Coffee Time With Peter Gomez

Coffee Time With Peter Gomez – 02 June 2023 Podcast

CTWPG 02 June Podcast Pictorial

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CTWPG – 02 June 2023 – Headline

1. Peter’s Rant: Why CTN’s declared suspension may be bad news for the taxpayer
2. Deadly protests rock Senegal in wake of Sonko sentencing
3. Gambia knocked out of FIFA U20 World Cup
4. Medical student Muhammed Lamin Janneh on life in Sudan
5. Friday Commentary with Pirjo Andersson-Bah

Coffee 02 June 2023 Podcast

Coffee Time With Peter Gomez – 01 June 2023 Podcast

CTWPG 01 June Podcast Pictorial

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CTWPG – 01 June 2023 – Headline

1. SPONSORED: Mobile money financial services platform looks to harness potential of Gambia’s “osussou” culture
2. Devastating impact of overfishing on local Gambian communities: Amnesty report
3. Rohey Malick Lowe sworn-in with most of her councillors boycotting the ceremony
4. Ruling party councillors explain their ‘issue’ with re-elected Banjul mayor after low-key oath ceremony
5. NPP has become “National Problem Party”: UDP Tombong Saidy
6. Macky Sall promises fair election as tensions simmer
7. Australian garlic helps fight spread of COVID-19 and flu
8. Gambia goes for history at FIFA U20 World Cup

Coffee 01 June 2023 Podcast

Coffee Time With Peter Gomez – 31 May 2023 Podcast

CTWPG 31 May Podcast Pictorial

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CTWPG – 31 May 2023 – Headline

1. The Gambia’s governance challenges and their implications
2. VP launches project to strengthen coastal resilience
3. India to tighten pharma quality checks in response to child deaths in Gambia and Uzbekistan
4. Unrest flares again in Senegal over opposition leader
5. South Korea faces plummeting birth rate
6. Warning of AI extinction risk

Coffee 31 May 2023 Podcast

Coffee Time With Peter Gomez – 30 May 2023 Podcast

CTWPG 30 May Podcast Pictorial Hour 1

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CTWPG – 30 May 2023 – Headline Hour 1

1. Gambians demonstrate against forced deportations from Europe
2. GPA boss addresses controversial port tracking system introduced by company thrown out by Sierra Leone over same issue
3. OPINION: Alagie Barrow excoriates fugitive former dictator over ‘delusional’ return-to-rule declaration
4. Dr John Jabang on neurosurgical mission to save poor Gambians needing brain and spine surgeries

CTWPG 30 May Podcast Pictorial Hour 2

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CTWPG – 30 May 2023 – Headline Hour 2

Incoming Brikama Area Council Chairman, Mr Yankuba Darboe, tells West Coast Radio about his plans to develop sprawling West Coast Region

Coffee 30 May 2023 Podcast

Coffee Time With Peter Gomez – 29 May 2023 Podcast

CTWPG 29 May Podcast Pictorial

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CTWPG – 29 May 2023 – Headline

1. Gambia Supreme Islamic Council inaugurates working committees
2. Banjul hosts historic surgical scientific conference
3. Barrow attends Bola Tinubu’s inauguration as Nigeria’s President
4. Erdoğan wins another term as Türkiye President
5. US debt default averted for now
6. Senegal opposition leader faces backlash to degrading comments about rape victim

Coffee 29 May 2023 Podcast

Coffee Time With Peter Gomez – 26 May 2023 Podcast

CTWPG 26 May Podcast Pictorial

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CTWPG – 26 May 2023 – Headline

1. Campaigners plan protests in Germany and The Gambia against deportation of undocumented migrants
2. Fact-checkers find Gambian politicians ‘fond’ of misinformation
3. Gambia U20 dominate France to secure second round passage in second FIFA World Cup game in Argentina
4. OPINION: Who Is To Blame – Barrow or Darboe?
5. Celebration amplifies calls for elimination of obstetric fistula disease
6. Tina Turner remembered after death at 83

Coffee 26 May 2023 Podcast

Coffee Time With Peter Gomez – 24 May 2023 Podcast

CTWPG 24 May Podcast Pictorial

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CTWPG – 24 May 2023 – Headline

1. Wednesday’s newspaper headlines
2. West African Chief Justices, Attorneys-General and Ministers of Justice, etc, meet to scale up efforts to end region’s culture of military coups
3. The significance of Africa Day (formerly African Liberation Day and African Freedom Day)

Coffee 24 May 2023 Podcast

Coffee Time With Peter Gomez – 23 May 2023 Podcast

CTWPG 23 May Podcast Pictorial Part I

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CTWPG – 23 May 2023 – Headline Part I

Dr Hamidou Jawara, Senior Researcher, Centre for Policy, Research and Strategic Studies explains the methodology used by CepRass for its last pre-election poll and clears the doubts of the ruling NPP

CTWPG 23 May Podcast Pictorial Part II

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CTWPG – 23 May 2023 – Headline Part II

Mr Sulayman Jawara, NPP Media and Communications, explains the party’s latest setback in elections in the Banjul, Kanifing, Brikama and Mansakonko LGAs

CTWPG 23 May Podcast Pictorial Part III

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CTWPG – 23 May 2023 – Headline Part III

Demba Ali “D.A.” Jawo shares some thoughts on the recent municipal polls and the 2021-2023 election cycle while Alagie Barrow weighs in with another hard-hitting essay

Coffee 23 May 2023 Podcast

CTWPG – 23 May 2023 – Headline

Coffee Time With Peter Gomez – 22 May 2023 Podcast

CTWPG 22 May Podcast Pictorial

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CTWPG – 22 May 2023 – Headline

1. Peter’s Rant: After a bad-tempered election cycle let’s unite and work for the common good
2. Rohey Malick Lowe Repeats: Gambia’s first female mayor is also first woman in West Africa to win re-election
3. Talib Ahmed Bensouda Repeats: Popular Kanifing mayor says he’ll work for every constituent and extends olive branch to President and his government
4. UDP leader mocks NPP

Coffee 22 May 2023 Podcast

Coffee Time With Peter Gomez – 19 May 2023 Podcast

CTWPG 19 May Podcast Pictorial

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CTWPG – 19 May 2023 – Headline

A look back at historical moments in The Gambia’s history with Mr Hassoum Ceesay, Director-General, National Council for Arts and Culture of The Gambia Elections: Have we just witnessed the nastiest election campaign in The Gambia’s history?
A Proud Legacy: Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara would have been 99 this year. We look at his legacy in the areas of environmental conservation and world peace
Banjul’s Unforgettable Shipwreck: On the 66th anniversary of its sinking we ask what led to the sinking of the ferry boat “Metta”
In Memoriam: A final word on OJ, Alieu K Jammeh and ‘Lady Fanta’
SPONSORED: Honourable Justice Edward Amoako Asante, President, Ecowas Court of Justice, on the role and challenges of the Court
OPINION: Friday Commentary with Pirjo Andersson-Bah

Coffee 19 May 2023 Podcast

Coffee Time With Peter Gomez – 18 May 2023 Podcast

CTWPG 18 May Podcast Pictorial Part I

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CTWPG – 18 May 2023 – Headline Part I

1. Last day of campaigning in The Gambia as dog makes the list of candidates in Canadian city’s mayoral elections
2. Affable “OJ” laid to rest after conferment with Gambia’s second highest honour
3. A week after his untimely demise Alieu K Jammeh remembered

CTWPG 18 May Podcast Pictorial Part II

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CTWPG – 18 May 2023 – Headline Part II

Q&A with former Governor of the Central Bank of The Gambia Mr Bakary Jammeh

Coffee 18 May 2023 Podcast

Coffee Time With Peter Gomez – 17 May 2023 Podcast

CTWPG 17 May Podcast Pictorial

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CTWPG – 17 May 2023 – Headline

1. Tribute to Omar Amadou Jallow “OJ”
2. Japan and Unicef donate medical equipment
3. Sonko rape trial quickly postponed after opening in Dakar
4. US Congress warned AI could go “quite wrong”
5. Study finds weight gain early in life increases risk of prostate cancer

Coffee 17 May 2023 Podcast

Coffee Time With Peter Gomez – 16 May 2023 Podcast

CTWPG 16 May Podcast Pictorial Hour 1

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CTWPG – 16 May 2023 – Headline Hour 1

Talib Ahmed Bensouda, UDP, tells Coffee Time why he is seeking re-election as mayor of Kanifing

CTWPG 16 May Podcast Pictorial Hour 2

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CTWPG – 16 May 2023 – Headline Hour 2

1. Newspaper review
2. Tributes to popular PPP politician “OJ”
3. OPINION: Are You Worried About Conflict in The Gambia?
4. Bakary Y. Badjie, NPP, tells Coffee Time why he is running again for mayor of Kanifing

Coffee 16 May 2023 Podcast

Coffee Time With Peter Gomez – 15 May 2023 Podcast

CTWPG 15 May Podcast Pictorial

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CTWPG – 15 May 2023 – Headline

1. Barrow kicks off stakeholder conference and donor roundtable on implementation of TRRC recommendations
2. Youths protest against Nawec utility price hikes
3. NPP to continue to fail to make an impression with metropolitan voters, survey reveals
4. Talib Bensouda seeks the support of trades union leaders
5. UDP accuses Barrow and NPP of violating the electoral code and campaign calendar

Coffee 15 May 2023 Podcast

Coffee Time With Peter Gomez – 12 May 2023 Podcast

CTWPG 12 May Podcast Pictorial

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CTWPG – 12 May 2023 – Headline

1. UDP dissociates party from campaign manager’s hurtful comments and apologises to the offended Christian community
2. Gambia’s Freetown ambassador dies suddenly
3. Health director dilates on worrying case of under-five deaths
4. Israeli airstrikes kill 28 in Gaza
5. Friday Commentary

Coffee 12 May 2023 Podcast

Coffee Time With Peter Gomez – 11 May 2023 Podcast

CTWPG 11 May Podcast Pictorial

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CTWPG – 11 May 2023 – Headline

1. Christian religious leaders call for calm and dialogue as religious tension further divides Gambia’s long neighbourly Muslim and Christian communities
2. President Barrow gets back on the road to link more communities with new roads
3. Investigative journal “Malagen” formally launched
4. Q&A with activist Jeggan Grey-Johnson
5. Pakistan braces for more unrest after Imran Khan arrest
6. Controversial Trump era immigration policy expires
7. How have violent and graphic videos spread on Twitter?

Coffee 11 May 2023 Podcast

Coffee Time With Peter Gomez – 10 May 2023 Podcast

CTWPG 10 May Podcast Pictorial

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CTWPG – 10 May 2023 – Headline

1. Donor roundtable later this week will consider funding for Government’s implementation of TRRC recommendations
2. Gambia embraces Single Window system to ease foreign trade
3. Donald Trump found liable for sexual abuse and defamation
4. UN condemns widespread looting amid raging Sudan conflict
5. Politics meets football in one-off NBR match dedicated to MoTIE Joof

Coffee 10 May 2023 Podcast

Coffee Time With Peter Gomez –09 May 2023 Podcast

CTWPG 09 May Podcast Pictorial Hour 1

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CTWPG – 09 May 2023 – Headline Hour 1

1. Vice Chair of FPAC explains salary and allowance structure of National Assembly Members and staff
2. “PURA acted in a way that [suggests] they want to satisfy the whims and caprices of certain people in society.” – Emily Touray
3. Gambia Press Union to meet PURA over letters to King, Home Digital and Fayda FM stations

CTWPG 09 May Podcast Pictorial Hour 2

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CTWPG – 09 May 2023 – Headline Hour 2

1. OPINION: Alagie Barrow ‘eulogises’ his ‘friend’ Denial
2. Polling on local elections conducted
3. Chief Medical Director speaks ahead of biggest ever meeting in The Gambia of scientific and surgical experts from around the globe; seeks public support for the event

Coffee 09 May 2023 Podcast

Coffee Time With Peter Gomez –08 May 2023 Podcast

CTWPG 08 May Podcast Pictorial

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CTWPG – 08 May 2023 – Headline

1. Barrow extends electricity to country’s remotest parts
2. Bensouda offers KM voters cheaper transport, affordable housing, free social and legal services, modern road network, more efficient waste management etc, for their votes
3. EFSTH and First Lady’s foundation prepare for historic surgical and scientific conference
4. Will Britain’s King Charles be a defender of all faiths?
5. Africa news roundup

Coffee 08 May 2023 Podcast

Coffee Time With Peter Gomez –05 May 2023 Podcast

CTWPG 05 May Podcast Pictorial

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CTWPG – 05 May 2023 – Headline

1. Barrow opens African customs leaders’ conference
2. New microfinance established
3. Protesters make plans for King Charles’ coronation
4. Ancient coronation ceremony will embrace multi-faith leaders
5. Activist laments division resulting from veil controversy
6. OPINION: Why governments control information
7. OPINION: Human trafficking and prostitution
8. IN MEMORIAM: Dr Jimmy E Carr remembered

Coffee 05 May 2023 Podcast

Coffee Time With Peter Gomez –04 May 2023 Podcast

CTWPG 04 May Podcast Pictorial

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CTWPG – 04 May 2023 – Headline

1. Gambians evacuated from Sudan to be flown home from Saudi Arabia next week
2. As The Gambia’s human rights commission warns of “rising religious tension between Muslims and Christians” American author talks about book, “How to have impossible conversations”
3. Election observer shares some thoughts on high stakes mayoral election
4. Dr Pa Saikou Bojang discusses Hands On Care work with people living with HIV/AIDS
5. What does Europe’s clean energy plan mean for for Africa and the environmental footprint it will leave?

Coffee 04 May 2023 Podcast

Coffee Time With Peter Gomez –03 May 2023 Podcast

CTWPG 03 May Podcast Pictorial

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CTWPG – 03 May 2023 – Headline

1. Gambian writers and academics strive to promote reading and writing in indigenous languages
2. The Gambia soars in World Press Freedom Index as Senegal plummets
3. African officials meet in The Gambia to discuss the next steps in combating customs fraud
4. Sudan’s warring generals extend a truce but keep fighting
5. Sierra Leone approves Bio’s candidacy for a second presidential term
6. Western countries pile pressure on Mali over Russian Wagner Group role
7. Myanmar among countries not invited to King Charles’ coronation

Gambia Ranks 46th On RSF’s Global Press Freedom Index

The Gambia has nudged its way through the Reporters Without Borders’ global press freedom ladder as the West African nation now ranks 46th in this year’s RSF global press freedom ranking.
Exactly this time last year, RSF ranked The Gambia 50th in its world press freedom ranking.
Meanwhile, The Gambia has been ranked 5th in Africa by the international NGO as it marked World Press Freedom Day.
World Press Freedom Day is celebrated annually to promote freedom of expression and freedom of the press.
It also serves as a reminder to all governments to respect their commitment to freedom of the press.
The day also serves as a poignant reminder and special occasion for all media personnel to ensure press freedom and professionalism in their work.
“I would like to congratulate all Gambian journalists for work well done,” acknowledged RSF’s Banjul Rep. Pap Saine.
“The Gambia has made a significant progress in the world ranking,”Mr. Saine recognized.

Gambian Writers Call For Infusion Of Indigenous Languages In School System

Gambian writers have called for the streamlining of indigenous languages in the school system at
a time when some indigenous languages in the country continue to be threatened by extinction.
The Gambia has already acquired funds from the African Union(AU) for the creation of a national language policy document to promote the teaching and use of indigenous languages.
Gambian writers and authors last week met at the Alliance Franco-Gambienne to celebrate the World Book and Copyrights Day.
This year’s commemoration was themed Preserving Our Indigenous Languages.
The international book and copyright day is commemorated annually to celebrate and hail the valuable role of writers in the global community.

Coffee 03 May 2023 Podcast

Coffee Time With Peter Gomez –02 May 2023 Podcast

CTWPG 02 May Podcast Pictorial Hour 1

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CTWPG – 02 May 2023 – Headline Hour 1

1. Bakary Badgie and Talib Bensouda approved by IEC for KMC showdown
2. Badgie supporters on why the NPP candidate is best for KMC job
3. Bensouda supporters on why the UDP candidate is best for KMC job
4. Barrow’s ‘grand NPP rally’
5. Forex bureaux strike averted

CTWPG 02 May Podcast Pictorial Hour 2

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CTWPG – 02 May 2023 – Headline Hour 2

1. OPINION: Who Are The Hypocrites
2. The Sola Mahoney Podcast: May edition
3. Minister of higher education on new university funding models
4. Nigeria readies troops for Gambia Ecomig ‘peacekeeping’ assignment
5. Gambians in Turkey say their embassy doesn’t honour their calls for help
6. Q&A with Government Spokesperson and Presidential Adviser Mr Ebrima G Sankareh
7. Hijab in schools palava ends up in High Court

Gambia’s Higher Education Minister In Turkey To Lobby Scholarship Packages

The Gambia’s minister of higher education has arrived in Istanbul, Turkey where he was expected to hold vital discussions with Turkish education authorities on issues of extreme significance to possibilities of Gambians obtaining post-graduate degrees in Turkey.
Prof. Pierre Gomez travelled to Istanbul on the invitation of the Higher Education Commission of Turkey and the higher education minister and delegation were scheduled to meet the Turkish higher education minister and hold discussions with Istanbul University’s authorities.
“I’m here with my delegation to see how best we can have collaboration. Scholarship, for that matter, and develop the capacity building strategy, “Prof. Gomez told Coffee Time With Peter Gomez on the line from Istanbul on Tuesday.
He pointed out that The Gambia was keen on sending post-graduates students to Turkey to read.
“Remember, we’re giving out scholarships. We said based on our bilaterals and Turkey is one of them so that we can get scholarship for our students for post-graduate training,”Prof. Gomez disclosed.

Foreign Exchange Bureaux Will Not Down Tools Wednesday

The threat of a nationwide strike declared by foreign exchange bureaux in The Gambia has been contained.
Foreign exchange dealers last week issued a warning to close shop tomorrow following the introduction of a new reference rate by the Central Bank of The Gambia.
The dealers said the reference rate has been eroding the profitability of their businesses.
“So, the reference rate was set with a spread and unfortunately that spread did not consider the profitability of bureaux,” a leading member of the Association of Foreign Exchange Bureaux in The Gambia(ALFOBS), Momodou Muhammed Jagana, explained to Coffee Time With Peter Gomez on Tuesday.
He continued:”And, some of the banks misinterpreted the intent of the central bank. They were effectively buying the forex from the bureaux based on what we pay to customers. So, it was starting to cause losses.”
Mr.Jagana also the Country Director of JFin Money Transfer and CEO of Kuringho money services, stated that the new reference rate has started to pose challenges to members of ALFOBS in terms of pricing and services they provide.
He,however, informed Coffee Time that a silver lining has already appeared in the dark cloud hanging over the reference rate issue.
Jagana, who’s currently the vice president of ALFOBS, explained:”The governor reacted very swiftly and called us for an emergency meeting on Friday. We had a detailed discussion on the challenges we face as citizens and also as employers and contributors to tax in this economy. He(governor) was very helpful and supportive and we came up with an amicable solution.”

Coffee 02 May 2023 Podcast

Coffee Time With Peter Gomez -28 April 2023 Podcast

CTWPG 28 April Podcast Pictorial

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CTWPG – 28 April 2023 – Headline

1. Dozens of Gambians extracted from Sudan wait for flight to Banjul from Saudi Arabia
2. Cashew farmers meet over plans to boost production
3. Journalists For Justice organises “Victims’ Dialogue”
4. India to overtake China as world’s most populated
5. Friday Commentary: Hunger spreading across Africa

Coffee 28 April 2023 Podcast

Coffee Time With Peter Gomez -27 April 2023 Podcast

CTWPG 27 April Podcast Pictorial

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CTWPG – 27 April 2023 – Headline

• Gambian students evacuated from Sudan
• Sudanese civilians face humanitarian emergency
• “Gambia attained true independence on April 24, 1970 not February 18, 1965,” Madi Jobarteh argues
• Gambian media outfit scoops top prize at African investigative journalism awards
• Ministry begins process to fine-tune funding mechanism for tertiary education
• Foni farmers and Casamance refugees receive seeds and farm inputs as rainy season approaches
• Are fears about TikTok’s security overblown?

Inherited Open-Access Artisanal Fisheries Policy Blamed For Thousands Of Dead Fish On Gambian Shores

The Barrow administration has inherited an open-access fishing policy in the Gambia’s artisanal fisheries sector but an FAO staff has called for a strong governance of the Gambia’s territorial waters as he blamed the recent washing ashore of thousands of dead fish on the inherited legislation.
Currently, artisanal and industrial fishing are the only type of fishing practiced in The Gambia but while the latter is being governed by strong regulations, the former is free-for-all.
FAO staff and marine biologist Lamin Komma this week told Coffee Time With Peter Gomez that open access is the single-most problem in Gambia’s artisanal fisheries management and it was at the root of the recent washing ashore of the thousands of dead fish in the coastal settlements of Gunjur and Sanyang.
“So, open access is the greatest single problem in which no individual has the exclusive right, if I may use that term,” Mr. Komma, who also worked with the Gambia Environment Agency(NEA) for over 20 years, explained.
He went on:”So, each individual is motivated to compete for the maximum share of the common resources out there with little incentive to practice conservation. Also, this type of fishing…it’s shared stock. And,it’s the same species you see in Mauritanian waters, Senegalese waters…in other waters. So if we want to conserve our fish,it does not tell well.So, everybody exploits and you sit at the joint-table and talk about conservation.”
He pointed out that the open access framework led to the foreign domination of the Gambia’s artisanal fisheries sector and one of the ramifications of this was the washing ashore of thousands of dead fish on Gambian beaches of-late.
“Our waters are all dominated by foreign nationals,most of them,Senegalese.Go to the landing sites, you will count the Gambian fishermen there. All of them are foreigners,” he explained.
The marine biologist further explained:”They will leave their countries,come with boats,come fish in our waters, sell the product number one to the fish processing establishments.So when it’s okay, the remaining is sold to Banabanas(fishmongers) for our daily consumption. And in most cases, there are leftovers which could not be sold. So, these fishermen would either discard or dump these unsold products in the sea instead of returning home with them.”
Mr. Komma pointed out that since bonga and sardinella were the only fish species washed on the shores of Gunjur and Sanyang, the fish flotsam was the result of the open access policy in the artisanal fisheries sector.
“Here, the artisanal boats that we normally see out there normally do not have the capacity to carry ice on board. And it’s obvious that the unsold fish product they have will begin to deteriorate,”he stated.
“This justify that before they reach their destination, they will dump whatever fish they have in their boats. And is this fish that is washed on shore because whatever you throw in waters, the waters don’t need it. It comes back to us. So, you can see that from Gunjur…Sanyang and all other places,it’s only single species of fish washed:bonga and Sardinella,”he added.
The FAO staff called for a revisit of the open-access policy in the artisanal fisheries sector.

GAFNA Boss Prays For Sufficient Rainfall To Enable Asylum Seekers Realize Bumper Harvests

The Gambia Food and Nutrition Association’s boss has exhorted for adequate rainfall to enable asylum seekers realize bumper harvests this farming season.
GAFNA and UNHCR last Wednesday presented seeds, farming equipment and six donkeys to asylum seekers and their hosts in the Gambian border villages of Urpart, Jakine and Janack as seasonal rains were anticipated in The Gambia in few weeks’ time.
The asylum seekers were uprooted from their homes sometime last year following clashes between the Senegalese security forces and Casamance separatists along the Gambia/Senegal border.
Since then, many of them were unable to return home as the volatility of the situation remained. The asylum seekers were since reliant on aid agencies and their hosts for almost everything.
To ensure self-reliance among the asylum-seeker community and to provide a coping mechanism for the hosts, GAFNA through its main partner-UNHCR- this week injected D1. 5m into the host communities in the form of seeds, donkeys and farming equipment.
“We want you to put it(support) into good use so that come June and July,we’ll see farms around. We pray that you have enough rainfall so that the farms would flourish. And then, we get a bumper harvest from them,”Executive Director of GAFNA, Mr. Yusupha Gomez,stated as he spoke at the presentation of the gifts.

Gambian Students Evacuated From Khartoum

Gambian students have been evacuated from the beleaguered Sudanese capital, Khartoum, announced the Gambia’s umbrella student body in Sudan.
The Confederation of Gambian Students’ Unions Abroad (COGSUA)said the students were evacuated on April, the 25th and that they arrived at Port Sudan after a 15-hour bus trip.
“Upon arrival at Port Sudan, we were lodged in a house where all the students are together,” the body quoted the students as saying.
Their rescue from the violence-ridden Khartoum was made possible through the intervention of Banjul in conjunction with the Gambia’s consulate in Jeddah and with support and collaboration of the Gambia Students’ Union in Sudan and Confederation of Gambian Students’ Unions Abroad(COGSUA).
According to COGSUA, it was in receipt of reports that the students had boarded a ferry on Wednesday night via Red Sea to Jeddah.
“And it is from there that they shall board a flight to Banjul,”it reported.
COGSUA quoted the foreign affairs secretary of the Gambia Students’ Union in Sudan Baseedy Trawally as saying:”We continue to thank the Gambia Government for their intervention.”
It reported that the evacuated students were on their way home.
“We would be following their journey and give relevant updates if necessary. And we would like to thank the Gambia Government for their laudable and unflinching support to the Gambian students abroad as well as everyone who participated in getting our brothers and sisters to safety,”stated a press release from the Office of PRO of COGSUA.

Coffee 27 April 2023 Podcast

Coffee Time With Peter Gomez -26 April 2023 Podcast

CTWPG 26 April Podcast Pictorial

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CTWPG – 26 April 2023 – Headline

• Higher education ministry reviews loan proposals
• US-based activist takes issue with President’s social media comments
• Gambia marks World Malaria Day
• Tribute to Harry Belafonte

Prof. Gomez Upbeat Loan Scheme Could Consign Out-Of-Pocket Uni. Education To History

Gambia’s minister of higher education has expressed the optimism that the proposed student loan scheme will enable Gambians acquire university education without having to dig deep into their pockets.
Stakeholders have already begun a three-day meeting in The Gambia to review three milestone draft bills for the enhancement of services within the higher education system.
One of these draft bills under review is the student loan scheme bill, innovatively designed, according to Prof. Gomez, to reinforce government’s existing scholarship drive and to ensure sustainability of the project.
“Less than two years ago, we paid the University of The Gambia their arrears.. D150m. Three months ago, we paid them another D30m. We owe them some millions again. Every time we pay, nothing is coming back. The loan scheme is to help us have a sort of a revolving fund,”the higher education minister explained to Coffee Time shortly before going into the first day of the three-day review meeting of stakeholders.
“They will have their education without any disturbance. Maybe one year or two years after, they can start paying the amount to be determined but it shouldn’t be that much that will disturb them. So, they will start work and then start paying,” Prof. Gomez said as he explained how the funds generated would be ploughed back to the financing of the university education of the brothers and sisters of the beneficiaries.

Tertiary & Higher Edu. Trust Fund, Innovation Fund

Two other milestone draft bills to be reviewed from today through to Friday are The Tertiary & Higher Education Trust Fund and The Innovation Fund.
The idea behind the tertiary and higher education trust fund is to generate funds to support universities and colleges build labs,classrooms,buy teaching aid and others as well as equipping them.
The Innovation Fund is geared towards stimulating creativity and passion for innovation and critical thinking.
“So, these are the bills we want to take to Cabinet and later the National Assembly so that for the first time Gambia will have these systems in place, these instruments to be able to improve the services within the higher education system,”Prof. Gomez told Coffee Time With Peter Gomez Wednesday morning.
(WCR)

Coffee 26 April 2023 Podcast

Coffee Time With Peter Gomez -25 April 2023 Podcast

CTWPG 25 April Podcast Pictorial Hour 1

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CTWPG – 25 April 2023 – Headline Hour 1

1. Gambian community in Sudan numbers almost 70
2. Gambia runs out of yellow fever and tuberculosis vaccines
3. Tuesday Commentary: Ousman Sonko’s Case – A Lesson We Haven’t Learnt
4. PDOIS shares perspective on election in which it won one seat
5. Marine biologist discusses recent incidents of dead whales and fish washing up on Gambia’s beaches

CTWPG 25 April Podcast Pictorial Hour 2

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CTWPG – 25 April 2023 – Headline Hour 2

1. Q&A with Mr Hassoum Ceesay, Director-General, NCAC, on the importance of ‘April 24’ to The Gambia.
2. OPINION: Honk; here comes the bus!

Marine Biologist Says Washed Dead Whale Possible Victim Of Collision, Poaching

Marine biologist and specialist in coastal zone management Lamin Komma has said the dead whale found between Barra and Ginack recently may have had a contact with a fishing tanker vessel or people engaged in hunt for whales.
Recently,environmentalists sharply criticized the Gambia government for what, they said, was its failure to robustly police the country’s waters, hence the washing on shore of two dead whales and thousands of dead fish in some coastal communities.
But in an exclusive interview with Coffee Time With Peter Gomez Tuesday morning, Mr. Lamin Komma with over two decades of work experience at the livestock and fisheries departments of the government of The Gambia, suggested that the dead whale found in North bank may have come into contact with either a vessel or unscrupulous fishermen.
“What must have caused its death and subsequent washing is that it has come into contact with either a tanker vessel or it came into contact with unscrupulous fishermen because whale fishing is also very important because there are concerned authorities, especially the International Whaling Commission,” Mr. Komma, who also had a stint at the NEA before moving to FAO, explained.
” But what I can give as evidence…this particular whale either came into contact with a fishing vessel because you can see the lacerations, wounds and even blood was coming out,”he added.
He pointed out that a whale is indicative of the state of the Gambia’s marine environment and its potential to support life.
” However as a country,what we need to understand is that these whales are enigmatic and fascinating creatures and their appearance, distribution and biology and of course, the ecology, threats and concerns are a concern,”he stressed.
According to Mr. Komma, the theory of the dead whale having contact with another whale specie was also unlikely.
“Naturally, another specie that can attack this whale is… but it’s very rare that they have attacks,” he explained.

Will IEC Chairmanship Issue End At Supreme Court As Halifa Hypothesized?

Veteran politician Halifa Sallah has added his voice to the national conversation around the tenure of the chairman of Gambia’s electoral commission.
The Chairman of the Independent Electoral Commission(IEC), Alieu Momar Njie, had his contract extended a fortnight ago following a disapproval from a US-based Gambian activist.
Activist Pa Samba Jow stirred the hornet’s nest two weeks ago when he rightly argued that the Gambia government was violating the laws of the land by failing to apply the brakes on Mr. Njie’s previous term in office.
Jow contended that the IEC chair’s term had expired and that he was occupying the position illegally.
This apparently sent government’s legal minds into a frenzy, falling backwards on records and other available resources but they eventually realized that Jow knew exactly what he was talking about.
Consequently, Alieu Momar Njie’s contract was renewed but it would appear Halifa Sallah of the socialist PDOIS was not amused.
“So, essentially it’s a matter of concern. And when proper investigation is done, proper competition and one sees that it exceeds 14 years’ service or something have happened with secondment et cetera that may not necessarily be very clear in law or not even acceptable to the law. Well, those are issues that one can put up as a case to the supreme court for a declaration that the occupant of that office becomes someone, who should be removed from that office, “Sallah said as he spoke in a post-local government elections press conference.
He talked about the zeal of PDOIS in taking the matter to another level such as the Inter-Party Committee(IPC).
So the unanswered question is: Will the IEC chairmanship issue fester to a level lawyers will battle it out in courts?
(WCR)

Coffee 25 April 2023 Podcast

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CTWPG 24 April Podcast Pictorial

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CTWPG – 24 April 2023 – Headline

1. Nottingham man admits killing Gambian-born mum and her two children
2. MoD cautions against unfounded reports of Ecomig troops obstructing agricultural activities in the Fonis
3. Former Gambian journalist calls for respect for Gambian armed forces
4. Foreign nationals evacuated from Sudan amid violence
5. UK defends controversial Rwanda migrant deportation plan
6. Dame Edna Everage actor and creator dies at 89

What Jamie Barrow Told Nottingham Court Over Deaths Of 3 Gambians

The man, who allegedly murdered a Gambian lady Fatoumatta Hydara and her two daughters, was quoted as saying his intention was not to occasion any harm to the victims when he set their house alight.
Jamie Barrow, 31,appeared at a Nottingham court last week to answer to a string of allegations against him over last year’s deaths in a house he suspiciously set on fire deliberately.
“He agreed that he did it but he didn’t intend to do any harm to anyone there but he just wanted to burn the house, which was ridiculous, ” an uncle to the late Fatoumatta Hydara Dawda Dibba told Coffee Time with Peter Gomez a day after the pretrial hearing.
Meanwhile, Jamie Barrow has been reportedly certified psychologically fit to undergo trial over the murder charges.

Gambia’s Defense Ministry Reacts To Overreach Allegations Against Sub-regional Troops

The Gambia’s ministry of defense has been compelled to finally respond to allegations that locals have been denied access to their rice fields and farms by troops from the West Africa sub-regional stabilization force-ECOMIG.
UDP’s chief propagandist Momodou Sabally late last month expressed his dismay on Coffee Time With Peter Gomez when a government official said government was prepared to send a fact-finding mission to Foni to establish ground truths about reports farmers in Foni Kansala were being prevented from gaining access to their farms.
Almost a month on, the Gambia’s ministry of defense officially said it deemed it fitting and prudent to probe into the reports for the determination of “appropriate course of action”.
According to a press release issued by the defense ministry, it had already engaged the High Command of the ECOMIG sub-regional forces as it emphasized the ministry’s seriousness in dealing with any threat to safety and security of lives and property as well as the territorial integrity of The Gambia.
“In light of the above, the ECOMIG Command has informed the Ministry that their Forces do not have the authority to prevent any citizen of The Gambia especially residents in Foni Kansala District from accessing or working on their farms,”the ministry reported in the release.
The defense ministry said deployment of troops in the Foni belt, especially in the birthplace of the former Gambian strongman, was “informed by the level of insecurity around The Gambia’s southern border with Senegal”.
Currently, the Gambia Armed Forces(GAF) has a battalion-strong presence in Kanilai called the 4 Infantry Battalion created after Jammeh’s ouster.
The ministry said there have been deployment of personnel of GAF across The Gambia.
The release highlighted the gratitude of GAF and sister security agencies such as the national police force in maintaining joint-patrols and training around the protection of lives and property as well as the deepening of inter-agency cooperation.
The defense ministry said troops from the 4 Infantry Battalion will not relent on their “vigorous patrols” to ensure the safety and security of lives and property, in what’s known in security parlance as, their Area Of Responsibility(AOR).
“This is with the aim of restoring confidence so that citizens living in this region of the country could go about their daily activities without fear,” the defense ministry explained.
It tried to give assurance to farmers in Foni Kansala that they can go to their rice fields or farms without hindrance.
“The Ministry wishes to reassure citizens of this country of its commitment to the protection of the territorial integrity and sovereignty of this country through our gallant men and women-The Gambia Armed Forces,” defense ministry stated in the despatch.
“Therefore, owners of the rice fields/farms in and around Foni Kansala and its environs are encouraged to report anyone that tries to prevent them from accessing their farms to the nearest Police Station or to the Commander of the 4 Infantry Battalion,”it added.

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CTWPG – 20 April 2023 – Headline

1. More dead fish washing up on Gambian beaches leads to more questions about Government commitment to securing our marine resources
2. UDP media chief decries President’s decision to embark on taxpayer-funded tour
3. University Vice Chancellor exposes gravity of statelessness of Gambia-born inhabitants
4. Infrastructure minister makes forceful defence of planned presidential tour

UDP Top Official Construes Barrow’s Planned Tour As Hunt for Votes

UDP top official Tombong Saidy has construed President Adama Barrow’s planned May tour as a charm offensive.
Mr. Saidy contended that the proposed tour was a part of machinations by the NPP to win hearts and minds for the incoming mayoral and chairmanship elections.
The Gambian leader is expected to embark upon the tour on May 1-May 11,2023, and it’s expected to take him to many nooks and crannies such as the far-flung URR village of Numuyel, where his party lost in the just-held ward elections.
“For me and the United Democratic Party, this is just a political campaign in disguise because anytime the President moves in such a tour, is funded by the State… by our tax payers’ own money. So, it’s the timing of this tour. It is meant solely to campaign for NPP for the coming mayoral and chairmanship election. Nothing else,” Saidy argued as he spoke to Coffee Time With Peter Gomez this morning.

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CTWPG – 19 April 2023 – Headline

1. Ex-Interior Minister Sonko indicted in Switzerland, Attorney General and MoJ Dawda Jallow reacts
2. UDP amplifies call for electoral reforms
3. KM Deputy Mayor strikes big blow for women in politics
4. Network for parliamentary monitoring groups launched

KM’s Lady DM On ‘New-Era’ For Women In Gambian Politics

The deputy mayor of Kanifing Municipality has stated that women have been feathering the political nests of men for a long time now and that the time has come for them to shun peripheral politics.
Binta Janneh-Jallow was last Saturday returned to office after being elected five years ago as councillor for Bakau New Town ward.
When she was elected in 2018, Madam Janneh-Jallow was the sole woman at the council but following the vote last Saturday, she is now joined by four other women as councillors.
“Women in politics, leadership, peace-building and decision-making is very important,” Janneh-Jallow underlined in an interview with Coffee Time With Peter Gomez.
“When elections come, men go to women because when you look at the registration form, women are the most… I think it’s our right to go and look for political positions. We want our voice heard, be part of policy-making and then development because we are advocating for gender equity; fairness in politics,” she stressed.
She added: “No-one can tell us about leadership. We start at home… the central caretaker of the family. So when it comes to politics, I think it’s equity or gender equality to share both roles and responsibilities, which inspired me for our voice to be heard.”
For the deputy mayor, her election and that of four other women as councillors will serve as a source of inspiration for young women.
“This is amazing. It’s going to make sure the young ones, who are coming to be involved in politics…as far as what men can do, women can do. I always say when you have men, you have women,” she highlighted.

Jaw Says Both NPP&UDP Did Well In LG Elections

The co-founder and executive director of Centre for Research and Policy Development said both the NPP and UDP did well in Saturday’s local government elections.
Sait Matty Jaw also said the split of the votes between rural and urban Gambia was a reflection of the voting pattern in the country.
“The votes were divided between the rural and urban voters, “Jaw explained in an interview with Coffee Time on Tuesday morning.
“And, I think this a reflection of what happened in the parliamentary elections, where we see the urban voters, voting opposition and rural voters largely… of course, largely… We are seeing this dynamic,”he added.
To Jaw, the local elections results represented victory for both the NPP and UDP.
” I think it’s a win for both parties,”he reckoned in view of the 62 per cent that the UDP pooled in the last local government elections when it was intact.
More on the interview in this space later.

UDP’s Taal Hints IEC’s Travel Behind Time Costly For Elections

The spokesperson of the UDP said IEC’s failure to modernize the institution through reforms has been expensive for Gambian elections.
According to Almamy Fanding Taal, the Gambia’s main opposition party was not the only organization disillusioned by the IEC’s inability to modernize the country’s elections management body.
He told Coffee Time With Peter Gomez:”Not only the UDP… the Civil Society Organizations that have come out and they have expressed their views and individuals also have come out and they expressed their views. I think the IEC for the last seven years or so has been talking about reforming the electoral process and the old system and modernizing it and redistricting the electoral landscape. All of this are things that could have been done within the last five years or so if at all the IEC was working as a modern organization.”
To the UDP chief communications strategist, IEC has still failed to trend towards modern ways of elections management and that the situation has been affecting the credibility of elections it conducted.
“But it’s(IEC) clearly not doing (modernization)that and every time elections come, there are always complaints about its own efficiency… people in their communities would come out and express the view that they have seen people cast the votes, who are non-Gambians…they have evidence of that… they would take it to the IEC and no action would be taken,”Taal lamented.

Min. Says Sonko’s Indictment Signals Inestimable Reach Of Long Arm Of Justice

The Gambia’s justice minister has described the indictment of the country’s ex-interior minister as an emphatic message to him and his confederates in crime that the crimes they committed will not evade the long arms of justice.
Ousman Sonko served as Gambia’s interior minister from 2006 to 2016 but fled the country before his boss was defeated in a general election a month later.
When he entered the Swiss Federation, the former army major applied for an asylum in November but got arrested in 2017 and was held in pretrial detention since then.
Sonko was on Tuesday charged with crimes against humanity for his role in years of oppression of Jammeh’s opponents by Gambia’s security forces.
“We are very pleased that finally Ousman has been charged,” Gambia’s justice minister Alhaji Dawda Jallow, who said the country had been waiting for this moment, admitted in an interview with Coffee Time With Peter Gomez Wednesday morning.
According to Hon. Jallow, two vital lessons could be drawn from Mr. Sonko’s current legal troubles.
“No matter how long or wherever you are-with the crimes that Ousman and his colleagues have committed in The Gambia-the long arms of justice will reach out to you one day or the other,” minister Jallow explained.
“But the other lesson I think I want to share with Gambians is they need to be very patient. Some of these things can take long,” the attorney general stated.
He continued:”If you look at Switzerland, as a developed First World country with all their resources, it took them six years to file the charges. In The Gambia, with the limited resources and capacity, we are making substantive progress towards ensuring that justice is served. So, we need to be a little bit patient. Sometimes these crimes are complicated… investigation can take a while if you want to succeed in the court.”

Coffee 19 April 2023 Podcast

Coffee Time With Peter Gomez -18 April 2023 Podcast

CTWPG 18 April Podcast Pictorial Hour 1

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CTWPG – 18 April 2023 – Headline Hour 1

1. Local government elections 2023: review
2. Catholic cleric thanks God for country’s Muslim-Christian relations
3. Police investigate threats against Government Spokesperson by people accusing him of being anti-Islam
4. SPONSORED: Dr Ismaila Badjie on joint campaign “celebrating our seniors”

CTWPG 18 April Podcast Pictorial Hour 2

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CTWPG – 18 April 2023 – Headline Hour 2

1. Q&A with Minister of Transport, Works and Infrastructure, Honourable Ebrima Sillah

Coffee 18 April 2023 Podcast

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CTWPG 17 April Podcast Pictorial

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CTWPG – 17 April 2023 – Headline

1. IEC communications director speaks after local government elections marred by voter apathy
2. Nigeria voids gubernatorial election result
3. Another Ramadan gesture of kindness as end approaches of Muslim fasting
4. Amid talk of brewing religious tension thousands of Christian youths parade unimpeded through busy Serekunda street in religious celebration
5. Sudan fighting continues despite ceasefire
6. Dozens of civilians killed amid Sudan power struggle
7. Egyptian League suspends almost 6000 fans for shouting insults
8. English Premier League weekend roundup

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Coffee Time With Peter Gomez -14 April 2023 Podcast

CTWPG 14 April Podcast Pictorial

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CTWPG – 14 April 2023 – Headline

1. UDP escalates war of words with NPP over alleged vote-buying
2. Secretary explains work of Gambian Community in Nottinghamshire
3. Chaplain discusses Christian feast of Divine Mercy
4. Friday Commentary: Food Safety

Calls On Gov’t To Plough Proceeds from Sales Of Jammeh’s Assets Back To Victims

The Jammeh victim community in The Gambia has made an impassioned call on the government of President Adama Barrow to reinvest proceeds from the sales of Jammeh’s assets to the improvement of the health statuses and welfare of victims of the former dictator.
For a little over 23 years now, some of the victims of the infamous April 10 & 11 student demonstrations continue to be debilitated by gunshot wounds and trauma.
As spirited Gambians and passionate members of the human family gathered at Westfield last week to mark the 23rd anniversary of the massacre, wheelchair-bound Sainey Senghore capitalized on the moment to try to whip up government sympathy over the plight of those yet to convalesce from their physical and psychological injuries more than two decades on.
“While our bodies continue to deteriorate, we call on the government to prioritize our medical treatment to alleviate our daily sufferings,”wheelchair-restricted Sainey underscored.
He noted the effort of the TRRC and the government of The Gambia for enabling the injured access medical treatment in Türkiye through the instrumentality of the Turkish ambassador to The Gambia.
“However, we must note some of the deficiencies, which highlight that not enough has been done. Many of us flown to Turkey did not return with improvement. Some of us continue to deteriorate because the government has neglected us since then,”rued Sainey.
Consequently, the April 10 & 11 victims’ community has vociferously called on the government of The Gambia to provide them with health and welfare packages from the over D1bn and $2.65m proceeds from the sales of Jammeh’s assets in The Gambia and his Potomac mansion in the US.

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CTWPG – 13 April 2023 – Headline

1. Hon. Baboucarr Bouy discusses the work of his Ministry for Public Service, Administrative Reform, Policy Coordination and Delivery
2. ‘Retired’ Halifa Sallah denounces as “criminal” practice of vote-buying in Gambian elections
3. Activist who exposed IEC Chairman’s contract situation rails about its ‘unconstitutional’ renewal
4. 6 years after Jammeh’s reign of terror security forces still linked to human rights violations

CTWPG-BONUS-EPISOD

CTWPG Bonus Episode featuring full interview with Minister of Public Service, Administrative Reform, Policy Coordination and Delivery, Honourable Baboucarr ‘Mbye’ Bouy.

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Reforms Min. Promises Pensioners Could Soon Access Gratuity In Under 30 Days

The Gambia’s cumbersome pension system is reportedly going through the much-anticipated reforms with the country’s reforms minister giving the assurance on Thursday that pensioners will soon start accessing their gratuity within 30 days.
“We have this Pensions Directorate that has been created and we have just concluded discussion with the Accountant General’s office so that the payment of gratuity and pensions will now be much quicker,” the Minister of Reforms, Babucarr Boye told Coffee Time With Peter Gomez this morning.
“In the past, there used to be nine steps and people used to wait for three to four months…some even more to get their gratuity. I’m happy to inform the public that very soon, very soon, you will have a situation it would take less than 30 days for somebody to receive his or her gratuity,” minister Boye stated.

IEC Chair’s Contract Extended Following Activist’s Hue & Cry

The Gambia government on Wednesday extended the IEC chairman’s contract in what could be described as a knee-jerk reaction.
US-based Gambian political activist Pa Samba Jow sounded the alarm bell on Wednesday that Alieu Momar Njie had overstayed and that since Friday of last week, he ceased to be IEC’s legitimate chair as per the terms of his last contract.
This comment of Jow’s reportedly compelled the justice ministry staff to check the records and when this was done, it was discovered that Alieu Momar Njie has indeed overstayed.
Consequently, The ministry quickly breathed a new lease of life into his contract by giving it a two-year extension.

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CTWPG 12 April Podcast Pictorial

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CTWPG – 12 April 2023 – Headline

1. Will Alieu Momar Njie supervise the area council elections? Activist thinks his contract expired days ago.
2. Popular rapper calls for action on reparation for victims of April 10/11 shootings
3. Attorney General and Minister of Justice says IEC chair’s contract still valid
4. Government critic challenges Barrow to make good on lawsuit following kickback allegations
5. ITTOG launches second phase of “No woman left behind” training model
6. Transport Minister on significance of investment in new buses

Blogger ‘Happy’ To Meet Barrow In Court Over Multi-million Euro Bribery Allegation

UK-based Gambian blogger has expressed excitement over the prospect of President Adama Barrow going down the legal lane with him over bribery allegation.
President Barrow has reportedly not been treating lightly the report by Sulayman Ben Suwareh that he received a 2.5 million euros kickback for the award of a bus contract.
The government spokesperson on Tuesday told Coffee Time With Peter Gomez that the President has already asked for the review of the allegation for possible legal action.
But the author of the report, Sulayman Ben Suwareh, this morning told Coffee Time With Peter Gomez:”I am happy that Barrow will be taking this matter to court because this will give Gambians an opportunity to put him on trial, hence the NAMs, who are supposed to hold him accountable and other institutions, are failing to do so. This will be a perfect opportunity to prove my allegations and to make sure Barrow is held to account.”
Asked to provide evidence for his allegation, Mr. Suwareh said:”Thank you for asking that question but unfortunately, I am not going to reveal my legal strategy, hence this case is going to proceed to court. But what I want to remind Gambians is that these allegations are grounded. And the reason to say is grounded…my allegation mirrored all the national audit office report and the Malagen newspaper. And the only thing absent from the national audit report is that the President has benefitted…the powers that he abused to make sure Gambia government got into contracts that are not favourable and that are detrimental to the economy of the country. The Banjul project is one example that the President used executive powers to issue out contracts that the former National Audit Office director general called a very bad contract. But again, the same thing happened with the airport 20 dollars or 20 pounds levy.
I don’t have anything personal against Barrow or the cabal members. I have been consistent since Jawara time. Everything I said have been vindicated in time. And, I will not come out and make such an allegation to the President without having the proof or way to prove that the President have benefitted.”

Gov’t To Revert To Records To Determine Legality Of IEC Chair’s Term

The Gambia’s minister of justice said government will consult records to determine whether Alieu Momar Njie has been occupying the IEC chair illegally since last Friday.
Activist Pa Samba Jaw asserted on Tuesday that IEC chairman’s term ended on Friday of last week and that it could not be extended for even an hour.
But in a conversation with Coffee Time With Peter Gomez on Wednesday, justice minister Dawda Jallow said Pa Samba Jaw’s assertion was at variance with the records.
“That is contrary to the records. One thing I like about Mr. Jaw…he usually reaches out to me. So, I will see what evidence he has and we will compare with what we have on records.Our record show that the current chairman of the Independent Electoral Commission was first appointed … actually… he had a short spell in 2006 briefly during Jammeh but was reappointed in 2011 for a seven-year term, which according to Mr. Jaw, expired in 2018. He got another extension. If the term is seven years, that extension is due to expire in 2025. So, for it to be expiring in 2023, I need to know what evidence does Mr. Jaw has and we compare with records,”Hon. Jallow told Coffee Time.

Coffee 12 April 2023 Podcast

Coffee Time With Peter Gomez -11 April 2023 Podcast

CTWPG 11 April Podcast Pictorial Hour 1

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CTWPG – 11 April 2023 – Headline hour 1

1. First mental health manual for Gambia validated
2. Central bankers, meeting over harmonising and strengthening regulation, consider climate change impact on national economies
3. Bird flu outbreak confirmed
4. As April 10/11 bloodbath remembered activist lambasts Barrow’s tolerance of ‘culprits’
5. 23 years on victims offer commemorative ndogu
6. How Tanzania president deals decisively with corrupt state employees
7. Recap on year’s opening parliamentary session that failed to pass much-anticipated anti-corruption bill
8. Tuesday Commentary: The Man and His Religion

CTWPG 11 April Podcast Pictorial Hour 2

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CTWPG – 11 April 2023 – Headline Hour 2

1. Government Spokesperson and Diaspora Presidential Adviser Ebrima G. Sankareh tells CTWPG Barrow considering legal action against critics accusing him of pocketing €2.5m in bribes from a state-sponsored bus acquisition deal; Government vigorously condemns attacks on Christian minority celebrating Easter and assures their freedom of worship; Vice President choosing to live in his private home is costing state less.

Over 200 Seagulls Killed By Avian Flu In Gambia-SG Hydara

The Secretary General of the Gambia Environmental Alliance has put the number of seagulls killed as the consequence of Avian Influenza to more than 200.
The Department of Parks and Wildlife Management, Department of Livestock Services and the Ministry of Health last week publicly confirmed cases of Avian Influenza in undomesticated birds at Tanji Bird Reserve, Kartong beach and Kotu creek.
“This variant we’re dealing with is the H5N1, which is a concern because so far what we have seen, it has killed more than 200 seagulls,” Gambia Environmental Alliance’s SG Muhammed Hydara told Coffee Time With Peter Gomez.
“And everyday, I believe the numbers will be increasing because it’s just like the Covid pandemic,” he pointed out.
Hydara said he was particularly concerned about the transmission among the wild and domesticated birds.
“Imagine how people benefit from other birds like home birds, like the poultry farms. We are in this Ramadan… people have to feed . So, that’s our major, major worry because if it had to skip from wild birds and hit our Over 200 Seagulls Killed By Avian Flu In Gambia-SG Hydara.
The Secretary General of the Gambia Environmental Alliance has put the number of seagulls killed as the consequence of Avian Influenza to more than 200.
The Department of Parks and Wildlife Management, Department of Livestock Services and the Ministry of Health last week publicly confirmed cases of Avian Influenza in undomesticated birds at Tanji Bird Reserve, Kartong beach and Kotu creek.
“This variant we’re dealing with is the H5N1, which is a concern because so far what we have seen, it has killed more than 200 seagulls,” Gambia Environmental Alliance’s SG Muhammed Hydara told Coffee Time With Peter Gomez.
“And everyday, I believe the numbers will be increasing because it’s just like the Covid pandemic,” he pointed out.
Hydara said he was particularly concerned about the transmission among the wild and domesticated birds.
“Imagine how people benefit from other birds like home birds, like the poultry farms. We are in this Ramadan… people have to feed . So, that’s our major, major worry because if it had to skip from wild birds and hit our home birds, obviously then this thing will be a huge disaster,” he added. birds, obviously then this thing will be a huge disaster,” he added.

Barrow Instructs AG To Examine &2.5m Bribery Allegation As He Contemplates Legal Action

The Gambia’s President has reportedly instructed the country’s minister of justice to critically look into a report, alleging a bribe payment of 2.5 million euros to him(President).
The Gambia government spokesperson this morning told Coffee Time With Peter Gomez that government plans to seek redress through the courts.
“So, I am telling you President Barrow has instructed the Attorney General to look seriously into this case and Gambia government plans to take legal actions or action against the person or persons, who actually wrote this piece of gabbage,” Ebrima G. Sankareh revealed.
Mr. Sankareh explained that President Barrow read the report as did everyone linked to it.
“He read it. Everybody involved, I think at least, has also read it. We had an extended conversation last night (Barrow and I). And, I can assure you he has read it and is very unhappy with it,” the government spokesperson stated.
“He (President) has instructed the Attorney General and minister of justice to review the report and advice him legally…what legal options are available to the extent that he’s willing to even hire lawyers out of this jurisdiction in the UK and in America, who can actually help deal with this scurrilous allegations against him, members of his government, his character; defaming him,” he disclosed.

Prexy Barrow Plans Bus Drive Tomorrow-Sankareh

President Adama Barrow of The Gambia is tomorrow expected to partake in a landmark bus ride from the country’s capital all the way to the regional capital of West Coast Region.
Mr. Barrow is on Wednesday expected to unleash 70 buses to urban Gambia as the population groans under the yoke of acute locomotion challenges.
The 70 buses are expected to be commissioned at McCarthy Square tomorrow.
“President Barrow plans to be on a bus drive from McCarthy Square. The presidential party will have a caravan from Banjul to Kombo,” adviser to the President on Diaspora Matters informed Coffee Time With Peter Gomez on Tuesday morning.

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CTWPG 06 April Podcast Pictorial

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CTWPG – 06 April 2023 – Headline

1. Permanent Secretaries’ retreat reviews progress on NDP implementation
2. Afreximbank-Oakwood Green trade road show ends
3. EU Committee on Foreign Affairs concludes Gambia consultations
4. French President Macron visits China pursuing breakthrough in Ukraine war
5. Environmentalist blames government negligence after dead fish wash ashore in Kartong, Sanyang and Gunjur
6. How does Trump indictment impact the GOP’s future
7. Pirjo Andersson-Bah essay: “Killing news for sale.”

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CTWPG – 05 April 2023 – Headline

1. Senegal@63: Barrow congratulates ‘brother’ Sall
2. Trump charged with hush-money scheme to boost 2016 election chances
3. US democracy challenged
4. Why a Taiwanese tour of the Americas is ruffling feathers in China
5. TikTok to be banned from Australian government devices

‘ALFOB Does Not Want Gambia Blacklisted Over Terrorism Financing, Money Laundering’

The Association of Licenced Forex Bureaux in The Gambia (ALFOB) has assumed a vanguard role in the fight against financing of terrorism and money laundering, revealed the association’s officials on Tuesday.
ALFOB Vice President Momodou Muhammad Jagana and another top member of the association Momodou Jallow highlighted some of the key interventions and partnerships that ALFOB made and embraced to ensure that The Gambia is not blacklisted as a result of an unregulated money transfer domain.
“We have a very strong relationship with the Central Bank of The Gambia as the oversight institution responsible for bureaux,” Mr. Jagana disclosed in an interview with Coffee Time With Peter Gomez on Tuesday.
“We do meet the governor and members of the Central Bank regularly, depending on what’s happening in the economy. And, we do exchange ideas in terms of how to improve both the supply side and also the governance because we have to understand that The Gambia is part of a global village,” ALFOB vice president Jagana laid out.
According to Mr. Jagana also the country boss of J-Fin Money Transfer, ALFOB came to the fore of the combat against terrorism financing and money laundering because it doesn’t want The Gambia blacklisted.
“So, that’s why we work with the Central Bank and the Financial Intelligence Unit. We usually have training with them so that our members will understand what they have to do as a community of bureau operators,” he stated.
“We are very collaborative with the regulatory framework that’s being applied by the government of The Gambia through Central Bank of The Gambia,” he added.
Meanwhile according to Mr. Momodou Jallow, the transfers MTOs operate in The Gambia ‘are bound by the same laws, where they are domiciled’.
“And if we happen to be a weak country, it means for example, Western Union can say you can’t use Western Union to send money to The Gambia because Gambia is a country that does not collaborate with the authorities to make sure their financial dealings are very transparent and controlled,” Mr. Jallow explained.
“So, it’s very important from our side to show that The Gambia is very cautious and to act in the best interest of the people, receiving money here. We make sure Gambia is safe for money transfer and not used to launder money,”the ALFOB official stated.

For more on the interview, listen to podcast.

Coffee 05 April 2023 Podcast

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CTWPG 04 April Podcast Pictorial Hour 1

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CTWPG – 04 April 2023 – Headline Hour 1

1. GRA boss on record-breaking revenue collection month
2. The Sola Mahoney Podcast: Old cars and old bodies
3. Tuesday Commentary: Regulatory capture and the IEC
4. US-Gambian citizens concerned about the slow pace of the registration as US citizens of their children born in The Gambia
5. US Embassy Banjul’s response

CTWPG 04 April Podcast Pictorial Hour 2

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CTWPG – 04 April 2023 – Headline Hour 2

1. Q&A with Chief of Staff, Office of the President, Mr Mod K. Ceesay

Parallel Money Market Pushes Essential Commodity Prices Up-J-Fin Boss

The Country Director of J-Fin Money Transfer said parallel money market has been pushing up the prices of basic commodities in The Gambia.
In an interview with Coffee Time With Peter Gomez on Tuesday, Momodou Muhammad Jagana asserted that the cost of living in The Gambia “is driven mostly by forex”.
“What we need to understand…you go through Westfield…you see government officials park their vehicles, buying or selling FX to these local or informal guys. But what we don’t seem to know or what is being told is the impact of this parallel market on the economy. Today, the cost of living in The Gambia is driven mostly by the forex,”the J-Fin country boss explained.
He went on:”In the UK and US, it’s the interest rates. But Gambia here since we don’t have that much export, we import more than we export or produce. Forex is a key determinant of prices. And, it affects everybody. So, if you think that you have $100 and a bureau offers you D61 but the Black Market is offering you D63 and you think that you’ve done well by having D2 extra. No, you’re eroding your buying power because that guy at Westfield or in the corner somewhere is going to sell to somebody, who desperately needs it, at D64 or D65. And automatically, these importers will add it to the price of the commodities they import.
“So, that’s why prices of basic commodities have been going up drastically in this country. Forex has a direct impact and I think as a nation, we need to get people understand this. You’re not doing yourself any favour. As the English people say biting yourself by cutting your nose.”
(WCR)

GRA Mobilizes Record D1.5bn for March

The Gambia Revenue Authority(GRA)has just smashed the record for revenue collected in one month by raking in D1.5bn for March 2023.
The highly-elated Commissioner General of GRA, Yankuba Darboe, this morning told Coffee Time With Peter Gomez that the record revenue collection was made possible due to variables such as the increased consciousness of tax payers of their tax obligation, digitization, robust enforcement, the goodwill of the Gambian leader, tax payer education, strategic leadership at GRA and the creation of a tax policy department at the finance ministry.
“It’s a record collection(D1.5bn) that we’ve made and if you’ve been following the history of revenue collection, every March we always break record. Last year the same period, we collected over D1.4bn. Again this year also, we collected over D1.5bn for the month of March,” CG Darboe enthused in an interview with Coffee Time on Tuesday.
Asked by host why March was so special to GRA, CG Darboe replied:”March is special to us because it marks the end of final payment for all businesses that are within the country. And normally every quarter, businesses pay their income and corporation taxes. What they pay is considered as an advance payment towards their tax liability. So when we move to the other end of the year, end of March on or before, they should all file and make their final payment. Meaning, once they have their audited account, they will work it out paying for the first quarter, second quarter and the third quarter and then subtract it whatever their tax liability is and the balance that they suppose to pay on or before 31 March. So, that is why end of March is always very significant to us.”

Factors For Record Collection

CG Darboe also attributed the record March revenue collection to teamwork.
“The GRA staff is working as a team and not as individuals. They are working under a command. Everybody follows that command and that is what has resulted to this,” the GRA boss acknowledged.
He continued:”Secondly, the compliance level has increased within the country. We’ve seen that since we introduced the tax payers’ awards, which the President of the country always attend and give the prizes himself to tax payers, I think that’s a source of motivation. It has turned out to be great motivation to taxpayers such that everybody is competing to win a prize and that therefore, helped us in increasing the compliance level.”
Darboe disclosed that the calibration of enforcement measures by GRA staff, tax audit, data matching and the introduction of ASYCUDA World have all propelled revenue mobilization to a whole new height of efficiency.

Barrow’s Chief of Staff Says Accountability Process In Democracy & Dictatorship Different

President Adama Barrow has been unable to convince many Gambians he has not been treating suspected financial miscreants in his government with kid’s gloves but his chief of staff said on Tuesday that “accountability process” in a democracy is different from that in a dictatorship.
The Gambia government has been apparently doing a poor job in dealing with deepening public perception of official graft and the nonchalance with which the vice seemed to be treated at the executive level, has also been causing concern about the Barrow dispensation’s management of the national coffers.
President Barrow recently exposed himself to sweltering criticism when he described audit reports as opinions.
However, his chief of staff Mod K. Ceesay emphasized on Tuesday that the President and his government have not been resting on their laurels when it came to the fight against corruption.
“It’s so wrong to suggest that government did nothing (to fight corruption). In all these reports(audit reports) necessarily, administrative disciplinary actions were taken; recovering funds, indictments, dismissals, prosecution as well as sentencing,”Chief of Staff at the Presidency told Coffee Time With Peter Gomez on Tuesday.
“Audit recommendations are fully implemented. The accountability process under a democratic space is different from a dictatorship, where mere petition is enough to put you behind bars,” he explained.
“People were used to that type and for far too long, that’s what they are accustomed to. But that’s why they opted for things to be done right,” added Ceesay.
(WCR)

Coffee 04 April 2023 Podcast

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CTWPG – 03 April 2023 – Headline

1. Casamance war spillover: MoD versus The Standard
2. Is there an avian flu outbreak in The Gambia?
3. SPONSORED: Afrexim Bank’s second Gambia trade road show with Oakwood Green and GiEPA
4. Baby joy: CTWPG’s Aji Jogob Khan welcomes first child
5. LOOKING AHEAD: President Barrow’s Chief of Staff is main guest on Tuesday’s programme, also looking at US$ shortage partly blamed for deepening cost-of-living crisis

Afrexim Bank Trade Roadshow Returns Gambia

The Africa Import-Export (Afrexim) Bank Trade Road Show returns to The Gambia for the second time on Tuesday with stakeholders in trade financing expected to be in attendance. The two-day event will be held at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Centre at Bijilo, in partnership with Oakwood Green Africa Limited and the Gambia Import-Export Promotion Agency, GiEPA.
The theme of the trade road show is “Sustaining the Intra-Africa Trade Drive: Navigating the Last Mile.” Obioma Ewaka from Afrexim Bank, Cynthia Eriyo from Oakwood Green Africa Limited and Baboucar Camara of GIEPA are all excited about the two-day trade promotion event. They spoke to Coffee Time With Peter Gomez on Monday morning and had this to say:
Cynthia: “The roadshow is aimed at promoting and exploring ways to deepen and be intentional about Intra-Africa trade and trade financing in The Gambia to the last mile and bring to the forefront of The Gambia what the bank is doing.”
Obioma: “I believe they (commercial banks) are also very critical in this whole discussion. The commercial banks are, indeed a focus for us. Insurance companies, forex bureaux… Generally, the entire business community because stakeholders within the African trade space cut across almost the length and breadth of the economy of The Gambia.”
Baboucar: “We have been able to, at least, mobilize, so far of course, the businesses in The Gambia, including the financial sector and registration is ongoing online.”
For more on the interview, listen to today’s podcast.

Bird Watcher Speaks Of Possible Avian Flu Deaths At Tanji Bird Reserve

Despite the Gambia’s health ministry having yet to confirm any case of bird flu in the country, a bird enthusiast has shared with Coffee Time With Peter Gomez his heartbreaking experience of witnessing birds succumb to what, he feared, could be linked to Avian Influenza.
Reports suggest there was an outbreak of the deadly disease on a farm north-western Senegal last month. Tamba Jeffang, an ornithologist and conservationist, told Coffee Time With Peter Gomez that he saw birds dying at Tanji Bird Reserve with what could be flu-related.
“There are two things that happened in the last couple of weeks – the whales and also the Avian Flu that is happening. And, it’s absolutely ravaging the species. At Tanji Bird Reserve, I went with some friends, we were watching birds as we do and whilst we were watching these birds, they were dying in front of us. It was heartbreaking. It’s alarming and people need to be sensitized.”

For more on Jeffang’s interview listen to the podcast

Coffee 03 April 2023 Podcast

Coffee Time With Peter Gomez – 31 March 2023 Podcast

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CTWPG – 31 March 2023 – Headline

1. National Assembly adjourns without passing much-anticipated Anti-Corruption Bill 2019
2. Utility price hikes inflame passions, regulator excoriated
3. Pa Samba Jow let down by Barrow’s democracy speech
4. Pirjo Andersson-Bah on African leaders’ reluctance to leave power
5. Dialogue with Judiciary on freedom of expression and security of journalists
6. What Divine Mercy Sunday means for Gambian Catholics
7. Trump to be indicted over payments

Coffee 31 March 2023 Podcast

Coffee Time With Peter Gomez – 30 March 2023 Podcast

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CTWPG – 30 March 2023 – Headline

1. VP Jallow tells lawmakers revised edition of ‘Draft Constitution’ will be resubmitted for consideration
2. Q&A with UDP Campaign Manager Momodou Sabally

Coffee 30 March 2023 Podcast

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CTWPG – 29 March 2023 – Headline

1. President Barrow speaks on “complex path to achieving democratic dividends”
2. What Minister of Health Dr Samateh told MPs in wake of parliamentary report on AKI crisis
3. Football fans breathe sigh of relief after Mali victory puts Gambia’s Afcon campaign back on track
4. Boss says Independence Stadium “will be ready in July”
5. Why Russia, China and US all turning to Africa
6. OPINION: Alagie Barrow on “raging battles in the President’s circles”

Coffee 29 March 2023 Podcast

Coffee Time With Peter Gomez – 28 March 2023 Podcast

CTWPG 28 March Podcast Pictorial Hour 1

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CTWPG – 28 March 2023 – Headline Hour 1

1. Gambia very close to passing anti-corruption bill: a chat with Hon. Alagie Mbowe
2. National Assembly passes torture prevention bill
3. Lawmakers to hear response of health minister to parliamentary report on deadly Acute Kidney Injury which claimed more than 70 lives in 2022

CTWPG 28 March Podcast Pictorial Hour 2

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CTWPG – 28 March 2023 – Headline Hour 2

1. Tango Chairman John Njie stands down
2. OPINION: Alagie Barrow on uniqueness of Ramadan
3. Food inflation: trade minister address rising food prices
4. Day of reckoning: Scorpions in ‘do-or-die’ Mali tie
5. Journalist Lamin Cham on Gambia v Mali

Coffee 28 March 2023 Podcast

Coffee Time With Peter Gomez – 27 March 2023 Podcast

CTWPG 27 March Podcast Pictorial

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CTWPG – 27 March 2023 – Headline

1. Ministry of Health hosts joint midterm review of World Bank-funded health projects
2. UDP candidate says running to change things for development-starved London Corner ward
3. Tourism and travel institute celebrates 15 years of existence and TVET provision
4. Deutsche Bank fears as global banking contagion widens
5. Tension grows between Russia and NATO
6. Protests as Israel’s Prime Minister sacks defence Minister
7. World news briefs

Coffee 27 March 2023 Podcast

Coffee Time With Peter Gomez – 24 March 2023 Podcast

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CTWPG – 24 March 2023 – Headline

1. National Assembly adopts report of Gambian delegation to first ordinary session of 6th Pan African Parliament
2. West Africa’s ‘foremost’ travel tech company reveals itself to Gambians
3. Extended interview with Counsel Salieu Taal, President, Gambia Bar Association

Coffee 24 March 2023 Podcast

Coffee Time With Peter Gomez – 23 March 2023 Podcast

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CTWPG – 23 March 2023 – Headline

1. Gambia’s Minister of Tourism and Culture says requiring British visitors to pay visa fees would be disastrous to the nation’s tourism industry
2. SPONSORED: Talk on World TB Day 2023
3. Gambia’s Attorney General and Minister of Justice affirms government’s commitment to stamp out official corruption
4. Vice President Muhammed B.S. Jallow addresses UN Water Conference in New York
5. GRA organises risk management training for partners
6. Not too young to run: UTG law student on why young people need to get into politics

Coffee 23 March 2023 Podcast

Coffee Time With Peter Gomez – 22 March 2023 Podcast

CTWPG 22 March Podcast Pictorial

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CTWPG – 22 March 2023 – Headline

1. Gambia on cusp of criminalising torture
2. MP calls for British citizens to be made to pay for visa to enter The Gambia
3. Ramadan will start on Thursday in The Gambia
4. New vice president leads Gambia’s delegation to UN Water Conference
5. President Barrow opens new market in Brikama
6. Russia and China wrap up talks in Moscow

Coffee 22 March 2023 Podcast

Coffee Time With Peter Gomez – 21 March 2023 Podcast

CTWPG 21 March Podcast Pictorial Hour 1

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CTWPG – 21 March 2023 – Headline Hour 1

1. MoTIE assures continued availability of essential commodities during Ramadan but cannot promise lower prices
2. Frustrated MP blames Attorney General for situation delaying anti-corruption bill

CTWPG 21 March Podcast Pictorial Hour 2

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CTWPG – 21 March 2023 – Headline Hour 2

1. SPONSORED: GPA communications officer explains man’s death on ferry while on his way to treatment and MD elaborates on Barrow’s deep seaport promise
2. Essayist Barrow calls out President Barrow following ‘audit’ remarks
3. Nawec MD responds to claims the company pays $300 annually to Senegal for electricity
4. Gutted Gitteh vows not even offer of Vice President will change his mind about running for BAC chairman as independent
5. Government’s press release ‘clarifying’ Barrow’s remarks on audit reports

Coffee 21 March 2023 Podcast

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CTWPG – 20 March 2023 – Headline

1. President Barrow urges Gambian students to embrace entrepreneurship
2. First Lady launches project to give every Gambian child basic education
3. MP discusses progress of much-talked-about Anti-corruption Bill through National Assembly
4. China warns nationals against travelling out of Central African Republic capital
5. Will Credit Suisse sale shore up confidence in banking sector?
6. Iraq war invasion remembered 20 years on

Coffee 20 March 2023 Podcast

Coffee Time With Peter Gomez – 17 March 2023 Podcast

CTWPG 17 March Podcast Pictorial

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CTWPG – 17 March 2023 – Headline

1. Covid-19 pandemic: third anniversary of detection of first case in The Gambia. Reflecting with Dr Abdulkarim Sisay
2. Report from Parliament
3. Friday Commentary: NPP’s ‘chewing gum’ election
4. Credit Suisse accepts bailout
5. Mariupol bombing and Russian war crimes
6. Biden administration threatens ban on TikTok

Coffee 17 March 2023 Podcast

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CTWPG 16 March Podcast Pictorial

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CTWPG – 16 March 2023 – Headline

1. After a chewing gum-stained candidate selection process the NPP tries to heal the wounds
2. Air France and TAP Air Portugal announce no flights to Banjul in summer
3. Amid rising food price inflation ministers of agriculture and trade grilled by lawmakers
4. National Council for Arts and Culture confers with stakeholders
5. Concerns for Credit Suisse after two US banks fail
6. Iranian protesters tell of harrowing ordeals in detention
7. Nike dumps kangaroos in win for animal activists

Coffee 16 March 2023 Podcast

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CTWPG – 15 March 2023 – Headline

1. Anti-corruption body urges government to punish corrupt accomplices of convicted Dr Banja
2. Pa Samba Jow applauds journalist whose investigative work led to bribery conviction
3. President Barrow opens important WAEC meeting with assurance of Gambia’s continued support to the exams body
4. NPP ‘mayoral’ candidate for Brikama denies rigged primaries
5. Thousands protest in Senegal

Coffee 15 March 2023 Podcast

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CTWPG 14 March Podcast Pictorial Hour 1

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CTWPG – 14 March 2023 – Headline Hour 1

1. Gambia U20 heading back home after historic run in Egypt
2. Gambia’s economic resilience praised amid US Bank collapse
3. Auditors from West Africa undergo training in The Gambia
4. Foni NAM explains meeting with President Barrow

CTWPG 14 March Podcast Pictorial Hour 2

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CTWPG – 14 March 2023 – Headline Hour 2

1. Q&A with Lare Sisay, retired UN worker and opposition politicians
2. OPINION: Alagie Barrow on the many protest demonstrations

Coffee 14 March 2023 Podcast

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CTWPG – 13 March 2023 – Headline

1. UDP-led protesters petition Barrow government over corruption following peaceful Banjul procession
2. President Barrow basks in glory of new rural road network
3. Schools celebrate Commonwealth Day
4. NPP confirms mayoral candidates for 7 of 8 LGAs, bitterly-contested Brikama inconclusive
5. More Gambian passengers complain about ‘poor’ Air Senegal service
6. Senegal prevents The Gambia’s first continental football trophy
7. Pope Francis gathers cardinals to mark his 10th anniversary as pontiff
8. More international news

Coffee 13 March 2023 Podcast

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CTWPG – 10 March 2023 – Headline

1. Africa U20 Cup of Nations: a Gambia v Senegal final
2. Gambia saddled with corruption allegations: UDP to stage protest march
3. Giving women a chance: lawmaker says Barrow no promoter of women in politics
4. Beekeeping to alleviate poverty: British and Gambian beekeepers promote apiculture
5. Africa U20 Cup of Nations: Young Scorpions fit and ready to take on arch-rival

Coffee 10 March 2023 Podcast

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CTWPG – 09 March 2023 – Headline

• A special edition marking IWD 2023

1. Conversation on women with disabilities
2. Conversation on women and HIV-AIDS
3. Women in decision-making and politics
4. Significance of IWD
5. Corruption and how it impacts women’s lives

Coffee 09 March 2023 Podcast

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CTWPG – 08 March 2023 – Headline

1. Gambia gets €24m renewable energy grant
2. President Barrow speaks of professionalism and accountability as he swears in new vice president
3. Lawmakers decry country’s dilapidated or lack of sports infrastructure despite heavy investment of hundreds of millions
4. Taliban rulers ban divorce condemning Muslim women to life with abusive husbands
5. Global study finds Catholic women overwhelmingly want religious reform
6. Why are there so few statues of women in Australia?

Coffee 08 March 2023 Podcast

Coffee Time With Peter Gomez – 07 March 2023 Podcast

CTWPG 07 March Podcast Pictorial Hour 1

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CTWPG – 07 March 2023 – Headline Hour 1

1. Gambia to meet Senegal in Afcon U20 final; a journalist’s analysis of the team and state of Gambian football
2. First ordinary session of the National Assembly underway
3. Strikes in France could bring country to a standstill
4. Serekunda lawmaker says other important bills up for consideration apart from Anti-Corruption Bill 

CTWPG 07 March Podcast Pictorial Hour 2

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CTWPG – 07 March 2023 – Headline Hour 2

1. Gambian Dalasi falling against CFA franc, other currencies
2. OPINION: The Duty To Disobey
3. Australian women in Science
4. Air Senegal accused of disrespecting Gambian passengers
5. The Sola Mahoney Podcast
6. SPONSORED: GPA updates
7. Gambia’s first African U20 Cup of Nations final, what role GFF?

Coffee 07 March 2023 Podcast

Coffee Time With Peter Gomez – 06 March 2023 Podcast

CTWPG 06 March Podcast Pictorial

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CTWPG – 06 March 2023 – Headline

1. Barrow government faces new financial scandal; finance minister denies corruption allegation
2. KM voters alleging lack of development threaten to block roads in Bakoteh and Dippa Kunda and boycott upcoming LGA elections
3. Australian women of colour face huge barriers to leadership
4. Tunisian President denies racism and xenophobia
5. Gambia’s Young Scorpions gearing up to face Nigeria’s Flying Eagles

Coffee 06 March 2023 Podcast

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CTWPG – 03 March 2023 – Headline

1. Authorities unveil health insurance benefit package
2. Hamat Bah’s ‘tribalism’ statement closely examined
3. GDC accuses ruling party of voter inducement campaign

Coffee 03 March 2023 Podcast

Coffee Time With Peter Gomez – 02 March 2023 Podcast

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CTWPG – 02 March 2023 – Headline

1. Anti-graft activist Jeggan Grey Johnson on Gambia’s long-awaited Anti-Corruption Bill
2. Gambia encouraged to adopt one local dialect as official language
3. Exhibition in Juffureh Slavery Museum showcases artworks by Africans in diaspora
4. IEC publishes nomination schedule ahead of local council elections
5. Former Banjul North MP discusses his new role coordinating Pan-African network on vocational education

Coffee 02 March 2023 Podcast

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CTWPG – 01 March 2023 – Headline

1. National Assembly’s March agenda includes Anti-Corruption Bill
2. Mass immunisation launches amid lingering Covid vaccine hesitancy
3. Nigeria’s Tinubu declared president-elect after disputed elections
4. Tensions high in West Bank after deadly riots

Coffee 01 March 2023 Podcast

Coffee Time With Peter Gomez – 28 February 2023 Podcast

CTWPG 28 February Podcast Pictorial Hour 1

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CTWPG – 28 February 2023 – Headline Hour 1

1. Imam Baba Leigh on why he stood down from Barrow’s commission of inquiry
2. Alagie Barrow on Vice President Muhammad B.S. Jallow
3. Deputy Speaker and NPP Deputy Spokesperson Hon Seedy Njie on why Barrow’s local government candidates are yet to be revealed

CTWPG 28 February Podcast Pictorial Hour 2