Gambian Government Plans
A thriving economy founded on a successful private sector
is linchpin to The Gambia's governance orientation. It appreciates
that a government's only measure of credibility lies in its
ability to translate the numeric of economic statistics into
food on the peoples' tables, roofs on their heads and security
in their minds, all these while guaranteeing a critical level
of development commensurate with whatever is internationally
apace.
GOOD GOVERNANCE, BIG BUSINESS
With a population of 1.3 million and ticking, The Gambia
operates a multiparty, parliamentary democracy committed to
the rule of law and a liberal, free market economy. Gaining
independence from 200 years of British colonial rule in 1965,
it moved to become a republic 5 years later and has since
remained a beacon of political stability (though not without
its rough rides). The incumbent administration of President
Yahya Jammeh was democratically elected in 1996 and he has
defined his governance policy in the words of transparency
and accountability. Jammeh had, two years earlier, come to
power through a military putsch that toppled a government
widely regarded as corrupt, redundant and lacking direction.
Inheriting an economy with a natural resource base of about
nil, the foundations of which was built around taxes and tariffs,
Jammeh's government quickly realised that the only way to
achieve meaningful development and augment the country's tiny
resource base would be through enhanced private sector development.
It would also demand substantial foreign capital injection
and the accompanying technological expertise as well as a
well-developed human resource base and access into the international
market.
The realisation has not faded. Since 1996, The Gambia has
vigorously pursued a socio-economic policy committed to free
enterprise and private sector development. The nerve of which
is the inauguration of "The Gambia incorporated…
Vision 2020" initiative, a policy document representing
the blueprint designed to guide the country's progress into
its envisioned future.
Encapsulated in it is the will and aspiration of the people
and government of The Gambia to transform the country into
a "financial centre, a tourist paradise, a trading, export-oriented
agricultural and manufacturing nation, thriving on free market
policies and a vibrant private sector. Sustained by a well-educated,
trained, skill, healthy, self reliant and enterprising population."
Launching the document, President Jammeh expressly threw the
gauntlet to the private sector. "This concept is a recognition
of the creative spirit of the private individual as a catalyst
towards the achievement of the common good and of the limitation
of government's role solely to the correction of market failures
and provision of public services that is beyond the private
sector," he said. "The government is formally reconfirming
its pro-private sector stance, we call on the private sector
to fully play its role and urge the public sector to adopt
a more supportive attitude towards the private sector."
The statements were loud enough, and steps to materialise
them have not been quieter. The state has constitutionally
obliged itself to pursue a policy of encouraging and protecting
investments, local and foreign. It gives explicit constitutional
guarantee against nationalisation or expropriation of investments,
maintains a liberal free market-economy with no ownership
restrictions or foreign exchange controls. There is also an
obvious commitment to improving the infrastructure base with
the nation riding high on an excellent telecommunications
system. It provides for a respect of the private sector in
its constitution while constantly working to initiate policies
to facilitate economic development.
In another effort to improve the country’s credibility,
a National Governance Council has been inaugurated. Its mandate
would be to advice the central government, aid the democratic
ideal and contribute to Gambia’s diplomatic overtures.
And it is as though The Gambia is trying to make up for its
small size by being internationally active, it has promoted
peace efforts in war-ravaged neighbouring countries and strengthened
its credentials while chairing the United Nations’ Security
Council. "Our hope is to build a democratic nation run
on the principles of good governance," reveals the Foreign
Minister, Dr. M.L.Sedat Jobe.
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