Mr Saine, the co-founder of The Point Newspaper, was elected at NEPA’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) held at The Point Newspaper’s Office, West Field, on Saturday, 9 September 2023.
Ambassador Sy said: “What a fitting position for this exemplary character who has done so much for society where sensitisation of the masses and guidance for leadership is put on the scales of impartiality.”
He added that Mr Saine motivated him in particular with the late Deyda Hydara to be sharing his views. “Not only that they paid me, I still receive my free copy every day! Alhamdulilaah Saine ‘Jerejeff Yalnala Yallah Aaarr’.”
Reacting to his election, Pap Saine said:
“I first of all want to thank ALLAH for making this landmark Newspaper Publishers Association (NEPA) in The Gambia possible and for letting me be elected its Chairperson. I thank God for that!
I would also like to thank my colleague publishers for electing me as their President, for it is also a demonstration of respect and honour for me, despite having been at the helm of affairs of the Media Industry in this country for many years – I should say decades. I am elated!
I know my task is great, and I look forward to working with the authorities in a cordial manner, as I steer the affairs of this noble and responsible association together with my colleague publishers, all of whom are highly experienced and responsible media owners.
I would like the authorities to know that we are not enemies but partners in development. We should therefore always sit down and talk over matters to clear misunderstandings and support each other.
I am also appealing to the business community to support the media by advertising their products and services, which is part of promoting the economy of The Gambia, since advertisement is a sector that contributes to the economic growth of a country or nation.
The People and the MDAs – Ministries, Departments and Agencies – should also be subscribing to newspapers for, among other things, factual and reliable information, knowledge, and for record purposes.
In conclusion, I would like to say we are here to defend the public, especially the voiceless.”
