A wise guy once said, "to whom much is given much is expected".
Journalist and reputable new outlets must not forget their duty to
society . I believe the Point Newspaper owes its readership an
explanation as how "the overall poverty rate in The Gambia had declined
steadilyby about 10 percentage points to 48.4% in 2010 and it was
estimated to decline to 36 percent in 2013" . Seriously, what led to
the  25% decline in 4yrs?  What poverty measures is the good minister
talking about? When were they compiled and by whom?


Malanding


Finance Minister says poverty rate in Gambia declines to 36%
Africa » Gambia

Monday, October 27, 2014
The Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs, Kebba Touray, has said the
overall poverty rate in The Gambia had declined steadilyby about 10
percentage points to 48.4% in 2010 and it was estimated to decline to 36
percent in 2013.
The Finance minister announced this in a statement delivered at the
commemoration of the 69th anniversary of the UN, held at Kairaba Beach
Hotel on Friday.

According to Hon. Touray, in education, the population of pupils
starting Grade 1 reached 95.3% in 2011, and the country is set to
achieve the MDG target of 100% by 2015.

“This development also parallels our achievements in the area of health,
where child mortality indicators have now surpassed MDG targets
according to the latest Demographic Health Survey (2013),” he said.

In 2012, The Gambia noted a historic event with the passing into law of
a comprehensive National Women’s Act that aims to address underlying
issues of violence against women, economic empowerment, political
participation and leadership for women.

On peace and security, Minister Touray said The Gambia continues to
contribute troops in peacekeeping operations with a dedication to the
restoration of peace and stability to many fragile states around the world.

“Our peacekeepers are separating warring parties and supporting peace
consolidation efforts in conflict zones,” he said.

“We take great pride in upholding the doctrine of peace not just an
objective inherited in the UN Charter, but also as a core value.

“On terrorism, The Gambia stands firm and uncompromising and joins the
rest of the world in condemning the inhumane acts of terrorism
perpetrated in the name of religion.”

The Finance minister further stated that The Gambia maintains a zero
tolerance policy for such acts of violence, in addition to strict local
laws.

“We have also ratified key UN Security Council Resolutions on Counter
Terrorism,” he said. On humanitarian interventions and support, Minister
Touray continued: “I wish to state that The Gambia has demonstrated
concern matched by financial support to the Ebola-affected countries of
Guinea and Sierra Leone.”

The Gambia “calls on the world to stand up to this deadly disease,”
minister Touray added.

“The virus has already become a global citizen and the untold economic
and health consequence is already being felt by even the Ebola-free
countries let alone the affected countries ones,” the minister went on.

“The Gambia welcomes the decision of the UN SG to appoint a special
envoy on Ebola.”

The Finance minister stated the Gambia government’s unreserved
association with this year’s UN theme - “Youth: A Valuable Partner in
Improving Food Security and Reducing Poverty - as it falls in line with
The Gambia’s national development agenda.

“The Gambia is sharply focused on the agenda of youth participation and
food security, as evidenced by the recent proclamation and shared Vision
2016 by His Excellency the President, Sheikh Professor Alhaji Dr Yahya
A.J.J Jammeh Babili Mansa, which is to attain food self-sufficiency by
2016,” he said.

The country had made remarkable strides in improving food security, he
added.

Minister Touray on behalf of the government and the people of The Gambia
commended the UN Family on the special day, and assured them of The
Gambia’s continued commitment to work with the United Nations to
bringing about a just and secure world where everyone shares in the
abundant prosperity it offers.

Author: Abdoulie Nyockeh
Source: Picture: Finance Minister Kebba Touray

¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤
To unsubscribe/subscribe or view archives of postings, go to the Gambia-L Web interface
at: http://listserv.icors.org/archives/gambia-l.html

To Search in the Gambia-L archives, go to: http://listserv.icors.org/SCRIPTS/WA-ICORS.EXE?S1=gambia-l
To contact the List Management, please send an e-mail to:
[log in to unmask]
¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤