Ex-State House Press Officer’s Trial Opens

The trial of Mam Sait Ceesay, former Press Officer at State House, opened yesterday before Magistrate Kayode of the Banjul Magistrates’ Court.

Testifying at the trial Mr. Alex Dacosta, PW1, told the court that he is the Senior Communications Officer at the Gambia Public Utility Regulatory Authority (PURA). He said he knew the accused. “I recall on the 8th September 2007 I received a call from a friend of mine who congratulated me that I had been appointed as Director of Press and Public Relations at the Office of the President,” he stated. “I was surprised because I had no prior knowledge whatsoever of the appointment. Afterwards I was shown a Daily Observer publication,” he concluded.

The case was at this point adjourned to 24th March 2008 for continuation.

It would be recalled that Mam Sait Ceesay, former Press Officer at State House, has been standing trial on two counts, namely false publication and broadcasting contrary to the laws of The Gambia.

In count 1, the particulars of offence states that on or about 8th August 2007 Mam Sait Ceesay willfully, negligently or recklessly, or having no reason to believe it is true, published to the Daily Observer that Alex Dacosta has been appointed as DPPR (Director of Press and Public Relations) Office of the President when JT Kujabi was still the substantive holder of the office and thereby committed an offence.

In count 2, the offence states that the accused Mam Sait Ceesay on or about the 8th of August, willfully negligently or recklessly or having no reason to believe it is true, published through the Daily Observer, that Alex Dacosta has been appointed as DPPR (Director of Press and Public Relations officer of the president) when JT Kujabi was still the substantive holder of the office and thereby committed an offence.