Mr. Barry Wells, the new United States Ambassador to The Gambia, has underscored the significant role journalists play in society which he described as crucial in any democratic civilization.

Speaking at the official launch of the Young Journalists Association of The Gambia held at the National Nutrition Agency last Friday the United States Ambassador described journalism as a critically important provision in any given society.

“You have a significant responsibility and that responsibility is to communicate as you are the eyes and ears of your people. To communicate with integrity and report the facts and to commit honesty,” He said.

According to the US Diplomat, freedom of the press cannot be overemphasized in any democratic society.
 
Also speaking at the launch ceremony, Mr. Pap Saine, Director and Editor in Chief of The Point Newspaper, assured the young journalists of his continued support at all times despite some constraints. “We as veterans will always be behind you as we serve as the mouth piece of our people.” he added.

For his part, Mr. Sam Sarr, Editor in Chief of Foroyaa Newspaper commended the Young Journalists for coming together to form this association which, according to him, is a great step towards the development of the media in the country.

“Media is normally referred to as the fourth estate and in order for any country to attain its development aspirations, freedom of the press must prevail,” Sam Sarr noted while expressing his doubt as to when the University of The Gambia will create a faculty of journalism as widely reported.

In his welcome remarks, Mr. Nfamara Jawneh, President of the Young Journalists said with the increase in the number of media outlets in the country, the demand for training is very necessary.

“The Gambia as we all know does not have any institution specialised in training journalists even though I was made to understand that plans were underway for the creation of a faculty of journalism in the University of The Gambia,” he added.

This, Mr. Jawneh went on, is a welcome development and urged all young and aspiring journalists to make best use of the opportunity whenever the need arises.

He however used the occasion to commend all those who in one way or the other contributed towards the successful launch of the association. Mr. Lamin Saho, Principal Assistant Secretary at the State Department of Communication and Information Technology, delivered the official launching statement on behalf of Secretary of State, Macdouall Gaye.

Meanwhile the Association, which was founded on 16th September 2007, seeks among other things to promote the welfare of its members, to build the capacity of young journalists and promote mutual understanding among young Gambian journalists.