Editorial

It is always befitting to say congratulations to people who in one way or the other registered significant success stories in their lives, especially our loved ones and co-workers.

However, the word ‘congratulations’ does not come out of a vacuum; it comes out of hard work and commitment to duty as indicated in the words of wisdom concerning the need for all able-bodied human beings to work and earn their living from the sweat of their labour.

The awarding of the 2012 World Bank Jit Gill Memorial Award to Babucarr Bouy, permanent secretary of the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education is a brilliant and inspiring move as far as efforts geared towards achieving the aims and objectives of The Gambia’s education sector and sustainable development of the country are concerned.

Good deeds, it is said, are contagious and always spur others into action without reservation. The award, so to speak, will positively impact on the standard of service delivery in the education sector, as it will serve as an inspiration for others.

We commend PS Bouy for his dedication to service, spirit of sacrifice and commitment to institutional duty that enabled him to be the first Gambian and second African to be honoured with such an award. The award is an indication that if the likes of PS Bouy are many in the Civil Service, we can attain our much desired development aspirations.

Just as the WB vice president for poverty reeducation and economic management stated at the award dinner, “PS Bouy’s effort to improving the quality in The Gambia are the perfect examples of good governance and public service reform at work and his leadership, commitment and integrity are essential in furthering development and poverty reduction”.

We can argue no further. All we wish to add is a call for other civil servants in the various ranks of government to make the award a source of inspiration and double their service to the country. For PS Bouy, keep up the good work and never relent in your endeavors.This is what national development requires.