The outgoing Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad, Mr Honourable Ousainu Darboe, was Friday July 6th lauded by staff of the Ministry for the remarkable transformation registered in the Ministry under his leadership.
The farewell ceremony came on the heels of Mr Darboe’s appointment as Vice President on Friday July 1st by His Excellency President Adama Barrow. He is expected to start work at his new office Monday July 9.
Addressing the gathering, Mr Darboe hailed staff for the support and expressed optimism that the same trend would continue under the leadership of his successor, Honourable Momodou Tangara. Minister Tangara is a seasoned diplomat and was Gambia’s Permanent Representative at the United Nations until his appointment as the new Foreign Minister on July 1st, 2018.
Mr Darboe said: “Without your support it would not have been possible. I hope the same spirit will continue with your new Minister,” he said while adding that it was a great moment working with staff.
The Director General of Protocol Division, Mr Babucarr Jobarteh, commended Darboe for the tenacity and support which ‘enabled staff to register gains attained’. He appealed for continuation of similar line of support.
Directors of African Affairs and European Affairs Divisions, Mr Abubacar Baldeh and Mrs Alice Colley said it was a great experience working with Mr Darboe. They assured him of their continuous commitment and dedication to duty at all times.
Speaking at the occasion, the Communication officer, Mr Saikou Ceesay, thanked Darboe for the positive transformation registered in the Ministry and in The Gambia’s bilateral relations with countries around the globe.
Ceesay recalled that prior to the appointment of Minister Darboe, the Ministry had a dormant Communication Unit and strategy. He applauded him for the support given to the Unit which according to Ceesay enabled the Unit to inform the public about activities of the Ministry they ought to know.
He also used the opportunity to commend Minister Darboe, Permanent Secretaries, Directors and the staff for their hard work in ensuring that the country gains it rightful position among comity of nations.
He extended best wishes to the newly appointed Vice President in his future endeavours in steering the affairs to the nation to higher heights.