The information minister, Ebrima Sillah, has told journalists that Banjul Breweries, a local beverage company that is threatening to close down operations due to government tax hikes, will continue business.
Gambian authorities imposed a 65% tax increase on the company. The tax hikes was part of the revenue generation measures in the country’s 2019 budget.
However, Sillah said the beverage and country’s alcohol company will not cease operation as Finance and Trade Ministries are in discussion to solve their problem.
“Hopefully before midweek a decision will be conveyed to Banjul Breweries. The Ministry of Trade and Finance are in consultation over the issue,” said Sillah at a joint press conference with Tourism Minister Hamat Bah on Friday.
“We don’t want to give specific timeline on this… But I can tell you that Bunjul Breweries will not close down and before the end of next week, a decision will be reached… We can assure you that no one will be laid off…”
Meanwhile, the Banjul Breweries has already reached out to the National Assembly Committee on Trade to help mediate their issue.
The tax hikes is part of the budget and any reduction in revenues that are projected will have some budgetary implications.
However, the vice chairman of the Trade Committee of the National Assembly, Billay Tunkara, told Kerr Fatou on Saturday that an amicable solution will be found for the problem.