ADRRESS BY HIS EXCELLENCY, ALHAJI DR. YAHYA A.J.J. JAMMEH

ON THE OPENING OF THE 2006 NATIONAL ASSEMBLY LEGISLATIVE SESSION

FRIDAY, 31ST MARCH, 2006

Mr. Speaker

I welcome you all to this State opening of the National Assembly for the 2006 legislative session . I begin by thanking the Almighty Allah for his blessings to the country. At this time of great difficulty in the global environment, we need more than ever before to rely on the unity of the nation as the basis for progress. Our traditions, culture and values would remain the foundation of that unity which would provide us with the strength to overcome the many obstacles that are holding back our development.

As we start this year's session, facing huge challenges, we remain committed and resolute to our aims of improving the living standards of our peoples, guided by the National Vision 2020 strategy, as the expression of the people's wishes and having complete faith in Allah the Almighty.

The nation is made aware of government's programmes called the Medium Term Plan that aims to address the economic, social and political priorities targeting, particularly, key areas to achieve Vision 2020. The message is clear: In many areas, there is a need for much stronger commitment to action, to fulfil the wishes and expectations of the nation. During the course of this coming session, I charge parliament to be more emphatic, critical and objective in its debates to help address areas where we need much improved performance.

Mr. Speaker

Honourable Members

Let me first and foremost reflect on my Government's involvement in foreign relations and international affairs. Last year, I actively participated in many activities outside the Country which all aim at contributing towards the Development of the Country. Developments in all sectors of the economy cannot realise desired results without the Country's involvement in international affairs and foreign relations. As I read my statement, I will be delving into some of the initiatives I have undertaken during my attendance in various international events.

At the bilateral, regional and multilateral levels, The Gambia continues to engage in taking measures geared towards further cementing ties with partners with a view to fostering the common good of all Gambians. In this drive, during 2005, I have undertaken a number of foreign visits to Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand, Brazil, Taiwan, Mauritania etc during which a number of cooperation agreements have been signed that are meant to bring in more foreign investment, technical assistance, collaboration and cooperation in key areas such as agriculture, communication, education, trade, health and so on. My visit to the Republic of Senegal has culminated in ending the border closure by the Senegalese regime.

During 2005 The Gambia has participated in major international events, key among which include the second South-South Summit in Doha, Qatar in June 2005, the AU Summit in Sirte, Libya in July 2005, the 60 th session of the United Nations General Assembly (the High Level Plenary Session) in September 2005 in New York, the France-Africa Summit in Bamako, Mali in December 2005 and the Organization of Islamic Conference Summit in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia in December 2005. In January this year, I attended the 6 th African Union Summit in Sudan . The Gambia has contributed in no small measure in the deliberations and programmes of all these International gatherings with a view to advancing the interest of the country and our participation has enhanced our International standing and also cooperation with other countries and partners. The recent historical visit by king Muhammed VI of Morocco is a clear testimony of my Government's efforts to strengthen diplomatic relations beyond Sub- Saharan Africa.

The coming four months would be very crucial for The Gambia as we move closer to the June/July 2006 AU Summit in Banjul . The decision to host this important event in Banjul is indeed a great honour bestowed on The Gambia by the Leaders of Africa and it is my sincere and strong belief that the entire nation is fully behind it and united in the quest to make this historic event a resounding success. Successfully hosting the June/July 2006, AU Summit in Banjul will be a historic landmark in the annals of The Gambia's foreign policy and diplomacy and will go a long way in helping to further strengthen current and future endeavours in The Gambia's desire to consolidate and build on her strengths in bilateral as well as multilateral relations, partnerships and cooperation for the betterment of all Gambians.

Organizing the Summit will require enormous mobilization of resources human, financial and material and my Government will continue to cooperate with friendly countries and partners to secure the needed resources to ensure the success of this event.

Mr. Speaker

Turning to the outlook for the Gambia economy, this year is quiet encouraging. A GDP growth rate of 5 per cent was registered in 2005 and this trend is expected to continue through 2006. Inflation has significantly dropped to about 1 per cent as of end-December 2005 from 4 per cent this time last year. The Dalasi has strengthened against major international currencies and the gross official reserves of the Central Bank of The Gambia stand at about four months of import cover.

This performance attests to The Gambia's consistent strong commitment to sound and prudent macroeconomic management to ensure growth, whilst at the same time pursing strategic investments to bring about development and advancement of the welfare of its people. Despite great reduction in external funding from traditional donors, but with resolute determination and great sacrifice and with the help from other development partners, and friendly countries, The Gambia Government during the past 11 years accelerated investments in the sectors of education, health, agriculture, infrastructure, and on women and the youth. These developments have also enabled The Gambia to register commendable performance rates in many socio-economic development indicators such as gross enrolment ratio, infant mortality and morbidity, HIV/AIDS, etc.

All inclusive governance is of particular importance in my government's efforts in reducing poverty and enhancing economic growth. Sound Public Financial Management has become even more relevant for efficient and effective utilization of scarce national resources. Accountability of policy makers for actions under their responsibility is a paramount indicator of good governance. This commitment imposes discipline and thus improves the quality of decisions reached for the good of the country. Accountability and transparency go hand in hand in propagating openness and participatory decision-making amongst the citizenry.

 

TRADE

In international trade and development, my government continues to formulate and implement policy measures that facilitate the creation of an efficient and effective economic environment for private sector led development. In this regard, the future structure of the economy is prefigured by government's current policy thrust that allows market forces a reasonable degree of fair play in the presence of a persuasive structure of incentives for domestic and foreign investment, to facilitate trade as an instrument of development, and thus create gainful employment for the growing population of the working age to eradicate poverty.

Consequently, my government will embark on the following programmes in consultation with relevant institutions:

Mr. Speaker

Honourable Members

As part of a sub-regional grouping of ECOWAS, my Government has committed itself to the full implementation of the ECOWAS Common External Tariff (CET) to facilitate intra-regional trade. A national committee with membership drawn from key Departments of State, the private sector and civil society, has been constituted to advise Government on the implementation of this important scheme. As a first step in its implementation, the national committee has been engaged in a series of sensitization campaigns, which include the use of the print and electronic media, and visits to the growth centres in the country to sensitize the business community, customs officials, immigration and the police on CET and its impact on the national economy. Presently, a Cabinet Memorandum on the findings of the impact assessment study of CET on the national economy is being prepared in order to secure endorsement of the scheme. The full implementation of the ECOWAS CET will enhance the competitiveness of the region and increase its investment opportunities. The enlarged market thus created will enable investors to enjoy economies of scale in their operations as they will be dealing with a market of over 250 million people. The small size of the Gambian market will no longer be a constraining factor to investment promotion and possible industrialization.

As a show of commitment to the ideals and principles of ECOWAS, the Government of The Gambia, in December 2005, ratified five additional ECOWAS Protocols and Conventions including the Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance, which is supplementary to the Protocol relating to the Mechanism for Conflict Prevention, Management Resolution, Peacekeeping and Security. The ratification of the Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance is in line with government's efforts to reduce the increasing incidence of conflicts within the sub-region, promote the rule of law and decentralization at all levels of governance, thereby encouraging popular participation in decision-making.

Negotiations are currently on-going in various regions of ACP, which hopefully will culminate in the signing of the new Economic Partnership Agreements between the EU and ACP countries.

ECOWAS is now working with the European Commission for the second phase of negotiations as well as the draft schedule of these negotiations.

At the national level, two impact studies on the adoption of EPA have been conducted in The Gambia, as part of the preparatory process. To provide mechanisms for negotiations at national level, the Department of State for Trade, Industry and Employment has constituted a national committee comprising public, private sector and civil society organizations to advise Government on the implementation of EPAs as well as taking part in the negotiations. Since EPAs are being negotiated at the regional level, the committee will be representing Government on various sub-committees of the ECOWAS negotiating committee.

Mr. Speaker,

You may be aware that the Government of the United States of America has renewed The Gambia's eligibility in AGOA. To access benefits under AGOA, The Gambia needs to acquire the AGOA textile visa which will give The Gambia duty free status for textiles and apparels – as well as the category 9 Textile Certificate of Origin for hand woven fabrics and folkloric articles. A national committee was set up to facilitate the process, which has now been finalized and awaiting feedback from the American Government.

I am also very pleased to inform the August gathering that my government is eligible to the Millennium Challenge Account (MCA) which will benefit us in grants to finance our Infrastructure, Agriculture and Energy projects, to mention a few.

Furthermore, following the completion of the first phase of the National Export Development Strategy, Government is negotiating with the World Bank to move the process to its final conclusion by developing a National Export Strategy to promote export.

Mr. Speaker

In the area of employment and human resources development, Government has been trying to put in place appropriate institutional mechanisms for the implementation of the National Employment and Action Plan, with the objective of reducing unemployment, and poverty. Currently the International Labour Organization (ILO) is lending support to the implementation of the Action Plan as part of the PRSP.

On Labour Administration System in The Gambia, the Labour Bill 2006 is in the process of being presented to the National Assembly for enactment. It guards against unfair and unacceptable practices in the labour market.

Guaranteeing greater economic status and safeguarding the welfare, health and safety of the citizenry through the provision of high quality goods is a major preoccupation of Government. In this regard, the Consumer Protection Bill and Rules, and draft Standards and Quality Control Policy and Law have been submitted to the Attorney General's Chambers for vetting. In addition, legislation on Limits of Error for packaged commodities prepared by the Commonwealth Secretariat has already been legislated and published in the National gazette. These legislations will enforce the implementation of standard and quality control, control the level of pilferage and ensure that permissible errors indicated on the package commodities are strictly adhered to. The legal instruments will also enable consumers to seek redress in the courts of law in the wake of unfair trade transactions.

Mr. Speaker

Honourable Members

In the area of Investment, The Gambia Investment Promotion and Free Zone Agency (GIPFZA) has facilitated as at 31 st January 2006, the establishment of 34 companies in key sectors such as; tourism, housing, light manufacturing, processing, bulk breaking, packaging and financial services. These 34 companies have invested over $64 million and created almost 2000 direct and indirect jobs.

In order to address one of the key considerations by investors, Government, with the support of the World Bank has developed a business park at Banjul International Airport at a cost of $6 million. The park provides necessary infrastructure such as warehouse/factory facilities, access roads, electricity, utilities, etc.

 

AGRICULTURE

Mr. Speaker

In our relentless and collective efforts to combat and eradicate abject poverty, my Government stands firmly resolute to significantly reduce hunger and poverty particularly among rural dwellers, as one of the pillars enshrined in the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and the Gambia Incorporated “Vision 2020”. Concomitant with the realization and strict pursuance of these national and international objectives, my Government is highly committed to the revitalization of the agricultural sector which is still the prime mover of the Gambian economy with meaningful contribution of 29% to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

Groundnut is one of the most important cash and food crops of the country and its performance has been quite encouraging in 2004/2005. The total cultivated area recorded an increase of 8% as compared to last year while production increased from 92,037 metric tons to 135,698 metric tons representing 46% increase over last year.

Out of the total estimated production of groundnuts this year, the commercial crop is estimated to be 30,000 metric tons. To purchase this crop volume, the private sector pegged the producer price at D6,500 per metric ton. However, to ensure a fair and remunerative price to groundnut farmers, my Government contributes an additional sum of D1,000 per metric ton, thus augmenting the actual producer price to D7,500 per metric ton. Overall, more than 10,000 metric tons (representing 33%) of groundnuts have already been purchased by GAMCO and GGC. Arrangements for the complete financing of the remaining tonnage are far advanced and it is expected that by the end of the trade season all the nuts will be purchased.

The National Agricultural Research Institute (NARI) has made significant progress in its search for technologies aimed at alleviating some of the crop production constraints of Gambian farmers. To this end, NARI embarked on research to restore soil fertility through agro-forestry techniques, researched into developing suitable drought tolerant crop varieties and also promoted the production of the New Rice for Africa (NERICA). In a drive to reduce drudgery of women farmers and simultaneously add value to product, NARI has developed water lifting devices and food processing equipment such as pedal and chain pumps and a motorized cassava processor which processes cassava into gari and chips.

The proliferation of micro-finance institutions led to the cumulative domestic savings of D50 million by 67 cooperative credit unions registered across the country. Through their assistance, a significant number of farmers continued to access credit for agricultural production purposes. My Government will therefore continue to consolidate the efforts of the cooperative credit unions and further enhance farmers' access to the much needed credit resources.

Mr. Speaker

In the quest to revitalize the sector, my Government is fully committed to the continuous and meaningful investment in the agricultural sector through the formulation and operationalization of development projects and programmes to ensure food and income security, growth, commercialisation of the sector as well as poverty reduction. The major projects in the sector being co-financed by our development partners, the Peri-Urban Smallholder Improvement Project, the Rural Finance and Community Initiative Project, the Irrigated Rice Development Project, the Africa Emergency Locust Project, the Participatory Integrated Watershed Management Project, have in general performed favourably well.

 

TOURISM AND CULTURE

Tourism accounts for almost 16% of GDP. Besides agriculture, it is the largest foreign exchange earner. In 2004 foreign exchange earnings from Tourism related distribution trade activities totalled to $40 Million. The industry employs 10,000 people in the formal sector and about 20,000 in the informal sector.

The Industry continues to grow at a steady and consistent pace, registering a growth in tourist arrival of 22 percent from 2003/2004 to 2004/2005 tourist season. It is estimated that the 2005/2006 season will see a further growth of 40 percent. These figures represent only those visitors coming via chartered flights, excluding those that come in by scheduled flights, land and sea.

A number of strategies on destination marketing and promotion, product development and diversification have been developed to help the Gambia become a tourist paradise, as envisaged in our Vision 2020. These strategies which have been articulated in the Tourism Development Master plan and The Gambia's Medium Term Plan will guide the development of tourism and improvement of standards.

In order to maintain standards, my Government will continue to create the enabling environment for investors to upgrade their facilities, to international level. In this regard, we also have plans to upgrade the Gambia Hotel School to diploma level, to enable it to take care of the manpower needs, at all levels of the tourism industry. This we hope will greatly improve the level of service provided in the industry. In this regard, a Memorandum of Understanding has been signed between the Department of State for Tourism and Culture and the Vakschool of Wageneg, a tourism institute in The Netherlands.

This year, the eighth edition of the International Roots Festival will be organised and relentless efforts are being made through a National Coordination Committee to ensure the realisation of full success to this important event. Our joint efforts to attract to the Gambia our brothers and sisters in the Diaspora, and to overcome the seasonal nature of our tourism industry, as well as promote cultural tourism cannot be overemphasised.

The National Council for Arts and Culture continues to work hard to promote the creative and performing arts. In this vein, three cultural festivals have been successfully organized in the various divisions, with the support of UNESCO through the NATCOM. These festivals will be re-edited in the coming years.

Efforts are also being made to set up a copyright Bureau in the Gambia , to implement the protection of the rights and works of Gambian artists and enable them to reap the benefits of their hard work. Once the Bureau is set up and operational, it will be possible to set up a collecting society to enable all artists to secure their royalties.

In line with recommendations of the African Union, a calendar of cultural events for the Gambia has been prepared and submitted, to enable the harmonization of events and programs for all A.U countries and avoid the clashing of programs and enable member countries to attend and participate in each other's cultural programs.

My Government through the Department of State for Tourism and Culture and its satellite departments is poised to offer the Gambia its first National theatre and cultural complex. The task force to that effect has been relentlessly working to make this dream come true. The land has already been secured and the funds are already secured for work to start soon.

 

FISHERIES AND WATER RESOURCES

Mr. Speaker

Honourable Members

Considering the enormous potential of the fisheries sector to contribute to our socio-economic development, my Government, during the past decade, spared no effort in ensuring that the sector's resources are utilised to create employment opportunities, increase Gambian participation in fisheries and provide income and standards of living for the population.

During the past years my Government made a number of achievements in the fisheries sector. These achievements include:

•  Provision of infra-structural facilities, equipment and means of facilitating fish distribution and marketing throughout the country.

•  Securing a US$14 million Gambia Artisanal Fisheries Development Project, funded by the Gambia Government, the African Development Bank (ADB) and the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA) to provide a long-needed facility, a Fisheries Port, that would enable industrial fishing vessels to land some of their catches in the country, supply the domestic market and thereby contribute to achieving our national goal of food security.

 

WATER RESOURCES

Mr. Speaker

The Department of Water Resources continues to adopt a demand led approach in which implementation of water supplies responds to the need and wishes of the recipient communities. In this regard, a contractual agreement with Atkins International Consulting Company in UK for the development of National Water Resources Policy is being finalized which will be used to guide the effective and efficient management of the nation's water resources base. The Rural Water Supply Project funded by the Japanese government for 276 Million Yen, has so far completed 4 pipe water facilities, 1 elevated water tank and installation of solar panels, and 2 elevated water tanks. This will support the rural communities of The Gambia in their struggle to improve their living conditions.

Mr. Speaker

During the course of 2006, the Department of State for Fisheries and Water Resources will submit before the National Assembly a new National Water and Fisheries Bill.

 

FORESTRY AND ENVIRONMENT

Mr. Speaker

Honourable Members

The current National Forest Policy and programmes are oriented to contribute to the holistic framework provided by the PRSP to eradicate poverty through multi-sectoral interventions which will enable people to improve their livelihood in a sustainable manner. The Forestry Department's participatory forestry programmes strategy is designed to reflect a human centred, broad based approach to enhance the productive capacity of our forest as well as to offer social protection to the rural poor and the vulnerable, especially women.

In our national drive to increase the vegetation cover of the country, provide diverse forest products and sustain the contribution of our forests to the socio – economic and environmental agenda of the country, the Forestry Department has launched the one- million- tree planting annual exercise in 2005, officiated by the secretary of State for Forestry and the Environment. This noble initiative, in addition to the annual bushfire campaign, will continue to form the core of our national annual events.

In the area of environmental health and sanitation, people are responding positively to my clarion call, as shown through the monthly ‘Operation Clean the Nation' and by participating and receiving Awards in the biannual Environmental Sanitation Awards. I urge the public to maintain the momentum for a good and healthy environment.

Beyond our borders, The Gambia, recognized for successfully implementing sustainable environmental activities, was selected as a pilot country to lead the implementation of the Bali Strategic Plan which is an important link in our environment and development efforts. Under my leadership, The Gambia launched the pilot project for the Bali Plan in the 2005 UN General Assembly in New York and provided directions for the implementation in Africa, and hosted the Sudan Mini summit of the six African pilot countries, where the Bali Strategic Plan on Technology Support for Capacity Building was endorsed by the Heads of State of the six Countries.

 

PARKS AND WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT

Mr. Speaker

Honourable Members

My Government has put in place the legal framework for

sustainable management of natural resources on Parks and Wildlife. The National Mission Statement of The Gambia Vision 2020 as well as the coastal and marine objectives of the Gambia Environmental Action Plan (GEAP), national Bio- diversity / Wildlife Act are key components of the national policy on bio- diversity conservation. In this regard, we have ratified major international conventions and agreements.

Within the framework of the Convention on Biological Diversity, my Government is collaborating with the World Bank (WB), the Global Environment Facility (GEF), and the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) to implement The Gambia Integrated Coastal and Marine Bio – diversity management Project, known as ICAM. ICAM intends to build capacity on bio- diversity monitoring and management, strengthen the national conservation system and implement a participatory conservation management around protected areas. More than 150 government members of staff and community members will be trained on bio- diversity monitoring and management. A national bio- diversity monitoring and information system will be established during the ICAM project implementation phase .

A project estimated at USD1.3 million is being implemented from April, 2005 to December, 2007 in three different pilot sites:

•  Bao Bolong Wetland Reserve (NBD)

•  Tanbi Wetland Complex (KSMD and Banjul )

•  Bolong Fenyo – a community protected area in Gunjur (Kombo South)

 

EDUCATION

Mr. Speaker

The Education sector is progressing towards the implementation of its objectives. Having received approval to operationalise the 2004-2015 National Education Policy, the development of a Strategic Plan, is in progress with support from the DFID-financed BESPOR Project. The plan will be a ten-year framework phased into two five-year segments, and once details of the current three-year segment are finalised, funds will be mobilised for its implementation.

The major goal in this direction is the provision of relevant and high quality universal education for all in harmony with the ideals of Vision 2020, the PRSP, the Education for All Goals and the Millennium Development Goals.

Already, the performance of the education sector against the first phase of the Third Education Sector Programme (Education III) has been evaluated and the implementation report generated by the World Bank is appreciably positive. The preparatory stage, running from January to July 2006, is underway for the commencement of the second phase of Education III. In the interim, use of the Japanese Grant (PHRD) has been extended to end in August 2006 to conduct feasibility studies to determine resource allocation as regards strengthening the gains of the first phase of Education III and identification of other areas of focus.

Aside from policy and programme design and implementation, it is obvious that there is an urgent need to improve on the quality of education in the country, and efforts are already being made in this regard. Quality Assurance will continue to be vigorously addressed through various angles during the current policy period to ensure that education is relevant and responsive to the needs of Gambians. It is worth mentioning, though, that The Gambia has always endeavoured to provide quality basic education to all children of school-going age albeit some economic challenges. Despite these difficulties, the country's achievement of a gross enrolment ratio (GER) of 91% in 2005 matched by the attainment of gender parity at the lower basic level is significant enough to rank her considerably above Sub-Saharan Africa.

In order to build on such achievements, efforts will be sustained to reach the Education For All (EFA) targets and the education-related MDGs from the pre-school stage through to grade 9 to enable every child have a minimum school career of nine uninterrupted years. An enrolment rate of 100 percent, still remains Government's target for children aged 7 to 15 years.

In view of the encouraging performance of the country in terms of rates of participation and completion towards universalising primary education, my Government has secured and successfully appropriated a grant of USD 4 million of catalytic funding in 2005 under the Education for All/Fast Track Initiative. This fund was utilised, among others, to help strengthen teaching and learning in schools through the provision of sufficient educational materials and the establishment of a comprehensive structure of cluster and school-based monitoring of teaching and learning, to name but a few.

In view of the visible impact of the Fast Track Initiative intervention in 2005, allocations for 2006 and 2007 of USD 4 million each were endorsed for The Gambia. Hence, the Department of State for Education will continue to utilise these grants in the following areas for the ultimate scaling up of implementation of policy pronouncements as they relate to universal basic education, in classroom construction and rehabilitation, Gender mainstreaming, improving quality of teaching and learning and Institutional strengthening.

 

HEALTH

Mr. Speaker

Honourable Members

Access to Quality Health Care commands high priority in my Government's agenda for social advancement and overall human Development. Our Health System is widely recognised as one of the best in the sub-region.

Since July 22 nd 1994, massive capital investments have been made in the field of Health. Seventeen new Health Facilities have been constructed and four of these are Hospitals. Alongside these Long-term Investments, we are experiencing marked improvements in our health indicators. Malaria-related deaths have declined by 35%.

The Gambia 's Childhood Immunization Programme is the best in the Sub-region. 85% of all Gambian Children are fully immunized against major childhood killer Diseases. In addition, the UNICEF initiated Accelerated Child Survival Programme has had marked reductions on infant mortality.

In terms of capacity building, a significant number of Gambians have had exposure to local and Overseas Training. The School of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences, University of The Gambia , will soon produce the first batch of Gambian-Trained Doctors.

The Bi-lateral technical cooperation with friendly sister countries like Cuba , Nigeria and Egypt , is commendable and has enhanced Service Delivery at all levels.

Mr. Speaker

Complementing relentless Preventive Interventions, is a sustained campaign to improve curative care. Two new C.T. Scanning Machines and a Kidney Dialysis Machine (Haemodialysis) have

already been procured and will soon be installed at the RVTH and the newly constructed Serrekunda Hospital will be in operation soon.

In terms of Legislation, two important Bills have already been advanced by the Health Sector. You may recall that following the introduction of University Education in The Gambia and subsequently the establishment of the Faculty of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences, it is a Legal requirement to transform Royal Victoria Hospital into a Teaching Hospital, for the full accreditation of our Medical Graduates. Accordingly, the RVTH Bill will be tabled before the National Assembly shortly.

Another Significant Legislation within the Health Sector is the W.H.O Framework Convention on Tobacco Control. The ratification process of that Convention is at an advanced stage. You may recall that this August Assembly has already ratified a Bill prohibiting smoking in public places.

 

WOMEN, POPULATION AND DEVELOPMENT

Mr. Speaker

Addressing population and development issues continue to occupy centre stage in The Gambia's development efforts. We continue to recognize the inextricable linkage between population dynamics and poverty alleviation. It is against this background that my Government continues to invest human, material and financial resources in addressing population and development issues, in particular, maternal infant and child mortality and morbidity, gender and women empowerment and youth issues.

Over the next five years within the framework of the MTP and National Policy for the Advancement of Gambian Women strategies to be adopted will include:

•  Effective mainstreaming of gender into overall macroeconomic policies, budgetary policies and social policies of government as well as institutionalisation of gender budgeting in key Departments of State i.e Agriculture, Education and Health.

•  Produce and use of quality sex disaggregated data.

•  Improve production and productivity of women products.

•  Effective women's rights protection and the removal of persistent socio-cultural and traditional barriers.

•  Reduction of maternal mortality and improve women's health.

•  Quality education for girls and women.

Overall goal: Gender equality and women empowerment.

 

NUTRITION

Mr. Speaker

Honourable Members

In 2005, the National Nutrition Agency (NaNA) through an act of Parliament, gained legal status with the mandate to coordinate all Nutrition and related activities in the country. The World Bank funded Participatory Health, Population and Nutrition Project (PHPNP) also supported the construction of new Headquarters for the Agency. Therefore, I am gratified to note that the United Nations Millennium Project 2005 Taskforce on Hunger Report has identified The Gambia as one of only 6 countries in Sub-Saharan Africa that have made enough progress over the past decade to meet the hunger goal on the basis of current malnutrition trends.

Our Baby Friendly Community Initiative (BFCI) which is now implemented in 263 communities nationwide is also acknowledged in the UN Report and even recommended as one of the actions to promote mother and infant nutrition.

Exclusive breastfeeding rates for 6 months have increased from 26% in 2000 to 46% in 2005 with Baby Friendly communities registering beyond 60%.

In the area of Micro-nutrient Deficiency Control, it was registered in a 2005 report that 95% of children under five years of age were supplemented with Vitamin A. Routine supplementation through the RCH clinics has also reached 75% coverage.

Iodised salt is now being produced in the country by both the private sector and communities. The World Food Programme

has for the past two years purchased iodised salt locally for the School Feeding Programme. This is not only creating a market for the iodised salt but also ensuring that approximately 120,000 schoolchildren have access to the salt thus preventing the negative consequences of iodine deficiency on mental development among others.

NaNA in collaboration with UNICEF will work with more communities for the production of iodised salt to ensure that universal salt iodisation is achieved in the Gambia .

Food safety is a priority for my government and I am pleased to note that we now have comprehensive modern food law, which is the Food Act 2005. As part of the Act, regulations on the importation, sale, distribution and use of iodised salt will be enforced shortly. Regulations on breastfeeding promotions which prohibit the advertisement of breast milk substitutes, as contained in the International Code of Marketing of Breast milk Substitutes will also be enforced.

 

YOUTH AND SPORTS

Mr. Speaker

The Department of State for Youth, Sports and Religious Affairs continues to promote youth and sports development and a number of remarkable achievements have been made in this area.

The Act, Policy and the Programme of Action of the National Youth Council have earned the Gambian youth the opportunity to excel above other youth organisations on the African Continent. The Gambia has achieved outstanding performance in the field of youth development and the first African country to win the World Assembly of Youth Award in a forum held in Namibia in 2005. The Gambia is also representing West Africa in the African Regional Committee of Adolescent and Youth on Population and Development through the National Youth Council.

The second half of 2005 registered an impressive performance by our incredible Under- 17 Baby Scorpions who have made every Gambian proud by winning the African Under-17 Championship that was held in Banjul , and skilfully displaying their talent at the 2005 World Cup in Peru , to the admiration of all. I would like to seize the opportunity to congratulate all those who were involved in raising our flag high in the international sports arena.

As part of it's drive to empower the youth, the Department of State through the National Youth Council will organise the seventh National Youth Conference and Festival to be held in Western Division in June 2006. This forum amongst other things will provide youth the opportunity to develop their leadership potentials and skills.

To further enhance youth participation in National Development, the Department of Youth and Sports, with support from our development partners namely UNFPA, completed the renovation of the Pakalinding and Farafenni Youth Centres. A newly constructed HIV/AIDS and Food Security Resource Centre at Tanji and the renovation of the Bansang Youth Centre were done through the support from NAS. Plans are also on the way to rehabilitate the Youth Centres in Basse, Kaur and Lamin, with supports from donors and government respectively.

The National Youth Service Scheme (NYSS) continues to train and equip unemployed youth with skills. With a view to diversifying its service, the NYSS has included Maritime and Fishing in its training programme. It is hoped that this programme will attract a lot of young people and help indigenize our fishing industry.

The President's International Award (PIA) Scheme mandated to challenge young people through a balance progressive programme of extra curricula activities, has since its inception contributed to the development of both young people and communities in the country. Over the period, the PIA has committed itself in ensuring that the young person grows to become productive, disciplined and responsible of his or her own destinations and equally be aware of his or her community. The Award also train students in Home Management, Accounts and some of the successful students access funds from the Business Trust Fund to set up their own enterprises in their respective communities.

In our endeavour to promote sports and also recognising the important role sports could play within our socio-economic development agenda, my Government, with support from partners, will continue the decentralisation of sports and the improvement of sports infrastructure in all the division and municipalities.

 

PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT OFFICE

As the lead institution in charge of human resource management and development, the Personnel Management Office (PMO) recognizes the need to adhere to strict Civil Service reforms. The reforms are essential to the achievement of our development objectives. This underscores the critical need for management reforms, capacity building and attitudinal change, with the view to effectively positioning the public sector in the centre stage of nation building.

The impact of high attrition on our public service cannot be over-emphasized. This is very costly not only in terms of high cost of training, but more so in the resultant skill gaps it creates in our key sectors. The alarm over the high attrition rate is therefore a major preoccupation of my Government. Our short and medium term goals and policies, especially in the years to come, will emphasize strategies for retention, i.e. salary incentives, allowances; and a Revised Pension Scheme.

In pursuit of the foregoing, I am pleased to inform this Assembly that a report on a study of attrition rate in the Civil Service is underway. This study is sponsored by the Capacity Building Economic Management project (CBEMP), a World Bank funded project. It is hoped that once the recommendations are implemented there will be new measures in place for a revision of Civil Service incentive package which will make it possible to continue our public sector management reform with better results.

Also, with assistance from the CBEMP a Computerized Personnel Management Information System (CPMIS) has been fully upgraded and it is ready to interface with the Integrated Financial Management System (IFMIS) and other related Government IT initiatives.

 

ADMINISTRATION OF JUSTICE AND ATTORNEY GENERAL'S CHAMBERS

Mr. Speaker,

During this 2006 Legislative Session, the Department of State for Justice, in its zeal to create investor confidence, will be setting up the Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Secretariat.

You will recall that the Alternative Dispute Resolution Act 2005 was passed by this august body in June 2005. The promulgation of this Act and the commencement of the work of the Secretariat in January 2006 will add another significant feature in our quest to encourage economic growth and development, engender investments, jobs and provide the legal environment conducive to economic activities. The Secretariat together with the International provisions in the ADR Act will make The Gambia one of the hub centres for international arbitration. The Secretariat will be headed by a Director with a core staff of four.

Mr. Speaker, in consonance with my Governments Vision 2020 to create an investment friendly Gambia , the Department of State for Justice will be seeking the enactment by this August Assembly, a new Companies Bill. This Bill contains several innovations designed to reflect current business practices and corporate responsibility.

In 2005 the judiciary embarked on extensive and effective activities to meet international best practice. The High Court is Decentralized, Case Management is established and Training Courses and Seminars are organized.

The Judiciary had also engaged in projects to set an unparalleled modern Court system, in for instance, Web Site Development, Court mechanisation, and I.T Case Management System, which are already in place.

The self accounting system of the Judiciary has now been approved, to develop and improve measures and financial discipline is to be undertaken this year.

Mr. Speaker, I pledge my Government's support to maintain the momentum of progress delivered so far and pursue vigorously the training of Gambian Judicial Officers.

 

COMMUNICATION INFORMATION AND TECHNOLOGY

Mr. Speaker

Honourable Members 

My Government continues to work on the development of the Communications, Information and Technology infrastructure in the Gambia .

During the first quarter of the 2006 legislative year the Telecommunications Bill 2006 and the National Information and Communication Infrastructure (NICI)) Policy, which are geared towards improving service quality, will be laid before the National Assembly. 

During the year GAMTEL plans to implement a number of projects aim to expand and also to modernize its network. Such projects include the Airspan project, which costs about D72.5 million. When completed, it would provide telephone services to about 800 villages, thus making The Gambia the first developing country to provide telephone services to every village. As of now, 105 villages have been connected and the installation of masts has been completed and ready for connection to the switches in 152 villages.

The Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) Pilot Project known as Jamano has been successful and plans are underway to provide 390,000 lines in phases at a cost of D700 million. The flexibility of the networks to be obtained from this project contributes to the goals of bringing the Internet to every home and village in The Gambia. Its wireless nature would allow for the setting up of community-based learning and producer market information centres among others, in rural areas to help in the fight against poverty.

GAMTEL also plans to develop The Gambia Telecommunications and Multimedia Institute (GTMI) into a centre of Excellence. GTMI is already approved as a Regional Academy with responsibility for Sierra Leone and The Gambia and it is expected that within a few years it could be affiliated to the University of The Gambia , offering I.C.T related courses.

The projects under GAMCEL include the installation of eighteen (18) additional cell sites (Radio antennas), which will expand coverage and increase capacity. Ten of these have been identified for the Greater Banjul area and the remaining eight (8) for the rural areas.

In the quest to achieve Global Network, GAMCEL has also recently signed an International roaming agreement, which will allow its customers to use the facility with 400 operators in 177 countries. 

In December 2005, the National Assembly passed the Gambia Postal Services Act, thus transforming the Post Office into a semi-autonomous state owned Public Enterprise. The Universal Postal Union, in consultation with Government, recently formulated an Integrated Postal Development Plan (IPDP). The IPDP is a road map for postal development during the period 2006 to 2008 and aims at achieving the objectives of the Bucharest World Postal Strategy. These objectives include the establishment of a comprehensive national postal sector policy, an independent regulatory authority; developing an accessible, affordable and high quality universal postal service, and bridge the digital divide through the use of appropriate ICTs, among other things.

 

DEFENCE AND INTERIOR 

Mr. Speaker

Honourable Members 

In the past, training opportunities in the Gambia Armed Forces, especially those that were being conducted overseas, were extended to a few but, today, training is designed to cater for all ranks. This creates an environment which encourages Officers both men and women to share knowledge and experiences, especially from peacekeeping missions and overseas training.

There is, therefore, a large base in the Gambia Armed Forces which service Chiefs fully exploit and utilize in planning very practical, enjoyable and realistic training programmes.

Today, the standards of professionalism in the Gambia Armed Forces are very high and this is clearly manifested by their performance when troops serve side by side with forces from other countries on peacekeeping missions.

Undoubtedly, this is due mainly to the technical assistance being received from the Turkish Government in the maintenance of our dynamic Military Training School, combined with other training assistance from Pakistan, the Unites States of America, Nigeria and Ghana, to name a few.

For this year, the Armed Forces training programme will focus on two main areas:- Internal Security and Public Order, and Civil Military Relationship.

The combination of these two programmes will enhance the practical skills of our men and women in uniform to handle the security challenges that lie ahead, especially as we look forward to hosting the AU Summit in July, this year.

Already in January of this year, under the auspices of the British Government, a joint training exercise was conducted between the Royal Gibraltar Regiment and the Gambia Armed Forces.

The aim of the exercise was to conduct a challenging and realistic “training of trainer” programme consisting of 6 separate instructional cadres covering a wide range of skills.

Within the context of our sub-regional activities, the Gambia Armed Forces have been engaged in Peacekeeping Operations since August 1990 when a company of Peacekeepers was deployed in Liberia . The performance of the company was outstanding and to date the Gambia Armed Forces have continued to perform the noble task of providing officers and men to help build a foundation for lasting peace and stability when ever they are needed to do so.

Presently the Gambia Armed Forces have a company of 196 all ranks and 20 Military Observers in Darfur under the African Union and a total of 16 Military Observers working under the UN in Liberia, Ivory Coast, Burundi, Ethiopia and Eritrea, respectively.

Today 80% of all Officers have served at least one tour of duty as a Military Observers while 20% of the troops have also served as peacekeepers either with the UN, AU or ECOMOG.

 

INTERIOR 

Mr. Speaker 

Since the establishment of the National Drug Control Council, now being redesignated as the National Drug Enforcement Agency (NDEA) major achievements have been made in the areas of arrest, seizure and confiscation compared to previous years.

The establishment of the National Drug Enforcement Agency as an agency of its own, and its performance to date has given Government much accolade internationally, thus resulting in the country's election to membership of the UN Commission on Narcotics Drugs, the Highest UN Body in charge of the control of Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances globally.

Besides the above, the Gambia is the third country in West Africa to come up with a separate entity as the lead Agency responsible for all matters relating to coordination, supervision and Drug Law Enforcement Operations at National and International levels respectively.

The Restorative Justice Program is aimed at complimenting the current efforts in our justice system to reduce the back log of cases in the judiciary. Restorative justice is similar to the Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR). However, our program will focus mainly with youth offenders who are involved in minor criminal offences.

In early this year, the Gambia Police Force in collaboration with a local NGO called the Youth Crime Watch the Gambia, embarked on the first ever Police Student Forum. The forum which was held at the police headquarters in Banjul brought together police officers and students from Senior Secondary Schools in Banjul to a forum where they discussed common problem. Follow-up workshops were also conducted at three senior secondary schools; namely St. Joseph , St. Augustine and Gambia High Schools . Two trainers from the Nova Scotia Restorative Justice Societies in Canada are currently in the Gambia to work with the Gambia Police Force Restorative Justice program facilitators, and training have since commenced. At the end of the training session, the police facilitators should be in a position to facilitate restorative justice sessions using the Nova Scotia model. The Police Force is also working closely with the Department of State for Justice and the Judiciary to formalize this program and hopefully work towards obtaining a piece of legislation formally recognizing restroactive justice as an alternative to the mainstream justice system.

 

LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND LANDS

Mr. Speaker

Honourable Members

Remarkable progress has been made in the implementation of the Local government Reforms and Decentralization. The achievements registered thus far in this area include, among other things, the Amendments of the Local Government Act 2002 and the Amendments of the Finance and Audit Act.

The EC support to local government reforms and decentralization under the 9 th EDF National Initiative Programme (NIP) is currently being finalized following its launching in July 4 th 2005. The signing of the Agreement and implementation of the project is expected later this year.

The Community Skills Improvement Project (CSIP) through a Delegated Management Contract with GAMWORKS Agency, is constructing 21 Multipurpose Centers countrywide. These are meant to provide a working environment conducive for women and school dropouts. Concerning functional literacy training, a total of 192 classes have been established with an average enrolment of 35 learners per centre and women representing 90%. 430 facilitators' guides and 270 class books in Wolof, Mandinka, Fular and Sarahule were printed and distributed in URD and CRD.

As a result of the rapid urbanization experienced in the county due to rapid population growth and integration, the demand for land and housing and other related services are increasing rapidly.

The Department of Physical Planning and Housing is revitalizing its strategy to deal with these consequences of urbanization. In this move the department is embarking on land banking in Western Division and the provincial growth centers (Basse, Farafenni, and Soma) to reserve more land for planning purposes. In the same vein, more layouts will be created for residential, institutional and industrial purpose to meet the demand for development. Similarly, as the Kanifing industrial area is almost devolved/ exhausted, a new industrial site is to be identified in the kombo North area for the growing demand for industrial developments.

The Department of State for Local Government and Lands has recently identified and allocated, three new Layouts to the Social Security and Housing Finance Corporation (SSHFC) for housing development at Tujereng, Brikama and Jabang. In a bid to decentralize the Corporation's housing projects, 87.76.hecters of land has been identified at Farafenni in close collaboration with the Commissioner's Office and the District Authority. Similar land banking for Social Security and Housing Finance Corporation is planned for Essau, Basse and other growth centers.

Concerning the operations of NGOs in the country a new NGO Bill will be submitted to the National Assembly for enactment. The drafting of the Bill is now at an advanced stage and its purpose is to ensure that the NGO Affairs Agency, which is the sole apex body that regulates NGO activities in the country, is able to respond to the present socio-economic realities of country and to ensure that all NGOs conform to the Agency's principles and guidelines that are geared towards poverty reduction.

 

WORKS, CONSTRUCTION AND INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT

Mr. Speaker

Honourable Members

Following the enactment of the legislation setting up the Gambia Roads and Technical Services Authority, the mechanisms for making the Authority fully functional have now been set in place. A Board of Directors has been appointed and funds have been made available for filling the key positions in the institution. It is, however, proposed to lay before this august Assembly an amendment to the Act that would limit the Authority's mandate and enable it to focus on its principal activity, namely developing and managing the country's road network.

Regarding ongoing road projects, significant improvements were registered in spite of numerous constraints:

• The much awaited Farafenni – Laminkoto and Serre- Kunda - Mandinaba road projects are now nearing completion.

Works on the Kerewan – Farafenni road is now in full gear and should be completed by the middle of this year.

• Works on the The Mandinaba – Soma road have now commenced.

•  The tenders for the reconstruction of the Barra – Amdalaye, Mandinaba – Selety, Soma – Basse, Transgambia and Basse – Sabi roads have recently been launched and works are expected to start before the end of this year.

On the issue of linking communities to the primary road network, the construction of 54 kilometres of bituminized feeder roads is already underway in the Western Division and should be completed before the end of the year. Plans are also underway to construct 200 kilometres of connector roads in the Greater Banjul Area.

In the area of Maritime services, the ferries play a significant role in facilitating regional trade and movement of vehicular and passenger traffic. The Gambia Port Authority is committed to providing a safe, reliable and efficient ferry services in order to maintain customer satisfaction. Therefore, the Authority deemed it necessary to upgrade the standard of the infrastructure and services of the Ferries.

In this regard, in February 2002, the GPA on behalf of the Government entered into a contract with Kiev Shipbuilding and Repair Yard of Ukraine (KSSRY) for the construction and delivery of 3 new passenger Ferries to the tune of USD 6.65 million. Due to delay in the construction works, the ferries were transferred to Damen Shipyard in Romania for completion. Construction works on the first ferry-Kanilai, have since been completed and delivered to the Authority. This ferry was commissioned on 25 th of July 2005 and is fully operational between Banjul and Barra. As regards the other two ferries, namely Soma and Farafenni, Construction works are at an advance stage and they expected to be delivered in 2006, and will be deployed to Transgambia.

Adequate and reliable ferry services go a long way in easing the persistent congestion of vehicular and passenger traffic in our busy terminals.

In addition to these developments to our ferry services, a major rehabilitation works to upgrade the Bambatenda and Yellitenda ferry terminals will commence very soon. A consultancy agreement has already been signed with GAMECS for the design and construction supervision for the rehabilitation works. The works include Marine Works, construction of a new passenger waiting shed, staff administrative buildings to provide office space for revenue collectors, controllers and security personnel, a new modern mechanical workshop and generator room, elevation of the terminal and lightning of the compound amongst others.

On the 11 th February 2005, a Memorandum of Understanding for a Joint Venture was signed between the Gambia Ports Authority and BF Marine and Construction (Gambia) Limited for the privatisation of the Banjul Shipyard. The share holding agreement was finally signed on the 3 rd of September 2005. Subject to the terms and condition of the share holding MOU and agreement, my Government and BF Marine and Construction ( Gambia ) Ltd has agreed on the equity of 20:80 bases. The GPA now owns 20 percent while BF Marine and Company 80 percent. As a strategic partner, BF Marine and Construction ( Gambia ) Ltd. will upgrade the Shipyard into an international standard, which shall be capable of servicing local and foreign clients. The partnership will introduce new management and marketing techniques, increase the shipyards capabilities to undertake sophisticated jobs, train the local expertise and increase employment opportunities. The company also aspires to transform Banjul Shipyard into a diversified shipbuilding, ship repair and engineering company.

 

ENERGY

The Gambia National Petroleum Company (GNPC) is working very hard to attract international investors to come and invest in The Gambia's upstream hydrocarbon resources.

Exploration for oil and gas is a high risk investment. The major players are the international companies which are willing to invest in projects based on their hydrocarbon potential, geological risk, fiscal and legal terms as well as political stability in the country involved.

Negotiations are still on- going especially for the Alhamdulilah Block (A1) and Block (A4). On these two blocks, GNPC has succeeded in signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with a Canadian International Company called Buried Hill Energy (BHE), the very company that did the interpretation of our 3-D Seismic Data on A1.

My Government has been cautiously negotiating with Buried Hill Energy (BHE) for a fair deal in these projects and Gambians should be rest assured that any licenses entered into, will serve the interests of both parties.

Mr. Speaker,

The Electricity Sub-sector is making progress especially with the Rural Electrification Project. Subsequent to my Government's intervention, the following six power station projects have been completed and provisionally taken over by NAWEC and are ready for commissioning, although minor works need to be finished: Barra-Essau, Kerewan, Farafenni, Kaur, Bansang and Basse.

My Government have also been able to convince private sector participation in the sub-sector with the signing of a Power Purchase Agreement with Global Trading Group for the implementation of Independent Power Projects (IPPs). This agreement paved the way for the building of a 25MW Power Plant at Brikama.

NAWEC is currently negotiating with other companies in this venture and hopefully, with private sector participation, electricity supply in The Gambia will increase considerably.

Mr. Speaker

In conclusion, I consider this year very important for The Gambia and one which will determine our success or otherwise in many areas of challenge. The National Assembly has a central role to play, to represent people's voice in the legislature so as to bring forward their hopes and concerns for attention. We ask for the Blessings of Almighty Allah to guide us through this trying moment and to show us the way forward. We can never afford division amongst ourselves. I call on the whole nation to come together in the true spirit of unity, and to join hands in our efforts to bring progress and prosperity to all.

Mr. Speaker

Honourable Members

It now gives me the greatest pleasure to declare this Session of the National Assembly officially open and to pray that Almighty Allah Guide and bless your deliberations.