Beloved comrades and the toiling masses of The Gambia, it is with deep regret that we mourn a really genuine and respectful comrade and brother, Deyda Hydara, a family man, a man of the toiling journalists, a freedom fighter, a revolutionary and above all, a nationalist with intellectual militancy, a democrat and dedicated humanist.
The type of love this man had for The Gambian people is hard to find. He was ready to make the greatest sacrifice for the cause of the poor and the downtrodden.
He suffered life-long deprivations for them and lived totally for them. He lived that through a “revolution” of the people a new age might come in the world, on our continent and in our country, The Gambia, where millions, hundreds of thousands will breathe a real air of freedom and, government of parasites over the people will vanish from our sight.
Deyda stood for a decent and respectful attitude towards brothers, comrades and of plain people and sternly abhorred the use of lies, thuggery and bribery in the media and progressive movements like media and labour.
Do we share these principles with this dedicated man?
His own dedication was done with pride. It is for us the living to dedicate ourselves as he did to the realisation of a humane world for which he fought and uphold the principles by which he lived.
No person is born to inhabit the earth forever. Shall we continue to squander our lives in opportunism and frivolity?
Shall we continue to be, paper progressive to call ourselves champions of the people and yet abandon our cheated and humiliated masses to their dark fate?
Shall we continue to pretend to be patriots and leaders of the millions who bake the national cake and yet leave the destiny of our country and people to vultures?
Deyda was an unbending humanist; his life was gentle, disciplined, peaceful and fair. He abhorred opportunism and beamed hope and determination for the suffering masses.
His stoutly loyal wife stood by him through the many years of strife and tribulations.
May the flame of enlightenment, which he lit in our midst, continue to burn. May the media fraternity soon see the liberation and power for which he suffered.