We wish to commend the government of the Gambia particularly His Excellency the President for signing a US$10 million contract with M/s Shapoorji Pallonji & Co. Ltd of the Republic of India, for the construction of a new National Assembly complex, the foundation stone of which was laid recently by the president as part of activities marking the 16th Anniversary of the July 22 Revolution.

The importance of the legislative branch of our government cannot be overemphasised. The liberties citizens enjoy depends to a great extent on the legislative branch of our government because the bills they brainstorm over and eventually pass into law conform with the country's constitution and are all geared towards the common good.

The commencement of construction work on the complex, which we are optimistic would be completed in due course, is another demonstration of the commitment of the leadership to ensuring that the enabling environment is provided for the people to become architects of the national development process.

We know that our honourable National Assembly members have over the years proven their commitment and ability, as the drivers of a key public sector good governance institution. They have always been committed to working with all stakeholders, both public and private, in ensuring that Gambians optimally benefit from the services of the second organ of government, especially with regards to the promotion of good governance and socio-economic development.

They have also promoted activities that enhance and ensure sustainable national development initiatives leading to poverty reduction and meeting the objectives of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). We also call on our honourable members to maintain the good work and double their efforts particularly when they move into the new complex.

They should endeavour to continue performing their core functions such as debates, appropriation, legislation, domestication of relevant international conventions etc. After all, the aspiration of the leadership is to ensure the protection of the fundamental rights and liberties of each and every citizen so that we can individually contribute our quota to national development.