The Secretary of State for Communication, Information and Information Technology, Fatim Badjie-Janneh, last Friday presided over the official commissioning of Paradise FM at a ceremony held at the radio station's premises in Kololi.

The new station which broadcasts on 105.5 Frequency Modulation (FM) is the latest venture of Mediamatic Digital Company, which is owned by Harona Drammeh, a Gambian who has dedicated most of his life to the communication and information technology sector by offering digital solutions in The Gambia.

In her opening speech, SoS Badjie-Janneh congratulated Mediamatic on behalf of the government of the Gambia, for recognizing the call for convergence through added value and for utilising key ICT tools  for development.

According to her, the fast paced information age has created growth opportunities as it plays a significant role in enhancing the socio-economic development of the nation. SoS Badjie-Janneh further emphasised that these improvement are evident in developed countries today adding that she is hopeful that Paradise FM will continue to project the voice of The Gambia and reach out to provincial areas as planned.

"Even though, there is an ICT bill in the pipeline that will [provide] guidelines in broadcasting and regulatory aspect, we would encourage you to broadcast peaceful, educative and informative programmes for the benefit of your listeners," she said. She expressed appreciation, on behalf of President Jammeh, for their efforts and assured them that the government has taken pride in supporting young pioneers in the media industry who  started with the Gambia Radio and Television Services (GRTS), and still continue to contribute to society despite their being in the private sector.

"There is a belief that young people in the media have a vast source of inspiration here in The Gambia and we are hopeful that you all have opened the way for many to emulate," she remarked.

In his goodwill message, Peter Gomez, the proprietor of West Coast Radio, said Mediamatic has been in operation for the past year offering quality service to Gambians. According to him, West Coast Radio is delighted to offer any assistance to other local radio stations in the country adding that no single radio can serve the broadcasting needs of the vast radio audience.

"The more radio stations, perhaps, the more we can come closer to the programme needs of our esteemed audience," he said.  For his part, Harona Drammeh, the managing director of Paradise FM said his involvement in the media started he completed his  senior secondary secondary schooling.

Other speakers at the ceremony included the US ambassador to the country, Barry L Wells; Peter Braima, the media coordinator, Africell; and Ousman Jallow Jarju, creative director mediamatic, who delivered the vote of thanks. The ceremony was graced by Sheriff Gomez, the secretary of state for Youths and Sports, senior government officials and media heads.