The association also strongly maintained that this directive prioritises the interests of a single individual over the economic well-being of Gambians, risking higher prices, reduced supply, job losses and strained trade relations.
The call came amid recent arrest of some members of the association, who were seen distributing the association’s T-shirts during the State Opening of the National Assembly in Banjul.
At a press conference held at Alliance Francaise, Sheikh Cham, a member of the association recalled that they’ve applied for permits to demonstrate three times. However, these requests were rejected.
The association, he added, believes that a competitive market and diversified supply chain are essential for economic resilience and growth, thus imploring on government to prioritise the well-being of Gambian consumers and businesses.
"So with regards to the incident at the National Assembly and after the display of the association’s Banner and some of our members holding few stickers at the assembly gate when the presidential convoy was going in the National Assembly."
"On our way home, some people where begging for the organization’s T-shirt including few officers which only beared our logo and contact. So that’s when they arrested me Sheikh A. Cham because the t-shirts were in my car and Omar who was distributing the t-shirts at Gambia High School’s first gate. Alhagie Mbye was later detained with us when he came to the Police Headquarters in Banjul. We the members who were arrested including myself were released on bail Thursday evening the 27 of June. Furthermore, I am confused with few of questions I was asked during the screening process, which I quote “what is our political affiliation and what’s our nationality”?
Cham outlined the importance of cement in this day and age, reminding that it is fundamental for the development of every nation, as it is used in all stages of building, from foundation to finishing, furthermore, in road construction.
"Therefore, this tax increment of D180 per bag to ban us from trade, there by monopolising the cement business affects all Gambians. It’s a national issue. The policy risks a broader trade conflict with Senegal, a crucial partner supplying electricity, construction materials, and security amongst others."
The Government, he added, is wrongly advised to stop Gambian youths from doing cement business and making thousands redundant, noting that after all the privileges given to them, like the special investment certificate and the US$50M loan guaranteed by the government, Jah Oil still went further to advise government to ban Gambian youths from cement business by waging a media propaganda to monopolise the business.
"This unfriendly business practice, he went on, only works to his own advantage to be able to push the prices up and compromise quality to enable your private company to be able to pay back the loan at the expense of The Gambian consumers, the construction industry, young businessmen and so on. Gambia for all Gambians, justice for one justice for all and we should practice a free market trade. More than 500 truck loads of cement coming into this country consume 400 liters of fuel, those in the petroleum business are complaining because we patronised their business."
He recalled that in their media conference held on June 19th, Jah Oil celebrated the arrival of a cement vessel, confirming they import 100% of their cement, presenting it as a significant achievement, What then happens to the Manufacturing Industries.
"Just a week the imported cement is finished. Consequently, due to this shortfall, Jah Oil has dispatched tankers back to Senegal to procure additional cement from the same factories that we the small-scale Gambian importers have been banned from going to. What happens to the ban on cement coming from Senegal."
Amid public outcry on the price of cement in the provinces, Cham revealed that transportation cost per bag of cement to Basse is D65 and Fatoto is D75 and price of offloading there is D7.
"Unlike most areas in Kombo where offloading is D5 per bag, that is the reason why the few who are getting cement in those areas are getting it for D550 which is not fair. When we were bringing in cement from Senegal, wholesale price which includes cost of Cement, transport and offloading all over the regions in the Gambia is D375."
This policy of the Government, he added, doesn’t address VAT Gurantee and STOCK in Senegal. We have our millions (in cement bags) in Senegal that we can’t collect.
"We are disappointed with the Trade minister for saying he will not reverse the decision of the tax increment to D180 per bag, which we believe a government can reverse a decision it feels was implemented did not favour its citizen."
He also alluded to the fact that the CFA rate increase from 560-575, when they were banned, adding that this clearly justifies that the CFA is pegged to the Euro.
He spoke of the association’s resolve to continue engaging government and exploring all avenues possible to make sure there is free trade for all the youths of this country.
"We are not going to steal nor take the backway, our Trucks at the border we will continue to invest and continue to create employment for our brothers and sisters. Gambia for all Gambians."
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