NEWS
GRTS JOINS OBSERVER IN THE FRAY, AS THEY FIRED LAMIN CHAM

BY OUR SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT



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October 16, 2005
The management of Gambia Radio and Television Services GRTS, has
terminated the services of Lamin Cham former Daily Observer
Editor-in-Chief , who was working with the state TV on part time, with
immediate effect, The ALLGAMBIAN online Newspaper can confirm.

Cham's sacking letter which was signed by Borra Mboge, Director General of
GRTS, announced the dismissal of the former TV sports analyst and
reporter. Although no reasons were advanced for Cham's sacking, but GRTS
insiders say Cham could not continue to work with the state controlled
media, since Observer fired him. Our sources say both the GRTS and the
Observer received daily orders from the State House in Banjul and as such
the TV management could not go against directives given to them by State
House authorities.

It would be recalled that both Lamin Cham and the then Observer MD Momodou
Sanyang were fired few weeks ago, amidst reports that they ran an economic
piece meeting between President Jammeh and officials of the Chamber of
Commerce, which seem to have angered the Gambian leader. Sources hinted
that the sacking of the two media workers emanated from state house in
Banjul.

Many Observers who spoke to The ALLGAMBIAN said, they were not surprised
by the GRTS decision to send Cham packing, in view of their similar
editorial policy with the Observer, which is bent on supporting the
current administration. GRTS insiders told The ALLGAMBIAN that Cham
attempts to continue working with the state television were frustrated, as
he was handed with marching orders the next day he showed up for work.

"Bora Mboge told him that he cannot help with the current situation, as
the orders for his sacking were above him. He personally acknowledge Lamin
Cham's dedication to work. It was not an easy day at GRTS, as many
staffers were shocked by the sacking of their colleague, who brought a lot
of sense of humour at their sports editorial desk." said a GRTS insider.
Interestingly continued our sources, Daily Observer's deputy board
Chairperson, Momodou Sanyang, is also the GRTS program manager. It is
reported that Sanyang who claimed to be an uncle to the President Yahya
Jammeh, drafted Lamin Cham and Momodou Sanyang's sacking letters
respectively.

What is event however, the timing of the said sackings have raised eyes
brows among The Gambian public, as many people concluded that Yahya Jammeh
owns the Observer. Lamin Cham himself, is said to be avoiding the local
press for comments on his sacking, as he is playing a low profile.



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