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Gambia News : Chief Justice urges journalists to do more in achieving the common good
Justice Emmanuel Agim, the chief justice of The Gambia has called on journalists to deepen the use of their pens as vital instruments in building the society and achieving the common good.
The chief justice made this call on Saturday while speaking at a workshop held at the Joint Officers’ Mess in Kotu. The workshop which has the theme: “Understanding Media Laws in The Gambia” was organized by the Young Journalists Association of The Gambia (YJAG).
According to Justice Agim, people from various professional backgrounds have crucial roles to play in the development of the country. For the journalists, the chief justice noted that reporting on developmental issues, while such reports are hinged on adequate research, would help greatly in institutionalizing development.
To do this, the journalist needs to be aware of the regulatory framework in which he/she operates, he said. He noted that a journalist in The Gambia must be acquainted with the constitution which states in the development objectives of the country. The constitution, he noted, is the most important instrument in the execution of responsible journalism. Understanding the laws that relate with the media is very important, and no person can be a good journalist without understanding them, Agim said. For those familiar with these laws already, it is high time they started utilizing them.
The chief justice who acknowledged that journalists contribute immensely in the development of the nation also noted that their reporting choices would help entrench patriotism and public participation in development. “Every Gambian or person in the country has a role to play to develop The Gambia; it is not the responsibility of only the government to develop the country,” he said, noting that when the people carry out their day to day activities honestly, they work towards national development.
Journalism is not an easy profession, the CJ said, and practitioners can make it a lot easier by understanding the context in which they work.
Mr. Madi Ceesay, former president of the Gambia Press Union (GPU) and managing editor of the Daily News in his speech commended YJAG for complementing the efforts of their parent body, the GPU. He noted that journalism is about the construction of the society into an ideal one, and not its destruction.
He observed the need for news articles to be scrutinized for facts, balance and accuracy before they are brought out for public consumption. He said by doing this, they ensure that their stories are good while they avoid conflicts with the law. He noted that familiarizing with the law is a good move towards the right direction while calling on members of YJAG to continue on their endeavors and collaboration with the GPU. He also urged them to make good use of the knowledge gained from the training.
Dr. Henry Carrol, a senior legal practitioner and lecturer at the University of The Gambia on his part advised the young journalists to promote a positive image of the country. “As a good citizen, you must make sure you project the image of The Gambia in a very positive manner.”
For her part, Amie Bojang Sisoho, chairperson of YJAG board of directors commended the young journalists for working towards achieving their set objectives. She said it is important that budding journalists are acquainted with the media environment.
Amie Sanneh of the GPU commended YJAG for organizing the workshop. She said capacity building is a priority to the GPU, urging the trainees to utilize the training after the workshop.
Also speaking at the event, Assan Sallah, president of the Young Journalist Association of The Gambia (YJAG) called on his colleagues not to be oblivious of the basic principles of honesty, fairness and balance, while noting that individual responsibility gives them credibility as practitioners.
The YJAG president acknowledged that the association has prioritized capacity building for its members. According to him, the association was established to enable young journalists to execute their functions in society as expected and contribute immensely to the development of The Gambia.
Sallah described the training as an important milestone in the history of YJAG, noting that the training will also give young journalists the opportunity to broaden their horizon on the media laws in the country. He then expressed sincere gratitude to the association’s sponsors.
src: Today
4186 times read
- Mr so call CJ could you please stop the lies. I believe you have got enough work to fix the corruption in your country, which has been well known for her corruption and malpractices. I thing this an advice for you so call CJ. Pls go away otherwise;;
(Posted on April 26, 2010, 12:55 PM na)
- best place for this chief justis is the dump at kanifing then lets se what other idiot we get probaly a donkey ring leader of the atempted coup
(Posted on March 27, 2010, 8:53 PM SEIKO DEMBAl)
- this chief justis just another plonker got his papers from a palm tree wants two get proper papers if he wants two do a proper job another muppert
(Posted on March 27, 2010, 8:45 PM SEIKO DEMBAl)
- I agree with A.A.Sambou. The C J is saying help your corrupt dictator government by writing nice things about the President, even if they are lies. Journalists worldwide should only write the truth, tho' doing so can sometimes be their death sentence
(Posted on March 7, 2010, 8:04 AM David Riddington)
- I urge all the young journalist to make good use of the chief justice's advice, because as young peoples you have to listen to your elders if you want to succeed in life. Am so happy for the association. With cope and understanding the association.
(Posted on March 2, 2010, 5:19 PM Amie Ceesay)
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