By Binta Jaiteh
Vendors at Bakau craft market have detailed how the coronavirus pandemic has slowed down their businesses and as well places their businesses in a critical condition that might collapse if the upcoming tourist season is not realise.
Sainey Singhateh, president of the market said: “businesses in the craft market are slowing because of the outbreak of Covid-19. Till now things are the same, because the tourism industry is not functioning hence there is no tourist coming to the country.”
“Our life depends on this business so if this continue, I fear danger, still I am hopeful the season will start soon maybe that will help to mitigate the situation,” he added.
He said he has been in the tourism sector for the whole of his lifetime and he has gained a lot of experiences in the sector.
According to him, most of the youths in the Gambia involved in tourism business because of the opportunities but with the pandemic there is no good outcome now.
He called on the government to bail them out from the pandemic situation, adding “we are tired please let the government come to our aid.”
“The last time we got assistance from the Ministry of Tourism and Culture and GTBoard and the amount was D6000, our challenges are numerous that I cannot highlight all but the main essential one is that the Government should address the situation,” he appealed.
Isatou Sowe said they are managing in coming to the market to avoid sitting at home and probably to get little things to feed the family, thanking God that fellow Gambians sometimes do pick up interest in their products and buy which is helping a little bit.
She added that there is a wide gap between when there are tourists coming to the country and when there is none coming as business booming when tourists are around.
“Hopeful we will conquer the situation as time goes on. Therefore, I will advise everyone to stay away from any violence especially during elections period,” she advised.
