Deputies at the National Assembly have commended the Gambian leader, Professor Alhaji Dr Yahya Jammeh, for the brilliant speech delivered during the State Opening of the National Assembly for the 2009 legislative year.

The commendations came as the NAMs debated the president's speech.  The member for Jokadou, Hon. Kebba Gaye, hailed the president for his intervention in various sectors of development. According to him, the upgrading of Kuntair Health Centre and the recent procurement of ambulances through RHF in a bid to equip all health centres across the country are worthwhile ventures. He further informed the National Assembly that in his constituency no single farmer sold his groundnut on credit this year. Hon. Gaye also commended President Jammeh for his resolve to rehabilitate and expand the road linking Barra and Kerewan.

For Hon. Adama Cham, member for Kombo North, the president's announcement of salary increment does not mean that business men should increase the price of commodities. He also had unreserved words of commendation for the Jammeh administration regarding its transparent democratic system. He also extended thanks to the Taiwanese government for their intervention in the sectors of Agriculture, Education and Health.

Hon. Cham recognised the importance President Jammeh attaches to  agriculture, which is the backbone of the country's economy. But he cautioned that in order for full agricultural potential in terms of food security, export, employment and income generation to be realised, all hands have to be on deck.

The president's pronouncement that anything that is of no benefit to Gambians will have no place in his administration was a point which won the admiration of the Kombo North NAM. Yerro Mballow, member for Lower Fulladu, recognised the significant role played by the National Assembly in the promotion of democracy and good governance.

He thanked the president and his government for coming up with a comprehensive road network rehabilitation program and the department of Water Resources for providing portable drinking water in most of the villages in his constituency. He described the 2008 trade season as one of the best seasons pointing to the fact that there were no credit sale. Hon. Cherno Cham, member for Lower Niumi, was impressed by the president's statement that the legislature, judiciary and the executive must come together to work collectively.

Other speakers during the debate included Honourables Sainey Mbaye, Ebrima Jammeh, Mamadou M5 Jallow, Abba Sanyang, Tinna Faal and Haddy Nyang Jagne.