By Lamin B. Darboe- Information Officer, PMO
The ex-members of Gambia Teacher’s Union (GTU) and ex-board members of the Gambia Teacher’s Cooperate Credit Union (GTUCCU) on Friday made a courtesy call on the Minister of Public Service, Administration Reform, Policy Coordination and Delivery at his office in Banjul.
The chairman of the event, Omar J. Ndure, former President of GTU informed the Public Service Minister, Honourable Baboucarr O. Joof that the members’ visit was meant to express gratitude to him and congratulate him for his ministerial appointment.
According to Mr. Ndure, they appreciated his new appointment and assured him of their unflinching support to him anytime he needed their service. He said the Minister contributed a lot toward the development of the GTU-GTUCCU.
“Minister Joof was someone who has a good vision and mission of goodwill for the teaching fraternity and the country in general and we are here to thank him for what he has done for the teachers in the country,” Mr.Ndure informed.
For their part, Cherno Cham fondly called CC, and Sarja WD Sanneh former GTU treasurer both described Minister Joof as a committed, dedicated, approachable, and hardworking person, thus, the main reason GTU-GTUCCU is growing well.
“Minister Joof always wants to see the status of teachers improve and he doesn’t hide his administration from people. He knows the problem of teachers this was how he dedicated himself to the services of the teaching fraternity,” the duo explained.
Sohna Williams, a former GTUCCU board member talked about the early days of the GTU which she described as tough but was quick to add that with Honourable Joof’s determination and courage they were able to succeed in setting up the GTU.
Adama Faal, Bakary Badjie, Lamin K. Marong former President of the GTU, and Edrisa Bojang both described Minister Joof as someone who has contributed immensely to the welfare of the teachers.
They assured him of their continued prayers for him so that he can steer the affairs of his new ministry to the best of his ability without much hindrance.
In his emotional speech to his comrade, the Minister of Public Service, Administrative Reform, Policy Coordination and Delivery, Baboucar O. Joof hailed the ex-GTU-GTUCCU members for the courtesy call.
Honourable Joof related the courtesy call as a family meeting while explaining to members of the two institutions that it was difficult for them to set up GTU-GTUCCU then, but with determination, courage, and support they (ex-GTU-GTUCCU members) were able to achieve their goals.
“President Barrow informed me personally that he appointed me to this ministerial position based on my worked at GTUCCU because he said he followed the programs and activities at GTUCCU for years past,” Minister Joof informed the visiting members.
He assured them that he is still part of them and that his doors are open for them for advice at any time, adding that he also needs their prayers so that he can achieve his aspiration in the new Ministry.
The meeting was witnessed by the Permanent Secretaries of the Ministry, Pateh Jah, and Royiatou Kah while the visiting members sang a solidarity song before the Honourable Minister Joof.