The management of the Daily Observer, the biggest and most widely read newspaper in the country, last Thursday organized an Iftar (a dining session at the end of a day's fasting period), at its premises in Bakau. In the words of the managing director, Neneh Macdouall-Gaye, the Iftar was organised "to foster unity and cooperation among the staff."

The session coincided with the send-off party of the departing acting editor-in-chief, Ebrima Manneh, commonly called Ebrima Jaw Manneh, who is leaving to take up a new assignment at the Embassy of the United States of America, in Banjul.

At the simple but memorable ceremony, colleagues of Mr Manneh took turns to recall their time with him, showering him with praises. Dedication, loyalty and hard work, were among a host of words used to describe the young man who, until now, had served as one of the youngest ever editors-in-chief of a credible newspaper in The Gambia.

Andrew DaCosta, the deputy managing director of the Observer Company, described the occasion as a special one. He said that although it was natural that people would feel sad in such situations, Ebrima Manneh's departure should be taken with pride, as an institution like the American Embassy was tapping from the quality produce of the Daily Observer.

As one of the longest, if not the longest, serving members of staff, DaCosta was well placed to give a synopsis of Mr Manneh's time at the company; from the status of a freelance journalist, ascending to the position of acting editor-in-chief, amid the usual stiff competition characteristic of a media institution like the Daily Observer.

Like the other speakers, he attributed Mr Manneh's success to dedication and hard work.

For her part, the managing director of the Observer Company, Neneh Macdouall Gaye, told the gathering that it was with a mixture of happiness and sadness that the management decided to convene the "formal parting" ceremony with somebody who was not only a long serving member of the family, but also a dedicated, dynamic and determined person.

She called for unity among the general staff, citing the significance of the Month of Ramadan as a possible inspiration for change of attitude in "God-fearing" people. She assured them that "although Ebrima Jaw Manneh was a formidable pillar of the company, the quality of the paper would be maintained".

Taking turns to make remarks about their relationship with their departing colleague, staff members of the company, from top to bottom, were unanimous in their endorsement of the model character of Mr Manneh.

Mr Ebrima Jaw Manneh himself was at a loss for words but managed to  thank the management and the entire general staff for the gesture, describing it as memorable.

Comparing the status of the company under the current management as opposed to the previous one, he hailed the new MD for her tremendous efforts in transforming the company.

Jaw Manneh started work at the Daily Observer in November 2002, fresh from Gambia Senior Secondary School. Out of dedication and hard work, he cruised through the ranks to become a beacon in the night.
With his wealth of experience, many believe that he will shine in the diplomatic world just as he did in the media.