Micheal Scales Named Daily Observer Reporter Hatab Fadera Developmental Journalist Of The Year

….Freedom Newspaper Editors Reject Nomination

Scales Told To Keep His Award Funds

“In our view, the Daily Observer could be best compared with the Hitler Nazi regime, where agents of democracy were harassed, vilified and in some occasions harmed because of one's dissenting beliefs. My good friend, the Observer has been aiding, and abetting our dictatorial leader Yahya Jammeh. We at the Freedom Newspaper would not be part of any party that would glorify or inspire enemies of freedom,” said the Freedom Newspaper statement sent out to Scales rejecting his nomination.

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Dear Pa Nderry,

Thank you for our long and respectful relationship. I have considered many aspects of the establishment of the annual award to Gambian Journalists. As you aware I have expressed some reservations..but only in respect of security to the awardees. There are also other principals involved here that are worthy of consideration.

We did discuss my participation as a Judge for The Development award. But I think that I would prefer to be a nominator as opposed to being a Judge. The principal for this is simple. This is entirely a Gambian affair and those Judges should be Gambian peers in the field of Journalism. In all things I strive to remain a supporter and not a controller. This must be done soberly and within an independent, transparent and detached perspective.

Some Gambian's may not entirely understand our long term relationship. There have been many times when I have sent you articles....but you did not publish. I am subject to the same criteria as any other presenter with something to say. This is entirely democratic. I have never complained when my piece has been refused. I must also say that in hindsight.....your wisdom not to publish some of my pieces was proved correct for whatever your reason. The Editors knowledge and intuition must remain paramount and objective with the onus of impartiality... a guiding factor.

Your transfer to fair and balanced reporting is the single most advancement in recent times as the Freedom Newspaper..grows. My wish is that it continues to attract opinions that are as diverse as they may appear to be controversial. Freedom of expression is here to stay.

I am personally very pleased with the progress of Gambian Journalism. You have all overcome some very challenging moments and continue to face the future with optimism.

I hope that in all things I have sought to advance the cause of West African Journalism. In this I strive to be an objective observer who mainly sits on the fence..but I can give a British" birds eye" view to what matters when it is, in my view helpful? I am still striving to learn much more about The Gambian and his tradition and his culture. It is so interesting.

 May I therefore place before you my own nomination for The Development award.

 I would like to commend Mr.Hatab Fadera of The Daily Observer. I am glad you confirmed to me that he is a male and not female as I had always thought {laugh} ....Sorry for that.

There is nothing wrong in presenting his governments development agenda positively and with a detached enthusiasm. In this Mr.Fadera meets this challenge easily. Another aspect of his writings is that there is always a comprehensive explanation. One is left with a full picture covering all aspects of the subject matter and this allows the reader to form an opinion. That opinion is the message that all writers must strive to protect. An objective. Though not too persuasive, as to brain wash the reader.

The other principals here is Unity and total neglect of Segregation. I along with others have been very critical of the Observer's content on occasion. Journalists must be allowed Freedom to report without favor. The facts must contain honesty and objectivity without prejudice. They must always and at all times be secure from reprisal and interference. But also at all times work within the principals of Law.

Development of any nation is a fine principal on which to stand. But this should also encompass the development of the child and the individual. What the West call..... human capacity building.

I feel that within Mr Fadera there is a human capacity that is both principled and honest. That on his reporting at court or in his developmental orientation....he is worthy of the panels consideration for this years development award.

May I therefore submit Mr.Hatab Fadera for the developmental award.

A fine example of his work presently on view at The Daily Observer....is

"Money laundering; A major economic crime in Africa." 

Yours sincerely......Michael Scales    .

Editors note: Hi Mike: After a careful consideration of the award presentation, our conscience would not allow us to be part of any partnership that would extend an award to an employee of the Daily Observer. Our reasons are purely premised on professional and ethical  points of view.

In our view, the Daily Observer could be best compared with the Hitler Nazi regime, where agents of democracy were harassed, vilified and in some occasions harmed because of one's dissenting beliefs.

My good friend, the Observer has been aiding, and abetting our dictatorial leader Yahya Jammeh. We at the Freedom Newspaper would not be part of any party that would glorify or inspire enemies of freedom.

On that note, we advise that you keep the money earmarked for the award, or you can channel it to other trusted sources to oversee the presentation for you.

That said, we shall still go ahead with the award, but with our own funds to avoid conflict of interest.

Thanks for the support you have been rendering to the Freedom Newspaper. We look forward to working with you in the future.

Signed:

Pa Nderry M'Bai,

Freedom Newspaper, Managing Editor and Publisher,

Raleigh, NC.

In response to the Editors decision to exclude the Daily Observer from the award program Michael Scales     said “I respect your decision and your objectivity. May I wish you every success with the ethos of the awards and fully agree with your stand.This is very much a Gambian affair and one that I should not take sides upon. Respectfully.....Mike.”