Speaker FJC Pledges More Support for Journalists

Hon. Fatoumatta Jahumpa-Ceesay, Speaker of the National Assembly has renewed her office's pledge to always support journalists in the country through the provision of training packages.

Speaker Jahumpa-Ceesay, who was speaking yesterday in her office as she received five journalists from the print and electronic media who recently returned from Ghana after three weeks training on parliamentary reporting said her office will always be willing to train journalists so as to enhance the need for effective and accurate reporting.

The "Ghana Five" as they are fondly call are Alagie Jobe of the Daily Observer, Noah Badjie of GRTS Radio, Mama Gaye and Famara Fofana of GRTS TV and our own Abba Gibba. They were selected by the National Assembly to undergo three-week-long training at the Ghana Institute of Journalism in Accra, Ghana.

The spirit of the training, which was in fulfillment of the need to enhance effective and accurate reporting of National Assembly proceedings and activities, was sponsored by the UNDP through its Capacity Development Project for the National Assembly.

According to the National Assembly Speaker, her office will always be willing to support build the capacity of Gambian journalists up to degree level.

She however urged the journalists to keep up the momentum and always ensure professionalism in doing their work.

"After returning from such a reputable institute, you all will be a shinning example to other journalists in the country. You should therefore put into practice what you have learnt by reporting accurately", she said.

FJC further went on to announce the building of a new state of the earth National Assembly complex thanks to President Jammeh that will house a media center. She also emphasized the need for journalist to specialized in their various reporting fields.

Speaking earlier, Mr Kebba Dibba, Senior Manager TV Program at GRTS described the initiative as of paramount importance to Gambian journalists.

According to Mr Dibba, journalism as a profession in this country is constrained for the simple reason that journalists lack training institutions in this country.

He also appealed to the Speaker through her office to explore and pursue to ensure that journalists are not only trained but also trained up to degree level.

"The will is there, the commitment is there and we pray that it continues to grow from strength to strength", he said.

Other speakers on the occasion include Hon. Kanaji Jawla, Hon Momodou Lamin Sanneh, Minority Leader, and Hon. Alagie Sillah.

Noah Badjie gave a brief summary of the report of the three week long training. As a token of appreciation, Speaker Jahumpa-Ceesay presented some sample of bread prepared by the Kanilai Family Bakery to each of the journalists.