XIV. CONCLUSION

Mr. Speaker,

1. The objective of our economic management strategy has not changed. It remains poverty reduction. We will however, be adjusting the approach to better address our objective given the prevailing socio-economic environment. This explains the planned switch to Programmed Based Budgeting (PBB). In the last budget speech, I highlighted the opportunities offered by developments in the domestic economy, the sub region and at the global front. What I did not say is that they are opportunities only if we take advantage of them, if we do not; they could turnout to be threats. Be reminded that we are in competition whether we know this or not and we must remain constant in our endeavour to improve our lot.
2. Achieving socio-economic development is not a feat that is accomplished over night. It is a long process of continuous planning, implementation and adjustments. The most important ingredient of this process apart from the environment in its totality, which in our case is quite favourable, is the human resource input. And it does not just suffice to have a very highly qualified and experienced manpower; such a calibre of staff must be committed to the spirit and purpose of our national drive. Instead of capacity building, the new buzzword should be capacity enhancement, utilization and retention.
3. We should strive to institute in our people the confidence that they have a stake and share of the gains of a developed Gambia. It is also a truism that by the same token, we also have an equally undiminished stake and share of the consequences and blame for failing to take our responsibility in the pursuit of the challenges to self-determination. Establishing that self-centred element is paramount considering the fact that development is powered by the private sector engine but oiled by the public sector. However, as we pursue our individual goals, we should always be mindful of the broader national goal.
4. I am therefore appealing once again to all Gambians to be committed to our development efforts, to proudly lay claim to them for indeed, we are the owners. Let us do what we are sanctioned to do by our various occupations, as it is the only true legacy by which posterity will judge us and for which we will be remembered.

I thank you.

Mr. Speaker, I beg to move.

-end.