|
Note: You must be registered in order to post a reply.
To register, click here. Registration is FREE!
|
| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| toubab1020 |
Posted - 07 May 2020 : 16:06:01
https://thepoint.gm/africa/gambia/headlines/gambia-for-all-urges-transparency-on-covid-19-funds
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
SNIPPET:
“Again, the public legitimately wants to know the source of the D734 million announced for funding Covid-19 Food Aid programme.”
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
======================================================================
May 7, 2020, 11:44 AM | Article By: Pa Modou Cham
Gambia For All (GFA) party in a press release yesterday underlined that it expects more transparency from government and continues to express the need for transparency and accountability in the use of funds for covid-19.
The party points out that it’s imperative the government engages religious and traditional leaders, political parties, trade unions, private sector and civil society to promote wider understanding of, and support for the Response Plan for covid-19.
“This will ensure a wider mobilisation of the community effort. These segments of society include in their midst, important opinion leaders who can effectively articulate the needs of their communities as well as advise on actions likely to prove most beneficial.”
The party also argued that the source of D500 million initially provided to fight the pandemic was not explained from the onset, leading to much speculation which is not healthy in a situation where the state badly needs the confidence of the public.
“Again, the public legitimately wants to know the source of the D734 million announced for funding Covid-19 Food Aid programme.”
Welcoming the government’s decision to provide support to households, the party agreed that if handled properly, it would bring much needed relief to the communities.
“But our situation remains extremely difficult and pre-occupying; we are still not yet out of the woods. To say so is to admit reality, and not to seek to cause undue alarm. The nature of the beast is such that we need to maintain our sights on the medium to the long term for coming out of the tunnel. Experiences around us, and elsewhere in the world, should edify us.”
In handling the crisis, the party urges the government to associate other active national forces, such as civil society and political parties, through the institution of a steering mechanism with extensive oversight responsibilities.
“Gambia for All lost no time in expressing support for the prevention and containment measures announced by the public authorities, while we called on the Government to urgently review the national budget with a view to redefining priorities and freeing up state resources ahead of any help expected from the general public, as well as from abroad.”
|
| 1 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| toubab1020 |
Posted - 12 May 2020 : 17:28:40
https://thepoint.gm/africa/gambia/editorial/towards-a-more-transparent-society
======================================================================
May 12, 2020, 11:29 AM Editorial
A renowned Mexican economist and diplomat once stated that integrity, transparency and the fight against corruption have to be part of the culture.
They have to be taught as fundamental core values. This clearly explains the severity and extent to which corruption ruptures the fabric of any society.
It’s been reported in our yesterday’s edition of The Point that scores of people distributing rice in the area are being arrested and detained at Ndungo Kebbeh in the North Bank Region in connection with rice theft saga. The same paper also reported about the arrest of two serving members of The Gambia Armed Forces (GAF) for reportedly selling 27 bags of covid-19 food aid to a Mauritanian businessman.
For the two serving member of GAF, it is sad that they have been involved in such a misfortune out of sheer greed and dishonesty.
It is sad that during these trying moments as government tries to reduce the sufferings of people in their neighborhoods amid covid-19 lockdown that some unscrupulous ones are bent on disrupting the whole process.
When people talk about patriotism and what it entails, so many things or issues comes to mind. For some it is just a mere flag-waiving! Patriotism is more difficult. It is not merely waving a flag or reciting a pledge. It requires earnest attention, reflection and action. And patriotism inspires service to the country.
And it is high time people start embracing the core values of patriotism. Because patriotism requires good-faith debate about how our ideals should be practiced. At the same time, it is solidarity in building a better nation. It doesn’t allow minor differences to separate the greater unity and progress.
The Covid-19 has bought global economies on their knees, disrupting businesses and even movement. So any little effort to help and ameliorate the living condition of the citizenry for God’s sake should not be tampered with.
We hope that those arrested would be brought to justice. It is only by punishing those who have been apprehended that we can make head way in stemming the surge of this kind of negative misconduct in the country.
“A lack of transparency results in distrust and a deep sense of insecurity.”
Dalai Lama |
|
|
| Bantaba in Cyberspace |
© 2005-2024 Nijii |
 |
|
|
