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Momodou
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 Posted - 11 Feb 2008 : 19:19:55
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YJAG Association Launch
By Madiba Singhateh
The Young Journalists’ Association of The Gambia was launched on Saturday 8 February 2008 at the NaNA head office in Bakau.
Nfamara Jawneh, the president of the YJAG, in his welcoming remarks noted that the association was founded back on September 16, 2007 and its membership is made up of journalists between the ages of 18 and 30 from both print and electronic media countrywide.
Mr. Jawneh said YJAG seeks to promote mutual understanding among young Gambian journalists, provide them with training opportunities, pursue the general welfare of its members, facilitate the recruitment of students into a career in journalism and to complement the efforts of The Gambia Press Union in promoting press freedom in the country. Mr. Jawneh further said he would appeal to the authorities concerned to speed up the process because they, as young people in the media, are very much committed.
Mr. Jawneh concluded that as a united group they can go forward and use their collective strength to fight for all the issues affecting the young media professionals in The Gambia.
Another speaker at the occasion was the American Ambassador to The Gambia, Barryl Wells, who said that journalism is critically important and significantly represents the voice of the people.
Mr. Wells said press freedom is important in any democratic society. He emphasised the need for journalists to receive training.
Mr. Pap Saine Managing Editor of The Point declared his support for the association. Mr. Saine said media houses are doing everything to render support, despite the high cost of their operation.
Mr. Saine said they, the journalists, have a role to play in this society; they are watch dogs.
Mr. Saine finally pointed out the need for their training and equipment.
Mr. Sam Sarr of Foroyaa Newspaper said he is moved by a group of young people in the media coming together in order to promote their common interest and the profession. Mr. Sarr said that the media is referred to as the fourth estate, an indication of its importance in the development of society. “Without the media or freedom of the press, people can’t express their views, and democracy will not prevail, he said.
Mr. Sarr said that YJAG has a great challenge ahead of it given the numerous problems the media is facing. He hoped that they will succeed in meeting that challenge.
He stressed the need for the training of the young journalists, pointing out that a journalism course at the University of The Gambia has been in the Pipeline for years now but still remains there. He hoped that it would soon see the end of the tunnel.
Mr. Lamin Saho, Assistant Principal Communication Officer, on behalf of the SoS for Information and Communication, said the door of the Secretary of State is open to them. Mr. Saho said the media has a responsibility in the society and an important role to play in development and the unification of the people. He pointed out that the media can also play a destructive role, undermining development and dividing the people. He stressed the importance of writing responsibly.
He concluded his speech by declaring the launching of the organisation.
Just before the launch, a female member of Gambia Senior Secondary School Press Club recited a poem in which she emphasizes the power of information. This was followed by a performance by a quartet from Nusrat Senior Secondary School Press Club.
Source: Foroyaa Newspaper Burning Issues
Issue No. 18/2007, 11 – 12 February 2008
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