By Binta Jaiteh
The International Republican Institute (IRI) organized two-day training for National Assembly Members geared towards equipping lawmakers with knowledge and skills.
The two-day workshop held at Senegambia Beach Hotel aims to equip National Assembly Committees with enhanced knowledge and skills in addressing legal matters relevant to their legislative duties.
Seedy Njie, Deputy Speaker of National Assembly notes that the training is to build the capacity of National Assembly Committees on Human Rights and the Standing Orders to enhance their efficiency and effectiveness.
“The timing and theme of this training which specifically focuses on the oversight Committees of Subsidiary Legislation, Human Rights and Constitutional Matters, Regional Governments, Lands, IEC and Ombudsman and the Standing Orders Committees cannot be over emphasized,’’ Njie stated.
Through an enhanced oversight mechanism, he says,the National Assembly is in a position to effectively hold the government to account.
‘’It is obvious that the effectiveness of parliamentary legislation and oversight can be strengthened by increasing technical and institutional capacities. We therefore express our profound gratitude and appreciation to our development partner -IRI for the continuous support it renders to the National Assembly to fulfill its capacity development objective over the years. We look forward to continued collaboration in the strive to build capacities for NAMS and staff.’’ he explained.
Buba Jatta, the deputy clerk of the national assembly,representing his boss explains that the objective is fundamental to achieving the three functions of the national assembly which are to; legislate, oversee and represent. He stresses that through an enhanced oversight mechanism, the national assembly is in apposition to effectively hold the government to account.
Jimmy Sankaituah, IRI Gambia Coordinator, also discloses that it has been their aim to build the capacity of the National Assembly Members to be able to function adequately. ‘’We are here to ensure that we lead the members through key topics, rules and debates, law making and oversight. These important topics we believe from time to time will refresh the minds of the members.’’
‘’We will continue to build the capacity of the members to take their core function to impact on the governance of the country. We urge all the parliamentarians to take the training seriously and make use of the opportunity,’’ the coordinator added.