By: Momodou Justice Darboe
Former presenter of BBC Focus on Africa Essau Williams has decided not to serve as a panelist in the 2023 GPU Awards, a highly-placed source in the GPU informed this reporter
Shortly after the 2022 GPU Awards, Mr. Williams came under a barrage of criticism from union members about his comments on the entries.
He was sharply criticized by several members of the Gambia’s umbrella press union for saying that the entries that made it to the finals were bereft of creativity, critical thinking, grammatical finesse, and literary prowess.
This comment of his caused an uproar on social media with many GPU members, calling for his sidelining in this year’s award as they felt that Mr. William had abused the privilege accorded to him by the GPU to serve on the panel of judges.
Months before the 2024 awards, this reporter heard from a source close to the GPU that Essau Williams was to be sidelined in this year’s award.
“The reason why he criticized the entries was because he was privileged to serve as a panelist. But watch out whether he would be honored to serve on the panel this year,” she said.
Some GPU members said they felt offended and berated by Mr. Williams for using the awards night to criticize the work of journalists, who presented their work to the panel, for judgment.
A source in the inner circle of the GPU last evening told this reporter that Mr. Williams has decided to step aside as a judge this year to give a chance to others.
“He was not protesting. He just decided that he should give a chance to others. Personalities like Nfamara Darboe, who served as a judge, is a qualified Gambian and he should be given a chance,” the source said. Mr. Williams could not be reached for comments.
