Co-publishers Pap Saine and Baba Hydara have on this occasion called for the abolishment of draconian media laws and urged the government to support the media by giving subvention and lands for offices.
Mr. Saine hailed the Barrow Government for creating the enabling atmosphere without hindrance as compared with the Jammeh regime during which journalists were exiled, killed or tortured and media houses burnt.
According to Mr Saine, the paper was established on 16 December 1991 by late Deyda Hydara who was assassinated 16th December 2004, Baboucarr Gaye who resigned April 1992 and his humble self.
He thanked the present and past staff for their valuable contribution in promoting press freedom in this country.
“The paper is published in English and French; promotes good governance, democracy, justice and represents the voice of the voiceless.”
"We won several awards both home and abroad such as Germany, Australia, South Africa, Zambia, United Arab Emirates and U.S.
Mr Saine paid tribute to his former colleague late Deyda Hydara who he said participated immensely for the progress of press freedom in The Gambia.
“We also remember the former staff who were seriously wounded by gunshots in which Deyda was killed. They were Nian Sarang Jobe and Ida Jagne.”
Mr Saine commended the staff of The Point for raising the flag high on press freedom, while thanking the family of Hydara for the trust they have in him.”
Baba Hydara applauded the government for its media tolerance and encouraged journalists to be accurate in their reporting.
“The newspapers play a big role in introducing democracy in the country. The government should subvent the media. The price of material are skyrocketing on a daily basis and running a newspaper is very expensive especially when you are publishing daily. Therefore, the government subvention will cater for certain expenditures for the papers,” he suggested.
“Despite the social media impact, television and radio stations still rely on newspapers to feed the public with information. This shows the credibility and power of newspapers.”
He expressed delight in the growth of the Paper over the years and giving platform and voice to concerned Gambians.
