Development, it is said, must begin from within and supported from outside. Nations through determined and committed leadership mobilise resources, both human and material, to develop institutions that would respond to the ever-evolving needs of the citizenry, and formulate strategies and sound policies that would coordinate their activities in controlling nature and their environment.
The ratification of the ACP-EU partnership agreement which offers a framework for the EU's cooperation relations for the economic, social and cultural development of the ACP States, eradicating poverty, contributing to peace and security and democratic and political stability of ACP States, and also to facilitate the gradual integration of ACP States into the global economy, while adhering to the principles of sustainable development, will definitely boost the development prospects of The Gambia.
The EU's contribution to the overall development of The Gambia cannot be overemphasised. The funding of the Trans-Gambia road project is already a testimony to this fact. And we need not reiterate the giant steps taken by the government to rid this country of the relics of poverty and underdevelopment.
Such a development cooperation as ratified by deputies would enable the government consolidate current achievements and explore more avenues to enhance sustainable societal growth. Furthermore, the partnership would enable the EU expand its engagements in Gambia's socio-economic growth to include the transfer of technology and building the capacity of the citizenry. It is through these that sustainable development can be fully guaranteed.
The leadership has demonstrated beyond all reasonable doubt its commitment to the promotion of national unity as well as the improvement of the lives of our people in both the moral and material sense.This reality explains why the country witnessed rapid advancement in the political process, economic development, social emancipation and progress, cultural revalorization and promotion over the years.
Development cooperation with partners like the EU would doubtless serve as a morale boost for the country's leadership, the government and the Gambian people at large.