By: Binta Jaiteh
Hon Sainey Jawara, a National Assembly Member for Lower Saloum voiced that Gambians are suffering from hunger due to the hike of basic food commodities.
Speaking during the debate of the State of Nation which was delivered by the President last week Thursday, the Hon member for Saloum said there is a need to reduce the prices of commodities in the country. “We have been told that the price of rice has increased significantly and the government should have a task force who will be responsible to look after the affairs of trade, because the way retailers are doing business is affecting the poor Gambians.
“We must speak the truth because we are representing our people we all know that our country is not moving. People who are holding government positions do not want to deliver,” he lamented.
He stressed that some members will just use the microphone to talk while people entrusted these positions to them expected them to deliver effectively.
He stated that they are only good at drafting but implementation is a big problem, thus, agriculture alone can change this country.
Hon Amie Colley of Foni Berefet alluded to that saying the high prices of basic commodities are affecting everyone and as representatives of the country, the government should have plans that will pave the way to the reduction of prices of basic commodities which is the main challenge Gambians are facing.
“I am not here to be dictated on what to say or what not to say my only concern is the Gambians who entrusted this position to us to be their voice at the parliament. Gambians are poor considering buying a bag of rice at D2000 and others. They cannot afford that taking into consideration the poor conditions of people” she queried.
She, therefore, urged the Vice President to be the eyes of the people and also for him to have a dialogue on the youths who are sitting without employment the youths should come on board to bring new ideas so that they can serve the Gambians without fear or favor.