Over 4 weeks state of emergency can be detrimental- GDC Mc Cham

Mc Cham Junior, National Youth President of The Gambia Democratic Congress (GDC) party has today informed this medium that more than four weeks state of emergency can be detrimental to the lives of the majority Gambians.

He explained that while President Adama Barrow's administration and all the public and private organisation, communities and individuals in The Gambia and abroad are working hard to eradicate the coronavirus, The Gambia government need to pay attention to the majority poor Gambians, who live on daily earnings when all business and means of earnings are closed due to the state of emergency declared by the President on the 27th March, 2020 in accordance with section 34 of the 1997 Constitution. 

“The State may seek to further extend the lock down with approval of the National Assembly in accordance with section 35, but must remember that the country was not in a state of reasonable welfare system on living conditions that, more than four weeks state of emergency can be detrimental to the lives of the majority Gambians.”

The politician said it is of grave importance that the state investigates 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 however 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 the public transporters to fully adhere to the rules containing the virus.

“I strongly urge the National Assembly to critically looks 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.”