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GDC’s MC Cham reacts to would-be 3 months state of emergency

Apr 2, 2020, 10:44 AM | Article By: Pa Modou Cham

Mc Cham Jnr., national youth president of Gambia Democratic Congress (GDC) has informed this medium that more than four weeks of state of emergency can be detrimental to the lives of the majority of Gambians.

He explained that while the Barrow administration, private sector, communities and individuals in the Gambia and abroad are working hard to eradicate the coronavirus, The Gambia government needs to pay attention to the majority of poor Gambians who live on daily earnings.

He argued that after a state of emergency was declared by the president on 27 March, 2020, the state may seek to further extend the lockdown with approval of the National Assembly in accordance with section 35, but warned that they must remember that the country was not in a state of reasonable welfare system on living conditions as more than four weeks state of emergency could be detrimental to the lives of the majority of Gambians.

The GDC politician said it is of grave importance that the state discovers ways to support the communities with basic commodities to live on for at least a month through the contingency fund during the state of emergency.

He therefore appealed to shop owners, wholesalers and retailers who are over pricing in this difficult time to consider and support the poor.

He reminded the security apparatus to deal with suspects professionally as directed in section 36 of the 1997 Constitution to ensure the “Never Again,” protection from Inhuman Treatment Section 21.

“The Anti-Crime Unit to be reminded of the state of emergency offenders’ protection from discrimination on Section 33 (1). All persons shall be equal before the law that nobody would put this contagious disease (covid-19) before non-essential activity.”

He further indicated that the people have the right to life according to section 18, which is not possible on restrictions without provisions of other means to survive.

In supporting the preventive measure, he advised the government to reduce the cost of petrol and diesel by any means for private transporters to fully adhere to the rules in containing the virus.

“I strongly urge the National Assembly to critically look on the effects of the 90 days State of Emergency. Staying home for 90 days without government support will have a negative impact in the lives of many Gambians who are living on their daily input of work.”