By Sarjo M. Camara
The Office of the Vice President has successfully concluded a two-day cabinet retreat which saw the participation of technocrats including permanent secretaries and deputy permanent secretaries technical and technical directors of all ministries, departments and agencies.
Held at the Sir Dawda Kariaba Jawara International Conference Centre in Bijilo, from 8th to 9th June, the interface centred on civil service reforms, cost of living, environment, security, land use, migration, tourism, TVET, employment and foreign policy.
Each of the thematic working groups did a forensic diagnosis of the issues at hand to address them with targeted timeline, strategies and other necessary inputs. These efforts paved a constructive way for Gambians to have a fulfilled livelihood.
In his closing remarks, the Vice, Badara A. Joof assured Gambians of reforms that will be beneficial and inclusive irrespective of diversity.
He stressed that government has to do more to address the issue of cost of living and housing, which he said are human rights issues.
He also challenged the security institutions to address the loopholes in the security system and the unethical practices they are alleged of.
The Vice President called on all ministries dealing with issues of employment, youth, and migration to come up with an immediate plan to curb the menace of irregular migration, develop gender sensitive programmes and address the plight of Gambians.
On the issues of inflation, he challenged all the sectors under the Ministry of Trade and Finance to act quickly to bring the inflation rate to a single digit.
He mentioned the civil service reforms as an important aspect of the national reform agenda.
He revealed that there are plans to secure buses for public transportation to address the hurdles in the movement of people within the country; including those going to work, and also to moderate fares.
“If you want employees to clock in and out on time, then address their transport needs,’’ he said.
On the issue of timber logging and transportation, Dr Joof pointed out the need for the security authorities to take their responsibility or else they will be answerable to the executive.