Yero,
I believe very strongly that leaders are first and foremost servants of the people and should see themselves and be seen as such. They should also behave as servants of the people. So instead of chief executive of the GPU-USA, I consider myself Chief Servant of the GPU-USA. Hence my usage of the term. Yes, I remember insisting on being called Chief Servant of the GPU-USA as a condition of my acceptance of the nomination to serve as secretary general of the GPU-USA. I bowed down to majority opinion to just go with the conventional Sec gen title. You are welcome to tease me on this one too, if you like. It would be my pleasure to be so teased.
That said, I am glad that you find the interview good. Thanks again to GON for asking me.
Baba
Date: Tue, 20 Oct 2009 12:09:05 -0500
From: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: [>-<] Press Release
To: [log in to unmask]
Hi Mawdo Baba,
Thanks. It has been great learning from your expertise. The message is very unifying.
We will help pass the message around -inshallahu!
I was going to tease you hard Galleh, over your usage of "servant of the people." You've moved from that one to "Chief Servant of the GPU-USA." Anyways, thanks for you.
yj
Well, the constitution does not say exactly when elections are to be held. So I am exercising my charge as chief servant of the GPU-USA to call for early elections. No, I will not be seeking re-election as GPU-USA secretary general. I think we have Gambian journalists in the United States and in the current executive who are perfectly capable of carrying on the work I’m currently doing and doing it even better. So, I want to hand the baton over and step down and aside so that other capable Gambian journalists will have the opportunity to make their contributions more directly and effectively. I think we should all help in crushing the myth of the indispensability of leaders, wherever its repository or locus. Everyone can be replaced.
There is no god but Allah (SWT) and Muhammad (SAW) is His messenger. Fear and Worship only Allah alone!
From: [log in to unmask]
To: [log in to unmask]; [log in to unmask]
Subject: RE: [>-<] Press Release
Date: Mon, 19 Oct 2009 22:32:29 +0000
Thanks Yero Your views are noted and appreciated.
Baba
Date: Mon, 19 Oct 2009 17:19:56 -0500
From: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: [>-<] Press Release
To: [log in to unmask]
Dear Baba & the GPU Executive,
I just meant to chip in and congratulate your whole executive for a job well done. Since I've been part of the GPU mailing list and attended most of the phone conferences, I’ve been privy to a lot about the GPU-USA. I like the open invitation extended to me, all the online outlets, and to people willing to step up to the plate to serve. I like the fact that after serving for one term, you (Baba) are ready to allow others to come on board. This will help avoid power struggle in the leadership front, especially after the fiasco we were trapped in earlier on this year. Just like before, I personally cannot be part of the executive again, because of my busy life. If I am able to relinquish any part of the responsibilities I have in life currently, I would have been happy to do so. I know I have failed in another part to step up to serve -for the second time -after the first invitation during last elections. I just like to be part of any group doing any thing positive -simply as an ordinary person. I acknowledge both invitations and I commend you all for your steadfastness and sacrifice for the struggle.
It won't be fair on my part without thanking you all for the support in the form of press releases during the darkest hours of our history, notably regarding sister Fatou Jaw, Chief E. Manneh, the alleged witch craft spearheaded by Jammeh and the countless other human rights violations. These are all human rights violations I took very personal and serious. I will promise once again to work in sideline to any new executive and I will give any little support that is within my capability.
In the mean time, I enjoyed your company greatly…and I like the fact that, you never took personal any of my critique, except the fact that you insisted being called the "servant of the people" after being elected then. My view was only different from you because the constitution said you should be called the Secretary General. Besides, I understood the very humbleness you wanted to exercise.
Aluta Continua!
Long live the true patriots!!
Sincerely,
YJ
There is no god but Allah (SWT) and Muhammad (SAW) is His messenger. Fear and Worship only Allah alone!
From: [log in to unmask]
To: [log in to unmask]; [log in to unmask]
Subject: RE: [>-<] Press Release
Date: Mon, 19 Oct 2009 16:01:52 +0000
Dear Mr. Jobe,
Thank you for your very kind and encouraging words on behalf of the Gambia Coalition for Human Rights (UK). The GPU-USA is grateful to you and all members of the Gambian community in the Diaspora for our modest achievements over the past two years. On behalf of our executive and membership, may I congratulate you and your colleagues for getting your organization off the ground and for your efforts in helping improve the human rights situation in our country. Please rest assured that you have our support and we would be happy to cooperate with you in pushing forward our common national agenda. We wish you luck in moving ahead with your activities. Thank you.
Baba
Date: Mon, 19 Oct 2009 06:44:59 +0000
From: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: [>-<] Press Release
To: [log in to unmask]
From: Demba Baldeh <[log in to unmask]>
Subject: [>-<] Press Release
To: [log in to unmask]
Date: Monday, 19 October, 2009, 1:09
PRESS RELEASE: GPU-USA TO ELECT NEW EXECUTIVE
The Gambia Press Union- USA Branch wishes to inform all Gambian journalists active or not in the United States, Canada, and all lovers of press freedom that the current executive’s two year term of office is coming to an end on December 31st, 2009. The current leadership of the GPU USA will be conducting elections for a new GPU-USA Executive in November, so that a new executive would have enough time to prepare for its work in 2010.
Recognizing the crucial role of Gambian journalists in the Diaspora in maintaining a strong Union in the face of blatant violations of press freedom and oppressive crackdowns on Gambian journalists in The Gambia, GPU-USA is earnestly calling on all Gambian journalists active or not, to join hands and foster a stronger Union.
The recent arrest, conviction, and subsequent sentencing of six members of the Gambia Press Union in The Gambia represents a long-standing pattern of media abuse by the Jammeh regime and underscores the daunting task of fighting for press freedom in the Gambia. As a result, members of the Gambian press have a responsibility to maintain this vital institution of press freedom in the Diaspora, which will continue to put pressure on the Jammeh regime in The Gambia.
The GPU-USA in collaboration with the Gambian online media has been the last best hope of maintaining an independent press, which will scrutinize and hold the Jammeh regime accountable to the people. We urge our colleagues to please come on board and support this crucial endeavor. The current Secretary General has indicated that he will not be seeking re-election and so we will be looking to elect a strong candidate to guide the affairs of this Union.
We therefore once again call on all Gambian journalists and freedom loving Gambians and friends of The Gambia to take advantage of this new opportunity to put our differences aside and focus on what unites us behind a common purpose.
The GPU-USA sees the need to open a new page to accommodate all media outlets and Gambian journalists to join hands and strengthen this vital institution representing the voiceless in our society. Another alert will be sent out closer to the election dates to remind all our colleagues who may wish to more actively participate in the activities of the GPU-USA.
Signed on behalf of the GPU-USA
Demba Baldeh, Public Relations Officer
Baba Galleh Jallow, Outgoing Secretary General
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