By Buba Gagigo
Hon. Mama Kandeh, the Secretary-General and Party Leader of the Gambia Democratic Congress (GDC), has voiced his disapproval of President Adama Barrow’s decision to increase taxes. Kandeh proposed that President Barrow and his government should consider reducing their own salaries to offset the burden imposed by the tax hike.
In a meeting held in Jimara on Saturday, Kandeh acknowledged the necessity of taxes for a country’s proper functioning but emphasized the economic challenges faced by the Gambia. He asserted that the Gambia is a small, economically disadvantaged nation where citizens struggle to access necessities. Kandeh urged the government to alleviate the burden on the underprivileged by sharing the financial sacrifice.
“I want to tell President Adama Barrow that I am aware that no country can function properly without tax, but let him know that this small country called the Gambia is a poor country. It is a small country with underprivileged people. It is a small country where people struggle to get food. They are only depending on the government. I am not telling people not to pay tax but reduce your salaries and cover it with the taxes. But only the underprivileged are paying and you people are increasing your salaries every day, and you are not doing what they expected from you. There’s no truth in that,” Kandeh said at a meeting held in Jimara on Saturday.
Despite his criticism, Kandeh did acknowledge President Barrow’s positive efforts in providing electricity to the region. He commended the President for the initiative, highlighting the potential benefits it could bring to the community. Kandeh conveyed his gratitude for the introduction of electricity, emphasizing its potential impact beyond the borders of the Gambia.
“I greet President Adama Barrow, he’s my relative, my mate, and my neighbor. I understand that they have brought poles in different areas and electricity will soon be available. I am pleased about that. Someone has said here that a particular section might not benefit from the electricity, but I believe the electricity is here for everyone. And if it comes for everyone, all will benefit. If they brought small some might not get and that’s how it is. The electricity is not just for the Gambia, but if it was a tree, the roots would have been in the Gambia. The branches will go to Bissau, Guinea Conakry, and Senegal. So is not for the Gambia alone. It is for all the countries, but they agreed for it to be brought here (Gambia). I thank President Barrow for that and for bringing the poles,” Kandeh said.
