When I got the news of the deaths of Pa Modou Faal, a Government Information Officer at the Ministry of Health, Musa Ndow, a senior journalist and later Maimuna Sey, a former reporter with the Standard Newspaper, I couldn’t believe at first.
A day before the demise of Pa Modou Faal, he was with us at the Department of Information Services annual party at Ocean Villa Heights in Brufut. This is only Allah’s decision and we cannot avert it.
Late Pa Modou Faal and Musa Ndow along with Kawsu Bayo, former staff at the Ministry of Health were involved in a tragic road accident between Kaiaf in Kiang East and Giffin in Jarra West Districts in the Lower River Region while going to attend a state function when their car summersaulted.
I spoke with Musa Ndow less than two weeks before his demise requesting for a possible support from the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education to rehabilitate Babylon Arabic School.
Maimuna Sey met us at the mortuary in Banjul while we were waiting for the corpses of Pa Modou and Musa.
Foroyaa Newspaper’s senior reporter, Abdoulie Dibba, a veteran journalist also passed away three weeks ago after suffering from long illness.
Both deceased were well known for their ready- smile and firm hand-shakes for everybody. They were loved by all, respected and admired by all and sundry and I see on them, selfless service, and spirit of sacrifice in the services of Allah- The Almighty.
They were all patient, understanding and had their doors opened to all for advice among other things. Pa Modou and Musa worked hard in initiating many development projects within their localities.
Their deaths have created voids that would be difficult to fill and I loved and respected them so much, but the Creator needs them back.
As former journalists, all have been a steady and voice of wisdom in all deliberation. They believed in dialogue in solving problems and therefore, it was sad and heart-wrenching for me to lose such brothers and sister and close colleagues so soon.
I was part of hundreds of well-wishers from all walks of life who attended the burial rites of Pa Modou Faal, Musa Ndow and Buba SM Ceesay, who used to work with the national broadcaster, GRTS.
During their burials, they were praised and described as pious Muslims who devoted their entire lives in propagating Islam.
On behalf of my entire family, we extend our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, staff at the Department of Information Services, entire GPU members, GRTS staffers and the public.
Let everybody remember always that mourning passes but memories don’t and we will forever have them in our memories.
