We bring up again the matter of journalist Chief Ebrima Manneh. He has been missing since 2006. He isn't alone who has disappeared without a trace in The Gambia. There are a number of individuals who have gone unaccounted for. Some have been presumed dead. Thus, we have been deeply concerned about the fate of our dear colleague. His silence has gone on for far too long. Our nerves haven't calmed since his disappearance.

Manneh's tragedy has brought untold suffering to his family and friends. His absence has left a huge void in the Manneh family, for he was the breadwinner. Thus, conscious of this irreplaceable loss, we launched a fund raiser last year to lend a supporting hand to his family. We solicited funds from a number of you. And your response was huge. Your generosity went several miles. We made several remittances to the Manneh family. We just paid out the last installment. Thanks to the supplemental income from your financial support, the Manneh family was able to attend to some of its pressing domestic needs. Their gratitude, and ours, too, are in no small measure due to you all.

Once again, we implore your generosity. We have embarked on a new fund raising drive to continue the financial support for the Manneh family. This time, however, we would like to take on additional challenges. We want to establish a Media Fund to enable our parent body meet the mounting costs of its operations in The Gambia. We need your financial support to enable us accomplish the following:

1. Buy a printing press and other journalistic paraphernalia for the Gambia Press Union.

2. Finance a three-month remedial English course for subeditors later this year.

3. Acquire a piece of property for a permanent GPU secretariat.

4. Defray overheard expenses (rent, phone services and stationery).

5. Contribute towards legal fees for journalists in The Gambia in the event they run into trouble with the law.

The on-going flagrant assaults on press freedom in The Gambia continue to worry us all. We see no light at the end of the tunnel. However, the GPU-USA is resolved to committing itself to a long drawn-out fight for freedom of expression in The Gambia. No price is too steep for free speech. We remain steadfast to the restoration of a free and independent press in Banjul. It is gratifying to note that some of you, through your recent donations, have been very helpful to our cause.
 
We express our profoundest gratitude, and remain alert to your continued support.
 
For the GPU-USA:
 
Demba Baldeh, Secretary General
Cherno Baba Jallow, Public Relations Officer