This is how the story goes: Valentine’s Day, until 1969, was one of the many Saint’s Days observed by the Catholic Church. It was dedicated to St. Valentine, who performed secret marriages when the Roman Emperor Claudius II,  seeking to bolster his army, forbade young men to marry. This was in the third century A.D. And for his defiance, St Valentine was imprisoned and executed on February 14, 270.

Fast-tract to 2012. Yesterday – Tuesday 14 February 2012 marked yet another Valentine’s Day.

In The Gambia, despite the Muslim domination, it is quite interesting how what supposed to exist for Christians, is transformed in such a way that it is observed by people from diverse religious and socio-economic backgrounds.
 
Somewhat like other feasts such as Christmas or Tobaski, this day is keenly looked forward to and well planned by people from different walks of life, wanting to share the occasion with their loved ones.

The general notion is that, Valentine’s day is for intimate lovers. But others argue that it is a day for one to share love wishes with one’s beloved somebody without necessarily sharing any intimate relationship.

Thus one could share the occasion, as it has been seen, with a sister, a brother, a mother, a father or close friends, though a greater number of those who celebrate the Day in The Gambia falls in the category of the former.  
 
And at evening yesterday, this was clearly visible in the streets of Serrekunda. Under our very own eyes at The Daily News, as we stood high at our storey and observe smartly dressed girls and boys having gifts contained in neat containers for presentation. This was a day that lovers are expected to exchange Valentines gifts, but the aftermath of it is usually abound with interesting stories about the problems some unfaithful lovers encounter. As witnessed over the years, for most of those who remain sincere to their partners, Valentine’s Day celebration strengthen their relationship. But it is also a day that results in many breakups for the insincere ones.      

Fortunately, The Daily News does not undergo such troubles, even though in the eyes of the law, the paper, as a body corporate, is a person. Then, if we can sue and be sued, we can also be wished as well as extend wishes on such occasions to our loved ones.

For since inception in 2009, despite entering a crowded newspaper market, the paper quickly establishes itself as the primary source of information in almost all aspect of The Gambia’s development.

In this vein, the management and staff wish readers of The Daily News a happy Valentine’s Day. For without their support, we could not have made the significant inroads we have made in The Gambia media industry. Our warm wishes also go out to behind the scene workers; the vendors, compilers and printers, who are all vital to our survival and our success.

In addition, a country with a government whose activities are shrouded in secrecy, it is not easy to find people willing to divulge information. Yet some who have confidence in us or are close to us, do let slip some important information to us. These people are as well our loved ones and to them we say Happy Valentine’s Day.

We also have contributors and sponsors. These are those that send us letters, commentaries, coverage invitations, advertisements and press releases. Here we would like to mention the most regular contributors, including veteran journalists Baa Trawally, Bai Koro Sillah, Bijou Peters, Demba Ali Jawo and Mr Dawda Faye of The Point.

 To our partners in development, the government of The Gambia and the NGO community our warm Valentine’s day wishes to you all.