news and current affairs.
Bajaha Defies Elite to Smash World Hunger
Binta Bajaha fights world hunger with her Arts & Science degree as a key spokesperson for the United Nations' World Food Programme (WFP). As a senior advisor on gender, diversity, and environmental sustainability, she credits U of T for preparing her to impact lives through crucial decisions about food access. Each year, WFP helps 80 million people worldwide by providing emergency food and supporting underserved communities to enhance nutrition and strengthen resilience against climate change and political unrest. Bajaha, who completed her PhD from the Women & Gender Studies Institute (WGSI) in 2024, believes that despite changing foreign policies, most people remain decent and simply need chances to thrive - something her team works to...
Armed Forces Accused of Hiding Truth Behind Colley Death
The Gambia Armed Forces announced yesterday that Brigadier General Bora Colley has died. He served as an important officer during former President Jammeh's time in power. Many people accused him of taking part in terrible acts back then. According to the military statement, Colley came back to The Gambia on August 9, 2024. He had stayed away for eight years by his choice. His health problems became very bad, which pushed him to return home. The authorities put him under arrest right after he arrived because of his sudden departure years ago. The Truth, Reconciliation, and Reparations Commission had suggested he face charges. They believed he killed and hurt victims at different places across The Gambia. Doctors checked him when he...
Barrow Allies Betray Gambian Diaspora Vote Rights
The highest court in The Gambia ruled on January 27, 2021, that Gambians living overseas have the right to vote in elections. This ruling cited section 39 of the 1997 Constitution. Hon Bakary Bunja Dabo and several diaspora activists brought this case forward. They wanted President Adama Barrow's government to ensure that Gambians abroad could exercise their voting rights. Gambians living overseas play a huge role in supporting their home country. They send money back home that makes up about 32% of the national economy. President Barrow's team seems to value these financial contributions. Yet they refuse to let these same people vote in elections. Many believe this refusal comes from selfish political calculations rather than legal...
Gambia Customs Officers Train in Performance Measurement
The Gambia Revenue Authority started using a new system to check the efficiency of customs operations yesterday. They teamed up with the World Customs Organisation to train their officers. This training focuses on measuring job performance at customs offices. The World Customs Organisation approved this system last year. Through this system, customs officers learn to track four main areas of their work. They measure how fast trade moves, how much money they collect, how they enforce rules, and how they grow as an organization. The system uses specific numbers to show results. It matches up with world goals like those from the United Nations for better development. Yankuba Darboe, who runs the Gambia Revenue Authority, believes this...
Assembly Debates Minister Meeting Over General Corpse
Amie Colley from Foni Berefet asked the National Assembly yesterday for help meeting with the justice minister. She needed an urgent meeting about releasing the body of General Bora Colley. The General had died Monday under state custody. According to Amie, officials said the body needed a postmortem before release. Speaker Fabakary Tombong Jatta did not respond right away. He just continued with regular Assembly business. This prompted Touma Njai from Banjul South to speak up. She mentioned that responding would show respect since death matters are painful, especially losing a brother. The Speaker finally addressed the situation. He said these matters should not be discussed openly on the floor. He suggested calling the minister...
Auditor Explains Employment Dates in BCC Testimony
Assan A Jallow faced questions yesterday about his work history during testimony at the Local Government Commission. The internal auditor from Banjul City Council answered inquiries related to financial management practices at Area Councils. Lead Counsel started by asking when exactly he began working at BCC since conflicting dates appeared throughout his statements. Jallow claimed he first applied for the position back in 2018. The lawyer pointed out that his appointment letter showed 2019 instead. Jallow explained he submitted applications twice—first in 2018 and again the following year when officials finally called him. The counsel pressed further about which year he actually started performing duties there. After some...
Jospong Group Signs MoU to Bring Waste Solutions to Gambia
The Jospong Group from Ghana wants to help The Gambia handle trash better. They signed a paper saying they'll bring their African-made trash solutions to The Gambia. Rohey John Manjang, who runs The Gambia's environment department, met with Dr. Joseph Siaw Agyepong from Jospong Group on March 3, 2025, in Accra. They shook hands and made things official after a team from The Gambia spent five days looking at how Ghana deals with trash. Ms. Manjang believes Africa must create answers for African problems. She wants a trash plant built in her country before July through teamwork between the government and companies. She thinks Africa can fix problems despite money troubles. Her team included lawmakers, local leaders, and experts who...
Minister Clarifies Constitution Bill Delay
Justice Minister Dawda Jallow called The Standard yesterday about the 2024 draft constitution bill. Many people wrongly thought the government pulled the bill completely. He explained that they simply moved the second reading from March 27 to June because they needed more time for talks with different groups. The minister made clear that asking for extra time does not mean they abandoned the bill. He stressed this important point because false rumors started spreading. The Assembly agreed to push back the schedule when the government requested it. Everyone should understand the difference between a delay and a cancellation.
ZICCO Pays Medical Bills for Musician Thabiso Moyo
ZICCO just helped pay medical bills for sick musician Thabiso Moyo, showing they really care about their members. The Zimbabwe Council of Copyrights stepped up when one of their board members needed serious medical care. Their actions prove how much they value people working in creative fields across the country. They stand beside artists during tough times, backing up their promise to fight for creative rights. Several ZICCO leaders, led by CEO Tafadzwa Masembura and board chairman Tindo Chiraya, traveled to Mpilo Hospital during the weekend. They brought money and emotional support for Thabiso and her family. Thabiso started famous music groups Madewa and Abantwana BeNsindiso yamaNazareth years ago. She became the main singer after...
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