Press release
The Standard newspaper has named President Adama Barrow as the winner of the Gambian of The Year Award for 2021.
At a presentation ceremony at State House on Thursday 30th December 2021, the general manager of XL Standard Company, Mr Salla Jeng, presented the award to President Barrow in the presence of some cabinet ministers.
Mr Jeng noted that there are many candidates and potential winners for such awards but given the accomplishments the president registered over the year, it was the consensus of the awards committee that no one deserved it more than the president.
In reading the citation for the award, The Standard editor Lamin Cham said since 1992 when it was initiated by The Gambia News and Report Magazine published by Swaebou Conateh, the award has been given to a Gambian, who in the estimation of the awards committee, has done the most for the public good, over the preceding 12 months.
He added: “Of course this can be subjective and there are more than one potential winner every year. However, given his record of sterling achievements over the past year for country and for self, we do not believe anyone is more deserving of this award today than His Excellency, the President, Adama Barrow.
“In his case, the award is not only a recognition of his achievements and contribution to the common good in the year 2021, but also an encouragement as he is about to begin a fresh mandate as president, to rededicate himself, heart and soul, to the onerous task of captaining the ship of the Gambian state to safe shores where the dignity of all citizens and residents will be respected, and where all Gambians will be availed the opportunity to realise their full potential.”
In his statement, President Adama Barrow said the award was in recognition of his services to Gambian people and therefore dedicated it to them.
He said he has been keenly following the award over the years and that it will serve as an encouragement for him.
He thanked The Standard for the award and encouraged members of the media to remain neutral in their work.
