At around 11:30 am on Tuesday, one of the most reputed veterans in the history of Gambian journalism, gave his last breath at the Medical Research Council (MRC) in Fajara, Bakau.

Baboucarr Gaye, 56, Proprietor of the Citizen FM and a weekly newspaper called The Citizen, reportedly died of a brief illness, after he was hospitalised at MRC last week Thursday.

Hundreds of mourners flocked his residence in Kanifing East, as the news of his demise continues to reverberate in various parts of the country. Many were seen walking in tears, while other faces manifested shock and grief.

His widow, Marie Jagne-Gaye, who was profusely in tears, was spotted being embraced by relatives and loved ones who gathered to express sympathy on the demise of this fallen hero of Gambian journalism.

Some of the sympathisers who spoke to the Daily Observer in grief, described Baboucarr Gaye as a devoted Muslim, and a humble, calm and generous individual, who have immensely contributed to humanity. They prayed to Allah to grant him eternal peace in heaven

The deceased is survived, by his wife, a girl and four sons.
Commenting on the sad news, Dr ABS Taal, Managing Director of the Observer Company Ltd (publisher of the Daily Observer), said: “He should be remembered as one of the pioneers of both independent print and electronic media in The Gambia. He was one of the best broadcasters at the Radio Gambia (now GRTS).”
“He is known for his independent-mindedness in all the ventures that he had entered. He was a simple man and indeed a friend to everyone. We will really miss him,” Dr Taal said.

Pap Saine, Managing Editor of The Point newspaper and Dean of Reuters in Africa Region, described Baboucarr Gaye’s death as a great lost to the country. “I admire him because he was honest and he knew the job. He was a friend, a colleague and a brother in-law,” Mr Saine said.

Mr Saine, who co-founded Senegambian Sun in 1983 to 1985, with the late Baboucarr and the late Deyda Hydara of The Point,  said Mr Gaye was an asset because of his contribution to Gambian journalism- print and electronic media.
According to sources, Mr Gaye’s body will be laid to rest today at 17:00 pm, after a funeral service at the Independence Drive Mosque in Banjul.
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The late Mr Gaye was among the first few BBC stringers in The Gambia, after Dixon Colley.
He had worked at the Radio  Gambia (now GRTS), where he rose to the ranks of top management.
He was a BBC stringer in The Gambia for more than a decade (apparently 1980 to 1994).
He co-founded The Point with the late Deyda Hydara and Pap Saine on 16 December 1991 to fill the huge gap which existed in print journalism in the country at the time. However, Mr Gaye resigned in April 1992.

Owing to his love for the profession, he founded The Citizen weekly newspaper and the Citizen FM Radio in 1995 until 1997, when it was  closed down by the government. The matter was then lodged at the court for three years, before the Supreme Court ruled for its reopening

In September 2001, the radio was closed down for the second time after it reportedly announced Presidential elections results before the Independent Electoral Commission made its official announcement.
Baboucarr Gaye attended trainings on journalism in several countries, including Nigeria and the United Kingdom.

He was the Coordinator of the UNESCO sponsored journalism training for a group of about 25 Gambian journalists who benefited from both local and distance learning programmes at the Gambia Media Training Centre for the first time.

He is credited for grooming up many Gambian journalists, most of whom have established themselves as successful and reputed journalists, both in The Gambia and abroad.