Transcript (edited for brevity and clarity) of my speech to graduands at the Anglican Mission Institute (formerly called ATC), Farafenni, Upper Badibu, North Bank Region, The Gambia on Saturday, July 30, 2022 — Good afternoon everybody. Thank you very much Mr. Mbye, the MC of the occasion. …

The Gambia Government White Paper on the TRRC Report is a huge step in the right direction, but … — I once remarked to someone: “I wish former President Yahya Jammeh a long and healthy life we all share.” He replied in shock: “What?” I repeated my statement and pointed out to him that Yahya Jammeh was more useful to us as a country alive than dead. I said to…

President Barrow’s latest and recent fit of anger was un-called for and to his detriment. — The Banjul Muslim Elders have, since the colonial times, paid a courtesy call on the head of Government or State at the end of each Islamic Holy month of Ramadan. …

Ramadan, the month of Muslim fasting which ended a few days ago, is an inspiring month — Aaah, Ramadan, the Holy month of fasting by Muslims has ended! …

My recent trip to Ballanghar, my home village, taught me the joy of sharing knowledge — I wanted a write an article this week to provide a light-hearted look at this holy and serious month of Ramadan. …

The impact of Chief Awolowo’s free primary education program launched in 1956 is evident in the Nigerian community in The Gambia —

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is, sadly, yet another conflict that is consuming the lives of foreign volunteer fighters —

Gambians can choose to start doing things differently — or accept that we are mad. — Several years ago, during former President Yahya Jammeh’s dictatorial rule, I had a conversation with a Gambian friend of mine. One of the two lanes of highway out of the Gambian Capital, Banjul, had a deep depression right by the big baobab tree at Mile 2 Prison. …

Public art is an invaluable asset to communities that care to invest in it. When I was a volunteer DJ at community radio, WORT FM, of Madison, Wisconsin in the 1990s, I sometimes made a musical tour of Africa starting, say, in West Africa, playing music from different parts of…