By Prof. Yerro Mballow
Staff of the Ministry of Public Service (MoPS) on Friday October 11, 2024 bade farewell to the outgoing Secretary General and Head of Civil Service after retiring from active Civil Service duty.
The ceremony was held at the Ministry’s conference hall in Banjul where the outgoing Secretary General, Salimatta E.T. Touray was presented with gifts.
In his farewell speech, Minister of Public Service, Baboucarr Bouy commended outgoing Secretary General Touray for her service to the nation, adding that his ministry staff came together and bids farewell to her in order for her to be always remembered.
“I wished you success in your future endeavors because we have been together for quite a long time. Working with you was a pleasure and today marked the end of your active service to the nation,” minister Bouy stated.
According to Minister Bouy, it is not easy to lead people but called on both his ministry’s staff and outgoing Secretary General Touray to forgive each other, thus reminded that as the nature of Civil Service demand, some may feel otherwise under her leadership style.
Both PS Pateh Jah of MoPS and PS Lamin Jawara of PMO thanked outgoing Secretary General Touray for her unending support and service to the nation for the past years. “You have been a significant part of our Ministry and civil Service in general, thank you for your commitment and dedication to work, thank you for your leadership styles which really has motivated us well.
For her part, the outgoing Secretary General, Salimatta E.T. Touray commended MoPS staff for organizing such a historical farewell for her in honor of her retirement which coincided with her birthday celebration.
She described her tenure as secretary General and Head of Civil Service of The Gambia as a great experience and she thanked all staff at the ministry for their support to her which she said cannot go unnoticed.
“I won’t forget my interaction with you all including the support staff of the Ministry. It has been a privilege to serve my country The Gambia. And it has been also an honour to work with all of you,” said outgoing SG Touray.
PS Alieu Loum, director, DSPD, Dr. Mariam John and director CSRPU, Sheriff Jallow all expressed the same sentiment with other speakers.