As more people, especially the average Gambians continue to grumble and complains about the high cost of goods and services, including basic items in the country, the Bakau based political pundit Dudu Kassa Jatta, added his voice to the matter and called on the Barrow government to do more and address the situation with or without delay.
More people stretches their voice calling on government to make efforts and reduce prices of such goods and services to enable an average Gambian afford and access them. Basic items such as sugar, rice among other ingredients needed on daily basis are said to be getting out of the purchasing powers of an ordinary man in the street, thanks to the free market policy and our newly found democratic dispensation.
The politician made this remark in a recent interview with The Voice and emphasis the need for price reduction in the country in order to make life comfortable for everyone. He made reference to what he called Gambia Revenue Authority (GRA) tax waiver on importation of such basic items, but yet nothing tangible is seen in reduction of their prices, which according to him is seriously questionable and there is a need for President Barrow and his team to react on the said development.
For Mr Jatta, the government should act on the matter, because they should not allow the masses to suffer due to the high cost of goods. This nightmare was caused by the former regime, but as the tax on such goods is now waived, then price needs to be reduced.
It can be recalled that during the tenure of Dr. Isatou Touray at the Ministry of Trade and Employment, a convergence of cross- section of business community across the country was held and discussed issues of concern such as the need for price reduction in the country among others.
Mr Jatta then seized the opportunity and reminded the said ministry to reactivate recommendations of the said meeting by reducing prices of basic items in the country.
He added that President Barrow needs to act and ensure things relating to the trade sector are addressed, saying democracy is a very flexible system of government and a president need to be soft, but he must to be seen to hard on certain matters when the need arises.
Though It does not mean that a president should continue to soft, he or she has to be tough when thing are not going well as expected.
Mr Jatta described the head of state as a kind man who loves the country at heart and always wants to promote democratic principles to make sure that the public gets it needs.
When question about the huge money government spent on travels for only six months, he responded that President Barrow needs to travel so as to bring money for the country, but he noted that he [Barrow] should not go with many people, saying five people plus the president is fine for a presidential convoy.
Author: Sulayman Waan