Editorial: A Big Thank You To Our Readers

We want to extend our sincere thanks and appreciation to all those who emailed, and called our Managing Editor Pa Nderry M’Bai, for his recent academic success-registered in the field of Mass Communications. Words are not adequate for us to acknowledge the inspiring compliments extended to Editor M’Bai. We felt highly encouraged. Thank you all for your kind remarks, and commendations.

Like all journalists, Mr. M’Bai too,  is committed to advancing his professional qualifications. That is why he decided to enroll in College-with the primary objective of expanding his knowledge in the field of journalism. We are proud to say that he has achieved his  academic ambition, with an outstanding GPA of 3:55.

Mr. M’Bai had A minus in Investigative Journalism, and straight A in Intercultural Business Communication.  These were his last classes before graduation. His professors hailed him for his investigative skills, and writing techniques.  He was also a source of resource to his fellow students as he actively participate in class discussions. This can be attested  to by Professors weekly feedbacks.

Mr. M’Bai’s  College education was financed entirely by the United States Government.  He has to work hard in order to live up to expectations.  There are set requirements attached to Government financial aid.

In order for Mr. M’Bai to benefit from such Government funds, he has to maintain  impressive grades during his studies. Education is expensive in this country, and therefore students must take their studies seriously if they want to excel in the field of academia.

The United States is a land of opportunity.  And Mr. M’Bai has proven such a reality to the new generation of Immigrants.  He came into this country without a College degree, and today  has bagged one. He is very grateful to the people of America, and its Government for availing him the opportunity to expand his knowledge.

As asylees, we should prepare ourselves academically-so that when we return home after  Jammeh’s era,  we can contribute our respective roles in nation building. We should capitalize on any given opportunity available while away from home.

To our dear friend, and brother Fankung Fankung, thanks for the kind compliments. But we must hasten to add that we can contribute our quota to  nation building without serving your “Dear Leader”  Jammeh.  We are not interested in any Government job- be it now,or after Jammeh’s era.

As rightly pointed out by Geir Tyldum, a Norwegian, our services would be best needed after Jammeh’s rule.  We entirely agree with Tyldum.  We need a vibrant, and dynamic media to hold the present, former, and would be rulers of The Gambia accountable in post Jammeh era. This cannot be achieved in the absence of a dedicated, sincere, and honest media.

Nakebba Haruna Darboe,  has openly attested to the quality of journalism practiced here at Freedom. Nakebba thanks for speaking out.  You are a "man of truth". We are proud of you.

As Gambians, we should develop the culture of self reliance. It not only through Government that one could serve his, or her country. Unless we depart from the notion that without Government job that one cannot excel in life, the future of our dear country is bleak.

We should encourage private entrepreneurs such as the Freedom Newspaper, and other sister online papers to invest in The Gambia. This would create jobs for the country.  We need a private sector led economy and not otherwise.

Sadly, in the case of The Gambia, the President has hijacked the private sector. That is why there is no free business competition.  He has put his hands virtually into almost every sector of the economy.

Finally, we want to assure our readers that the Freedom Newspaper would continue to discharge its journalistic duties without fear, favor, or ill-will. To us here at Freedom, Gambia’s interest supersedes personal interest. Once again, thanks for the  kind wishes and prayers. In God,  we trust.  God bless America, and the people of The Gambia.