By Rohey Jadama The Gambia Press Union(GPU) held its triennial congress on Saturday 18th April 2015 at the GTMI hall in Kanifing in which a new executive was elected into office. Headed by Bai Emil Touray, whose presidency has been renewed for another term, the new executive comprises Namory Trawally 1st vice president, Momodou Kanteh 2nd vice president, Saikou Jammeh Secretary General, Abdoulie Nget Assistant Secretary General 1, Sarjo Camara Singhateh 2nd Assistant Secretary General, Lamin Jahateh Treasurer and Ida Bah and Hatab Fadera as the two co-opted members. Speaking after his re-election, Mr. Touray said GPU belongs to every practising journalist who is a registered member. He emphasized that unity is strength and that once they are united no one can come between them. “We are the voice of the journalists and we will continue to advocate for freedom of expression and media freedom,” said the GPU president. He urged GPU members to continue to pay their dues and attend meeting regularly rather than to wait until congress is nearer to build interest in GPU. He also urged members to be advising them when they go wrong and finally assured the members that the new executive will meet the heads of various media institutions. For his part, the Managing Editor of Foroyaa News paper, Mr. Samuel Sarr, urged the members to come forward and contribute to the development of GPU. He advised that if one assumes responsibility, one is expected to deliver. Mr. Sarr said GPU is a larger entity that protects the right of journalists. He stressed that when it is necessary they should criticize constructively. He also advised against xenophobia which, he said, is the cause of the many fratricidal civil wars in Africa and that Africans should work towards a unified Africa.]]>
