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Moe
USA
2326 Posts |
 Posted - 03 Aug 2011 : 19:29:11
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Wednesday, August 03, 2011
The former European Union (EU) chargé d’affaires to The Gambia has said that the country is rather well rated compared to other sub-Saharan countries in the race to the attainment of the MDGs.
Her Excellency Helene Cave, whose assignment in the country ended April this year after more than four years as head of EU delegation to The Gambia, was writing from N’Djamena, the capital of Chad during a recent exclusive interview conducted online by this reporter.
The French-born Cave, whose tenure in The Gambia was characterised by implementation of EU-funded projects, notably in the areas of road infrastructure, water supply, and agriculture also stressed that despite the fact that The Gambia is doing rather well, progress still has to be intensified for those MDGs related to health.
“The Gambia will soon get extra money from the so-called MDGs Initiative, confirmed by Commissioner Piebalgs in Tripoli at the EU-AU Summit in 2010. There are few donors in The Gambia and there is also an urgent need for them to improve their coordination, in the spirit of the Paris Declaration for aid effectiveness. Government should take the lead of this initiative,” Cave underscored.
Peaceful country
The former rep to The Gambia also seized the opportunity to harp on the peaceful nature of the country, underscoring that the nation is without ethnic, tribal or religious tensions.
“The country, by its geographic situation has a huge potential to develop another kind of tourism (beach tourism is not enough); agriculture and fisheries could be boosted, if a comprehensive sectoral policy would be developed. The economic growth is above 5% for the last five years, and the IMF is monitoring closely its progress. However, The Gambia is still debt-stressed, and efforts should be deployed to minimise this situation,” she stated.
On President Jammeh
Quizzed on his impression of President Jammeh, the EU diplomat said the Gambian leader “loves his country and is very dedicated to improve the livelihood of every Gambian”.
She added: “He has also been visionary with his "back-to-the-land" initiative. We all know that agricultural development is an inescapable path for most African countries, either to become self-sufficient or to develop export capacities.
President Jammeh is also very committed to maintain religious tolerance and peace in the country - and also to contribute to peace in the sub-region.” Please read the rest of Helene Cave’s interview on our Bantaba edition, coming on this Friday, 5th August, 2011. There you will know more about Cave’s background, as well as her success story and challenges while serving as EU’s mission chief to The Gambia.
Author: Hatab Fadera
Source:http://observer.gm/africa/gambia/article/gambia-rated-well-in-the-race-to-mdgs-attainment
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I am Jebel Musa better yet rock of Gibraltar,either or,still a stronghold and a Pillar commanding direction
The GPU wants Me Hunted Down for what I don't know ..... |
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toubab1020
12311 Posts |
Posted - 03 Aug 2011 : 22:33:55
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Moe, vive la france ? et le Euro Madam ?  |
"Simple is good" & I strongly dislike politics. You cannot defend the indefensible.
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Edited by - toubab1020 on 03 Aug 2011 22:34:40 |
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Moe
USA
2326 Posts |
Posted - 05 Aug 2011 : 22:26:34
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Vive la TRUTH touby........................Lolquote:
Originally posted by toubab1020
Moe, vive la france ? et le Euro Madam ?
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I am Jebel Musa better yet rock of Gibraltar,either or,still a stronghold and a Pillar commanding direction
The GPU wants Me Hunted Down for what I don't know ..... |
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Moe
USA
2326 Posts |
Posted - 05 Aug 2011 : 22:32:37
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Please read the rest of the interview.
Bt: Your Excellency, it is a pleasure to have you on this week’s Bantaba as the former EU Mission chief to The Gambia. First and foremost can you briefly say something about yourself?
Helene: In fact, you might have noticed during my 4years and a half in The Gambia, I do not like too much to talk about myself!! I will just tell you that I am French, born 49 years ago in the south-east of France, in the lovely city of Grasse (world capital for perfumes). I joined the European Commission in 1987, and since then I have worked in several departments (Research, Trade, External Relations) before embracing the EU diplomatic career in 2002.
Bt: Madam you assumed responsibility as the EU chief to The Gambia at a time when relations between the government of the Gambia and the European Commission were not that very cordial. But you were able to improve the relations remarkably during your four and half year’s stint. What is your take on this? How daunting was this task to you?
Helene: Well, when I arrived, I was told that relations between the EU and The Gambia were not that cordial. I think the EU has always played a paramount role in The Gambia and has always been at the side of the Government to accompany its efforts to lift the country out of poverty. Maybe some misunderstandings in the past have led to this regrettable situation.
I have tried, soon after my arrival, with the help from my colleagues at the EU delegation, at the same time to speed up the implementation of ongoing projects, and to design new projects in partnership with my Gambian colleagues and friends. And also, I have always told the truth at the highest level in the Government. Tell me, what's the point to say "yes", when you know very well that you will not be able to deliver some months later? Indeed, the task was rather heavy, but thanks to my hard-working colleagues at the EU delegation, we succeeded to improve the relation, and I can say that I left The Gambia with the feeling I did everything I could.
Bt: How many projects were executed by the European Union in the Gambia during your tenure in the office?
Helene: In fact, it is rather difficult to answer this question because the EU finances "small" projects (less than 1 M EUR) and "very big" projects, such as the one in support to the transport policy (76.5 M EUR). We also had projects financed with the regional (Western Africa) financial envelope, projects financed from the "all ACP " financial envelope, and some financed with thematic budget lines implemented by NGOs. And I think it is not the number of projects which is relevant, it is the concrete results achieved in the country with EU money.
Bt: Madam, among the projects that the EU intervened in the country are water, agriculture, and infrastructure projects. Why did you give priorities to these projects? How significant are these projects to the lives of the citizenry? How critical are they towards the overall development agenda of the Gambia government?
Helene: You are right, access to water, agriculture and infrastructure have been priorities for the last eight years, for the 9th and 10th European Development Funds. These priorities have been defined in partnership with The Gambia Government. For each multi-annual programming exercise (the 10th EDF, 76 M EUR, covers the period 2008-2013), a broad consultation was launched, including civil society. However, you will note that governance is also a priority and a new project of 10 M EUR will start soon, addressing public finance management, legal and judicial development and support to the media. Thus, we can say that priorities are jointly decided and the EU intervention in The Gambia is fully in line with Vision 2020, and the PRSP II.
Bt: Access to water is a key goal [7] of the UN MDGs set to be achieved by 2015. To what extent did the EU’s intervention in this sector augment Gambia government’s effort towards achieving this very important goal?
Helene: I am proud to say that the EU intervention in the field of access to water be it in rural or peri-urban areas has been a success story. The EU has been involved in this sector for the last ten years, even more maybe, and our projects have made a remarkable difference all over the country, North and South Banks. I would also like to praise the colleagues at the Ministry of Fisheries and Water Resources and also the National Authorizing Officer Support Unit for their dedication and hard work.
The last project we have just completed before my departure brought water to around 115 000 Gambians. I will always remember the warm welcome we have had in these villages.
Bt: EU executed scores of road networks in the Gambia, especially during your tenure. How important are these networks to the economic lives of the Gambians, especially those living in the rural villages in the drive towards reducing poverty and enhancing livelihood?
Helene: I think the socio-economic importance of a road is an issue difficult to quantify precisely even though there is always an internal rate of return (IRR) calculated at the beginning. I remember very well when I arrived in The Gambia in October 2006, to go to Ziguinchor or to the Sine Saloum in Senegal was a true adventure, the two roads being in such a poor state. The construction and rehabilitation of two roads Mandina Ba-Seleti and Barra-Amdallai have changed the life of Gambians, either to go to the lumo [weekly local market], to go to the dispensary, to go to school or to go to Banjul.
And also this has contributed immensely to improve the traffic coming from Senegal, or from Guinea-Bissau, these two corridors having a sub-regional dimension. Other roads are still under construction, and I hope that the main road from Soma to Basse will come true very soon, in spite of the many problems we have experienced. The two key messages I have adamantly conveyed to the highest spheres of the Government are to ensure an adequate regular maintenance of these roads and to control efficiently the axle load of the trucks. The role of the National Roads Authority is crucial and I am confident in its capacity to do so, if political will is present.
Bt: What was the total EU investment in the country during your more than four-year stint in the country?
Helene: I would say that we have signed contracts (services, works, supplies, grants) for around 60 M EUR.
Bt: During your interview with journalists at the Gambian State House on April 6, this year shortly after bidding farewell to President Jammeh, you did mention to journalists that “the country has a good future.” What propelled you to say that?
Helene: The Gambia is rather well rated, compared to other sub-Saharan countries in the race to the attainment of the MDGs. The Gambia is a peaceful country, without ethnic, tribal or religious tensions. The country, by its geographic situation has a huge potential to develop another kind of tourism (beach tourism is not enough); agriculture and fisheries could be boosted, if a comprehensive sectoral policy would be developed. The economic growth is above 5% for the last five years, and the IMF is monitoring closely its progress. However, The Gambia is still debt-stressed, and efforts should be deployed to minimize this situation.
Bt: Having served in the country for more than four years as EU’s Mission chief, what is your own assessment of the country’s development trend? Do you think the country is on the track towards meeting the MDGs?
Helene: As I just mentioned, The Gambia is doing rather well, however progress still has to be intensified for those MDGs related to health. The Gambia will soon get extra money from the so-called MDGs Initiative, confirmed by Commissioner Piebalgs in Tripoli at the EU-AU Summit in 2010. There are few donors in The Gambia and there is also an urgent need for them to improve their coordination, in the spirit of the Paris Declaration for aid effectiveness. Government should take the lead of this initiative.
Bt: Madam Cave during your tenure as EU Mission Chief, you were on several important occasions applauded by the leadership of the country for being an “exemplary,” “true” and “hard working” diplomat to the country. How did you feel about such compliments?
Helene: It is rewarding to hear this!! As I said at the beginning, I have tried to do my best, and I have done everything I could to assist The Gambia either to channel new funds or to speed up the implementation of projects. It has not always been easy; sometimes I had to fight with my own constituencies in Brussels!! With my Gambian friends from the Government, we have had "crisis" periods, nonetheless, we have always jointly found a way out of difficult situations. And it's true; I am a hard-working lady! So was (and still is) the motivated team at the EU Delegation.
Bt: How did this motivate you in your daily work in The Gambia?
Helene: I think you don't go to work the same when you know that the improvement of the lives of other human beings to some extent depend on your action. I am lucky to have a good, rewarding job in the EU, and I have to give back. I also would like to thank some important people who have, in their respective capacity, supported and assisted me during my time in The Gambia: Hon. Dr Mamadou Tangara, in his capacity as NAOSU Coordinator and above all Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad, for his openness, frankness and consensus spirit; Mod Secka, Permanent Secretary MoFEA, National Authorizing Officer of the EDF, for his dedication and understanding in "crisis" situations, H.E.M Phil Sinkinson, UK High Commissioner for the wonderful EU spirit he has shown and his constant support in the most difficult moments, and Fausto Perini, my closest collaborator in the EU Delegation since day one until my last day in The Gambia, for his hard work and his capacity to solve any problem (and they were numerous !). I am convinced that strong human relations can multiply our capacities.
Bt: What do you like most about President Jammeh?
Helene: H.E. President Jammeh loves his country and is very dedicated to improve the livelihood of every Gambian. He has also been visionary with his "back to the land" initiative. We all know that agricultural development is an inescapable path for most African countries, either to become self-sufficient or to develop export capacities. President Jammeh is also very committed to maintain religious tolerance and peace in the country - and also to contribute to peace in the sub-region.
Bt: You are now in Chad, but before you left for that country, you told journalists at your farewell ceremony that one of the memories you will take along is that The Gambia “is a very nice country – small but beautiful.” How are these experiences helping you as diplomat?
Helene: My experiences in Senegal and The Gambia will help me a lot, without any doubt. The way we have to manage our development assistance is virtually the same, even though the portfolio in Chad is five times bigger. My experience as Head of Mission in Banjul is very valuable to deal with the Chadian authorities who are very friendly and cooperative. And also the EU Delegation is three times bigger in staff than in the Gambia so the experience I gained in Banjul is very useful.
Bt: Having served in many countries as a diplomat, what has been the most exciting thing for you?
Helene: Without any doubt, the most exciting thing is to leave with the feeling I have done my best, contributed even modestly to the EU achievements in the host country, to have built friendship with Senegalese and Gambians and to know I will come again.
Bt: How about challenges?
Helene: A diplomat is just as an equilibrist, on one side you have your host country's interests, on the other one, the EU's interests, and you have to keep your balance not to fall down. This is a challenge!
Bt: Of all the countries that you have served in as a diplomat; which of them has given you a great and memorable experience?
Helene: I think when you serve more than four years in any country; you leave with great and memorable experiences. In The Gambia, a memorable experience is my first visit to Alkalikunda, a village in Baddibou, beneficiary of the EU water project. The warm welcome in this village will stay in my memory for ever. Another memorable and funny experience is the official ceremony in Mandina-Ba for the opening of the road, with H.E. President Jammeh, under pouring rain, with the orchestra still playing!
Bt: What do you hope to see from your successor in terms performance as the EU Mission chief to The Gambia?
Helene: I wish all the best to my successor who has a very valuable experience in EU Delegations. She will come with new eyes and new ideas, and this is very positive to have fresh perspectives. She will have more staff in the EU Delegation than during my tenure, and this is good news because we were not numerous enough. I know that Gambian officials will help her, and I am extremely confident in her success in Banjul. She will have to conduct the next programming exercise for the 11th EDF, starting next year and also to intensify the political dialogue.
Bt: Finally, Your Excellency, how do you find the country you are now serving in? Do you hope to replicate the success story of The Gambia in Chad?
Helene: Chad is very different from The Gambia; it is the fourth biggest country in Africa whereas The Gambia is the smallest, with no access to the sea. The climate is also very severe, for instance 50 degrees in N’Djamena a few days after my arrival. Chad has experienced a very troublesome history since independence, tragic years with Hissein Habré and in fact is just out of instability since a few years. In 2008, rebels were still in N'Djamena and Sudano-Chadian relations only improved in 2010. The Gambia has not experienced such a difficult time and thus the level of development is very low in Chad. Nonetheless, Chad is now enjoying revenues from petrol and since a few years, infrastructures have improved.
I think it is a country that is now facing a positive future if progress towards democratization and rule of law are sustained, and the EU is fully committed to assist Chad and H.E. President [Idris] Deby Itno in this crucial phase. I am of course very motivated to represent the EU in Chad in this turning point of its history. Let's meet again in four years and I will let you know!!
Bt: Thank you so much for your time despite your busy schedule in Chad. We are grateful for this interview and good luck in your diplomatic career and service to humanity.
Helene: Thank you too.
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I am Jebel Musa better yet rock of Gibraltar,either or,still a stronghold and a Pillar commanding direction
The GPU wants Me Hunted Down for what I don't know ..... |
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turk
USA
3356 Posts |
Posted - 05 Aug 2011 : 22:43:49
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Moe
Can you find the big rat Karamba in the where ever hole he (or she) is hiding and make him (or her) read this? |
diaspora! Too many Chiefs and Very Few Indians.
Halifa Salah: PDOIS is however realistic. It is fully aware that the Gambian voters are yet to reach a level of political consciousness that they rely on to vote on the basis of Principles, policies and programmes and practices. |
Edited by - turk on 05 Aug 2011 22:44:11 |
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toubab1020
12311 Posts |
Posted - 05 Aug 2011 : 22:52:10
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Ah....... mais oui Moe........vive la truth
quote:
Originally posted by Moe
Vive la TRUTH touby........................Lolquote:
Originally posted by toubab1020
Moe, vive la france ? et le Euro Madam ?
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"Simple is good" & I strongly dislike politics. You cannot defend the indefensible.
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kobo
United Kingdom
7765 Posts |
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