Gambian Press Accused Of Sensational Reporting

Legislators Slammed  Gambian press-As Majority Leader Accuses The Press of Sensational Reporting Over The 2010 Budget

MPS Say  The Press Is Causing Fear In The Country

By Staff Reporter James Jammeh, Banjul

Members of  Gambia's law making body, have raised concern over recent reports on the press regarding the proposed increments on the cost of national identification documents and the 5 percent tax levy on imported rice.

The country's 2010 budget which was recently announced saw an almost 100 percent increase on the cost of passport, road tax and licenses as well as a 5 percent tax levy on imported rice – developments that seems to have caused a rare division, even among members of the ruling government.

Press reports on the debate – both print and electronic, according to NAMs, are not balanced and objective as reports were cantered on only those who spoke against, while the views of those who spoke in favour were never featured.

The majority leader of the National Assembly and member for Serre Kunda East, Fabakary Tombong Jatta, who launched the attack, quoted a recent newspaper article: 'NAMs Mourn Increment On National Documents'.

“It is true that we are being critical of issues, but the positive sides of the statements are never being reported  by the press,'' he said.

''Recently, I was in Kaur when I heard a group of people talking about the increase on rice,” said nominated member, Seedy Njie. “What is saddened is that a particular radio station (name withheld) reported that the state has made 15 percent tax increase on rice.''

Hon Njie went on to say that the road tax increment, contrary to what has been reported by some media institutions, does not apply to commercial vehicles, only private vehicles. He added that there is no proposed increment on ID card.

The moment of frenzy on the press at parliament continued, with Hon. Kebba Jobe, member for Jokadu, slamming a particular radio station for what he termed as ''reporting below standard''.

“We should criticize constructively,” he warned.

“I do not consider the Gambian press to be a fair press,” added the member for Lower Nuimi, Cherno C. Charm. “If the press wants to be independent they do not have to write their news with only negative news in the society. These newspapers make everybody confuse by making hyperbolic headlines as if they are borrowing words from William Shakespeare.”

ENDS:12/31/09