I salute you all in keeping Pa Nderry´s memory alive and I ask all of you, my comrades, who tirelessly fought for the liberation of The Gambia from the crudity of the Jammeh regime to join me to Congratulate and salute these people.  We always hear people saying that Gambians are not good at remembering our legends and heroes but today this is a testament that we do.  Freedom Radio owned and led by Pa Nderry is a reminder of a persevering and inspired struggle carried by The Gambian people, a struggle we are deeply proud of, because it was just and noble and indispensable in putting an end to a brutal era. 

I never thought I would be writing to you in the past tense!! We are all struggling with this great loss of our nation, a disciplined, fearless journalist and an activist. With his death, the nation has lost an illustrious son who dedicated his whole life to the cause of our people. 

At a time when it seemed that so many Gambians would succumb to State oppression there arose a man, a chief of conviction and courage whose name is forever carved in the hearts of many Gambians. He became one of the most influential figures in The Struggle to remove the Dictator and he gave new shape and ideas to the Struggle. “Freedom Radio, Fair and Balance”! His famous opening as we continue to fight for social and economic justice will continue to echo throughout the country and the Diaspora. “Nang Jarr Si Alikala Gi”  “Deglu len Maa Ak Hel Waaj Bulen Maa Deglu Ak Holl” such descriptive accounts were no mere proverbial expressions that are habitually accorded Comrade Pa, but were a true and befitting account of a remarkable and inspiring person.  It is thus symbolic, not an accident of history, that Comrade Pa left us during the month that the country is preparing for its first democratic elections after 22 years of struggle he fought so hard for.

He served with distinction and honour. He was energetic and never the one to shy from any challenge or difficult situation and would never rest until a challenge is satisfactorily addressed. He understood first and foremost that the reason he is a journalist, and an activist was to serve the people, to solve the conditions that are keeping them prisoners to oppression and poverty.

He is known for his stubbornness, and he never budge. He kept us on our toes, ensuring that no corners were cut, and no correct process was compromised. Thus, the most meaningful tribute we can pay to this patriot is to build a Gambia he aspired for.

We lost the people’s Journalist and activist, from this world forever. Without his determination the former regime was hell bent to harm us and who knows what was going to happen to us. As we are picking up from where Comrade Pa left, there is no other justice to his legacy than keeping the Freedom Radio and News alive to a man who died in service to his people, he has left a void that will never be filled. 

The opening of the Freedom Radio shows our commitment to jealously guard our new freedom by defeating the evils that undermine it. They are inimical to our new Gambia of bettering the material conditions of our people, and indeed Comrade Pa will rest peacefully knowing that something is being done about it. Comrade Pa will rest in peace to know that the great work he was doing continues. 

Comrade Pa will rest in Peace knowing that Freedom Radio is live today!! 

I thank you all and salute you again for keeping the legacy of this great man and Radio!

Ndey Jobarteh, Norway