“Apologies for my poor grammar or my regrettable ignorance on any matter,”  Michael Scales Tells His Critics!!!

By Michael Scales, UK

Dear Mr. Editor,

Never have I witnessed such brave and sensible courage as accompanied the impetus of Watchman's attempt to convey peace and harmony To the Gambian Echo.

The response from the Editors was somewhat unpredictable. The thrust of Watchman's wise counsel, was his vision of the free Gambian newspapers aspiring to the heights of American standards of Journalism. He does not doubt the high standard already achieved by Gambian Journalists abroad....but emits his sound and commendable view that a uniform standard and monitoring agency {ombudsman} would be beneficial. He further concedes the growth of the Gambian online media, its African vitality and its importance. not only to Gambians in the diaspora, but to the inevitable expected growth of  a free and dynamic presence on home soil in the future.

He further recognises the attrition incurred by the stress and pressure of transmitting only negative news about The Gambia and calls for greater diversity in the contributions from alternative and conflicting views. I was impressed by his thoughts that Mr.Jallow may have some credibility in the view that, the GPU/USA should have a tangible voice included in its make up to take account of the emerging and dynamic online presence.

I am greatly impressed by his vision and his very obvious and worthy. deep reflection on the matter.

I truly hope that he does not feel the need to express anger through retaliation to such undeserved reward for his laudable efforts.

My own views are well known to you Mr. Editor.

I agree wholeheartedly with Hon. Watchman....Moreover, I have expressed my concern at the gratuitous attacks on individuals who because of their position in government or business in The Gambia and elsewere,either are too embarrassed or afraid to reply directly to the accusations. I have further expressed my dismay that such reckless and irresponsible comments calling for President Jammeh's children to be placed 6 feet under or that some Journalists would dance on his grave....or "Jammeh will die like a chicken"

are not worthy of any coverage by the online press. This to me is not Journalism or should not  even considered as opinion pieces. This does not detract from new and nervous contributors who have an opinion to express as perhaps a novice or as a biased undisciplined or angry subscriber { This may be entertained with a disclaimer}

It therefore falls as to the responsibility of the Editor and the experience and integrity and impartiality  that they hold.

The loser for indiscipline  here is ultimately The Gambia and all Gambians now and in the future.

Further to this, if the Gambian online media can only attract an audience by making such regrettable statements then I would suggest you are heading totally in the wrong direction.

I regard this as unholy and misrepresents the Gambian people that I know and respect.

The media should reflect society..not transform it.

To my mind, it follows that The Gambian Press Union should remain separate from such transgressions and as the legislative body and executive, it must set itself clear and truly definable standards of  principals conduct and ethics.

The question on my mind, is whether at this point in time, the GPU can consider the inclusion of the online media within its make up, until such standards and observations as described here and by the Hon. Watchman are firmly in place.

Strange as it may seem, You will never see such statements and attacks on the pages of The Point Newspaper or The Daily Observer. Not withstanding the occasional emotional outburst from The President. Even these are usually edited out of the finished article or speech.

I would put it to you..that before any unity or inclusion or progress towards the tolerance of the alignment of the Journalistic apparatus can take place across the Atlantic, their needs to be a gradual move from the press in The Gambia and the Press in the diaspora towards a common aim and target.

It occurs to me that such a consensus would be best initiated by the GPU in The Gambia in consultation with The Gambian government.

Further to this....if the Gambian on line media's only ambition is to remove the elected APRC government by force of arms or violence, then I beleive you will neither progress or be taken seriously by anyone other than those  minority Gambians with hatred as their only comfort.

Apologies for my poor grammar or my regrettable ignorance on any matter.

     Michael..U.K.