Posted by By Bekai Njie
The Gambia Press Union (GPU) has announced August 31, 2018, for the triennial congress of the union.
This decision was reached on Monday July 30, following a board meeting, according to the executive committee.
The information was revealed to journalists in a statement released yesterday.
GPU, the umbrella body for media practitioners has since its inception in 1979 six times changed leadership through fair and transparent democratic processes.
In April 2015, the members voted in a nine-member executive committee for a three-year mandate led by Bai Emil Touray. And in building on previous gains, the union has registered significant growth and development.
The outgoing president, Bai Emil Touray explained that during their three years in office, membership of the GPU has increased impressively. “Thanks to our outreach activities and attractive services. We have also expanded our network of partners and affiliates, local and international and one of our greatest successes for me, is the diversification of source of funding,” he said.
Touray added that they have also strengthened the GPU as an institution and its subsidiaries and affiliates. He said they have also provided mechanisms aimed at enhancing media freedom and development.
“The plethora of capacity building programmes has gone far in improving the skills and competencies of the Gambia media. The August congress will elect a new executive committee and consider a new constitution for the GPU as well as the activity and financial reports to be presented by secretary general and treasurer, respectively. The deadline for settlement of membership dues is August 15th, 2018, and no late payment will be accepted,” he emphasised
Touray reiterated that in accordance with the 2011 GPU Constitution, the congress will comprise only delegates that are paid-up. He added that those that have applied and have not received a reply are encouraged to contact the secretariat for update on the status of their application.
He stressed in accordance with Rule 8 of the constitution, that a member who wishes to propose a motion is required to do so by submitting a written proposal to the bard at least five working days before the congress.
In conclusion, Mr. Touray lamented that it’s time for renewal and continuity, saying he encourage members to own up the GPU and elect into office people with the integrity, courage, intellect and experience to guide the GPU to greater heights.