By NyimaSillah
Dozens of stranded Gambians-diasporas in the country have raised their concerns over government banned on international flights due to the novel coronavirus.
The government in month April passed 45 days of lockdown which closed schools banned public gatherings, and international flights to curb spread of the deadly virus.
And some Gambians living Europe but on holidays in the Gambia were gripped in the difficulties of the measures, as they were left stranded.
Ebrima Camara, who lives in Italy, said he was on a three and a half months holiday in the country before the ban was affected by Barrow administration.
“My budgeting was three and half months but now it has changed to Covid-19 holidays instead of a normal holiday which doesn’t favour me because all what I budgeted was specifically three and half,” he said.
He added: “I am not too sure whether I will work in my workplace in Italy when I go back because the holidays given me expired and no one can predict the working system of the westerners.”
Hadijah Faye lives in the United Kingdom, who was on a month holiday, also said “I never experienced flight banned worldwide except this year, but I accept it in good faith even though I am going through a challenging period with my family because all what I budgeted is finished and I am spending every day.”
“Now I am using the little I save in my account to feed my family because if you are the bread winner of your family, you have no choice in situations like this,” she said.
Another German-based Gambian, Ebou Manneh, said it is a big challenge for him because he has so many unfinished plans to sort out in Germany and his source of income depends on his work even though they are on lockdown.
“I have limited cash with me and I’m frustrated because I don’t even know if I’ll have access to work again when I go back to Germany. Imagine thousands of people losing their jobs, how about us that couldn’t even have access to go back,” he said.
