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Online Papers’ Debate Gets Hotter
Monday, 03 October 2011 21:57
(JollofNews) - Ever since Jollofnews broke the news of a debate among Gambian journalists on the fate of the online papers, a heated debate
has started on the GPU-USA mailing lists. While some are enthused by the supposed debate, others think it is non issue and should be scrapped all together; enjoy the contributions here.Yero Jallow, Gainako;
Dear All,
I followed this debate with keen interest. While the debate was somewhat losing its value by inclusion of some harsh threads, it is nonetheless a great debate. I
just wanted to position clearly that most of the papers are registered so we are operating legally. Gainako is registered in the state of Minnesota (US). I am privy to the fact that our sister papers are equally registered in other sister states of the US. On a second note, if Jammeh and his agents are peddling the notion that online papers should register in the Gambia, they once again failed. The operational mechanism online is bigger than Jammeh and the Gambia. We are fighting a global war and our central focus is for world citizens. Maybe he (Jammeh) needs to register his crumbling administration with the online media to earn a little bit of legitimacy and credibility, if there will ever be anything as such for his monstrous administration.
I am glad to see everyone's lines on this...and please stay focused guys. We are tired of the distractions, negativity, the pettiness and bitterness that marred us for so long. To tackle Jammeh, we need all hands on deck.
Emil Touray; GPU, Banjul
I wish to indicate that I never said that Gambian online newspapers should register with the Attorney General Chambers. I said the Gambia Press Union will invite organizations that are registered with the Attorney General Chambers to its functions. I further outlined that we will invite individuals working for organizations that are not registered with the Ministry of Justice. I also pointed out that GPU under my leadership will defend media practitioners, bloggers and artists that are victimized by the opponents of free expression because of the work they are doing. I don’t know whether there is a law that caters for the registration of online newspapers; therefore it would be absurd for me to state that online media organizations should register with the Ministry of Justice. The statement attributed to me by the author of the story on Jollof News is incorrect. I however welcome the debate on the issue.
For me, this is a trivial matter, but I think those of us on the ground should not mislead our colleagues in the Diaspora. The GPU executive has never debated this matter. It is ridiculous for Jollof News to state that I outlined the need for the registration of online newspapers. This is a travesty of truth. The Gambia, as far as I know, does not have a law for the registration of online newspapers. Furthermore, the publishers of the online newspapers are not based in the Gambia. Therefore, it would be ludicrous for me or any GPU executive member to call for the registration of online newspapers. If anything, I think we should concentrate our energy and resources on combating impunity and asking the government to review the laws on defamation, sedition, false publication and broadcasting, with a view to bringing them in line with international standard.
We have rights to disagree with our colleagues, but that does not mean we have to cast aspersions on their integrity. Journalists in the Gambia are endangered species. We have to close ranks if we want to survive as a professional body. We value the role the online media organizations play in the Gambia’s democratization process; therefore it is important for us (Journalists) to redouble our efforts.
Matthew Jallow; Wisconsin
In all honesty Mr. Touray there is absolutely no debate to be had about the registration of online papers now or ever. This issue is the most absord I ever heard in all my years in journalism. I was really taken aback by the number of "journalists" advocating the "stupidest" idea ever to be brought before the Gambian media. Cyberspace is just what it is: cyber. It means it is up in the space where only your thoughts and dreams can ever reach. I am sick to my stomach that so many Gambian "journalists" put themselves in positions where they are seen to be pandering to the "regime of this clown called "president" Yahya Jammeh. And by the way, if online papers are to register, who do they pay registration fees to? Cyberspace or to Yahya Jammeh's corrupt justice ministry? I want to know that answer if you could get if from your colleagues in Banjul who support this stupid idea. By simply advocating this, your people are putting silly ideas in Yahya Jammeh's mind which he can then turn and use against those of you on the ground. This is all around just a stupid idea and ought not ever be brought as a bait to Yahya Jammeh to get back at you over in Gambia. Think about it and KILL this idea once and for all.
The registration of online newspapers like so many other things, will be another first for the Gambia.
Demba Baldeh, USA
For the first time, GPU and Gambian journalists on the ground have acknowledged the crucial role that online papers are playing in Gambia's socio and political discourse...
As a result discussions were held on this subject matter. The discussions according to the prominent Jollofnews, were centered around the question on whether Gambian online newspapers should be registered with the AG Chambers as legal entities.
This is a very interesting discussion and am sure those operating online papers in the Diaspora would have plenty to say about this.... Check the link below and see what the Journalists think about this subject.
Courtesy of Jollofnews: gambian-journalists-discuss-fate-of-online-papers
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Comments
Mike
If you are here counting and looking for the green marks, continue if that is your goal and success. Continue your sleepless days and nights for the Greens but just as I told you Gambian problem will remin a Gambian solution. Is better you watch and clean your backyard.
Comment: No Comment.....
Mr. Muzungu has already read this lines!
In the service of SeneGamBissau I remain
Well, well, well.. so you can't tolerate other view points and yet you call for...you know!
If what am saying is JUNK, why bother? You know it's not junk and it hits you hard, that's why you want me banned. What a clown!
Your backyard is my back yard.
My backyard is your backyard.
Come out of your glorified self pity and work for a better understanding.
I have every confdence you can make it.
Good luck in the USA.
In Gambia is just an unjust process to legalise a dictator and people don’t even care as long as their ransom development and resource are release for voting for the kidnapper. Sadly you cannot see this unjust manipulation of such important right of your people.
Please we like to visit this site and Hello Gambia, so please spare us your junk and immaturity. Please or we tell jollofnews to ban you here and Observer can welcome you atleast.
Yeah, let us count those "green marks" against the "red marks" come election day... We will then know the reflection of the average Gambian, and what counts for Gambian affairs.
Doctor Who says:
Cyber space is not the ballot box.
If you are here counting and looking for the green marks, continue if that is your goal and success. Continue your sleepless days and nights for the Greens but just as I told you Gambian problem will remin a Gambian solution. Is better you watch and clean your backyard.
Keep it up.
Tell us...Do you think this judgement sets a legal precedant?
Comment:
Well Mr. Muzungu, those here looking for you to safe them one day, are the one try to please you but not I Lalo Kebba.
And for the Legal precedent, Better ask Kenny MacAskill to tell you more for how to go for that !
In the service of SeneGamBissau I remain
FREE YOUR HEART... before it explodes
comprende?"
What type of wollof proverb is that? You sound like Yahya jammeh translation of wollof.Gambians are going to chase out Yahya Jammeh come post 2012 out Gambia and you will be a good nurse for his heavenly cures in Potomac before it is return back to Gambians.
By the way do you think jollofnews should register at statehouse? Are you here to help Jammeh?
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