By: Kebba AF Touray
The International Organization for Migration (IOM), through the Vice Presidency, has donated some equipment for the National Coordination Mechanism for Migration (NCM). The presentation of the items which include laptop and desktop computers, tablets, executive chairs and desks, multipurpose printer, internet dongles and data storage-USB sticks and external hard drives, cell phones, business cards, a paper shredder and office supplies and stationery, was held at the State House in Banjul on Friday 18th December 2020.
During the presentation ceremony, Ms. Fumiko Nagano, Chief of Mission of IOM-Gambia, said the presentation marks a part of this year’s International Day for Migration celebration. She commended the Gambia Government for their continued commitment to strengthen the country’s migration system and the office of the Vice President for playing a critical role in translating commitments into actions.
“The donation of these equipment is made possible through the support of the UN Peace Building Fund, and will not only enable NCM to have an active coordination cell, but will also make further work on strengthening Gambia’s existing migration governance architecture efficient and effective,” Nagano said.
Vice President Dr. Isatou Touray for her part said NCM was launched in November of 2019, as a result of a long process of consultation among key Government stakeholders, working in migration management. She said Government recognizes the contribution of migration and its inextricable linkages with sustained economic growth and sustainable development; that in observing this commitment to harness the potentials embedded in migration, the Gambia Government has recently spearheaded a national consultation to review the implementation of the Global Compact on Migration. She reiterated that Government through the NCM and its satellite coordinating outfits, is indeed committed to demystifying all misconceptions surrounding the return home of migrants after their unsuccessful attempt to realize their dreams of making it beyond the borders of Africa.
“We will continue to partner with IOM and other development partners in making migration a potential driver of economic growth. I urge that we continue and strengthen the partnership through capacity building for Government institutions, to independently take charge of their future interventions in migration programs, and engaging on other fronts, to make migration as a desirable venture for Gambians,” she said.