By Binta Jaiteh
Two parliamentarians have urged the National Assembly to summon the Minister of fisheries and Water Resources, Honorable Henry Gomez to come and clarify issues surrounding fishing sector.
Banjul south lawmaker Honorbale Touma Njie moved a motion without notice under section (53k) to summon the Minister of fisheries, to clarify the states of fish and recent revelation as per provision of section (77) sub section (4) in-line with the constitution.
“We woke up this morning and seeing the distasteful state of fish lying in our coast line,” she said, adding that “if the Speaker can recall the last time she asked the Minister of Fisheries the state of the coastal line and damages it has caused (when) he stood before this august gathering blatantly gave us false information.”
She added that: “the Minister claim that we were following social media. Madam speaker is now time to ask him to appear and tell us the real state because this is displeasing and we all see the hike price of fish in this country.
“The citizens are restricted because they cannot afford the cost of fish. Meanwhile, we have seen thousands of the fish lying and is confirmed. I therefore urge the Minister to come and clear the doubts.”
She cited that section (77) sub section (4) of the constitution saying the Vice President or the Minister shall when requested by the lawmakers report on any matter concerning a department or other business of government, committed to his or her charge and shall be entitled to speak in the Assembly whenever a bill or any matter concerning the business being debated.
Honorable Ya Kumba Jaiteh, nominated member, who seconded the motion said: “we should take judicial notice on this matter because the information is all over.”
But Upper Saloum National Assembly member Honorable Allagie Mbowe urged the mover to provide some document relating to this fisheries saying “I think is quite important to have evidence citing those mere claims will not be taken, it should be based on documentation regarding the issue.”
House Speaker Mariam Jack Denton also demanded reason behind the summoning “so that I can determine the urgency of the motion for it to be moved because my attention has not been there.”
