Mr. Silla,

I don't think there is much to emulate if only you know the tactic of most public
officials in this country. The only time they willingly agree to speak to the
press is when they know they have to to save their jobs. So they are not speaking
much to clarify issues as much to try to cleanse themselves in the eyes of their
bosses. And the norm is always the same. When they are contacted to clarify an
issue they give excuses to avoid talking and only agree to talk after an
incriminating article has been published.

What i would want to see is cultivate a culture of speaking out when asked from
day one. You don't wait until something is published and go summoning press
conferences with every ammunition you have. You don't impress a lot. I think GPTC
management mishandled the whole affair from the beginning when they had the
opportunity to refute every allegation including the one on the strike. So i
really see Mr Houma's press conference a face-saving one. This is my opinion.


Regards


Yunusa



"Mr. O. B. Silla" wrote:

> G-Lers,
>
> The Managing Director of The Gambia Public Transport Corporation Mr. Bakary
> Houma's recent press conference to clear the air about certain unfounded
> rumours levelled against his Corporation in some private media houses, of
> certain irregularities in the distribution and disbursement of staff
> incentives (bus passes and staff loans with documentary proof) is very
> laudable.  In short, this atmosphere of dialogue between the authorities and
> the press should be encouraged in order to set the records straight in the
> wake of unsubstantive allegations/reports being bandied around with sometimes
> questionable motives, I must admit.  Hence it goes without saying that,
> investigative and enquiring minds should be a prerequisite for balanced
> reporting.
>
> That said, if all the Public Servants also see it as their civic duty to
> answer to or account for  allegations made against their institutions with
> candour, the better off the country will be and less the amount of
> unconfirmed reports to circulate around town.
>
> For the full report of the story read the week-end Observer at www.qanet.gm.
>
> Alotta a continua in the name of "transparency and accountability".  God
> bless The Gambia.
>
> OB Silla
>
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