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Momodou
Denmark
11743 Posts |
 Posted - 05 Jul 2010 : 17:14:00
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Foroyaa Editorial : THE RISE IN THE PRICES OF COMMODITIES AND GROWTH OF REDUNDANCES
By Publisher
05-07-10
We hope the Gambian population is now convinced that the Foroyaa editorial is simply amplifying the concerns of the people. The National Assembly members of the ruling party had to acknowledge the plight of the workers who are being made redundant and the high prices of commodities.
Phone - in radio programmes cannot ignore the rise in commodities as a cup of sugar goes to 10 dalasi and one medium size onion being sold for 5 dalasi.
It goes without saying that many companies, especially in the Hotel Industry, are laying off workers. Some are replacing old appointment letters with new ones which reduce salaries and allowances.
There is no doubt that the combination of high prices with redundancies could only lead to growth in poverty.
The months between June and October are often referred to as the hungry season in the rural areas. The high level of remittances in the past had served as a cushion to reduce the choking effect of rural poverty. However, contrary to expectations the economies in Europe are contracting thus creating the basis for increase in taxation and reduction of welfare services. This is going to impact on remittances.
There is no doubt that if the transit economy had also benefited from the type of drug syndicates as has become manifest in the court cases the current clamp down could impact on any business which is connected to such drug barons.
In short, as far as Foroyaa is concerned the Gambian economy is about to undergo its severest tests for legitimacy. If it does not suffer any shocks then it would become clear that its fundamentals are not based on a drug related trade. If it suffers severe shocks then it would become clear that the fundamentals of the economy have been distorted by illegitimate trade in illegal substances.
Instead of waiting for the outcome the Government should establish a commission to look into the causes and consequences of the rise in inflation and the threat of a scarcity in the availability of essential commodities. Banks should be aligned with legitimate commercial operators to enable them to fill any vacuum left by those who use legitimate businesses as fronts to be able to carry out illegitimate businesses. The Chamber of Commerce should be a core institution for consultation and partnership in keeping track of current economic trends and impacts in the short, medium and long term.
Source: Foroyaa
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A clear conscience fears no accusation - proverb from Sierra Leone |
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Momodou
Denmark
11743 Posts |
Posted - 05 Jul 2010 : 17:18:12
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Price Hikes Concerns NAMs
By Saikou Jammeh
National Assembly members have expressed concern over the unprecedented skyrocketing of price of basic commodities in The Gambia.
On Wednesday during the adjournment debate, MPs take a snipe at businessmen, who they blamed for the price hiking.
"A cup of sugar which used to be D7 is now D10 in Banjul," said Abdoulie of Banjul Central. And though some NAMs do not seem to agree with him, Hon. Saine insists: "Yes, it is true. I am serious. This is sad."
Steady rise
The Gambia has over the years witnessed steady rise in commodity prices.
The government has constantly blamed the business community of "greed" and at times makes tough measures – ultimatums - yet to no avail.
And the recent increase of fuel price last month according to a newspaper – Today Newspaper - survey opens a flood gate for price hikes, including fares.
However, the vice president Isatou Njie-Saidy last week said the increase in fuel prices should not warrant increase in fares.
Foreigners
Some National Assembly members, too, heaped the blame on the business community for deliberately increasing the prices.
Some said most business people are foreigners, who they said do not have sympathy for the locals.
"It is not surprising that because the Ramadan is approaching they [businessmen] have started increasing the prices of commodities", said Hon. Ebrima Jammeh of Foni Bintang.
"Rurals hardest hit"
Lawmakers from the rural regions also contended that any increase in prices affects the rural dwellers more than those in the urban centres.
"If a cup of sugar is D10 here Banjul what of the provinces", said Momodou M5 Jallow of Upper Fulladu.
The member for Lower Saloum told the Assembly that he was confronted by people on his way to the Assembly on the increase of prices.
However, Fabakary Tombong Jatta cautioned that changes in the international market also influenced our local market prices.
Nonetheless, the ministry should give explanation as to the cause of the increase of commodity prices, the majority leader said.
Source: Dailynews |
A clear conscience fears no accusation - proverb from Sierra Leone |
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Momodou
Denmark
11743 Posts |
Posted - 05 Jul 2010 : 17:19:35
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IGP issues warning to business community
Monday, July 05, 2010
The Inspector General of Police, Yankuba Sonko, has warned the business community to desist from the habit of hoarding essential commodities like rice, sugar, and onions, as well as the hiking of prices.
A news release from the office of the Inspector General of Police broadcast over GRTS said the police would be very vigilant to apprehend anybody found hoarding or hiking prices of essential commodities. It said those apprehended would be seriously dealt with according to the law.
The released, therefore, urged the general public to report to the nearest police station any businessman or woman suspected to be involved in such dubious actions. All regional police commissioners are also strictly ordered to take the necessary action in their respective regions. Likewise all alkalolu, chiefs, mayors and governors are urged to cooperate with the police and other security services to address this problem.
Source: The Point Online |
A clear conscience fears no accusation - proverb from Sierra Leone |
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toubab1020
12312 Posts |
Posted - 05 Jul 2010 : 19:06:25
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| It is a sad fact that the prices of everything goes up in all countries,it is also a fact that shopkeepers are shopkeepers to make a living and take care of their families not to act as charity workers giving things away for free ,there are no jobs for the people,MOST Gambians have a hard time and to satisfy their hunger with very little money, posters in the past have accused me of generalisation,I will say that Gambia is a diverse country with some Gambians being very rich and not bothered by having to spend a few extra dalasi,these however are not the majority,rural folk are the hardest hit with shopkeepers there having to pay for transport for goods from Banjul. |
"Simple is good" & I strongly dislike politics. You cannot defend the indefensible.
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