Calentita Returns
Gibraltar Cultural Services, for the Ministry of Culture, is pleased to announce that the very popular ‘Calentita’ food festival will return this year organised by Word of Mouth and Gibmedia.
The Festival will be held on Saturday 8 July 2023 and will draw on last year’s successful “Jubilita” festival both in terms of size and location.
After a long COVID-19 break, this will be the first Calentita proper since 2019 and the 14th Calentita overall.
A spokesperson commented, “This year we are hoping to welcome back our some of our regular stalls as well entice new participants”.
Minister for Culture John Cortes welcomed the announcement saying, “I am thrilled that this very popular social and cultural event will be back again this year. It’s a unique way of celebrating and enjoying the diverse cultural identities that make up our wonderful community”.
The organisers (Word of Mouth/Gibmedia) will shortly open an application process for participants. Interested parties should keep an eye out on www.calentita.gi for full information on how to participate.
The Gibraltar Funds and Investment Association GALA DINNER
The Gibraltar Funds and Investment Association (GFIA) hosted its annual Gala Dinner on June 1, 2023, at the exquisite Alameda Gardens. This year’s event was attended by 160 prominent figures from the Funds and Investment sector, it was marked by remarkable achievements, philanthropic endeavors, and exciting collaborations.
The Venetian-themed Gala Dinner welcomed esteemed guests, including the Deputy Governor Marc Holland and the Honorable Albert Isola MP, Minister of Digital and Financial Services.
As a testament to the evening’s grandeur, A.M Capurro partnered with Land Rover as the main sponsor of the Gala Dinner. Their partnership added a touch of elegance, with several Land Rover vehicles prominently displayed amidst the surroundings of the Alameda Gardens.
GFIA Chairperson James Lasry gave a speech thanking guests for attending the event and for their role in making the Association successful, he also expressed gratitude to James Tipping and Tim Haynes who will be retiring from their respective positions, for their exceptional contributions and unwavering support in the industry. In recognition of their dedication, GFIA is honoured to have granted them both life membership of the Association. John Capurro represented A.M Capurro at the event.
Each year GFIA invites a local charity to participate at the dinner. This year GFIA asked The Prostate Support Group Gibraltar. Joe Holliday, Representative for the charity, delivered a remarkable speech, shedding light on the impactful activities of the charity and emphasizing its significant role in the community and his own personal story with the disease.
In addition to the charitable aspect of the event, GFIA took the opportunity to unveil its captivating promotional video titled “Why Gibraltar?” This video showcased the many advantages and opportunities that Gibraltar offers as a leading financial hub. Following the Gala Dinner, attendees were treated to an exclusive after-party at La Sala.
FREEDOM OF THE CITY
His Worship the Mayor, Mr Christian Santos GMD conferred the Freedom of the City of Gibraltar upon the Gibraltar Health Authority (GHA) and Elderly Residential Services (ERS). The conferment was moved by The Chief Minister, the Hon Fabian Picardo KC MP, and was unanimously approved at the Session of Parliament held on 30th July 2021.
His Worship presented the Freedom Scroll to representatives of the GHA and ERS; Mrs Natasha Cerisola, Dr Antonio Marin, Dr Valerie Flores and Dr David Ballesteros at the ceremony which took place on Wednesday 24th May 2023, at John Mackintosh Square.
The GHA and ERS were conferred the highest honour that Parliament can bestow in recognition of the key role played by their staff during the global COVID-19 pandemic, with gratitude to all individuals who went above and beyond the call of duty in the face of the public health emergency.
The ceremony was attended by His Excellency the Governor, Vice Admiral Sir David Steel KBE DL, Chief Minister The Hon Fabian Picardo KC MP, Minister for Health, The Hon Albert Isola MP, as well as other members of Parliament and dignitaries. Representatives and guests of the GHA and ERS were also present at John Mackintosh Square to witness this historic moment.
Following the ceremony, His Worship hosted guests at a private reception at City Hall, where The Chief Minister presented the GHA and ERS with the Gibraltar Medallion of Honour and Certificate.
YEAR 10 WRITING PROJECT
Westside School’s English Department recently held an interactive afternoon for Year 10 English pupils. During this event, held on two separate afternoons, learners had the opportunity to interview 25 local professionals from different walks of life about their jobs and careers.
The English Department’s aims were to develop pupils’ confidence in their speaking and listening skills and facilitate their collaboration in working together to interview a professional of their choice from the community.
This event gave Year 10s a real-world opportunity to gather information that they will then use in their English lessons to write a response to an exam-style question as practice and revision for upcoming exams in October this year.
The aim was to bring the question paper to life and provide pupils with the chance to produce a piece of writing that is relevant to them, as well as providing an understanding that English prepares individuals for the world beyond school in many real-life events and tasks.
Westside School went on record to thank the lawyers; firefighters; police officers; bakery and restaurant owners; GBC engineers, presenters and producers; journalists; nurse, dentist and doctors; youth workers; dancer and make-up artist; professionals from the world of sport; and accountants who took part.
They all gave very generously of their time and allowed students the experience of moving out of their comfort zone to fully engage in a meaningful way with an adult who is not one of their teachers or a primary carer.
