Today, Friday 16th December 2011, will mark the 20th anniversary of the founding of The Point newspaper, which was established in 1991 in The Gambia.
Despite the fact that it has been facing a series of challenges, such as the brutal killing of our former editor and co-publisher, Deyda Hydara, the arrest and jailing of four of our colleagues in 2009, the high cost of printing materials, which obviously affectes our work, the paper remains committed to its traditional role of informing, educating and entertaining the Gambian people and non-Gambians alike.
Founded by the late Deyda Hydara, the late Baboucarr Gaye and Pap Saine, The Point newspaper has, no doubt, grown in size and quality, while providing employment for many young Gambians, over the years.
However, as journalists, we are very much concerned about the environment in which we operate.
Journalists are generally perceived as troublemakers, which should not be the case.
It is through our activities that the world gets to know what is happening, where, why and by whom.
We keep the world going by providing truthful information. Because the truth is sometimes difficult to swallow, those who at times engage in dubious deals, or fear transparency and accountability, brand us as troublemakers or even enemies.
To be sure, there would be chaos around the world without journalists, as people wouldn’t know what is happening next door.
Despite all these, the reward we get from certain quarters is very discouraging, but that will never dampen our spirits.
As an independent newspaper, we will continue to give every Gambian the opportunity to express their views, irrespective of their political affiliation, religion, social status, or gender.
We will continue to serve as an alternative source of quality, reliable and authoritative information in this country, and about happenings in this country, for Gambians and our readers in general at home and abroad.
As Gambians, you can always rely on us for publication of divergent views without fear or favour.
Despite many constraints, we will continue to give our best in the interest of Freedom of Expression and Democracy.
We will never give up, no matter what!
The paper used to come out every Monday for the first two years of its existence. Then it started coming out every Mondays and Thursdays.
In 1995, the paper was coming out thrice every week and increased to four times in 2001 - Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday.
However, since early 2006, the paper has gone daily thanks to the hard work and commitment of our dedicated team.
The Point has also been online since August 2005 at its web site address: www.thepoint.gm .
The Point newspaper has contributed a lot in terms of promoting Press Freedom, Democracy, Human Rights in The Gambia and beyond.
The Point is an independent newspaper that promotes divergent views, and issues on democracy and human rights.
The paper covers national politics, economics, business, gender, sports, youth matters, world affairs and development issues in general.
While we mark our founding day today, we mark it with mixed feelings – of joy and sorrow.
Whereas we have lived to see the unprecedented development we registered in the last two decades, which gives us immense joy; Friday December 16th is the 7th year since we missed our co-publisher Deyda Hydara, which fills our hearts with deep sorrow but we shall always rise and shine.
