Community

CHLOE MARTINEZ’s SUCCESS CELEBRATED

Minister for Culture John Cortes invited London-based Gibraltarian singer Chloe Martinez to the City Hall to congratulate her on her music and to encourage her in furthering her career.  

Chloe recently released her debut album “To me, from me”, which has been extremely well received. 

The conversation covered Chloe’s early years in singing, her performances with GAMPA, and her plans for the future. John Cortes commented, “I’ve known Chloe since she started singing as a little girl and am very proud to see how she has progressed and how her talent is being recognised. Chloe is an inspiration to other young people and an inspiration to me to continue to do all I can to promote and support Culture and the Performing Arts in Gibraltar”.

eSERVICES = FOR HOUSING DEPARTMENT

HM Government of Gibraltar has launched of a number of Housing eServices, which can now be accessed via the Gov.gi portal.

The services are amongst the most heavily used by citizens and are now fully integrated to the Housing Department back office system, which makes the application process easier to manage and process.

The services which include Applications for Government Accommodation, Include/Exclude persons on Tenancy and for Rental Pensioner exchanges are some of the more complex services, which require various documents such as proof of address and current household composition. The services are now integrated with various databases, so the citizen no longer needs to present these documents. By the same token, the Housing Department no longer needs to independently check or store this information, as they already exist as verified records in other integrated databases. 

The Minister for Digital Services, the Hon Albert Isola, said, “I am delighted to be able to launch these new services. These fully integrated services will allow the Housing Department to work efficiently and accurately with live data which is another important step in the right direction.”

The Minister for Housing, the Hon Steven Linares, added, “This is a great step forward towards digitising the systems within the Housing Department. Despite this, there will still be a service available for those who are not able to access the Gov.gi portal. I would like to publicly thank my staff at the Housing Department for their hard work in delivering this with the team at the Ministry of Digital Services for having been able to put this system in place”. 

https://portal.egov.gi/

CYBERCENTURION FINALISTS

The Minister for Equality, the Hon Samantha Sacramento, met with the all-female team from the Digital Skills Academy who won a place in the CyberCenturion Grand Finals in the UK.

CyberCenturion is a national cybersecurity education initiative for 12 to 18 year olds in the UK and the UK Overseas Territories and is organized by STEM Learning.

The team composed of three students, Lorian Fadul-Risk, Evgenia Grigorova, and Sonia Szetela. They have already participated in the initial online qualification rounds which saw a total of 250 teams competing.

Minister Sacramento met with the students as well as Jared Cruz, Head of School (CyberSecurity) at the Digital Skills Academy and Stewart Harrison, Director and Founder of the Digital Skills Academy to commend them all for their concerted efforts to date and to wish them every success in the upcoming competition.

Stewart Harrison, said, “I am very proud of the students from the Digital Skills Academy who are heading off to the CyberCenturion Finals this week. They are fantastic role models for future generation of girls in Tech and this is very important in order to close the gender digital skills gap that exists locally and world-wide. Tech is a rewarding and well remunerated career path and it is important to ensure that entry into this field is promoted and facilitated for girls and women. I would like to take this opportunity to thank their instructor, Jared Cruz, who has played an instrumental role in training the students for this competition this year.

Minister Sacramento said, “I am delighted to have been able to meet the three students who will be travelling to the CyberCenturion Finals … I am hugely impressed with the fact that they have already seen off stiff competition from over 250 teams in order to make it to the Finals. Addressing the under-representation of women and girls in technology is one of the main strands of the Ministry of Equality’s Gender Equality Strategy. I, therefore, look forward to continue working closely with the Digital Skills Academy to help close the gender digital skills gap. Raising the profile and the visibility of women in Tech plays a key role in helping to narrow that gap and I am very pleased to have been able to meet the team in person and to wish them the very best of luck. I am sure that they will do Gibraltar proud.”

CITY HALL VISIT BY DOWN SYNDROME SUPPORT GROUP

In celebration of World Down Syndrome Day His Worship the Mayor, Mr Christian Santos GMD hosted the committee and members of Down Syndrome Support Group Gibraltar at City Hall.

His Worship took the opportunity to celebrate the achievements over the past two years of members of the Group in the fields of culture and sport as follows.

Lucy Stewart: bronze medal in the Gibraltar International Dance Festival

Adam Stewart: for swimming 50m in 43 seconds at a Butterfly swimming competition

Jeffrey Migliori: for his participation in the Disability Golf Cairns Cup in the UK

Alfred Celecia: for his participation in swimming at the Special Olympics

Shane Martinez: for achieving 2 medals for bowling in Malta 2022

Charles Zammit and Nicholas Payas: for taking part in Challenge 21 Virtual 21K steps challenge, walking 21,000 steps and raising over £1,500 between them for Down’s Syndrome Association UK.

A special mention was also given to Caine McWilliam for dancing Capoeira with Art in Movement for almost 9 years.

His Worship spoke about how everyone is unique and how embracing our differences is how Gibraltar has become the beautiful community is it. He praised the Group’s committee, family members and carers for their work and support which further allow members the opportunities to excel in their chosen areas.

Portrait Changeover

The melancholy task of removing the official portraits of Her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II at No 6 Convent Place and the Convent has taken place.

Temporary portraits of His Majesty the King and the Queen Consort are now on display with permanent Official Portraits to follow in the summer following the Coronation. 

DATA BUOY

The Department of the Environment has deployed a meteo ocean buoy within the Seven Sisters Marine Conservation Zone.

The buoy collects and transmits wave, wind, sea surface temperature, seabed temperature and barometric pressure data in real time. It has been sourced from Aqualink, a philanthropic engineering organisation who is working towards building ocean conservation technology. The Department will use the data for on-going marine monitoring and research programmes.

Gibraltar’s data can be viewed at 

https://aqualink.org/sites/3199.

World Book day at Westside

Westside School’s English Department held their traditional fundraising event for the EV Foundation during World Book Day this year, raising just over £400 for the local charity.

Funds were raised as part of a non-uniform day where pupils could choose to dress up as a literary character and take part in the annual costume competition.

Prizes for the competitions were generously donated by local companies Tramonti Pizzeria, Mamma Mia Pizzeria, The Scented Garden, Thai Orchid Spa, My Wines and The Art Box. Prizes were awarded for best pupil individual and group entries.

RED CROSS APPEAL

Since the 8th February 2023, the Care Agency’s Events Committee, has sought to raise funds for the Gibraltar Red Cross Turkey-Syria Appeal. The British Red Cross launched an urgent appeal for funds, and the Gibraltar Red Cross swung into action to support that appeal.

Several fund-raising events have been held by different teams within the Care Agency, this included different Yoga sessions delivered by Jasmine Viagas, from Jagrathi Yoga.

The Care Agency’s CEO, Carlos Banderas is delighted to announce that a total of £5,354 has been raised.

The Minister for Health and Care, The Hon Albert Isola, said, “I am in admiration towards the genuine vocational care values the professionals at The Care Agency demonstrate who have gone beyond their work to support this appeal.”

Frontier Stamping

HMGoG has issued the following clarification regarding the stamping of passports at the Frontier:

The Borders and Coastguard Agency received reports that some Spanish officers (CNP) had been asking for reasons for travel and stamping passports. HM Government of Gibraltar understands that this appears to have been sporadic and carried out by officers who were unaware of the detail of the interim arrangements agreed by Spain for the Gibraltar border.

The Government understands that the position remains that Gibraltar red ID card holders should not be stamped unless they are travelling for onward travel outside Spain, and that those crossing the border will not routinely be asked to provide a reason for travel.

The Government reminds travellers that it is their responsibility to request a stamp at the Gibraltar border with Spain if they plan to travel further outside Spain, for example to catch a flight to the United Kingdom or France.

HMGoG has announced that an additional Public Access Defibrillator (PAD) has been installed outside No.6 Convent Place. This is in addition to the defibrillators which are already currently placed around key locations in Gibraltar and which form part of the wider PAD programme.

A full list of Public Access Defibrillators locations can be found at https://www.gha.gi/defibrillators-in-gibraltar/

The Chief Minister, the Hon Fabian Picardo KC MP, said, “I am delighted that we have been able to procure an additional defibrillator for public use which has been installed outside No.6 Convent Place and would like to thank the GHA for their assistance with this.

This provides the public with an additional defibrillator in the centre of town and which can, and has proved to be, an essential life-saving device. I take this opportunity to strongly advise the public to familiarise themselves with the locations of Public Access Defibrillators in Gibraltar as it could prove to be life-saving one day.”

SEVILLE VIST FOR DCM

The Deputy Chief Minister Dr Joseph Garcia addressed law students from the University of Seville on the political and constitutional development of Gibraltar, including our departure from the European Union. These educational and informational visits have been taking place since 1984.

NATIONAL HONOURS

The Gibraltar Honours Board (GHB), under the Chairmanship of the Governor, will meet in April to consider nominations for:

The King’s New Year Honours List 2024; and,

The Gibraltar Award, which is awarded by the GHB and announced coincident with

The King’s Birthday Honours 2023.

Nominations should be submitted to recognise those people, from any section of the Gibraltarian Community, who have made an exceptional contribution or given exceptional service in the progression of either the well-being, achievement or reputation of Gibraltar.

Nominations should be submitted no later than 17th March on a Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) Nomination Proforma for the attention of the GHB Secretary, Office of the Governor, The Convent, Main Street, Gibraltar GX11 1AA.

Nominations can be submitted by anyone. A copy of the FCDO Nomination Proforma, along with detailed guidance on its completion, can be obtained from The Convent reception on Main Street or from the GHB Secretary at enquiry.gibraltar@fco.gov.uk

Up to two letters of endorsement from those with a personal knowledge of the nominee’s contribution or service should support nominations.

APPLICATIONS FOR NEW HOUSE SCHEME

The Minister for Economic Development, Joe Bossano has been receiving a number of letters from Senior Citizens expressing interest in purchasing an apartment in the new housing scheme for pensioner home owners, which is being carried out as part of the National Economic Plan and the construction of which is being funded by the Savings Bank.

The first of these properties will be at Laguna Estate subject to successful planning permission.

If there is increased demand more potential sites will be investigated in order to provide sufficient flats for those who wish to participate in the scheme.

Interested parties should address their request to Minister Bossano at the Ministry for Economic Development 31 Town Range, and will receive an acknowledgment that they have been put on the list.

MULTI-LINGUAL GIBRALTAR

Minister for Education and Culture John Cortes met with John Manuel Enriles and Dale Buttigieg of the newly formed Gibraltarians for a Multilingual Society (GMS), together with senior representatives of the Ministry of Culture and Gibraltar Cultural Services.

The discussion centered on the importance, and the benefits of ensuring that Gibraltar remains a multilingual society. All agreed on this and discussed activities and plans that are being developed in various areas to promote multilingualism.

Minister for Education and Culture, the Hon John Cortes, commented, “Multilingualism is part of what makes Gibraltar. It is important socially, professionally and economically and benefits mental health and ability and creativity.

We have an obligation to do all we can to protect our ‘llanito’ as well as to ensure that we take the opportunity that our community offers us to be able to work professionally in more than one language. My teams at Culture and Education share this commitment.

I fully support Gibraltarians for a Multilingual Society in their endeavours”.

Gibraltar remembers the fallen

Clock Rock 22

His Worship the Mayor, Mr Christian Santos GMD, hosted a reception at City Hall to celebrate the success of the Clock2Rock Challenge.

The challenge was completed by Mark Cooper and Ben McNulty in October. They rode their bicycles from Westminster UK to Gibraltar in seven days and twelve hours, averaging a distance of 300kms every day through all weathers.

His Worship congratulated Mr Cooper and Mr McNulty on their achievement, which resulted in them raising over £27,000 which they have donated to Cancer Relief Gibraltar and Calpe House GA.

Present at the reception were their support team Neil Crawford and Mike Milward, sponsors, friends and family, as well as representatives of both charities.

His Worship is always keen to highlight and celebrate achievements by people in our community, especially, as in this case, when their actions are solely for the benefit of others. He thanked all the challenge’s supporters at City Hall and spoke of the generosity of the people of Gibraltar, saying he was humbled by the overwhelming support of the general public both with their donations and their well wishes.

Flue Season is here

Flu season has arrived, as such the gibraltar health authority is seeing an increase in the number of flu and covid-19 related cases, with a number of people having been hospitalised as a result. Globally there is also a rise in the number of covid-19 cases and influenza a in children.

The gibraltar health authority is offering a walk-in vaccination clinic at the primary health centre this week between 1pm and 8pm and saturday and sunday between 8am-2pm. This is for people who suffer from chronic health conditions such as diabetes, lung disease (including asthma), heart disease, morbid obesity and other health problems that can get worse if they contract the flu.

The gha is inviting gibraltarians to attend the walk-in clinic or book an appointment by calling 20052441.

They are also inviting 12-17-year-old children to walk in with their parents and receive the covid-19 or influenza vaccine (parental consent is required). The walk-in clinic operates between 1pm-4:30pm.

If you have any concerns, please seek advice from your gp.

Gibraltar Cultural Services, on behalf of the Ministry of Culture has announced the results of this year’s Cultural Awards. The winners were presented with their awards at a prestigious event at The John Mackintosh Hall, also broadcast by GBC.

The Awards aim to celebrate Gibraltar’s arts and culture, looking at the achievements and successes of individuals and groups between July 2021 and June 2022. These awards recognise and highlight potential, ability, talent, and achievement, whilst at the same time supporting the community’s artistic and cultural development.

The Minister for Culture, The Hon. Professor John Cortes MP said, “The Cultural Awards are a recognition, not just of the achievements of those who receive them, but of the richness and standard of Culture in our community, and the calibre of all its players. I want to thank all who have taken the trouble to nominate, all who have voted, and the panel itself for supporting the Awards and in this way supporting Culture.”

His Majesty’s Government of Gibraltar and the Gibraltar Philatelic Bureau have issued the first set of stamps featuring His Majesty’s Royal Cypher.

The set of stamps titled ‘The 12 days of Christmas’ covers the postage values used in Gibraltar for postal operations throughout the Christmas period. They depict all the gifts that form part of the world-renowned Christmas carol “The Twelve Days of Christmas”.

The stamps have been designed by local graphics artist Mr Stephen Perera, and have been printed on high quality gummed paper.

The Minister for Portal Services, the Hon Vijay Daryanani MP, said, “We are honoured and proud to become the first country to issue a set of stamps with His Majesty’s Royal Cypher. We all know what the Royal family means to Gibraltar. Although we will never forget Her Majesty we will now show the same affection to King Charles, King of Gibraltar”.

The Chief Minister, the Hon Fabian Picardo KC, said, “Gibraltar will be the first of His Majesty’s Realms to send His image around the world on our mail. I am delighted at this demonstration of our loyalty to His Majesty and the Crown.”

Collectors can purchase these stamps from the Philatelic Shop in 104 Main Street or
gibraltar-stamps.com

49th Gibraltar International Art Exhibition

The Gibraltar International Art Exhibition organised by Gibraltar Cultural Services, on behalf of the Ministry of Culture is being held at the Gustavo Bacarisas Gallery. Both local and international artists submitted a total of 128 works.

Gibraltar Literature week

Gibraltar Cultural Services on behalf of the Ministry of Culture will once again be organising Gibraltar Literature Week which will be sponsored by the John Mackintosh Educational Trust. It will run between the 7th and 12th November.

The event is dedicated to promoting Gibraltarian and Gibraltar-based authors and aims to celebrate the importance of books and literature. The Week offers a platform for discussion on a variety of subjects and themes with a focus on educational initiatives and opportunities. GCS is once again organising a varied programme which includes live events, online content, and school visits.

As in the previous Gibraltar Literature Weeks, there will be an international dimension to the event. Established Gibraltarian author Mark Sanchez will be discussing his work and latest publications and writings, as well as working with young aspiring writers.

Giselle Green joins the line-up for the 2022 edition. Having grown up in Gibraltar, the mother of six boys is also a part-time astrologer. The award winning and bestselling author enjoys creating emotionally gripping storylines about family and relationships. Her latest book ‘Where the Magic Is’ will be part of her discussion.

Ele Fountain is a children’s author based in Hampshire who has won the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize and the Guardians Children’s Book of the Year for her work. Her visit to Gibraltar will focus on our younger readership with talks and workshops.

Jamie Reid will also be visiting the Rock. He is the award-winning author of non-fiction books including the biography of Victor Chandler and ‘Doped’ which entails a British racehorse trainer who was a SOE agent in Gibraltar.

The popular ‘An Audience With …’ returns to the Charles Hunt Room, with morning and evening sessions. Limited tickets will be available for those wishing to attend in person. Other events forming part of the Week will include a special vox pop evening to allow for literary stories and experiences to be shared.

More details on the schedule of events, and further contributors, will be released shortly. For further information contact the Development team on 20049161 or development@culture.gov.gi

GIBRALTAR HERITAGE TRUST CALENDAR

This year’s calendar features a set of newly discovered images of Gibraltar painted in the late 19th Century by Colonel Francis Seymour Leslie (1851-1925) during his military service in Gibraltar between 1876 to 1880.

The sketches and watercolours featured in this edition have been safeguarded by the Leslie family for generations until one of his great-grandchildren, Maurice Leslie, approached well-known local collector and restorer, Gil Podesta, some years back and told him his family story. Maurice was keen for his Great-Grandfather’s story to be told and made accessible to the public and saw the Trust’s annual calendar as a way of doing just that as a tribute to Col. Leslie.

Numbers are limited and will be sold at £9.00 from the Main Guard shop or online www.gibraltarheritagetust.org.gi.

(£8.00 for members upon presentation of a valid membership card)

POLIO VACCINE PUSH

Following the detection of larger than normal amounts of Polio virus in the sewage of some parts of London, and due to Gibraltar’s strong travel links with the City, the Director of Public Health has advised that a precautionary approach should be taken. A single booster dose of the Polio vaccine will, therefore, be offered to all children aged between 1 and under 10 years old.

This will be offered at a walk in clinic from the Children’s Primary Care Centre (Suite 975, Europort) from 2-4pm every Thursday from Thursday 15th September. This is being offered to all children aged over 1 to under 10 years old, regardless of whether they have already received a Polio vaccine.

Bermondsey Project Space

Nine artists will be representing Gibraltar at a special exhibition in Bermondsey Project Space, in London, in September.

The event is organised by Gibraltar Cultural Services on behalf of the Ministry of Culture and is part of the National Week celebrations, aiming to put the Rock on the artistic map and provide a snapshot of what Gibraltar means to the community.

The nine is a mix of established artists and younger up and coming artists, many of whom have recently been recognised by international adjudicators in competitive exhibitions and who have been very active in the local scene over the past year. The exhibition is based on the theme “Gibraltar, Our Sacred Earth, A Sense of Space”.

Lorraine Buhagiar will be submitting two artworks which are inspired by the reminder of the sense of belonging to her ‘homeland and community’. The works evoke previous memories for the artist and comprise mixed media.

Shane Dalmedo’s sculptures depict her memories, a place she, “…yearned for, held, remembered…”. Her works feature mixed media sculptures, and a figure, one of which is titled “Llévame Donde Naci”.

Naomi Duarte will exhibit six scannographic photographs. Naomi comments that “Gibraltar has an ephemeral quality … timeless beauty and culture.”

Leslie Gaduzo will be exhibiting three of his paintings, two of which are of Gibraltar in times gone by. The artist commented, “… despite time, we inhabit the same spaces, same streets and feel the intensity of the sun falling as they did then.”

Alan Perez will be submitting a video installation piece which was a collaborative project with Stephane Dominicy and Aaron Yeandle one of the 2019 Island Games residency contributors.

The piece features, and is inspired by, The Queen’s Cinema.

Monica Popham, in her works, reflects Gibraltar and its densely packed architecture and recognisable features. On each wooden tile, the artist depicts a fragment of sunlight falling on Gibraltar’s urban landscape.

Sebastian Rodriguez will be submitting four artworks which convey the sacred and sense of space. Most of his works have been painted from life, including Trafalgar Cemetery, his personal place for respite.

Karl Ullger will be submitting five artworks, commenting that “wherever you stand in Gibraltar, you will be showered with cultural diversity”.

Zulaika Vallance will be exhibiting both a painting and video. Her piece “Surreal Childhood” won first prize in 2021 at The Young Artist competition. Gibraltar, she says has always been inspiration for her work, it is where she learnt to draw, paint and think creatively.

GCS believes the experience will be important in promoting Gibraltarian artists abroad. Bermondsey Project Space is a flagship venue for both emerging and established artists. Exhibiting at this key cultural venue in London will be beneficial to the artists, raising their artistic profile and showcasing the Rock’s high standard of artistic work.

NATIONAL HONOURS CALL FOR NOMINATIONS

The Gibraltar Honours Board (GHB), under the Chairmanship of the Governor, will meet in October to consider nominations for the Queen’s Birthday Honours List 2023 and the Gibraltar Award, which is awarded by the Governor on behalf of the GHB and announced at the same time as the New Year Honours List 2023.

Nominations should be submitted to recognise those people, from any section of the Gibraltarian Community, who have made an exceptional contribution or given exceptional service in the progression of either the well-being, achievement or reputation of Gibraltar.

Nominations should be submitted no later than Friday 30th September on a Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) Nomination Form for the attention of the GHB Secretary, Office of the Governor, The Convent, Main Street, Gibraltar GX11 1AA.

Nominations can be submitted by anyone.

A copy of the FCDO Nomination Form, along with detailed guidance on its completion, can be obtained from The Convent entrance on Main Street or from the GHB Secretary at enquiry.gibraltar@fcdo.gov.uk

Please note that the nomination form has been amended for this round and all nominations must be submitted on the new form.

Up to two letters of endorsement from those with a personal knowledge of the nominee’s contribution or service should support nominations.

Nominations will be considered by the GHB for the following Honours:

Companion of Saint Michael and Saint George (CMG) and Commander of the British Empire (CBE). Awarded for having a prominent national role, a conspicuous leading role in regional affairs through achievement or service to the community, or a distinguished and innovative contribution to his or her area of activity.

Officer of the British Empire (OBE). Awarded for a distinguished regional or national role in any field, through achievement or service to the community including notable practitioners known locally.

Member of the British Empire (MBE). Awarded for achievement or service in and to the community which is outstanding in its field and has delivered sustained and real impact which stands out as an example to others.

British Empire Medal (BEM). Awarded for achievement or contribution of a very hands-on service to the local community. This might take the form of sustained commitment in support of a local charitable and/or voluntary activity, or innovative work that has delivered real impact but that is relatively short (three to four years) in duration.

Gibraltar Award (GA). Awarded to residents of Gibraltar who have served and contributed to the interests of Gibraltar and its people in an exceptional manner that is particularly worthy of special recognition.

Golf Marathon Challenge Tournament Fundraising Presentations

Golf Marathon Man David Steele, well known in Gibraltar and along the Costa del Sol, presented cheques to the two charities that benefited from the Golf Marathon Challenge that took place at the San Roque Club in July when David undertook to play six rounds of marathon speed golf, the idea being that teams should not take more than two and a half hours per round. 

“I’m thrilled with the results of this fundraising tournament and it is astonishing how well everybody who took part did considering this speed marathon format challenge hasn’t been attempted at the San Roque Club before,” David says.

David smashed his fundraising goal of €10,000, with the final total raised being just over €20,000 for two very worthy charities: Cancer Research Spain and Centro Contigo in La Linea, a charity for disadvantaged children and their families.

David is pictured below with representatives from both charities

Fingers on the Pulse

As part of their Continuous Professional Training, two of the RGP’s Crime Scene Investigators have improved their ability to match fingerprints against databases of stored prints.

PCs Caitriana Parker and Amandine Vallee successfully passed a one-week training course run by Ladislav Brenvasser of Thales Group, the manufacturer of the RGP’s fingerprinting equipment.

A Visit to the RGP

Three youngsters were given a tour of the RGP’s Traffic Compound by PC Julian Cruz this morning.

Ashleigh, Amelia and Oliver tried on police uniforms and sat in some of the police vehicles are part of their visit.

An RGP spokesman said: “Judging by their smiles, it looks like they had a great time. Visits like this are a good way to introduce our police officers to children from a young age, so that they know we are here to help them.”

The Chief Minister delivered HM the Queen’s personal card to Mr Hector Cohen MBE on his 100th birthday. Mr Picardo conveyed the congratulations of the whole of Gibraltar in wishing Mr Cohen a happy birthday.

Heritage awards call for entries

The Gibraltar Heritage Trust has invited nominations from the public for this year’s round of Heritage Awards. 

The Heritage Awards have been presented annually by the Gibraltar Heritage Trust since 1993. The awards will be made for outstanding sensitivity or contribution to Gibraltar’s heritage. They may be made to an individual (including juniors under the age of 16), group, team, club, firm or company for a positive contribution, of any kind, that has enhanced Gibraltar’s heritage, or for exceptional, successful efforts in preserving a part of Gibraltar’s heritage.

The object of the awards is to recognise heritage conservation projects and developments and encourage the involvement of the community in achieving high standards of restoration of buildings, structures and monuments in Gibraltar, thereby promoting public recognition and awareness of Gibraltar’s rich heritage and history. 

Here are four categories of award:

1. Junior Heritage Award: for projects carried out by a school, youth group or individual under the age of 16
2. Group Heritage Award: Awarded to companies, groups or developers
3. Individual Heritage Award: Awarded to projects undertaken by private individuals
4. Special Commendation: Awarded at the discretion of the Board of the Heritage Trust to individuals, groups or companies felt to have contributed to the positive promotion of heritage issues

For entry forms or to find out more, visit gibraltarheritagetrust.org.gi 

Gibraltar Cultural Services on behalf of the Ministry of Culture has announced several cultural events in London as part of the National Week Celebrations. A Cultural Soiree to celebrate Gibraltar’s identity kicks off things on Monday 5th September.

This is being organised by GCS together with 2021 Cultural Ambassador recipient, Gabriel Moreno, bringing together musicians, poets, novelist, and creators amongst others to explore Gibraltar’s uniqueness. This event at Tower Theatre promises musical performances, shared ideas, poetry, and togetherness.

Tickets – which are free – can be obtained on Buytickets.gi

A networking breakfast follows the next morning at Gibraltar House. This is aimed at professionals working in the cultural and artistic fields so they may connect, share ideas, and possibly find ways to collaborate.

The evening of Tuesday 6th September will see the launch of a special art exhibition at Bermondsey Project Space. The Minister for Culture, The Hon Prof. John Cortes will open the show.

Nine artists have been selected to form part of the initiative, exploring Gibraltar under the title a ‘Sense of Place/ A Sacred Place’. The nine are a mixture of established and up and coming artists, providing a varied exhibition which includes paintings, photographs, sculpture, and video installations. The exhibition will run for three weeks putting Gibraltar on the map in the capital.

Whilst in London, the Minister will also visit art studios in Greenwich to see first-hand how this idea has been developed in the UK. He will be accompanied by GCS CEO Seamus Byrne. This will allow them to explore the concept of artists’ studios further in a bid to be able to deliver this on the Rock.

For more details, call 20041961 or email development@culture.gov.gi

Witham’s Cemetery

The Gibraltar Heritage Trust has officially reopened Witham’s Cemetery to the public following the unveiling of a commemorative plaque by the Hon Dr. John Cortes, Minister for Heritage. 

The project to restore and recover the cemetery from the point of dereliction began in 2015 and has taken 6 years of hard work and dedication from a team of volunteers led by Trustees Dr. Keith Farrell and Mr. Charlie Lugaro.

Over 16 regular volunteers have been involved throughout the project as well as occasional work parties from local firms or interest groups. Together, their formidable efforts have recovered this green space and given a dignified and respectful resting place for the over 233 individuals buried there.

Witham’s Cemetery, also known as The Officer’s Cemetery and Sandpits Cemetery, is located between Knight’s Court and St John’s Court in the south district (Witham’s Road/St. Joseph’s Road). Named after Captain Witham, an 18th Century British Officer who was involved in the Great Siege of Gibraltar, this cemetery is primarily the resting place for officers and their families, as well as members of the establishment of the time.

Although these burials date from the late 18th to early 20th Century, the majority of burials found here are from the first to the third quarter of the 19th Century. It is estimated that over 20% of the graves here are that of children. This high child mortality rate, low-life expectancy was typical of the period.

Queen’s Birthday Honours

Her Majesty The Queen has granted the following National Honours:

Mr Kishinchand Ladharam Alwani to be an Officer of The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (OBE) for services to philanthropic and charitable work in Gibraltar.

Mr Gregory Miles Standish Butcher to be an Officer of The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (OBE) for services to the economy and charitable work in Gibraltar.

Major Frederick John Pitto to be a Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE) for services to Headquarters British Forces Gibraltar.

Mrs Susan Vallejo to be a Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE) for services to leadership in healthcare in Gibraltar during the COVID-19 pandemic.

On behalf of the Gibraltar Honours Board, His Excellency the Governor, Vice Admiral Sir David Steel KBE DL, has granted the Gibraltar Award to:

Mr Norbert Sene for services to the Catholic Community in Gibraltar.

Mr Matthew Turnock for services to the Disabled Community in Gibraltar.

JUBILEE EXHIBITION

The Deputy Chief Minister, the Hon Dr Joseph Garcia CMG MP, opened an exhibition to mark the Platinum
Jubilee of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

The exhibition follows the excellent celebrations which have taken place across the United Kingdom, the Commonwealth and Gibraltar over the long weekend and comes before the Royal Visit which starts tomorrow. It has been expertly curated by the archivist, Anthony Pitaluga MBE.

On display at the exhibition will be 303 captioned images, on 202 A1 Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) panels. The exhibition comprises four main sections entitled Heiress Presumptive, Accession & Coronation, Royal Tour & Gibraltar Visit, and Seventy Years of Reign. Entry is free of charge and members of the public are strongly encouraged to attend.

The Deputy Chief Minister, the Hon Dr Joseph Garcia CMG MP, said, “The link between the People of Gibraltar and their Sovereign is solid and unbreakable; as solid as the Rock itself. Her Majesty The Queen is Queen of Gibraltar also and so the Government felt it was right to open this exhibition as a tribute to Her Majesty on the occasion of her Platinum Jubilee.

This is a truly historic and unprecedented occasion. No other British Monarch has ever reigned for 70 years. Her Majesty’s loyalty and devotion to duty has been exemplary and long may she continue to reign over us.”