VP Njie Saidy Calls For The Abolishment Of “ Private Clubs” In Government

As She Calls For Hard work And Patriotism

By Staff Reporter James Jammeh, Banjul

Gambia’s Vice President Isatou Njie Saidy is appealing to the country’s civil servants to work hard  for the development of the country as well as to inculcate “discipline” in all the various public sectors across the country. She was speaking at the end of a two day retreat of institutions under her office Friday at her office in Banjul. She said in order for any meaningful development to take place, those in the key Government positions must first be committed and loyal to the state and also inculcate discipline among themselves as peoples representatives.

VP Njie Saidy reminded public officials that the various departments belongs to Gambia’s taxpayers and that under no circumstances that they should use their positions to transform these departments as clubs, or camps.

She said there is a tendency that some ministries and departments often turned into a rival camps, where workers are divided, but warns that the national interest supersedes personal interest. She calls on Department heads to put national interest ahead of personal interest.

She said department heads should ensure for the abolition of private camps within their departments and work for the benefit of the Gambian population.

Explaining the rationale behind the Government retreat, the VP said Government deems it crucially imperative to assess the weaknesses and success stories of the various departments under his her office. She said Government workers should redouble their efforts in the interest for the realization of the Government’s developmental agenda.

"We are here today to evaluate ourselves which would help us to be more focus and deliver," VP Njie Saidy.

She warned civil servants to take proper care of Government properties and always maintain a high sense of discipline and maturity.

If we work as a team with one heart, then we will achieve our targets and goals but was quick to add that this could only be met if we come under one umbrella and share our opinions, she said.

She assured them her office’s readiness to render any assistance to them as well as the government in the realization of their dreams as public servants— noting that being the VP does not mean that “I am the best or have the power to decide but we are one and as a team.”

In attendance were senior Government officials and other top dignitaries who all lauded the retreat as a success and encouraging.