Gambia’s former Information minister Demba A Jawo on Saturday launched an autobiography which has been described as something depicting the life of the author as well as a reflection of struggles within the Gambian society.
Jawo, a doyen Gambian journalist, served as Editor and Head of English Desk at Dakar-based Africa Press Agency (APA) before becoming the first Information minister under President Adama Barrow, who later sacked him barely two years in office.
Madi Jobarteh, a leading human rights activist who reviewed the book, A Date with Destiny, said the book catalogued Jawo’s “life, his trials, tribulations, triumphs and glories, as well as wishes and aspirations for the future.”
“For that matter let me make an unsolicited disclaimer on behalf of the author. That is to say that, autobiographies are often blunt, uncharitable, revealing, disturbing, upsetting and unsettling. So is this autobiography.
“I can tell you that Demba has been mercilessly blunt, frank and unequivocal about himself, family, friends, colleagues and indeed anyone and everyone he has come to interact with over the course of his life including President Adama Barrow and the issues that surround them.
“That notwithstanding this autobiography is devoid of pettiness or bitterness but hugely responsible, forward looking and mature as the author himself,” Mr. Jobarteh added.
He revealed that he had known Demba Ali Jawo for more than 20 years now and since he started as a cub reporter at Radio Gambia in 1992.
He said he used to know Jawo as an editor of Daily Observer where he had his first journalism training in June/July 1994 before the military takeover erupted “to change our lives forever!”
“Since then until today he has earned my respect and admiration for his stance on fundamental issues in defence of his principles and the common good. It is therefore an immense honour and privilege that he has asked me to review his autobiography – how can a younger man review the life story of an older man, I asked myself when he handed me a copy of the book last week Friday!” Jobarteh added.
“But this is from where the honour and respect came which has grown exponentially as I read through the pages of A Date with Destiny!”
Mrs. Adelleh Sosseh, vice chairperson of TRRC who launched the book, said the author was his former student who excelled in life through hard work and dedication to duty.
She revealed that despite Jawo’s poor and humble background, he made a great impact on many Gambians’ life through his writings and journalistic work.
Several people, including his former colleagues and family members who attended the ceremony heaped praises on the author for being not only a principled person and truthful individual, but also a professional journalist of high moral standing. –Source -PANAPRESS