By Abdou Mbye & Mariatou Ngum
His Excellency Mohammed B.S. Jallow, Vice President of the Republic of The Gambia, on Tuesday, 14 July officially inaugurated the Board of the National Early Warning and Response Mechanism Coordination Centre (NCCRM), describing the occasion as a significant milestone in the Government’s efforts to strengthen national resilience, promote peace and security, and protect the wellbeing of all Gambians.
Presiding over the inaugural ceremony, the Vice President said the establishment of the Board demonstrates the Government’s unwavering commitment to building a proactive and coordinated system capable of identifying emerging threats before they escalate into national crises.
He noted that the appointment of the Board members reflects the confidence reposed in their expertise, professionalism, and ability to provide strategic guidance and oversight to the Centre as it carries out its national mandate.
“The inauguration of this Board represents another important milestone in our collective efforts to strengthen national resilience, promote peace and security, and safeguard the wellbeing of all Gambians,” Vice President Jallow stated.
He explained that the Board’s composition was deliberately designed to reflect the five thematic pillars of Human Security—Crime and Criminality, Security, Health, Environment and Climate Change, and Governance and Human Rights—recognising that today’s security challenges require a comprehensive and multi-sectoral response.
According to the Vice President, these pillars acknowledge the interconnected nature of modern threats and reinforce the need for inclusive, evidence-based decision-making that brings together expertise from across government institutions, civil society, and other key stakeholders.
He emphasised that effective early warning systems must go beyond identifying risks and should be complemented by timely, coordinated, and appropriate responses capable of preventing conflicts, public health emergencies, environmental disasters, governance challenges, and other threats to national stability.
Vice President Jallow urged the newly inaugurated Board to provide visionary leadership by promoting inter-agency collaboration, ensuring accountability, and strengthening the operational effectiveness of the NCCRM.
He stressed that the Board’s work would play a pivotal role in building a responsive national early warning system capable of protecting lives, preserving peace, and supporting The Gambia’s sustainable development agenda.
Reaffirming the Government’s commitment to human security, the Vice President underscored that peace, security, good governance, environmental sustainability, public health, and crime prevention remain indispensable pillars of national development and prosperity.
He called on Board members to execute their responsibilities with diligence, professionalism, integrity, and a strong spirit of collaboration, encouraging them to work collectively towards building a more resilient nation where risks are anticipated, conflicts are prevented, and opportunities for peace and development are maximised.
On behalf of His Excellency President Adama Barrow and the Government of The Gambia, Vice President Jallow congratulated the newly appointed Board members and wished them success in fulfilling their important national responsibilities.
He concluded the ceremony by officially declaring the Board of the National Early Warning and Response Mechanism Coordination Centre duly inaugurated, expressing optimism that the institution will serve as a cornerstone of The Gambia’s efforts to strengthen national peace, security, and resilience.