Gambian Muslims are observing another year of the Holy month of Ramadan under the global pandemic the Coronavirus popularly known as Covid-19.
The economic and social disruption caused by the pandemic is devastating and people are at risk of falling into extreme poverty, while the number of undernourished people, currently estimated at nearly half of the country population and could increase by the end of the year.
Majority of Gambian of enterprises face an existential threat. Nearly half of the workforces in the country are at risk of losing their livelihoods. Informal economy workers are particularly vulnerable because the majority lacks social protection and access to quality health care and have lost access to productive assets, with no support.
Without the means to earn an income during lockdowns, many are unable to feed themselves and their families. For most, no income means no food, or, at best, less food and less nutritious food.
This auspicious month of Ramadan is a time for reflection, contemplation and celebration.
The management of The Voice extends best wishes to you the Gambian Muslim brothers and sisters both at home and abroad as you embark on this month long journey in search of spiritual fulfillment through fasting and praying to the Almighty Allah for His mercy and forgiveness.
Ramadan is also a period during which Muslims unite, rally their meager resources to support the needy and work for common causes within their communities.
It is precisely this sense of community that Gambia at this time needs to be able to counter the adverse effects of the global Covid-19 pandemic and attract foreign investors for more jobs creation.
We therefore, encourage our Muslim brothers and sisters to pray for The Gambia and the leadership that will be required to improve living standards for all Gambians. May the Almighty Allah accept the fasts and duas (prayers) you will offer during this Holy Month.
Once more we say Ramadan Mubarak.
