By Lamin B. Darboe
Senior Communication Officer, MoPS
Gambian Vice President, Momodou BS Jallow, Monday presided over the official opening of a four-day first-quarter Permanent Secretaries Retreat at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara Conference Centre in Bijilo.
The retreat is organized by the Ministry of Public Service under the theme: “Delivering the National Development Plan: Unified Actions for Tangible Results.”
In his address, Vice President Jallow reaffirmed government’s commitment, under President Adama Barrow, to strengthening the civil service and modernizing public service delivery to meet citizens’ needs.
He called for renewed efforts to accelerate the implementation of flagship projects under the Recovery-Focused National Development Plan (RF-NDP), stressing that timely and effective execution must remain central to public service delivery.
He says the National Development Plan, also known as YIRIWAA, is not only a statement of intent but a strategic roadmap reflecting the aspirations of citizens and the shared responsibility of stakeholders.
Vice President Jallow noted that the recent enhancement of civil service remuneration by up to 130 percent demonstrated government’s commitment to improving welfare, boosting morale, and increasing productivity in the public sector.
He urged Permanent Secretaries to align institutional priorities, strengthen collaboration, and work with renewed focus to deliver national development objectives.
“Sustainable development cannot be achieved by government alone. It requires the collective effort of all stakeholders, including the public and private sectors, civil society, academia, and citizens,” he said.
He added that government would continue to provide policy direction, governance frameworks, and accountable leadership to support implementation of the development agenda.
“When our efforts are aligned, our impact is amplified. When we act in unity, we accelerate transformation,” he said, adding that policies and programs under the National Development Plan must lead to measurable improvements in citizens’ lives.
Vice President Jallow also urged participants to remain mindful of global geopolitical tensions, particularly in the Middle East, noting their potential impact on economies worldwide.
He cautioned that The Gambia must exercise prudent management of resources in response to global economic uncertainties.
“In unity of purpose, we will deliver. In collective responsibility, we will sustain. Through shared determination, we will build a future worthy of the hopes and expectations of our people,” he said.
