Editorial

In what is seen as a last minute rush for shopping before the much-awaited Muslim feast of Eid-el-Fitr (Koriteh) major markets within the Greater Banjul Area are experiencing an increase in economic activities as shoppers descend on them to take advantage of "Wanterr" [fall in the prices of goods].  This concept, offering a rare opportunity for the average person to shop at very low prices, is characterised by display of the most enticing of skills by the businessmen who deploy all sorts of tactics - drumming, singing and dancing. This is all aimed at attracting the attention of potential customers.

Now that 'Wanterr' is at its peak, we wish to remind the business community that even though the concept is geared towards reducing prices so that the average person can at least have access to the necessary commodities and materials to enjoy their feast, with everyone at liberty to advertise and promote their products to attract customers en mass, the occasion should be organised in an orderly manner so that the free flow of traffic would not be obstructed.

We all know that right now due to the 'wanterr' fanfare, major roads near our markets have become no-go areas particularly for vehicles. The famous Serrekunda market road and the road to Albert market in Banjul are good examples; people display their goods on the highway itself, some beat drums, while music blaring from giant loudspeakers in front of shops also add to the noise. We uphold that such a conduct does not favour the free flow of business as customers need a conducive environment to carry out their business transactions. Besides, how would customers reach you when all the roads are blocked?

Some sort of sobriety should therefore be exercised so that the purpose of "wanterr" can be achieved; we should also remember that it is particularly ongoing at this particular time when the holy month of Ramadan has not ended, so acts like drumming and dancing should be avoided in honour of the month. People should be able to enter the markets, trade and reach home safely without much difficulty, but the nature of the 'wanterr' sales makes this at best impossible.  A proper organisation and coordination of the sales is therefore fundamental.

We also hope that our business people would play the rules accordingly. The process of buying and selling should be guided by honesty and trustworthiness so as to prevent the unnecessary greed which often results in the exploitation of the people. 'Wanterr' is primarily organised to reduce prices for the general affordability of goods in anticipation of a joyous day.  Creating unnecessary price hikes while pretending that the selling price has been reduced would defeat the purpose of the concept. We therefore hope that traders would distance themselves from such tactics and endeavour to be guided by the principles of loyalty and honesty during this period.