government and Religious Affairs, Government has
initiated a national land registration system. The purpose is to establish a
Land Information System for easy access to information on land and land
resources in the country.
On governance, a
unified Local Government Service Commission has been inaugurated. The objective
for this is to apply the sector’s scheme of service and to establish standards,
efficiency and effectiveness in the Local Government Authorities.
Also appointed
and inaugurated is the Lands Commission. Among other things, this independent
body is to investigate issues on land ownership and occupation throughout the
country, and be responsible for all land matters on our national boundaries.
19. THE
JUSTICE
AND JUDICIARY SECTOR
Madam Speaker,
Let me seize this
opportunity to emphasise my government’s commitment to justice, democracy, rule
of law and good governance, as evidenced by the reforms, developments and
achievements within the sector.
To begin with the
operating structures, all the Commissions set up by Government are now fully
engaged in pursuing their mandates and are making remarkable progress. The
Constitutional Review Commissioners are conducting intensive consultations with
Gambians at home and abroad, and are expected to table a draft constitution in
this august Assembly prior to the referendum that will usher in the Third
Republic.
The Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission have made
significant inroads through important witnesses. We will allow them to complete
their work and submit a report with recommendations. The ultimate outcome of
their work is to heal the wounds of the past, help the victims and their
families to find closure for their troubles, and to set the stage for national
reconciliation.
Madam Speaker,
in accordance with the 2017 National Human Rights Commission Act, members of
the first ever independent National Human Rights Commission have now been sworn
in. This Commission, which is now fully operational, is to address human rights
violations in the country.
I am happy to report
that the Janneh Commission of Inquiry completed its work in March of this year,
and submitted a comprehensive report to me. The report is currently available
to the public. Meanwhile, acting on the Commission’s recommendations,
Government has forfeited to the State all of the assets of the former
President, Yaya Jammeh, and Mr. Mohamed Bazzi, one of his close associates.
In line with my
government’s promise to sanitise our criminal justice system, and to ensure a
conducive environment to exercise the right to freedom of expression, we have
commenced the review and re-drafting of the criminal code, the criminal
procedure code and all associated penal legislations. It is hope that, before
long, a progressive criminal justice legislation anchored on the rule of law
and respect for fundamental human rights will be ready for review.
Distinguished ladies
and gentlemen, earlier this year, the Ministry of Justice initiated a review of
the Elections Act in order to enact an inclusive and progressive electoral
framework. In this light, it is expected that a draft Elections Bill will be
ready for review and enactment shortly.
Honourable
members, I promised that Government would table an
Anti-Corruption Bill before the end of 2018.
The Bill was ready for submission. However, it was subjected to further review,
and fresh recommendations were raised for consideration. We expect to table the
Bill here by December, 2019.
Finally, I am happy to
share that we have honoured compensation payments decided by the ECOWAS Court
against the State in respect of a number of human rights violations perpetrated
by the previous administration against certain individuals. Our compliance with
these court judgments demonstrates our commitment to good governance and
respect for the rule of law.
The
JUDICIARY: My government recognises and will
persist in maintaining an independent and efficient Judiciary that delivers
justice without undue delay based on the rule of law and good governance. In this
direction, our Judiciary enjoys all rights and independence it is provided for
in the Constitution. They can recruit all categories of staff without recourse
to the Public Service Commission or the Personnel Management Office, as
practised in the past. Their annual estimates of expenditures are presented to
the National Assembly without any amendment, and all their 2019 budget
proposals on personnel were approved by the National Assembly.
The Membership of the
Supreme Court has been increased by three additional Gambian Justices
(including the Chief Justice) bringing the total to five Gambians at the apex
court, and as opposed to holding irregular sittings as before, the Supreme
Court now holds regular sessions in every quarter of the year.
Furthermore, all the
seven Judges, including the President, of the Court of Appeal are Gambians. The
High Court recruited four additional Gambian judges, bringing the total to five
Gambians. Unfortunately, one passed way in December, 2018.
At this juncture, it is
appropriate to record our deep appreciation to the Federal Republic of Nigeria
for providing us with three Judges of High Court on technical assistance who
are currently rendering invaluable service to the nation.
Happily, 99% of our
Magistrates are Gambians trained at The University of The Gambia and The Gambia
Law School.
The Judiciary is now
working to ensure speedy trials and disposal of cases and to decongest the
overcrowded remand prisons. Infrastructural works are also in progress to
facilitate and expand the court sittings at all levels – cadi, magistrates and
high court and in various areas of the country.
As a new development,
plans are at an advanced stage to construct a court complex at Mile 7 Bakau to
accommodate a Commercial and Lands Dispute Court.
20. ENVIRONMENT,
CLIMATE CHANGE
AND NATURAL RESOURCES
Madam Speaker, the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Natural
Resources and its line institutions continue to manage our precious environment
and natural resources in accordance with the relevant legislative frameworks.
The Ministry recently launched the Inter-Ministerial Council on Climate
Change, as well as other technical bodies to implement The Gambia Environment
Action Plan and the National Climate Change Policy. All these are meant to
address the effect of climate change, and respond to the adaptation needs of
the country.
On the environment and forest cover, Government will remain vigilant,
and will strengthen the necessary frameworks, as well as raise public awareness
on environmental issues.
To safeguard
the species of trees
in the country, there are ongoing efforts to collect and preserve indigenous trees.
At
the institutional level, efforts are progressing to place the Kafuta Forestry
Training School under The University of The Gambia with a view to upgrading it
to offer graduate programmes. Meanwhile, Government is exploring the policy of
private sector involvement in wildlife management. It is hoped that private
sector involvement will generate major investments into the sector to make
wildlife Protected Areas more appealing, leading to a more enriching tourism
experience. Alongside these developments is a proposal to re-introduce large
mammals that once existed in The Gambia.
I am confident that
many Gambians, especially those within the Greater Banjul Area, will welcome
the plan to table the draft Waste Bill in the coming months. Waste is a major
issue to tackle. As a result, it is most urgent to lay the legal basis for
waste management, paying attention to emerging issues.
E-waste and the
prospect of importing or dumping waste into the country make this issue a real
danger to all of us.
In the area of chemical
management, the agency and its partners recently validated the draft Hazardous
Chemicals Management Bill. Hopefully, this will be tabled before this august
body shortly.
21. HEALTH
Madam Speaker,
The Government of The
Gambia recognises the fact that Health is a basic right for all human beings
and that good health plays an important role in socio-economic growth and
development. Thus, to have productive citizens, the health sector must be given
top priority.
Access to health
services in The Gambia has been marked by a tremendous increase and expansion
of public hospitals, health centres and Primary Health Care services. To build
on these, plans are afoot to construct modern specialist hospitals.
Overall, the
Government’s target is to achieve Universal Health Coverage by 2030, in
accordance with the Sustainable Development Goals. In this respect, key among
the frameworks developed is the Health Financing Policy 2017-2030.
A good amount of recent
investments was used to target specific diseases (such as, HIV/AIDS, Malaria
and Tuberculosis) and immunisation services. For this, we are indebted to our
partners for their technical and financial support to the health sector.
It is pleasing to state
that The Gambia has improved its indicators on infant and under-five morbidity
and mortality rates, and has one of the best immunisation coverages in the
sub-region. We maintain over 90% vaccination coverage of children against all
vaccine preventable diseases.
It is in order,
therefore, that The Gambia was cleared to introduce a second round of the
Measles vaccine. At the same time, in collaboration with UNICEF, WHO and UNFPA,
HPV vaccination coverage has been scaled up country-wide to protect our young
girls, aged 9 to 13 years, from cervical cancer. Also, through the Operation
Save the Baby Initiative of H.E. the First Lady of the Republic and other
partners, effective strategies have been mapped out to roll back HIV/AIDS and
various types of cancers.
Madam Speaker, The
Gambia’s Primary Eye Care service is recognised globally as a model in terms of
both structure and outcomes. No wonder, the incidence of blindness in The
Gambia has dropped to 0.4%, which is comparable to Western standards. It is a
source of relief to note too that Trachoma, a leading cause of infectious eye
disease around the world, is now at an elimination stage in The Gambia.
To ease movement,
Government continues to work with Riders for Health for transportation needs
within the sector. In 2018, the organisation handed over twenty-nine vehicles
for use by the sector. This is a partnership we truly value.
On
regulation, work is almost complete on the Mental Health Bill and the National
Tobacco Control Regulation for implementation of the National Tobacco Control
Act.
To
sum up, health care in The Gambia is almost free, especially for maternal and
child health services. The indication is that the key sector targets will be
realised eventually.
22. YOUTH
AND SPORTS
Madam
Speaker,
The
youth sub-sector enjoys increased attention from my government for very obvious
reasons. Besides comprising about 65% of the Gambian population, the youth are
a productive segment of society and represent a critical stakeholder group in
the national development process.
Aptly,
therefore, the National Youth Service Scheme (NYSS) continues to provide
relevant and marketable skills to young people throughout the country. Along
these lines, the President's International Award Scheme is striving to provide
opportunities for young Gambians to explore their talents and sharpen their
skills to create employment for themselves and participate more effectively in
national development.
Madam
Speaker, Government is supporting the operations of the National Youth Council
and its decentralised structures. During the last fiscal year, the Council was
supported to launch the Youth Connekt Gambia and its maiden summit.
The
summit revolved around flagship programmes on youth leadership, innovation,
volunteerism and job creation. In addition to other useful activities, the
Council also facilitated the establishment of the Children National Assembly,
and conducted a job fair for rural youths.
In the area of sports, The Gambia is making
noticeable progress. We are proud that the current 200 metre female champion in
Africa, the junior athletics champion in Africa and the beach volleyball
champions in Africa are all Gambians. Besides ranking fourth in wrestling in
the ECOWAS region, The Gambia is also doing very well in other activities, such
as boxing. My Government will continue to support the development and promotion
of sports and recreation in view of all the numerous benefits that accrue from
them.
23. STRATEGIC
POLICY AND DELIVERY
Madam Speaker, it is
noticeable that themes on “reform” and “transformation” run through the sectors
discussed, signifying my government’s commitment to change. Change was the main
reason for my election to office; thus, we have to pursue a thorough change
agenda and this is reflected in the decision to reform our institutions.
As a result, to
coordinate the reform process and ensure effectiveness and efficiency within
the public service, I have set up the Department of Strategic Policy and
Delivery (DSPD).
The DSPD is to assist
and enable my Office to develop, implement and monitor Government’s vision, and
to provide strategic leadership for cross-sectorial policies and programmes. It
is designated also to provide technical advice, support and analysis to improve
decision-making and policy coordination at the level of the Executive.
The Department will
strive to ascertain that information reaching the Executive is appropriate,
valid, reliable and provided after due consultations. In particular, they will
prepare regular briefs on the economy and the performance of Ministries,
Departments and Agencies, including State Owned Enterprises.
Madam Speaker, this
body has the designated function of explicitly articulating Government’s agenda
for implementation, and working closely, while coordinating, with Ministries and
partner agencies on agreed timelines and key milestones to deliver on
Presidential priority projects and reforms.
Finally, the DSPD will
serve as a tactical link between Government and development partners by
defining long-term strategic objectives for these partnerships and helping to
cultivate a working relationship between the Executive and Heads of partner
agencies. This will enable the Government to communicate with a unified voice
to partners regarding its high-level priorities, while retaining the relevant
functions of MoFEA and other Ministries in public sector project implementation
processes.
24. CONCLUSION
Madam
Speaker,
Honourable
Members of this Assembly,
Ladies
and Gentlemen,
Earlier,
I indicated that national development must be all-inclusive; that is, it should
filter down to all citizens. Confident that this would happen, I proclaimed
2019 as a turning point in The Gambia’s development process. Even though 2019
has not ended yet, the catalogue of events, the projects, development
initiatives, results and proposed interventions mentioned in my address justify
the proclamation.
A
review of 2019 shows unprecedented developments across the country. The
multi-million projects, especially in very deprived areas from Banjul to the
URR, attest to this. The economic support, including the budget support from
the International community; the 50% salary increase for workers across all
cadres of the Public Service; the 100% pay increase for pensioners; the cash
support to needy families, and the availability and affordability of food
throughout the country have reached, directly or indirectly, all citizens in
the country.
The
provision of social amenities, with increased and steady supply of electricity
and water, has made social life amicable for all. The appearance of old and new
political parties to partake in the very cordial political climate reflects
“The New Gambia” in progress.
Through the TRRC, victims and bereaved
families are coming to terms with their plight or the loss of their loved ones,
and offenders are reconciling with their victims and themselves. The effect of
democracy, good governance and the economic situation brought about by my
government has penetrated the entire Gambian society, and has reached every
community, every institution, every organisation, every citizen and every
resident in the country. The reforms, plans and achievements mean that things
will get brighter and better.
To
sum it up, we have redefined the economics of development in The Gambia; we
have altered the narrative on Gambian history; we have changed the conversation
around social life; we have moderated the discourse on Gambian politics, and we
have brought back life, hope and a future for all.
Madam Speaker, Honourable Members,
I cannot conclude this address without bringing the
nation’s attention to certain developments that are of concern to the
Government and the people of The Gambia.
Recently, some people have been taking the law into
their own hands to commit violent acts of destruction and attacks on property
and individuals. Aside from the Faraba
Banta disorder, violent incidents, including arson and murder, have been
recorded in Kombo Berending, Gunjur, Koina, Garawol and, most recently, in the
Kanifing Municipality. Personal attacks on government officials fighting crime
in the country, such as the Assistant Police Commissioner and Head of the
Police Anti-Crime, and arson attacks on his family home, the Bakoteh Police
Station and within the Serekunda market area are not part of our values.
We are aware of the important role of the media in
society, particularly the social media and its influence on our lives.
Let us maximize the benefits that social media forums
can avail us to educate and keep the people informed. As citizens, we must not
create hatred amongst ourselves.
Madam Speaker, Honourable Members, saying “Never
Again” comes with a big responsibility for both citizens and government. At present, it is the citizens saying “Never
Again” to State violence and abuse who engage in various forms of violence
against their fellow citizens, State institutions and officials. Therefore, let us guard the peace we have, as
peace is priceless, and stability is the bedrock of development and progress.
We are One people, One Gambia for peace, progress and national development.
Therefore,
I call on all Gambians to join us in the healing, reconciliation and reconstruction
process that is in progress. Let us unite as a nation, and work together as a
people; primarily, as brothers and sisters in a family. We must not allow
politics or any worldly affair to separate us. We are all human beings and
Gambians first, before anything else. As we look forward to the Third Republic,
my government has sown the seeds of success for the rebirth of The Gambia. I
pray that Allah helps us all the way to achieve our noble goals.
I
thank the entire Gambian nation most sincerely for having come this far
together, and I also thank all our partners and friends. Their support has been
excellent. To all of them, we express deep gratitude.
Turning
to the Assembly, on behalf of every Gambian, I thank the Honourable Speaker and
all the Honourable Members of the National Assembly most sincerely for all the
sittings and decisions of the last legislative year. We appreciate your work,
and will never stop inviting you to work with us. In a democracy, we cannot
expect agreement in every debate; nevertheless, I urge you to engage more in
dialogue than in confrontation. I pray that we have more peaceful and
successful sessions this year.
I
now have the singular honour and pleasure to declare the 2019 Legislative Year
officially open.
May
Allah bless us all.
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