President Adama Barrow hosted Gambian Journalists at the inaugural Presidential Media Dinner on Saturday evening to foster a stronger partnership between government officials and media members. The gathering embraces open dialogue, allowing journalists to engage directly with government representatives. The event emphasized the importance of collaboration and transparency in informing the public and recognized the essential role that the media plays in a democratic society.
Attendees included key government figures, prominent journalists, and media executives, united in their commitment to enhancing communication and understanding between the two sectors.
The event, organized by the Office of the President’s Media and Communication Unit, successfully brought together media leaders, senior journalists, and editors. Its purpose was to foster positive relationships and provide professional support for disseminating information through journalistic efforts to promote national development.
Speaking at the event, President Barrow stated the crucial role of the media in nation-building, noting that a robust and cooperative relationship between the government and the press is essential for advancing democracy and promoting social progress.
The president disclosed, “The media must function effectively and responsibly in a manner guided by the rule of law. “
He called on all stakeholders to work collectively to strengthen the nation-building process and revealed that the Presidential Media Dinner would become an annual event to cement existing relations.
President Barrow also reiterated his government’s readiness to support the media’s critical role in serving the public.
For his part, Minister of Information, Media, and Broadcasting Services, Dr. Ismaila Ceesay, hailed the dinner as a historic occasion and commended President Barrow for championing press freedom in The Gambia.
He stated, “The role of the media in promoting democracy is enormous and critical.”
He said a strong government-press partnership is essential for national development and lauded the media’s efforts to enhance democracy by performing its public service duty.
“Tonight is a night of appreciation for the vital role played by journalists in informing and educating the public,” Dr. Ceesay added, noting that the government recognizes the media as a key partner in development.
The Minister and Chief of Staff, Mod Ceesay, launched the Office of the President Media and Communication Handbook, a 58-page guide designed to enhance the routine work of media and communication operations within the Presidency.
He explained that the Handbook provides clear operational guidelines for covering the Office of the President to effectively disseminate information to the public. The document also outlines best practices and coverage procedures to strengthen communication between the Office of the President and the media.
Veteran journalist and co-founder of The Point Newspaper, Pap Saine, who spoke on behalf of media professionals, expressed gratitude to the Presidency for staging such a crucial interface with the media.
He stated, “We are partners in national development, and such gatherings are essential in promoting the country’s progress.”
Saine urged the government to repeal all draconian and restrictive media laws to enable journalists to perform their functions effectively.
