Journalists
in The Gambia, especially those covering the National Assembly elections, have
been advised to be security-conscious, as they carry out their duties in
society.
We
take this advice with all seriousness, more so that it is coming from no other
person than our own minister responsible for Information and Communication
Infrastructure.
Indeed,
while we have the feeling that we are now operating under a new order and
governance that seems to guarantee freedom of expression and of the press, we
cannot really take things for granted.
A
case in point was the recent manhandling and victimization of one of our dear
colleagues, who was subjected to such in the hands of some party militants and
supporters, right under the watch of the current government ministers that have
supposedly guaranteed freedom of expression, press freedom and human rights in
this country.
This
is an unfortunate incident the Information minister himself made reference to,
while delivering the closing remarks at a three-day training for journalists on elections coverage and
security in the electoral process, held at the TANGO conference Hall by Article
19 in partnership with the Gambia Press Union (GPU).
“I
can assure you that we are going to give you the right atmosphere to operate.
However, the unfortunate incident where a journalist was roughly handled by
political party supporters is very regrettable; but it is also a wake up alert
for everyone else to see that things cannot be taken for granted and anything
can happen, as journalists.”
We
would, therefore, like to say the point and concern expressed by the
Information minister is well noted, and we will endeavour to be really
security-conscious while discharging our noble duty to society to the best of
our ability, and with no intent to cause harm to anyone, but help in making
society a better place for all.
We
are aware that sometimes as journalists we tend to step on toes and there is no
guarantee that those toes, as the minister rightly stated, may not be
unpleasant with us.
However,
we will continue to serve our people and ensure that we continue to be, as they
say, the watchdog of government, in the interest of the people, without fear,
favour or ill will.
We
very well know that the truth is a bitter pill to swallow, but it is good for
our soul, for human development and between us as human beings and our Creator.
So
we will continue to do our job professionally, and help humanity and society to
grow.
We
would, therefore, like to thank Article 19, the GPU and all those who supported
the training course, for the good initiative.
“I
stand for freedom of expression, doing what you believe in, and going after
your dreams ”
Madonna
Ciccone
