Following a recent publication by the Ministry of Health regarding a batch of Gambian students from Saudi Arabia who arrived in The Gambia via Senegal by land and allegedly refused to be quarantine, the students, in their defense, debunked the allegation levied against them by the Health Ministry describing it as a false and misleading information aimed to mislead the public and defame their character.

Saikou Jabbi, one of the students whose name was listed on the dispatch list, confirmed to this network that they in fact followed due process to ensure they adhere to the  Covid-19 safety precautions. He said, three days prior to their arrival, they did a Covid-19 test In Saudi Arabia which turned out negative and when they got to Dakar on 30th July 2020, they also  underwent a medical check up for further assurance.

He added that, there were certain individuals who came to the country through the back way and eventually evaded quarantine but they on the other hand, decided to follow the right channel as concerned citizens. He said, they liaised with the  Ministry Of Health, Ministry Of Foreign Affairs, Gambia Immigration Department and Gambia Transport Union from the onset for a smooth transaction. The Saudi Arabia student further divulged that they even  arranged a bus through The Gambia Transport Union which they paid D40,000 to pick them up from Senegal and bring them home.

Jabbi further stated that, since they arrived in the country, they have been trying to contact the Ministry Of Health regarding their fate but they kept asking them to wait, assuring them that they will subsequently get back to them.

“There are people who came to the country and escaped quarantine but their names and personal information were not published so why should they publish ours when in fact we followed the right procedure?” He asked.   “We feel our rights as citizens have been violated and our privacy infringed and will get to the bottom of these unfounded allegations” he concluded.

By: Fatoumatta Samateh

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