Last week’s announcement of the conferment of various national awards on distinguished individuals had a strikingly significant element about it. It is by no means different from previous ones though, given that only deserving candidates have been entitled to it.

However, the inclusion of four journalists among this year’s recipients gave it an all the more important connotation; it marks a turning point in the line of perception of a critical segment of society.

There is absolutely no doubt that the relationship between this government and the ‘genuine press’ has ever been cordial, contrary to what is portrayed by a negligible segment of people. The fact that four journalists were included among this year’s national awardees illustrates this assertion. The journalists in question have been known more for their contributions in the media than anything else; therefore, their award is obviously an endorsement of their role in nation building. This makes it a gross misinterpretation for anybody to see this government as anti-press.  

The APRC government, under the leadership of President Jammeh, has repeatedly argued that it has no grudge against the Fourth Estate. All the president has ever called for, and continues to call for, is a concerted effort to build the nation; be you a journalist, a painter, or a taxi driver, your input is as important as the minister responsible for finance, or the permanent secretary at the department of state for health. Your attitude towards the execution of your duty determines the impact of your role.

It is a well-known fact that the press has the potential of making or unmaking progress. The influence of bad press has made certain societies unfit for human habitation; all in the interest of just a few people who, in most cases, are at the services of foreign entities.

It is the duty of every responsible government therefore, not only to ensure a responsible press, but to also make it productive rather than destructive. The idea is to impart patriotism and selflessness in the minds of the citizens.

This latest gesture by the government has the potential to serve as a watershed for normalcy between the extreme wing of the press, and government, as it is an opportunity any organized, genuine media fraternity would jump up for, although members of the Gambian press have not seen any such sign yet.