The Media fraternity in The Gambia is mourning the death of veteran journalist Suwaibou Conateh.
Conateh have served both the electronic and print media in the country. He was formerly the managing director of Radio Gambia and also served as the managing editor of Gambia News and Report Magazine until he succumbs to death on Wednesday 28th November, 2018.
The Family sources said that the veteran journalist have been battling with sickness which took him long time for treatments in US and the UK. Speaking at the burial ceremony, Pap Saine, managing editor of Point Newspaper said the media fraternity has endued great lost in the person of Suwaibou Conateh.
According to him, Suwaibou Conateh have set the pace for journalism in the country, adding that Conateh and colleagues have sacrificed everything for journalism to survive the test of time even at the time of dictatorship in The Gambia.
Saine urges young Gambian journalists to follow the footsteps of the veterans in shaping the profession to higher height, toting up that the young ones in the media must be ready to take up from where Suwaibou Conateh and colleagues have left behind.
“The Gambia Press Union (GPU) has learnt with deep sadness and great shock of the sudden death of Mr Swaebou Conateh, a veteran Gambian Journalist and publisher of the Gambia News and Report weekly magazine,” said GPU in a statement released today.
The body described Mr. Conateh as a rock, a pillar on which Gambian journalism today stands, adding that as a journalist, he spoke and wrote the truth, with bravery, vigor and passion.
“As a publisher, he inspired, groomed and guided so many young journalists and championed the press freedom and freedom of expression. As a doyen, he helped strengthen GPU and today we are all proud of the union
. Thanks to the lives of Swaebou,” Gambia Press Union disclosed. Throughout his career, he has rendered a disclosed in a press released. The Union also described Mr. Conateh as a man of integrity and decency, who dedicated his magazine in giving voice to the voiceless and the marginalized.
“As we mourn his death, the GPU also celebrated his legacy as a principled, brave, professional and very progressive journalist who stood and fought for justice for all,” GPU disclosed.
Author: Kebba Ansu Manneh