Jean-Charles Allard was accompanied by the embassy’s Press Attaché in Dakar Djaname Daubelcour and Executive Assistant.
Mr. Saine told the delegation that since the Paper’s inception in 1991, it spares full page publication in every edition in French for current news in The Gambia, Senegal and the rest of the world.
Mr. Saine pointed out that the paper has won seven international awards on press freedom from Germany, United States of America, Australia, South Africa, Zambia and United Arab Emirates.
“The paper is leading in the market because both Francophone and Anglophone are running for the paper. We promote democracy, divergent views, good governance and defend the voiceless,” he stated.
The veteran journalist also told the visiting French diplomat that the paper faces a lot of challenges, but despite all odds, meets the challenges to publish 5 times every week.
He noted that during Jammeh’s time, the co-founder of The Point Newspaper was killed and himself (Pap Saine) was arrested many times and jailed before being later pardoned with five of his colleagues in 2001.
Mr. Saine further said that The Point is playing a pivotal role in society by promoting the French language. According to him, The Point needs more support in training and other forms from the French government.
Baba Hydara reiterated what Mr. Saine said about challenges the paper faces since its inception, mostly on production and printing materials.
“Despite all these challenges, we also face difficulties in trying to recover our payments on time from our advertisers,” he said.
Baba also highlighted the challenges the paper faced during Jammeh’s era of tyranny that spared none including Mr. Saine and numerous journalists who were sent to jail or taken to the NIA or Police. He noted that despite the difficulties, Mr. Saine and other journalists remained steadfast to continue their work by building the bridge between power and the people.
He appealed to the French diplomat to support their cause by supporting the paper.
In conclusion they thanked the diplomats for their visit and assured them that they would continue to promote the French language in The Gambia and also be the voice for the voiceless.
In response, the French top diplomat commended the management following the trajectory of The Point Newspaper since Jammeh’s era. They also took note of everything that was said.
