By Sulayman Waan
Dr. Ismaila Ceesay, an executive member of the newly formed Citizen Alliance (CA) Party, has called on the government of President Adama Barrow to reopen Gymming Centers and Betting Companies in the country, to ensure their survival amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Speaking to this medium in an exclusive interview, the senior Political Science Lecturer-cum-politician argued: “Government should have reconsidered Gymming Centers and Betting Companies. These business people are paying rent, tax and paying their salary but yet [they are]forced to close their businesses.”
While noting that such business operators are not generating income now but are still paying rents, taxes and salaries, he said if that struggle continues it could force them (owners) to close their businesses.
Dr. Ceesay again: “Is not fair for government to tell you to close your business and you sent your staff home without being paid; this means you pushed those staff into poverty.”
It could be recalled that recently, the Barrow led-government has relaxed the COVID-19 restrictions on places of worship (Mosques and Churches) and markets but some businesses such as Gymming Centers and Betting companies, still remain closed.
However, the political scientist opined that government should ensure partial re-opening of Gymming Centers and Betting companies, as it continues enforcing the World Health Organization and Health Ministry’s recommendations such as wearing face mask, observing social distancing and having limited people in betting and gymming rooms.
“At least, let them open and start making some money, because otherwise it would be devastating for small businesses,” the CA senior official posited.
He continued, “The most important thing is for government to come-up with strategies to ensure public safety and functional economy because many people survive on betting companies and gymming centers.”
Dr. Ceesay’s view is that closing these businesses is not a solution to the problem, noting if these business people happen to defy and open their businesses, it could result to arrest and caused more problems, especially if they are kept in cells in this COVID 19 pandemic.
He, however, made it clear that the CA party doesn’t encourage people to violate government’s regulations, but he maintained that government should as well start reconsidering the plight of businesses like Gyms and betting outlets.
According to Dr. Ceesay, a CA government “will have a stimulus package” to support small-medium enterprises in all sectors, especially Gambian-own businesses in the country.
