Newspaper Publishers' Association Launched

By Pa Modou Cham
 

The Newspapers Publishers' Association (NEPA) in The Gambia has been launched yesterday. The Organisation is aimed to sit and discuss things pertaining to newspapers operation in the country and to take their wishes and desires to make sure that the Gambia print media is continue to play active role in the new dispensation to operate in professional manner.

The ceremony was held at Baobab Hotel in Bijilo and was graced by ambassadors and high government officials.

Prof Pierre Gomez Associate Professor of Comparative Literature Dean, School of Arts and Sciences at the University of The Gambia, who had been dedicated the chief launcher explained that he is very pleased to be associated with yet another history-making venture in a field closely related to his areas of expertise; comparative literature, culture and history.

He added that the day is of great reckoning and he sees history of September 1971 repeating itself. “I believe it should not take long for a follower of the emergence and evolution of Gambian Literature to connect today’s event to the establishment of “Ndaanan”, a literary magazine which resulted from a similar initiative as the one we are witnessing today. 

In recalling the great achievements of Gambian publishers, prof lamented that in September 1971, the Gambia’s Writers Club including Mr Swaebou Conateh, Mr Charles Jow, Mr Hassoum Ceesay Senior, Dr Lenries Wilfred Peters, Mr Gabriel John Roberts and others produced the first volume of a literary publication “Ndaanan” to provide an outlet for all creative Gambian writing. 

“Our history has it that the business of sharing information through newspapers is inextricably linked with the history of writing in the Gambia’s newspapers such as Bathurst Times in 1871; Bathurst Observer the West African Gazette in 1883 and the Gambia Intelligencer in 1896.

He said the launch alone prove that the work of an organic journalist is an essential ingredient in educating the masses. 

The chairperson of NEPA Mr. Sam Sarr highlighted that newspaper publication in the Gambia play a significant role and they are the forefront in disseminating news.

He said the major role of the media is to hold the government accountable to the people and the role is significant that it is expressed in the section 207 of the Gambian constitution, which indicates that the media is given the responsibility to hold the government of The Gambia accountable to the people.

“The media and the government are not enemies; each of us is just playing its role. Every democratic government is interested in serving the people and expanding democratic values.”

He said the newspapers are accessible to the public to enable them have information and knowledge.

The deputy permanent secretary of the ministry of information and communication technology Ebrima Darboe applauds the newspaper publishers and the journalist that love the professor for their great contribution.

He urges the publishers to nurture the front page journalists and also urges journalists to report in a professional way without bias.