A TRIBUTE TO BABUCARR GAYE

   By TIJAN NIMAGA, Bronx New York,

 Journalist Babucarr Gaye’s death is a huge loss to the Gambian media and the entire nation. Babucarr Gaye was one of the few veteran journalists who transcended both nationality and journalism throughout the world and to proof to the current regime in his final years that he needed no Radio Station to generate his typical brand of magic in journalism.

The last time I heard Babucarr Gaye’s charming voice was in the late 1980s on one of his focus on Africa Programmes from the BBC. He was a man who inspired me so much and just hearing my own countryman reporting from a worldwide broadcasting station such as the BBC was something that I proudly cherished. I will always remember him as one of the BBC’s best ever-Gambian correspondents. Great countrymen like Mr. Gaye promoted journalism not only in The Gambia but also throughout Sub-Saharan Africa. He will be deeply missed by the Gambian media where he worked selflessly throughout his career as a journalist. Our Senegambian brothers who worked with Mr.Baboucarr Gaye will also miss the extra-ordinary qualities of a man whose talent has no doubt carved him a place in Gambian journalism.   

I have never met Babucarr in person but I have no doubt that if I did he would have known that I really admired his skills and talent in the field of journalism. His journalistic style and accuracy in reporting news endeared him to many aspiring journalists and I have no doubt, that every journalist in The Gambia feels the same. He was a pioneer and great countryman whose memory both internal and external will never be extinguished from our minds. The people of Kaur where Gaye was born have not only lost Babucarr but lost a man who was perhaps from one of the great “BURRS OF SALOOM’’. It is sad that Mr. Gaye has left us at the time we needed him most.

My deepest condolences go to his wife, the children and the entire Gaye family both in The Gambia and abroad. Babucarr our companion in journalism and brother in Islam, may the Almighty Allah grant you the best place in Heaven where all mysteries are banished peace and joy abides forever and ever AMEEN.