The Cetacean Protocol
Although named like a spy mission from a Len Deighton novel, the Cetacean Protocol couldn’t be any more far removed.
British Gibraltar Territorial Waters are home to many fascinating sea creatures, and also forms part of many migratory paths.
The Cetacean Protocol aims to protect cetaceans by restricting the movement of vessels to a safe distance from migrating dolphins and whales.
As the Summer approaches and the spectacle of migration continues, the Environmental Protection & Research Unit will be closely monitoring vessel activity to ensure that the requirements of the Cetacean Protocol are met and marine species protected from harm. This also includes turtles, sunfish, sharks and seabirds.
Photo credits: Environmental Protection & Research Unit
City Walls Get A Fresh Lick Of Paint
Despite a battering from UV, pollution and sea air, the painted fortification names on Gibraltar’s City Walls have held their own, as they have done for centuries.
A new programme of works has begun to freshen the names and amplify their rightful place in the Rock’s history to both locals and visitors alike.
Priority has been given to some of the worst affected and the before and after photographs of the signs speak for themselves. Amongst them are Couvreport Battery, Prince Albert’s Front, Wellington Front Right Bastion and Raglan’s Battery, where the latter had never been painted previously.
The Minister for Heritage, Prof. John Cortes said, “As part of the 2018 Heritage and Antiquities Act, there are over 120 fortifications that have been afforded protection in law and this is a further example of the importance that Her Majesty’s Government of Gibraltar places on our heritage.
My Ministry is constantly engaged in ensuring that our prized City walls and fortifications are looked after, for they are intertwined with our social fabric and remind us of our many struggles in the past. They also act as a window to the world that our many visitors to Gibraltar can enjoy.”
COVID call centre
Under Phase 3 of “Unlock The Rock”, the Public Information Call Centre’s phone number operation has reverted to normal office hours. This means it is no longer manned 24 hours a day. The number remains the same, 200 41818.
Jake Torres Social Entrepreneur
Budding social entrepreneur, Jake Torres, is doing his bit to help others through his creativity.
He’s an 8 year-old pupil at St Joseph’s Middle School and has created an illustrated book on Coronavirus, called “Corona Travel”.
Jake has been selling his book in order to help others, including needy children. Some of the charities who are benefiting include Action4schools, Rifcom and Helpmelearnafrica.
The books cost £5 each, and anyone wishing to purchase a copy (or simply donate) should contact Mrs Tyrene Torres on 54002441.
You can also find out more information at action4schools.gi/
Stamp Presentation
The Gibraltar Philatelic Bureau have presented the Chief Minister Fabian Picardo with a set of four stamps, designed by Stephen Perera and illustrated by Karl Ullger, depicting the new St. Anne’s, Notre Dame, St Bernard’s and Bayside and Westside Schools.
Pictured from left to right: Karl Ullger (artist), Aaron Enriles (Managing Director, Gibraltar Philatelic Bureau), Chief Minister Fabian Picardo and Glendon Martinez (Director of Postal Services), in front of Karl Ullger’s original painting.
