As proceedings on the adjournment debate for the 2010 budget ended last Tuesday, December 29th in the National Assembly Chambers, members from both sides of the house have expressed deep sense of gratitude and appreciation to the government of The Gambia under the dynamic and visionary leadership of His Excellency, Sheikh Professor Alhaji Dr Yahya Jammeh for the effective and efficient management of the country’s development policies and programmes from 1994 to date.

Deputies drew an extensive reference to series of success stories registered by the government with specific reference to the economic sector, which has seen a steady growth despite the global economic meltdown .

Hon Fabakary Tombong Jatta, the the Majority leader and NAM for Serekunda East, moving the motion on the adjournment debate, extended special thanks to President Jammeh for steering the affairs of the country with commitment and dedication. He extended similar words of commendation to the speaker of the National Assembly and minister of Finance and Economic Affairs for a job well done. “I want to remind all Gambians that we have no other country than the Gambia regardless of our political affiliation.

It is our collective responsibility to preserve the peace and stability of the country at all cost. This parliament has improved tremendously over the past few years. Parliamentarians   scrutinize bills and reports with objectivity. This parliament was at one time called a rubber stamp but such is no longer the case. The debates are conducted with objectivity by both sides of the house,” he remarked.

Commenting on the debate on fertilizer supply in the country for the period 2008/2009  farming season, the Majority leader expressed  dissatisfaction with the answer given demanding a straight forward answer to that end. He commended members of the press over the series of publication of the assembly proceedings but was quick to point out an inconsistent report in some of the media houses about increase on the cost of ID Cards. “I want to make it clear that the Gambian ID Cards are the cheapest throughout the sub-region and beyond. We must appreciate and recognise the situation we are in as the world is changing and the Gambia is not an exception. This government will do all it can to protect the welfare of all Gambians,” he explained to the deputies.

Hon Sulayman Joof, NAM for Serekunda West, thanked the Gambian leader for managing the affairs of the state with commitment and perseverance whilst describing the 2010 budget as wonderful and urged the Finance and Economic Affairs minister to keep up the good work. He however called on the government through NAWEC to expedite the Kotu water supply project.

Commenting on the double shifts in schools, Hon Joof explained among others that it should continue but with different set of teachers for both morning and afternoon shifts. Adama Cham, NAM for Kombo North, spoke about the need to safeguard issuing of our national identity documents at all times contrary of which could have serious impact on the country, citing  Ivorian scenario as an example. According to him, all Gambians, especially Alkalos, distric heads and the Gambia Immigration Department must work in unison to ensure that Gambian documents do not go into the hands of foreigners. “We must all be police officers to that effect. We are living testimony to what happens in other countries such as Ivory Coast, the identity clash and its impact on the country. We must not allow such to happen here in The Gambia,” he said.

Babanding Daffeh, NAM Kiang Central equally expressed sincere gratitude and appreciation to the Gambian leader and the Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs for the effective and efficient management of the country’s economy despite the global economic meltdown, characterised by high price of goods and services. The Kiang Central NAM made his position known about the development of the agriculture sector in the country. According to him, he has nothing against the supply of tractors to farmers across the country but how they were used.

The Kiang Central NAM pointed out the need to sustain projects in the country as part of efforts meant to achieve sustainable development in the country. Hon Sidia Jatta, NAM for Wuli West also joined his colleagues in thanking the government through the Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs for the effective and efficient management of the country’s economy, considering the global economic crisis. He equally commented on the educational policy, especially the introduction of double shifts in schools.

For his part, Hon Momodou Lamin Sanneh, the Minority leader and NAM for Kiang West after thanking the government and Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs observed the need for implementation of Civil Service reform, noting that the matter was at one time discussed in the house. He supported the idea of putting in place an effective and efficient agriculture policy for development of the sector, which he described as the back bone of the country’s economy.

The Minority leader appealed to the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare to inculcate and put traditional birth attendance officials on a salary scale considering their role in ensuring healthy deliveries of our rural women. He added that this group of people deserve to be encouraged and  to keep them in the health sector of the country.

Hon Momodou M5 Jallow, NAM for Upper Fulladou, appealed to the general public to assist fire victims in his area, whose family houses were completely burned into ashes. Haddy Nyang-Jagne, NAM for Old Jeshwang also joined her colleagues in expressing solidarity with the government under the dynamic and visionary leadership of President Jammeh for steering the affairs of the country with commitment and diligence, especially in sectors which made a remarkable growth despite the global economic crisis. She pointed out efforts of the president towards the empowerment of women in all aspects of the country’s development objectives.

Hon Suku Singhateh, NAM for Lower Badibou, Hon Bafi Saidykhan NAM for Jarra East  and Hon  Ebrima Jammeh NAM Foni Bintang all spoke extensively about numerous development projects and programmes implemented in their respective areas and thanked the president through the Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs for managing the country’s economy effectively.

Singhateh highlighted the need for Gambians to invest in production and importation of basic commodities in the country as part of efforts geared towards eliminating all forms of exploitation of Gambians by few foreign investors.  Other speakers included Hon Cherno Cham, the NAM for Lower Niumi; Sainey Jaiteh NAM for Serekunda Central; and Hon Tina Faal, nominated member, who expressed sincere gratitude and appreciation to the Gambian leader and the Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs for the efficient management of the country’s economy with commitment and dedication. They each hailed the government in one way or the other for bringing development to  their people.