By Adama Makasuba
Vice President Muhammed B.S. Jallow has presided over the opening ceremony of the first quarter 2026 Permanent Secretaries’ Retreat at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Centre.
The gathering brings together permanent secretaries from across government ministries, departments and agencies to review progress, share experiences, and strengthen coordination in the implementation of national policies.
The retreat is expected to serve as a platform for reflection on the achievements and challenges recorded in the execution of the Recovery-Focused National Development Plan (2023–2027), which outlines the government’s priorities for economic growth, institutional reform and social development.
Officials are also expected to examine ways to accelerate implementation of key programmes, improve service delivery, and enhance collaboration among public institutions.
Discussions are likely to focus on identifying bottlenecks affecting progress and developing practical solutions to ensure targets are met within set timelines.
The forum further provides an opportunity for senior civil servants to align their strategies with national development goals, while reinforcing accountability and performance monitoring across government structures.
The Vice President’s presence at the opening underscores the importance attached to effective public sector management and the role of permanent secretaries in driving policy implementation.
The retreat forms part of ongoing government efforts to strengthen governance systems, promote efficiency, and ensure that development initiatives translate into tangible benefits for citizens across The Gambia.
Deliberations are expected to continue over the coming days, with outcomes likely to inform future policy direction and implementation strategies.
