By Lamin B. Darboe
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ermanent Secretary (PS) at the Personnel Management Office, (PMO) addressed the 2nd Cohort of 17 Permanent Secretaries, 8 Deputy Permanent Secretaries, Accountant General and Government Spokesperson during the start of a week-long capacity building training on ‘Public Policy and Governance’ held in New Delhi, India from 16-21 May, 2022. The training is fully funded by the Government of India.
Mr. Lamin Jawara said the capacity building support from the Government of India was quite timely and relevant for the implementation process of the country’s Civil Service Reform Programme 2018-2027.
“Our current Civil Service Reform Programme is anchored on six strategic objectives, one of which aims “to systematically identify and sustainably close capacity gaps in the Civil Service,” PS Jawara informed.
He noted the fact that The Gambia has emerged from over two decades of autocratic rule; a period that saw high loss of trained and highly skilled personnel; hence capacity building of civil servants has been identified as a key priority in the current dispensation.
PMO boss described the training recalled that the first batch of 25 officials of the senior management cadre was trained by this Centre in 2020 comprised of 7 permanent secretaries and 18 deputy permanent secretaries.
According to PS Jawara, he is aware of the numerous scholarship opportunities the Indian Government has been providing to The Gambia during the past decades, of which he was one of the beneficiaries.
Many Gambians who similarly studied in India in the past are today serving the Gambian Public Service in different capacities; ranging from permanent secretaries, ambassadors to high court judges.
“On behalf of the Minister of Public Service of The Gambia, I am hereby expressing my appreciation through Indian Prime Minister’s Office and Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions for the massive support being rendered by Government of India to Gambian civil service,” Mr Jawara said.
Dr. Jitendra Singh, Hon. Union Minister of State, Prime Minister’s Office, Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Science &Technology; Earth Sciences; Atomic Energy and Space, Government of India described the relationship between India and The Gambia as cordial.
He assured of India Government’s continued support to Gambia Government; especially in the area of capacity building.