Emmaunel Agim, the chief justice of The Gambia has urged journalists to be more responsible in the discharge of their duties for the sake of national interest.

He made this remark Saturday at the Joint Officers Mess in Kotu, while presiding over one-day training on media laws in The Gambia for members of the Young Journalists Association of The Gambia (YJAG). The CJ explained that the training will give opportunity to the journalists on media laws existing in the country and to understand laws is the first important step.

He pointed out that the job of a journalist is not easy, and also risky. "In my own view, it will be made easy and less risky when the journalists operate in accordance with the laws and to promote social-economic development," he said. He described the media as partners in development who can contribute to national development by discharging professionalism and responsible journalism and protecting the good of the community.

He charged the journalists to always remember that they are the defenders of the people and to always inform people on certain social disadvantages. "Therefore, sensitising you to better understand the law is very important. If anyone of you did not understand the laws, the person will not observe it and failure to observe the law means violating the law," he said.

He then informed journalists that the law is the most important tool for the practice of any profession. "Verify before publishing any story. Let no one use you for the purpose of acquiring an international appointment or in destabilising the nation. You are young people in society," he advised.

Assan Sallah, the president of YJAG described the training as another important milestone in the history of YJAG. "The importance of this training cannot be over-emphasised as much as journalist would observe and respect the rule of law. Journalists also should be aware of their individual responsibilities and the ethics that govern their profession. Most often, in the execution of their duties, most journalists venture into dubious activities while hiding under the guise of press freedom, not knowing that press freedom encompasses a high sense of responsibility. Remember, where your freedom ends is where another man's freedom begins.

As journalists, we should realise that as the agents that keep society informed, entertained and enlightened, we have a great responsibility towards the development of society," the YJAG prezy advised. He then urged his colleagues to uphold the five principles governing their professional behaviour: fairness and accuracy, avoid conflict of interest, protection of privacy, protection of sources and use fair methods of investigation.

He expressed optimism that at the end of the training, the young journalists will be familiar with libel, slander, defamation of character, and other media offences that are stipulated in the laws of the land. Amie Bojang Sisoho, the YJAG board chairperson commended YJAG for the laudable initiative noting that the association is working tirelessly to achieve its goals and to operate in the right direction. According to her, it is very important for every journalist to familiarise him or herself with the laws under which he or she is operating. She then advised YJAG members to continue the good work.

Dr Henry DR Carrol, senior legal practitioner said "as a good citizens, you must make sure that you protect the image of The Gambia in a very positive manner". He stated that Section 59 of the constitution of The Gambia prohibits false information. He urged journalists to carry out their duties fairly and to be good citizens to protect Gambia's good image. Other speakers included Amie Sanneh, a representative of the Gambia Press Union (GPU) and Madi Ceesay proprietor of Daily News newspaper.