The government has announced Vice President Dr Isatou Touray will on Monday address the concerns of market businesspeople and vendors, less than 24 hours to their planned sit-down strike.
The Gambia Market Union Task Force Committee had written a letter requesting the Ministry of Health to relax its latest market regulations or they will go on a sit-down strike. The move could cause a major disruption in citizens’ daily nutritional needs.
The government today said no sooner had the Government received the said letter dated 21st August, 2020, than it assigned an interlocutor to meet with the Union officials.
Government spokesperson Ebrima Sankareh said: “On Friday, the assigned government official had significant discussions with the President of The Gambia Market Union Task Force Committee, accompanied by seven other Union officials. The Union officials were briefed on the rationale behind the new emergency regulations and urged to exercise patience as the Government works out strategies and new modalities to deal with the Covid-19 pandemic.
“The Gambia Government sincerely acknowledges the concerns raised by the Market Union Taskforce Committee and therefore, the Ministerial Committee on the Covid-19 pandemic under the stewardship of Her Excellency, the Vice President, Dr Isatou Touray, will address their concerns on Monday.
“Meanwhile, The Ministry of Health urges all market vendors and members of the public to continue to show understanding and compliance with the emergency regulations for the protection and safety of all Gambians and residents.”
If a deal is not reached, market businesspeople and vendors could go ahead with their sit-down strike.
The government in June backed out of regulations around public transport after the drivers launched a major strike.
