More Felicitations For Freedom
By Kemo Ceesay
Dear Editor Mbai:
Accept my most sincere congratulations on the 3rd anniversary of Freedom Newspaper. It provides a wonderful civic duty to like minded Gambians dedicated to the ideals of a free society enmeshed in democratic practices. As an avid reader of your prolific outlet, I admire your bravery and tenacity in the face of controversy, threats and the occasional journalistic foibles that plague everyone in the industry. No one's perfect. Your revolutionary conversion of Gambian media is ample proof of your talent.
On the matter concerning Sheriff Bojang; my honed instincts tell me he is an erudite and well meaning fellow. Like everyone with gifts that resided in The Gambia, he cannot help but be stained by the stench of immorality oozing from the rotting corpse of Yahya Jammeh's rule. Yourself, PK Jarju, Ebrima G. Sankareh, Pap Saine and many intrepid others are all heroic princes of our beloved country fighting to get it back on its dignified feet after 15 years of ignoble rule. Disagreements are bound to occur but all of you are extremely driven individuals with healthy egos (which is a good thing!) dedicated to freedom of speech.
Of course there are individuals who abuse the various forums in their selfish desire to settle old scores or as venues for uncouth bragging. They are many and like Bob Marley hinted "Who the cap fit, let them wear it." The present crop of young, exiled and intelligent Gambians opposed to Yahya Jammeh's handling of state affairs is akin to a powerful, raging river that must be harnessed into a dam that will provide the muscle to enact meaningful change. In the end, all of the online feuds are for nought if the lives of ordinary Gambians are not improved. We have been blessed by virtue of our presence in affluent Western States like the U.S., the UK and others. Let us use our time and resources wisely, and let us remind ourselves that: "Unto whom much has been given, much is required."
Regards,
Kemo Ceesay.