D. A. Jawo, Ex-President, Gambia Press Union

I wish to join your numerous readers and well wishers in wishing the Freedom newspaper and its dedicated editorial staff a happy second anniversary.

Indeed, the existence of Freedom and the other online newspapers has made quite a significant contribution to the Gambian media landscape. With the media climate in the Gambia being not quite conducive for the dissemination of divergent views, Freedom and the other online newspapers have become quite an effective forum for the expression of divergent views and opinions.

The existence of Freedom and the other online newspapers has also clearly shown that in this electronic age, which ever government wants to manipulate and control the type of information its citizens consume, is definitely fighting a losing battle.

Therefore, the more there is an attempt by the government to control and regulate the media at home, the more Freedom and the other online newspapers will continue to grow and prosper as the alternative voice of the people. And the sooner the government realizes that the people will always have an alternative forum for news and information, the better for everyone.

Sarjo Bayang UK: Dear Pa Nderry, A keen Gambian reader in London says he is very impressed with your good work. He thinks you are doing well and wishes to convey his heart of appreciation to encourage you do even better. This is one of those far corner readers who silently screens through all other Gambian media fronts. He comes from a professional background and very much involved in writing especially educational materials for schools. This reader wants to encourage you take up a course in a special domain to boost your already advancing standard. Pa you are not doing bad. It is only fair to add a hand of support among your many well wishers in taking this good work on the tallest plateau of information service success. My regards Sarjo Bayang.

By Michael Scales, UK

Mr.Editor,

Viewing the pages of Freedom Newspaper and seeing the many interesting debates taking place,I can not help thinking what a good idea this online newspaper is. As you approach your second anniversary, my mind thinks of my first eDear ver article that you considered would honour these pages.

It was a very nervous and personally scary adventure,daring to ask ..what would you replace President Jammeh with. One particularly " witty "Gambian, replied with the answer ....a plank of wood !!! Whilst I respect the Presidents position and his efforts to produce his kind of "change" for The Gambia .There is obviously a diverse range of opinion as to what and how and if, their was to be a change, but no one has identified..what kind of change and who would lead it.What I remain convinced of...is that The Gambia has several extremely gifted individuals who would " fit the bill " admirably. But I still dont think that enough Gambians have taken the time to enter a smoke filled room and close the door to thrash this out.No matter what Gambian on line print we read...all roads lead to Jammeh.We make him the centre of The Gambian Universe....

But really speaking, The Gambia is much, much, more than just one Man .

The debate must turn to structure and control and accountability.

Viewing several Ministerial offices over the years, what struck me was the lack of production and resources to carry out the main functions of Government.

Whilst there were many dedicated officials who Im certain knew and understood there remits...I could never see any resources or incentives or infrastructure..to further the ministerial obligation, hence the hire and fire mentality reigns supreme.Failure of officials encased in this depressing state is a recipe for intolerable stress and eventual collapse for the officers concerned.

In todays high speed world of unstoppable change and competitiveness,those at the cutting edge of competition have to be swift and innovative and whats more,risk management orientated. Governments have no exemption to this pace of Global commerce.You either compete of die.Strategy is everything.

Presidential example is incredibly important.Countries are immediately thought of in terms of its heads of state.We identify Iran or Britain or Zimbabwe in this way and judge the country accordingly.So it is very important how we elect our leaders.Do they represent our nation well ?Is our image positive and productive.?Do we send the rights signals to the world ?

The Gambia's tourist industry intrigues me...as an example.

What is the overall benefit to the nation?...Foriegn exchange and currency?

Overseas image spread by visitors through personal references..leading to repeat business..?

Profit, employment, tax to the exchequer, business investment by visitors impressed by perceived opportunities during there stay. Relationships either friendly or personal or professional. The list of benefits are endless.

To any one ..this industry is a "sacred cow " and must be protected.The visitor must be taken care of and pampered as they shed there hard earned cash and require quality and respect and protection in return, besides good value.

The recent editorials and statement of discontent by visitors at Banjul Airport,reported on both sides of the Atlantic..must give rise to grave concern.

Where are the lessons to be learned and who is responsible.? What action must be taken and by who..and how do any complaints receive good and genuine care and attention.

How can The Gambia protect its reputation ?.....Good reputations take years to establish.......but only minutes to lose. Sometimes they can never be recovered.

The Gambia is a " baby state " growing up fast...it must grow straight and true and with a target in motion......It is no longer acceptable to be a" tramp steamer" slopping from side to side without a care in the world.The online debate acknowledges situations leading to problems.But it must also consider solutions and strategies and policies and who are the best persons to administer the agreed principals for progress.Once this is discovered, change is but a small journey to take and success is reassured.

Congratulations to Freedom's 2nd birthday...Its been a pleasure and an inspiration..requiring courage and dedication.

But also.....its been a very worthy challenge.

I am honoured to make your acquaintance.

Michael ..U.K.

The Mirrors of Freedom; a Poem of Tribute.

By Yero Jallow

Daily, nightly – the pages are crying

Hourly, secondly –the hits are flying

Continuously and persistently –the news is echoing

"Breaking News" says one headline after another

Dictators getting stripped naked of their wears

Their "scrotal balls" in oscillatory motions

Surfing ugly shadows in the mirrors of the Freedom

For their tyrannical actions to peaceful humanity

Trapped in evil like in 'el d'gore' (door of no return)

Repeating history with arrogance and bigotry

Censoring the voices of descent –The Independent.

Daily, nightly – the pages are crying

Hourly, secondly –the hits are flying

Continuously and persistently –the news is echoing

"Breaking News" says one headline after another

Freedom came as a whip on the dictators

Whipping them with the strength of a 'bomb'

Shattering their evils to mere useless atomic particles

Rooting on the ground the pillars of freedom

Watering the pillars of liberty – (God-given rights)

Supporting the pillars of equality and justice

Without fear or favor but with passion and courage.

Long live all media outlets!

Long live a peaceful and unified Gambia!!

Author's commentary:

Editor Mbai & your team of staffers,

Accept my share of joy in your celebrations of the 2nd Anniversary of the Freedom Newspaper. The poem below is specifically dedicated to Freedom Newspaper and its tribute extended to the paper –Gainako, to which I am a consortium of; all the online media outlets (newspapers, blogs and forums) and our vibrant local newspapers in the Gambia.

As you celebrate, think more about the suffering masses –the sick,

suffering and the oppressed everywhere. The information weapon in the current century is a victory that the oppressed has over the

oppressor. On my behalf, and on behalf of our gallant editors at

Gainako-Momodou Laama Jallow and Demba Baldeh, we wish you a happy celebration. Extend sincere gratitude to all peace-loving Gambians helping you run the Freedom newspaper.

Yero Jallow (Dalton)