YJAG discuses proposed collaboration with GPU

The executive committee of the Young Journalists Association of The Gambia (YJAG) on February 18, 2012 paid a courtesy call on the leaders of the Gambia Press Union (GPU) to strengthen relations and discuss on intended areas of cooperation.

Both sides express commitment to complement each other’s efforts in the promotion and protection of the welfare of journalists in the country, a goal critical to a vibrant media and the professional development of journalists.

However, the primary purpose of the meeting was to discuss about plans for YJAG and GPU to jointly commemorate World Press Freedom Day 2012. The day (3rd May) is set aside to remember, salute the courage of and celebrate the successes of fallen journalists worldwide and a platform for advocacy for greater press freedom.  
    
“As part of our activities, we plan to publish the maiden edition of YJAG Newsletter, which is proposed for launch on this year’s World Press Freedom Day,” YJAG President Modou S. Joof said. “We would like to cooperate with the GPU in holding the event successfully.”

One of the main aims of YJAG is to complement the efforts of the GPU, but we cannot complement each other’s efforts when we are all operating in isolation, YJAG Secretary General, Lamin Jahateh said. He emphasised the need for both sides to come together and work towards the betterment of the Gambia media industry.

“One of our common goals is to address issue of concern to our members,” he said.

The President of the GPU, the supreme body representing journalists, said he welcome the idea. “I don’t need to seek any approval from my co-executive members to collaborate with you as long as it’s in the best interest of media freedom in the Gambia. “If we can collaborate with other partners to commemorate World Press Freedom Day, why not with YJAG,” Emil Touray said. 

He said the proposal is very good and that it is only through collaboration that we can achieve our common goals.

He said YJAG coming up with a newsletter is “a step in the right direction” and shows commitment to the association, which has made a giant stride in promoting democracy from within and promoting press freedom in this country.  

While giving the Union’s backing, Mr. Touray task YJAG to ensure that the proposed newsletter is produced on good content and quality, well edited, since it can open up doors for opportunities for the association.

He also urges for YJAG Executive to continue working hand in glove, saying “We will make sure that we do our best to support you in any way that we can if possible.”

GPU’s 2nd Assistant Secretary General (Lamin Njie) and Co-opted member (Sarjo Camara-Singhateh) both emphasise the need for affiliate journalists’ organisations to work closely with the Union to complement one another’s efforts to address issues of common concern.  


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