Communication key to Development

Thursday, January 29, 2009
Editorial,

Communication is very vital for the progress of any nation. This is not only because it has a crucial stake in the defence and security of a nation, as was rightly and articulately put by the Gambian leader, as he addressed the custodians of the country’s communication outfit, but also it helps in the making of informed policy actions as the status quo is easily updated with every giving phenomenon.

It is therefore not surprising that progressive minded governments put the issue of telecommunication high on their agenda. Society can hardly develop if its communication system remains in shadow. This is simply because of the fact that society needs to be informed if any meaningful socio-economic transformation can take place.

Reports featuring President Jammeh declaring his intention to improving the quality of the national telecommunication company – Gamtel, is undoubtedly welcoming news.  Boosting the image of Gamtel will go a long way in enhancing our endeavours for development particularly in materialising the crucial vision 2020 dream.  

The world has entered a digital age where communication and information technology is an indispensable basis for sustainable growth. Any attempt to push The Gambia to climbing such a world stage particularly in the midst of protectionism on the part of those who have almost finished climbing the ladder is something that we would  all rejoice.

The challenge nowlies in the hands of those who are tasked to manage the affairs of the company. The management and staff of Gamtel should realise that they are handling one of the most crucial institutions of the state.

The advancement and sophistication of the company directly corresponds to our collective progress as a nation, very much so at a time that we are on the verge of attaining food self- sufficiency.

We therefore hope that while the president endeavours to fulfil his ambition, Gamtel will also endeavour to maximise efficiency and effectiveness so that the out put of the company can be embraced by the nation without any cause for doubts. The world is changing and it is time that the people change along with it.

Author: DO