President Adama Barrow of the Gambia Thursday called for a national commitment to achieving a better nation bound by the shared values of democracy, liberty and equality.“I encourage all citizens to seize the momentum to renew their commitment to making a difference in every sphere of life and engagement for the betterment of the nation,” President Barrow said in his Eid Al-Fitr message seen by this medium.
The Gambian leader’s address comes at a time when the country is transitioning from dictatorship to democracy and rule of law. As mounting challenges continue to lie ahead, the new regime has vowed to right the wrongs of the past in making sure “New Gambia” becomes a reality.
Barrow reminded Gambians about the “collective responsibility” everyone has to fulfill the hopes and aspirations of the people. He then added: “As believers in God, the Muslim and Christian communities alike cannot afford to fail to discharge this responsibility. We owe it to ourselves and our children to safeguard the future in the best interest of all.”
Weighing in on the just concluded donors’ conference held last month in Brussels, Barrow said the pledges are illustrative of the global desire to support Gambians to strengthen democracy, peace and stability, as well as to take ownership and leadership to develop and transform the country’s economy.
“The onus now rests on us to fulfil our obligations by rallying around the national flag and working together as a nation with a common agenda,” he insisted.
President Barrow went further to urge Gambians to be steadfast in championing democracy, human rights, peace, stability and social cohesion to sustain our development gains.
“Let us embrace and cherish unity as the main thrust of our strength, whether as public servants, civil society organisations, private sector operatives, or as other non-state actors.”
Written by Abdoulie JOHN
The President sent a powerful message of collective responsibility in nation building. Now he must back up the message with action. What actions can Mr Barrow take:
1. Lead by example. Make accepting and receiving “gifts” a taboo in his administration.
2. Demand that Ministries must conduct business using a single government account.
3. Demand that all government business must be documented online by officials.
4. Demand that all official business travel that requires flight must be by economy/cheapest flight category. Personal business is forbidden during official trips to include healthcare and shopping.
5. Officials are not to send their children to school outside The Gambia
6. Officials cannot make real estate purchases overseas during their term in service.
7. Significant cutback in official vehicles and police escort. Limited to the presidency and VP. All others can rely on their own private vehicles.
8. Reduce the size and number of GAF. Reduce rank in the service to Col and below or equivalent.
9. Declare a 4-day work week ( Mon – Thurs ) for non essential personnel.
10. Demand open bid for all government contracts.
With the above steps Mr Barrow will send a clear sign that he wants efficiency and honesty in performance.
God Bless The Gambia.
Dr. Sarr,
your recommendations are prove of a sober and succinct thinking. And they seem so easy to implement.
But will the President follow his words with actions?
Frank Stenner,
Tell Dr Isatou Sarr to stop speaking BUNKUMS, stop DREAMING and come to realities. One of the realities is to come together and FLUSH this CORRUPT, TRIBALIST and INCOMPETENT administration with a nonentity at the head OUT.
Tell Dr Isatou Sarr (I won’t do that myself) to stop fooling around in appeasing an INCOMPETENT bunch of accidental leaders simply because she is a anti President Jammeh.
How can this USELESS “president” implement Dr Sarr’s chronology of bright suggestions knowing that the administration she musters in GAMBIA is already firm on CORRUPTION and CORRUPTIBLE footings/practices.
Ask Dr Sarr if she ever believes that thieves/rogues that have from DAY 1 in office started to steal, seen easy and fast ways of enriching themselves would change?
HAPPY SUKARR SALO/KORITEH!!!