Congratulations to the Young Journalists Association of The Gambia who celebrated one year in existence yesterday. We very regularly hear people say in this country that the youth are the future leaders and this is most definitely true of our young journalists. In the future these young men and women will be on the front lines fighting for truth, justice and democracy. Indeed many of them are already involved in this noble struggle. They are working in our media houses and working diligently to inform the public and make the truth widely known.

We must support them in this endevour as it will ultimately benefit every Gambian. The only person who fears the truth is the one who has something to hide. Many people critisise journalists, young and old, and attempt to smear their name by saying that they do not print the truth. But to print the truth journalists need to have access to it. To publicise information they must also have access to it. In an open society information is not constricted and the journalists job is much easier.

Another very important aspect of journalism is training. We must ensure that journalists have access to training through a course at the University of The Gambia. If this is put in place then young people who wish to ply this noble trade can have a solid grounding in the basics of the craft. They can also be introduced and educated in best practice. If these steps are taken then we will have a generation of journalists who will adhere to the strictest codes of practice simply because they are aware of them. While there is no doubting that the young journalists of The Gambia have only the best interests of the nation at heart and are unlikely to carry out malicious acts on purpose, we must empower them to make informed choices with regard to their chosen career. We owe it to them.

“The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) are worthy of congratulation for jointly organising this two-day workshop with PMO for the stakeholders on public service reform and institutional capacity development for the key stakeholders within the civil services sector across the country”. The were the words of PS Sallah who was speaking at closing ceremony of a two-day workshop held recently at the Corinth Atlantic Hotel in Banjul. The workshop was for the key stakeholders within the civil service sector across the country. He asserted that, “as public servants we have lot of work to do in terms of reforming the public services sector.” He said the public service capacity development board, at the first meeting, directed that a steering committee examine issues relating to its own terms of reference and the TOR of the capacity development adviser project manager including the manner of his or her recruitment.

Mr. Sallah therefore thanked the participants for their tireless effort despite their busy schedules to come and answer to their call and also thanked the Mr. Sallah at MDI, the principal co-ordinator of the workshop, for his tireless effort.“ No doubt the report from this workshop will perfect because a lot of experts attended this workshop including the staff from the PMO who knew the system of operation at PMO for years,” he said. The Director of MDI, Mr. Yusupha Dibba, who also at one time served as permanent Secretary at the personnel Management office, also attended the workshop and expressed similar sentiments.

The Gambia Football Association (GFA) has sent a congratulating message to the new Secretary of State for Youth, Sports and Religious Affairs, Alhagie Mass Axi Gye for his appointment in the helm of Gambian sports.

Mr Gye, who was the second vice president of the GFA up to appointment last Friday, has contributed immensely to the development of Gambian specially Football.

We reproduce the message from GFA President Seedy MB Kinteh:

RE:’LETTER OF COMMENDATION

Dear friend and brother,

Please allow me to send my sincere and personal congratulation to you on your appointment as the Secretary State for Youth, Sport and Religious Affairs.

This appointment would not have been possible without your personal sacrifice and loyal service to H.E. President, Alhagie Doctor Yahya A.J.J. Jammeh and the youth constituent. Your contribution to football has in no small measure boosted the morale and standard of the game in our beloved country. Your commitment, drive and accomplishment reflect an essential of what makes you a great team leader and we at the football parliament are truly grateful of your noble and genuine contribution to our dear sport.

Rest assured that the Gambia Football Association would strive relentlessly to cement the special relationship that exists between the Department of State for Youth, Sport and Religious Affairs and our national soccer association.

Once again, I wholeheartedly thank you on behalf of the GFA Executive and the entire football fraternity for your commitment and dedication to national development.

I take this opportunity to wish you, and your family a blessed and a prosperous Ramadan.

Respectfully submitted,

SEEDY.M. B.KINTEH
PRESIDENT GFA