news and current affairs.
Chinese Embassy launches consular visa service in The Gambia
The Chinese Embassy in The Gambia officially launched its consular visa service on Tuesday in a ceremony held at the embassy in Bijilo. Zhao Shangsen, Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China, presided over the event, emphasizing the importance of this service in strengthening the growing strategic partnership between China and The Gambia. Zhao explained that a Chinese visa is required for all visitors to China who do not hold a Gambian diplomatic or service passport. He outlined the visa application process, which includes completing an online application form, submitting required documents, and a visa fee of D3,000 for a single-entry visa. He added that processing times typically take four working days...
Brikama court sentences Sulayman Darboe to one year for theft
The Brikama Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday convicted Sulayman Darboe, a Brikama resident, and sentenced him to one year in prison with hard labor after he pleaded guilty to charges of conspiracy and theft. Darboe appeared before Magistrate K.B. Sambou alongside co-accused Gibril Sanneh, who pleaded not guilty to the charges. Darboe and Sanneh, both Gambians from Brikama, faced two counts of conspiracy to commit a felony and theft, as outlined in Sections 341 and 226 of The Gambia's Criminal Offenses Act 2025. The charges stemmed from an incident on August 31, 2025, in which the two allegedly conspired to steal a Techno Spark 7 mobile phone, valued at D8,000, belonging to Nyima Sanyang of Jamisa. Magistrate Sambou sentenced Darboe to...
Banjul High Court rejects West Coast Radio document in Sanyang trial
The High Court in Banjul, presided over by Justice Ebrima Jaiteh, on Tuesday rejected the prosecution’s attempt to submit a West Coast Radio document as evidence in the ongoing trial of former military officer Abdoulie Sanyang. The document, related to an interview Sanyang gave on August 14, 2025, was submitted by Lead State Prosecutor Saikou Lamin Jobarteh. However, Justice Jaiteh ruled that it could not be admitted as it was not tendered by its maker, as required by law for reliability and authenticity. Justice Jaiteh ordered the document be returned to the prosecution. During the trial, the first prosecution witness, Cadet Mbye Conteh, testified that Sanyang had admitted to sponsoring the burning of the APRC Bureau. Conteh also...
NDP submits registration application to The Gambia’s IEC
The National Democratic Party (NDP), led by Kebba Madi Bojang, has officially submitted its registration application to The Gambia’s Independent Electoral Commission (IEC), in accordance with the country's electoral laws. The party announced the submission in a press statement on Tuesday, confirming that it has met all IEC guidelines, including providing a written constitution, member details from each of the seven administrative regions, and establishing functional regional offices. The NDP also paid the necessary registration fee, submitted its party emblem, color, and motto, and committed to annual financial audits. The party emphasized its commitment to upholding national values and promoting leadership that is free from ethnic...
Chief Gwesela sparks outrage backing Mnangagwa’s term extension
A Midlands traditional leader has sparked public outrage by endorsing a controversial proposal to extend President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s term beyond 2028, seemingly violating Zimbabwe’s constitution and the Traditional Leaders Act, which requires chiefs to remain apolitical. Chief Gwesela of Zhombe, born Ndabezinhle Wait Ndebele, made the comments during a traditional ceremony at his homestead last week, urging his people to support Mnangagwa’s continued leadership until 2030. He praised the president for what he called "unprecedented development efforts" under the Second Republic. Gwesela’s remarks came shortly after Mnangagwa handed over 100 vehicles to senior army commanders, fueling speculation about efforts to secure military...
Jamaica tables Green Paper on National Policy for Culture and Entertainment
The Government of Jamaica has presented the Green Paper on the National Policy for Culture, Entertainment, and the Creative Economy, a significant step toward enhancing the country’s cultural and creative sectors. Tabled in the House of Representatives on October 7 by Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment, and Sport, Hon. Olivia Grange, the Green Paper outlines proposed policies for discussion and public consultation before final approval. Minister Grange described the policy as “forward-looking,” focusing on equity, inclusivity, community empowerment, and the preservation of heritage. It also promotes innovation, sustainability, and resilience, while leveraging technology to support the creative economy. The policy includes...
Guyana ready to extradite Azruddin Mohamed and son to the U.S.
Guyana’s government has confirmed its readiness to assist in the extradition of businessman Azruddin Mohamed and his son, Nazar Mohamed, to the United States. The pair faces multiple charges, including gold smuggling and wire fraud, following a recent indictment in a Florida court. The indictment alleges they conspired with government officials to commit these crimes, with more than 10 charges listed against them. Attorney General Anil Nandlall stated that Guyana is prepared to comply with any U.S. extradition request. He emphasized that extradition is not new to the country, citing past cooperation with the U.S. and other nations, including recent cases in 2025. Azruddin Mohamed is the leader of the We Invest in Nationhood (WIN)...
CBP seizes $4 million in cocaine at Port of San Juan
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials seized more than $4 million worth of cocaine during a cargo inspection at the Port of San Juan on Monday. CBP officers from the Anti-Terrorism Contraband Enforcement Team selected a container for inspection, finding eight duffel bags hidden among pallets. Inside the bags, they discovered 149 brick-shaped packages weighing a total of 365 pounds, which tested positive for cocaine. Roberto Vaquero, Director of Field Operations for Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, commended the officers for their role in safeguarding the Caribbean border. This seizure is part of CBP's ongoing efforts to prevent illegal drugs from entering the U.S. and disrupt criminal networks.
Tufton relieved as Integrity Commission clears him of wrongdoing
Jamaica’s Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr. Christopher Tufton, expressed relief following the Integrity Commission’s (IC) investigation into contracts awarded to Market Me Consulting Limited. Tufton said the long-standing controversy had unfairly questioned his integrity and that of others involved, but he was pleased the IC found no illegal activity. The IC’s report, released on Tuesday, followed a three-year investigation into $80 million in contracts awarded to Market Me by the Health Ministry and the National Family Planning Board. While no wrongdoing was found, the IC criticized Tufton and Market Me’s co-managing director, Lyndsey McDonnough, for not disclosing their friendship, which could have appeared as a conflict of...
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