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Bahrain marks 14th anniversary of National Action Charter

Bahrain celebrated on Saturday the 14th anniversary of the National Action Charter (NAC), which ushered in a major turning point in its modern history and bolstered its standing.

 “The referendum on the charter on the 14th of February 2001 was the catalyst for landmark development and prosperity in all fields”, said His Majesty’s Advisor for Information Affairs, Bahrain Institute for Political Development (BIPD) board of trustees’ chairman Nabeel bin Yacoub Al Hamer.

“The royal order announcing the sweeping reforms marked the real starting point for remarkable achievements which won regional and international recognition, he added. He described the think-tank as an outstanding outcome of the NAC, stressing the role of the institution in disseminating the culture of democracy and raising awareness to promote participation in political life.

He extended congratulations to His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa and Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Premier.

Al Hamer cited Bahrain’s keenness to foster democratic values, political participation and free speech, with four parliamentary elections organised so far, which further bolstered the Kingdom’s march of development and modernisation and enhanced its standing among nations.

He highlighted the policy of the think tank, since it was first established in 2005, to engage the local Press so as to cover its activities and awareness campaigns, stepping up communication with newspapers and media agencies to strengthen cooperation and spread knowledge and the culture of enlightenment.

“The institute focused on audio-visual media outlets to spread political culture, as they have unrestrained access to all homes and enjoy the highest audience ratings”, he said.

Driving made easy for learners

Learner drivers will no longer need to struggle with clutch control while learning to drive. Lessons and tests using vehicles with automatic gearboxes have started on February 7 on the eve of the enforcement of the new-look traffic law.

The general directorate of traffic has introduced the new measure in a bid to enhance the standard of driving lessons and meet public demands.

The driving school director vowed to continue enhancing services for the public, citing in this respect the directives of the minister of interior and the direct supervision of the general director of traffic.

He underlined the crucial importance of the meetings which bring together the general directorate of traffic and the Bahraini instructors’ society to ensure better services and overcome any obstacles which may affect driving lessons.

GAP implementation discussed

Top government officials met last week at the Follow-up Affairs Ministry to follow up on the 2015-2018 government action plan (GAP).

The meeting reviewed several issues, among them mechanisms of preparation of the 2015-2018 GAP, which included the directives issued by the leadership, Bahrain Economic Vision 2030, economic plan prepared by Economic Development Board, upcoming strategic government plans, and outcome of the United Nations questionnaire with respect to the Millennium Development Goals beyond 2015. It also discussed the Follow-up Ministry’s previous GAP experience.

A GAP coordination team has been formed at every ministry, whose members will be trained on means of using follow-up systems related to GAP and key projects, which include periodic follow-ups, implementation strategies overcoming difficulties and activating partnership among state ministries.