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.”
