Dear concern Gambian,

Wherever you may be, may you enjoy Salam abundantly.

The recent covid-19 report is scary and we suspecting that the number of cases may likely increase. The Gambia cannot choose to behave isolating herself with the norms expected during a pandemic whereby foreign artists are openly allowed to perform. We all know that such events normally attract a huge crowd and this time around, we are seeing arrangements made for supposed travelers to come and enjoy the musical fiesta scheduled for this month without any notification advising potential travelers to present covid-19 test certificate at the point of entry.

As we are aware, Senegal currently disallowed the performance of her artists in the music industry whilst the Gambia will be receiving musicians and supposed travelers whose purpose of coming is for entertainment because there is the enforcement of the restrictions.

In the Gambia, enforcement of the regulation is almost rendered inactive because quite a good number among us are not adhering to the WHO guidelines and protocols but instead are acting recklessly.

Kindly note that it is time that we amplify our voices and speak up and speak out against the lineup of activities in the event calendar for 2021 which fall short of compliance. Event organisers must not ignore the issue of compliance to standards of prevention during this deathly pandemic and focus only on crowd regardless of the risk associated which such gatherings.

We cannot afford to watch this pattern persist knowledging fully well what is likely going to be the outcome. We cannot afford to surrender our well-being in the hands of event organizers irrespective of who and endanger the lives of the elderly, those with underlying health issues, and another segment of vulnerable people in our societies. We must begin to act responsibly and take adequate measures for the general safety of all.

We are all obliged to share our thoughts outside the confines of simple finger-pointing but rather to take the corrective line of action going forward. We are critical stakeholders and must not allow sentiments or the interest of a few over right our general interest at a trying time of panic and anxiety highlighting few. We must do more to see to it that we are all safe from the trappings of covid-19 irrespective of our inclination and positions because the numbers might not dwindle going by what transpired and what is likely to prevail in 2021.

It will be the height of being irresponsible if we let all the lineup of events take place squarely in the absence of compliance with the WHO guideline and protocols if not, we will be exposed to a higher pedestal of risk.

We have to raise our concerns and ensure that this chapter which endangers our general safety under the looming cloud of covid-19 is close with appropriate steps taken to put us in conformity with the prescribed.

I implore the authorities to shut down the corridors of allowing gatherings whereby people will disregard adherence to the WHO guidelines and protocols as we continue the battle with covid-19.

We are sovereign citizens and each one of us has a voice and each voice is a heavyweight which is why you are all invited to address this matter at hand outside the realms of underlying interest but purely for the general safety of the citizens and those residing in Gambia.

Please accept the assurances of my highest consideration and continued sharing of thoughts.

While I remain, resolute and committed, compassionate and caring to the service of humanity.

Respectfully

Sandigie Njie