Editorial,

Development is no doubt the leading objective of governments everywhere. State bureaucracies are oriented to its achievement; multi-lateral organisations are set up to deliver it; and non-governmental organisations spend huge amounts of money trying to ensure its realization. However, they all tell a common story; development cannot be achieved without a healthy population.

It is no wonder that nations that are committed to ensuring that their citizens enjoy the best facilities pay great attention to the health of their people. The human society has advanced to the stage where science and technology dominates. The modern man is surviving not only by natural will but also because of the capability of science to control and manage human life.

In The Gambia, even though we are not that scientifically advanced, we are fortunate to have schools where our citizens are trained to become nurses and doctors. The state is working hard to make sure that the schools of Nursing and Medicine become first class science institutes.

Reports that the schools will soon be put under the supervision of the Office of the President hint at good things to come. Considering the high value President Jammeh attaches to science, we are optimistic that these schools are on the road to more prosperity.

The survival of our country depends on a healthy populace and it is the products of these schools that devise our development. This is what the president knows. The students should also realise that they owe the state a debt. As the saying goes, "to whom much is given, much is expected". The fact that the students have the enabling environment to study shows how much importance the society has attached to the school.