Pa Nderry,
This is very sad indeed! However we thank you very much for the good things
you have said about a compatriot who was not only a brother to many of us ,
but also a dear friend. I first met AA Barry in the newsroom at the mile 7
studios of Radio Gambia way back in the early 1980s. He had recently
returned to the country from Liberia and had been appointed by the
information services as part a UNESCO project to create a National News
Agency in The Gambia. He quickly became my brother and friend and we used
to visit each other regularly. After I left Radio Gambia and eventually went
into teaching, his son Ebou became one of my good students at Bakoteh
Primary School.
AA Barry was indeed a very good brother and friend. He was very
professional, and I personally had no doubts about his credibility even when
he worked at The State House in Banjul during the early days of the AFPRC
dictatorship. Barry was a giant in the face of odds! I very well remember
how reassuring he used to be after a day's toil without news.
My condolence to his wife Sally, his son Ebou, and the entire Barry family
of Kombo East.
May his soul rest in perfect peace!
Omar Joof.
>From: Pa Nderry M'bai <[log in to unmask]>
>Reply-To: The Gambia and related-issues mailing list
><[log in to unmask]>
>To: [log in to unmask]
>Subject: A Tribute To the late A A Barry!!!!
>Date: Wed, 5 Jan 2005 10:17:04 +0000
>
>As Gambians and non Gambians mourns the death of veteran
>journalist Deyda Hydara, another unpleasant news broke out,
>this time the death of Amadou A Barry alias A A Barry,
>former news Editor of The Daily Observer and The Point
>Newspaper as well. It's a sad moment for the Point and The
>Gambia in general.
>
>I have worked with the late Barry at the Point in the
>early
> 90's as a reporter. Barry was honest, fearless, independent
> minded and above all principled. He was the type of
>Editor who will always ensure that both the Opposition and
>Ruling government headed by dictator Jammeh were given fair
>media
> coverage. Editorial staff of the Daily Observer and the
>Point, who worked with our departed colleague can attest to
>this
> fact. He was not biased at all. He always strives for
>accuracy and objectivity.
>
>I can remember Barry's reaction to my first piece submitted
>to him for editing. All what he said was"Pa Nderry,
>journalism is your field. I am impressed by your
>writings and keep it up. I will talk to Deyda, so
>that we will give you the necessary encouragement and
>support you deserved. We need your type in this paper."
>
>As a former press officer for the defunct military junta,
>Barry was kind of a source for the Point, as it was
>always easy for him to verify scoops for the paper. His
>sources in government will not hesitate to confirm stories for
>him. The demise of such an asset is a big loss to The
>Gambia and the entire media fraternity.
>
>I remember visiting him at his London Corner home last year
>and this what he told me"Pa Nderry, i have been following
>your stories. You are doing a good job. The point is
>more vibrant today. Keep up the good work." I retorted
>by saying " Thanks for your encouragement. I must point out
>that you also contributed immensely towards my success as a
> journalist. We are trying to do our best to enlighten
>our
> citizens about the state of affairs"
>
>Due to his ailing health status, Barry took a voluntary
>retirement from the Point. His departure was badly felt
>by
> the late Deyda Hydara, Pap Saine and the entire Point
>editorial staff. Even though he was not physically present
>at
> the office, he tried to contribute his journalistic input
> by giving advise to reporters and the editorial staff.
>
>Barry was a Muslim to the core. He cared for the poor
>and the needy. A very humble and down to earth fellow.
>I am sure the murder of his long time friend and colleague
>Deyda Hydara might also further worsen his health condition.
>Barry was very close to Deyda.
>
>He was a man of truth. My condolence to the Barry
>family. May his soul rest in perfect peace. We pray
>that God will provide place for him in Janna. Amen.
>
>_________________________________________________________________
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