Today
marks the 12th anniversary of Deyda Hydra’s death, and I always remember him
because he was my childhood friend; and he has done a lot not only for the
press, but for The Gambia as a whole; for his good work, dedication, commitment
and for the love for press freedom.
He
was a gentleman; we will never forget him, because he has contributed a lot to
the development of the press and the country.
Today
marks the 12th anniversary and we pay tribute to him, to his family and to the
management and staff of The Point newspaper; and I pray for his soul to continue to rest in
perfect peace, and I would like to appeal to the incoming government, with the
support of the international community, to do all they can to mount proper
investigations into the death of my dear colleague and brother Deyda Hydara, to
know the truth behind his assassination. Deyda was a role model, who inspired
young people to become journalists, because of his commitment and dedication of
press freedom to be upheld in The Gambia. He was always fighting for the
voiceless to be heard. This is why this paper, which was established 25 years
ago, fights for justice, democracy, good governance and respect for human
rights.
In
giving a brief background of The Point newspaper, Mr Saine said: “I, Hydara ands Babucarr Gaye founded the paper in 1991 and, in April 1992, Babucarr resigned
and I and Hydara continued to struggle up to the death of Hydara in 2004.
“Since
then I have been effectively managing the paper going through all the odds and,
since 2005, I have set up a team of staff with the able leadership of Mr Philip
Kotey (who is the General Manager) and an editorial board headed by me and
Editor-in-chief Osman Kargbo to ensure that the paper comes out daily.
Over the years the paper has become a leading
daily in The Gambia winning four international awards – in Germany, Australia,
South Africa and Zambia, which no paper in The Gambia has ever achieved or won.
This
is owing to the promotion of divergent views by the paper, as well as its level
of professionalism in discharging our journalistic duties.
All
these have happened thanks to the inspiration of the management and staff of
The Point newspaper.
The
paper is widely read in the country, and abroad through its website. It is
bilingual (English and French) and is leading in market sales and has
international recognition due to its publication of divergent views and news.
I
would like to take this opportunity to thank my dedicated staff for their
commitment to the job, despite the huddles in the job; and on behalf of my
partner Mrs Maria Hydara, to thank all the staff for their dedication,
commitment to raising The Point to higher heights.
We
also remember two of our staff members – Nian Sarang Jobe and Ida Jagne living
now in the US - who were wounded in the car in which Deyda was killed.
I
would also like to thank our readership and advertisers who have been with us
over the years up to today, as we celebrate the 25th anniversary of The Point.
Once
again, I appeal to the incoming government of the Gambia to help in the
investigation of the death of Deyda Hydara, especially because of his
contribution to national development and the press.
