QUESTION OF THE DAY
WILL DAILY OBSERVER SOON STRIKE A DEAL?
Daily Observer was closed because they have persistently failed to meet their tax obligations and management has not denied this. The closure is a result of powers vested in the Gambia Revenue Authority.
Foroyaa had noted that in the interest of media pluralism, the issue was how to keep Daily Observer alive and get them to meet their tax obligations. The GPU has expressed concern over the closure and called for negotiation that will allow Daily Observer to continue while they pay their tax. The ministry of Information while pointing out that the decision had nothing to do with the editorial policy of the paper regretted the action and promised to work towards an amicable resolution of the impasse to enable Daily Observer to resume operation. The latest developments can only enhance prospects to come to a solution.
Needless to say what is required by both sides to come to a workable deal is good faith. GRA is to acknowledge that Daily Observer needs to survive to generate income to pay tax and Daily Observer must demonstrate willingness to pay. Otherwise we should be ready for a long drawn push and pull.
