It was an encouraging step on the part of the US Embassy to give awards to Gambian journalists. This gesture serves as a sign of recognition and appreciation that the journalists are playing a vital role in the society by fostering unity, bringing closeness, informing and educating the public. It is part of the role of the media to give guidance, suggestions and warning, as well as encourage, urge and make recommendations for the betterment of society.

It is gratifying when you accomplish your job, that you have recognition for it in words of thanks and more prestigiously to receive an award. As everybody knows journalists are watchdogs and partners of government, and not enemies. Our role is to subject any public servant’s conduct and performance to close scrutiny.

As many as 37 journalists from the Daily Observer, The Point, Foroyaa, Gambia News & Report, Today newspapers, GRTS Television and Radio and Unique FM Radio, have received awards recently.

The US ambassador to The Gambia, H.E. Mr Barry Wells, over the weekend presiding over the award ceremony at Kerr Sering at the residence of Tashawana Bethea, the Public/Economic Officer of the US Embassy, expressed his profound appreciation to the Gambian journalists.

He stated that the award was a show of appreciation for the good job the media has been doing.

Gambia Government and all other institutions should emulate the US Embassy by organising such awards in appreciation of the work of the media.