(3 minutes read)
Gambians will vote tomorrow (Saturday)
- But the citizens are far from involved in the politics at a time that they are weighed against all odds stemming from the pandemic
- The west African country’s tourism and hospitality sector had taken a beating since the pandemic had set in
- The major source of livelihood-tourism- has come to a virtual halt, costing the sector hundreds of millions of dollars
Gambians will vote tomorrow (Saturday). But the citizens are far from involved in politics at a time that they are weighed against all odds stemming from the pandemic. The west African country’s tourism and hospitality sector had taken a beating since the pandemic had set in. The major source of livelihood-tourism- has come to a virtual halt, costing the sector hundreds of millions of dollars. Further, its currency the Dalasi has been falling against major international currencies. Otherwise, it would have been an ideal situation for attracting more tourists. But with the fear of the pandemic still looming large, tourists are shying away.
The 2.4 million people of the country, according to the IMF, also faces a high risk of debt distress. The country’s debt stood at more than US$706 million in October, according to the central bank. It has to be seen against the paltry GDP of the country, which is just US$1 billion.
The country is also dependant on remittances to make both ends meet. Expatriate Gambians sent home US$657.22 million from January-October this year. This works out to nearly thrice what the country earned from tourism in 2019 according to the central bank.
President Adama Barrow is seeking re-election. He has downplayed the critical economic situation the small West African country is facing. Instead, he highlights the strides the country would make in the post-pandemic period, with the economy expected to show a modest growth of 4% in 2021.
