The Speaker of Gambia’s Parliament Mariam Jack Denton has been out of work since July 14th, 2020 because of an undisclosed sickness amid reports that she has been tested positive for Coronavirus, Freedom Newspaper can report. In a letter addressed to the MPs, Gibairu Janneh, Director of Communications at the National Assembly said: ” Please be informed that the Hon. Speaker Mariam Jack Denton is not feeling healthy and is receiving medication at home. In accordance with the advice from her doctor, she will be absent from duty for two weeks. During this period, the Hon. Deputy Speaker, Momodou LK Sanneh shall hold the forth for the Office of the Speaker.”
The letter ended with “We wish her speedy recovery and pray that Allah (SWT) grant her the strength and good health to resume duties.”
The Speaker has been out of the public view for over two weeks. She is a registered member of the United Democratic Party (UDP). She was hired speaker back 2018.
Unlike the Vice President Isatou Touray, whose Coronavirus status was announced, the speaker’s health status, hasn’t been publicly announced. As Speaker, she has interacted with many MPS during recent Parliamentary sessions.
It is not clear if the MPS, who have interacted with her, have been tested for Corona to ascertain their health status. Per the communication we had in our possession, Speaker Denton has been out of work for over two weeks because of an undisclosed illness.
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