By: Lamin B. Darboe
Information Officer, MoPS
The Secretary-General and Head of the Civil Service urged Permanent Secretaries (PSs) who are technocrats within their various ministries to harness the power of synergy and maximize their potential to drive positive change in the country.
Mrs. Salimatou E. Touray was speaking on Monday during the official opening of the 2nd Quarter Permanent Secretaries’ Retreat at Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara Conference Center, Bijilo.
She challenged the PSs to use their time to engage in fruitful discussions, share their insights, and collaborate across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies.
In their quest for increased accountability, transparency, and improved performance in the public sector she continued, the government deemed it necessary to collaborate with the World Bank Group to launch The Gambia Public Administration Modernization Project (PAMP) for Citizen-Centric Service Delivery.
She explained that PAMP project seeks to strengthen the capacities of public institutions to provide the overall strategy and plan to contribute towards achieving the objectives of the NDP.
“The Project component on Open Government will develop and implement an Open Government Partnership National Action Plan that will allow the government to effectively prioritise and implement its transparency and citizen engagement reform agenda,” she explained.
She urged PSs to be alive to the enormous responsibility that comes with leadership, adding that she is confident that despite the many and varied challenges, her office and the Ministry of Public Service are determined and committed to collaborating more to improve service delivery and the well-being of the citizenry.
SG Touray informed PSs that Public Service Minister, BaboucarBouy already presented the recommendation from the 1st quarter PS retreat to the Cabinet, adding that six issues were considered and approved.
“As we delve into the agenda of this retreat, let us also remember the importance of self-care and well-being. Our roles can be demanding and caring for each other and ourselves is essential. A healthy, motivated team is better equipped to tackle challenges and seize opportunities,” SG Touray stated.
She sent her commendation to PSs for their hard work, dedication, and commitment to their collective goals, while she equally urged them (PSs) to approach upcoming quarters with determination, innovation, and a deep sense of purpose.
