Following its inauguration by President Yahya Jammeh, the National Disaster Management Governing Council and Agency has hailed the Gambian leader for his foresight and commitment to the course of  promoting the livelihood of the people of The Gambia.

In a press release obtained from the Office of the Vice President, the newly inaugurated council sought to convey "sincere appreciation and gratitude, on behalf of the Governing Council, to His Excellency the president of the republic, Professor Alhaji Dr Yahya AJJ Jammeh, for inaugurating the National Disaster Management Governing Council and Agency."

The council described the development as a clear testimony of the strong political commitment, visionary leadership and national ownership manifested by the government of The Gambia in accordance with the UN Hyogo Frame Work for Action on building the resilience of nations and communities of disasters triggered by climate change and human instigated calamities, among others.

The council was inaugurated on Friday 13th February 2009, and it comprises the secretaries of state for Agriculture, Defence, Finance and Economic Affairs, Health and Social Welfare, Forestry and Environment, Interior, Fisheries and Water Resources, Justice, Local Government and Lands, as well as the President of The Gambia Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Association of the Non Governmental Association (TANGO), and the National Search and Rescue Mission Coordinator.

According to the release, the council will co-opt other members as and when necessary, depending on mitigating circumstances and the nature of issues to be addressed. It urges all partner agencies and institutions to work within the established framework and in close consultation and collaboration with the Council Agency as the legally constituted authority on all matters relating to disaster management and emergency preparedness in the country.

Under the leadership of the Office of the Vice President, the council also wishes to extend sincere appreciation and gratitude to the department of state for Finance for providing budgetary support for the agency to facilitate its effective operation.  The same depth of gratitude, the release went on,  is extended to the UNDP for providing support through the disaster management project, other UN agencies, partner institutions, regional governors and mayors and their disaster committees, the speaker and honourable members of the National Assembly, district chiefs, community leaders, private individuals, parastatal organisations, foreign diplomatic missions and the National Disaster Management committee for their support and collaboration over the years.

Donor and partner support funding and commitment, it added, will be crucial in the huge task that lies ahead. In particular, the council called on UN agencies, the donor community, NGOs, civil society and partner institutions to reinforce their momentum of support and collaboration in the service of the country and humanity in general, the release concluded.