Since then, the paper has come a long way in positively contributing towards information dissemination in the country especially when it comes to educating, informing and entertaining the public. As an independent media, it also plays a key role in promoting divergent views, promoting freedom of expression in the country. This to some extent has cemented the paper’s reputation, becoming widely recognised within and outside The Gambia, as seen in the number of awards it has won internationally. In essence, this anniversary is a cause of celebration as it is a journey filled with numerous challenges and opportunities.
However, it is also a moment of sombre reflection to remember the work and times of the late veteran journalist, managing editor and co-publisher of the paper, Deyda Hydara, who on the paper’s anniversary twenty years ago, was killed by junglers on the orders of former Gambian dictator, Yahya Jammeh.
Mr Hydara, a co-founder of The Point, was widely credited for his stance in the country when it comes to press freedom and speaking for the voiceless.
Mr President, the late Deyda Hydara was a distinguished and courageous figure, who dedicated his life and time in championing press freedom and protecting journalists from all forms of impunity. His stance on promoting dissenting and divergent views made him a target as uncovered at the Truth Reconciliation and Reparations Commission, a truth commission set up to investigate atrocities committed in the Yahya Jammeh era from 1994 to 2017. Mr Hydara lived a life worthy of emulation, especially for young Gambian journalists, to whom he continues to serve as a source of inspiration.
For many years, the family and other loved ones have tried relentlessly to find a closure on his case and know the perpetrators behind his gruesome murder. Sadly, it was at this truth-seeking commission, where perpetrators - also known as the junglers, a notorious hit squad of the ex-Gambian leader that committed the many-atrocities - told the commission that they actuallyexecuted the gruesome murder.
The killers happen to be Malick Jatta, Alieu Jeng (walking in the streets) and Sanna Manjang (who has found refuge in Guinea Bissau), and also former president Jammeh paid them each that time 1000 US dollars, according to Malick Jatta, who testified at the TRRC. These people should be arrested and face justice.
Hydara’s death did not only mark a turning point in Gambian journalism; it also left many right activists wondering about the future of the country at the time.
To this end, Mr President, as the Gambia currently undergoes transitional justice in line with TRRC recommendations, it is important for all those who were victims of the former president, to get the attention they deserve. All Gambians are eagerly anticipating this day of reckoning.
Fast-forward, in the wake of his tragic and gruesome murder, the country has experienced remarkable development in Gambian journalism as seen in the proliferation of media outlets (including those online) and schools that offer journalism courses.
Mr President, despite the positive signs, there persists underlying challenges faced by the newspaper industry. When it comes to our operations and production, media outlets in the country have continued to endure the rising cost of printing materials, skyrocketing rental expenses as most private media do not have their own permanent premises.
Importantly, the late payment of subscriptions and adverts, especially from government ministries, also remains a major challenge. Also, staff welfare is another challenge the private media face, as having competent human resource is key in any progressive institutions. While your government expresses keen stance on promoting free press, it would also be important to consider abolishing draconian media laws that stifle free press and continue to hinder the work of journalists in the country.
Mr President, we call on government to at least consider allocating lands for offices and giving subvention to the private media to enable them operate effectively in their task of informing, educating and entertainment the public.
Maintaining a thriving media to foster economic growth calls for government’s intervention, particularly in the form of developing national policy and a legal framework to sustain the private media. As the Fourth Estate in any nation, the media plays a crucial role in strengthening democracy and the rule of law, as well as in promoting economic growth and national development. Thus, government should see the media as partners in development and not enemies. It takes collective effort from all state parties to transform a nation for the better.
Good day!