Pap Saine, Conateh, Others Honoured by Jammeh!!!

By Alieu Jallow, Banjul

Banjul:7/30/08-President Yahya Jammeh surprises the nation when he conferred national honours to four Gambian journalists, two of whom worked for the private media. The awardees namely: Pap Saine, Co-Proprietor of the Point Newspaper, Swaebou Conateh, Publisher of The Gambia News and Report Magazine, Serign Faye, Head of Radio programs at GRTS and Kebba Dibba, Senior Manager at GRTS TV were praised for their loyalty to the State and past journalistic work. The Gambian leader said the four deserved such an award, as he puts it “ they have been professionally handling issues as expected.” Fatou Jahumpa Ceesay, Buba Sanyang acting Immigration DG and IGP Essa Badjie received similar awards.

The President who for the  first time had  recognizes the work of the private press is pleased with Pap Saine, Conteh and others journalistic work. The Daily Observer was excluded in the said national award.

Speaking to the Daily Observer Pap Saine remarked  "I feel honoured by the president. I think this constitutes a big boost to not only my media house, but also to the entire media fraternity. I thank President Jammeh for the confidence and high regard bestowed on me."

The Gambia Press Union is yet to react to the President’s move. Many are apprehensive about such award. They believe that the President is trying to buy the hearts  and minds of the media chiefs.

Critics questioned the independence of the Point and the News and Report for accepting an award coming from a sitting President. “ This is the beginning of an editorial compromise between the awardees and the state. A Newspaper, which worth its salt should refused to be corrupted in the form of gift or  an award from a murderous President. Conateh and Saine had an integrity problem. How can Gambians trust them again?  I think they should quit journalism and work for the President.” Said a critic.