On Sunday, 22nd December, a voice for and of the people, Alhaji Sarjo Barrow departed from this world.
Since then, Gambians from all sections of society, especially reporters and members of the media, have been in mourning.
The political class and many of the ordinary citizens are united in mourning the demise of this veteran journalist. Alhaji Sarjo Barrow will be dearly missed by his multitude of audience and co-workers in the country.
His kindness, generosity, and thoughtful take on the issues of the Gambia touched on almost all who came into contact with him. One of the things that made him stand out was the fact that he used the microphone in his local Mandinka dialect to bring the news and current affairs to the masses.
The nation as a whole will certainly mourn and celebrate the demise of Alhaji Sarjo Barrow, who was known all over the country. Alhaji Sarjo’s venturing into the traditional broadcast media inspired in young reporters the virtues of dedication and excellence in journalism especially in bringing the message closer to the people in a language they understand.
The deceased, Alhaji Sarjo Barrow, started his career in journalism more than twenty years ago and is thus a trailblazer who changed the role of indigenous language broadcasting in the newsroom.
After leaving the Gambia Radio and Television Services (GRTS), Alhaji Sarjo Barrow moved on to Star FM (radio and television) and continued informing, educating and entertaining the people of the Gambia through his powerful voice with which he read news in a language that many understand.
It is because of him and those like him that many Gambians were informed on issues of national importance as he read them the news in a language spoken and understood by a larger percentage of the population of the country.
The media fraternity therefore has lost a formidable pillar. It is hoped that Allah, the Sublime, will have mercy on him and grant his family the fortitude to bear the heavy loss.
Rest in Peace, Sarjo!
