GAMWRITERS

Writers Association The Gambia to be launched Soon

Author: Publisher | Date: 09-06-10 | Topic: National News

Writers Association of The Gambia will be launched on Saturday 12th June 2010 at the TANGO Hall, Bakau, said Mr Cherno Omar Barry, the interim Secretary General.
Mr. Barry who is a university lecturer and Gambian literature researcher said the above mentioned association was formed recently to address the needs of its members.
According to him, Dr. Peters who passed away recently wanted a writers club to be in existence, and that his death triggered the formation of the association.
“Writers association was an ardent dream of Dr Peters, so after his death we thought it is befitting to form it,” said Barry.

He added that several meetings were held during which an interim committee was formed, charged with registering the association as well as set a time table for the launching and election of permanent executive.
Interim Secretary Barry explained that before the launching proper, works of certain authors would be presented.
He stated that the launching would be followed by an election of the permanent executive. Barry estimated the association has 20 registered members and 60 non-registered members. With the launching of the association, he hopes many more members will be attracted. The UTG lecturer explained that both authors and writers are qualified to join Writers Association of The Gambia.
He added that membership is not restricted to Gambians saying that authors and writers residing in this country are eligible to become members. He said their constitution defines a writer as anyone who publishes, while a writer is anyone who publishes a creative educational or research work in a book or in a chapter. Commenting on some of the difficulties facing Gambian authors and writers, Mr. Barry said they face difficulty in publishing their work as well as marketing.
These, he said, are some of the issues that the newly formed association will address. In addition, he said the association would encourage quality writing and enhance the culture of reading. He stated that the culture of reading could be improved by engaging the children in what is being written.
“If children are given the opportunity to outline their interests, they will read such areas if it is published,” he said.

Source: Foroyaa Newspaper