Community

Gibraltar Cultural Services on behalf of the Ministry of Culture has been delighted with the response and feedback to its summer programme.

It’s featured a variety of workshops, street art tours and storytelling sessions. The programme aims to promote the arts and provide creative opportunities for young people, has offered activities to individuals and hosted groups from the GSLA’s Stay and Play programme, Mindspace and GBC’s Summer Camp mini media crew.

World Suicide Prevention

September is Suicide Prevention Month when countries worldwide raise awareness of suicide
prevention and mental health. 

Since 2018, Gibraltar’s community has rallied
behind GibSams each September to support the charity’s outreach events throughout the month, spread awareness of GibSams listening services and get the community talking about their mental health.

GibSams’ theme for their awareness campaign this year is ‘Break the Silence’. They hope to highlight the importance of opening up and sharing thoughts, feelings and struggles with others.

Call GibSams for a free, confidential, non-judgemental chat on 116 123 or live chat online at www.gibsams.gi

CHIEF MINISTER MEETS NAUTILUS PROJECT YOUTH LEADERS

The Chief Minister Fabian Picardo met with the Nautilus Project’s Youth Leaders. The 12 Youth Leaders are working with the Nautilus Project throughout the summer. The Chief Minister reiterated his support for the programme and thanked the team for their work on environmental awareness and conservation.

European Mobility Week

The Ministry of Transport will join the Ayuntamiento de La Linea in celebration of European Mobility Week, from 16-22 September 2023.

For the first time, Gibraltarian cyclists will join the bicycle ‘march’ En bici por La Linea, which follows a 16 kilometre route across the city. The activity aims to promote good neighbourly relations, raise awareness of sustainable transport across both sides of the frontier, and promote healthy lifestyle changes for citizens of both cities.

Participation is free. For more information and to register head to:

tinyurl.com/5acpz2z8

The Minister for Transport, the Hon Paul Balban, said, “I’m pleased that Gibraltarian cyclists will for the first time be participating in this important event, which promotes sustainable transport across both Gibraltar and La Linea.”

Gibraltar Tiles

The Gibraltar Heritage Trust has announced a new placemat and coaster design in their Gibraltar Tiles.

The set features tile designs from property entrances in John Mackintosh Square, George’s Lane, Naval Hospital Road, and Turnbull’s Lane.

As with previously, they have been designed by talented local artist Beatrice Garcia who has taken a slightly more modern approach in interpreting this offering with bolder design crops and intricate detail.  

You can find this at the Main Guard Gift & Bookshop and gibraltarheritagetrust.org.gi

The minister and the monkey

Local Gibraltar based author, Amanda Simmons, and illustrator, Phoebe Noble, have written a new book, “The Minister and the Monkey.”

It is the first instalment in the “Walter from Gibraltar” adventure series, which promises to give young readers a sense of home while also exposing the unique magic of Gibraltar to a wider audience.

It tells the story of a young Barbary ape named Walter who struggles with reading and writing in school. But when the Queen of the United Kingdom visits The Rock and finds Herself in a bind, Walter rises to the occasion and saves the day with his cunning and overlooked skills.

“It is a book that will capture the hearts of both children and adults,” says Amanda. “It’s a fun and engaging with a story that will have readers cheering for Walter from beginning to end. The story takes young readers on a journey through familiar places in Gibraltar, showcasing the beauty and magic of this unique place.”

Limited edition signed copies are now available for pre-order via www.amandanoblesimmons.com or via Instagram at gi.bookcase.

It will also be on Amazon.

BREAST CANCER SUPPORT TAPAS NIGHT

Breast Cancer Support Gibraltar is organising its annual fund raising Tapas Night on Thursday 20th July 2023.  This is open to members of the public who are welcome to attend and help support the charity.

The event will take at Dolphin Restaurant, Rosia Bay, starting at 8:30 pm.  Tickets are £28 per person and includes paella, calamares, ensaladilla rusa and more.  There will also be some live music.

Members of the public wishing to attend should book by contacting
Shereen on WhatsApp +350 54012731 or visiting the booking site at
https://gbz.media/TapasNight

Two in a row for Jack Prior at Henley Royal Regatta

In an impressive display of skill and determination, Gibraltar native Jack Prior has emerged victorious once again at the prestigious Henley Royal Regatta. The talented rower secured his second consecutive win at the renowned event, solidifying his status as one of the worlds frontline rowers.

This year, Jack advanced in seniority and assumed the stroke seat for the coxless fours event, known as the Visitors’ Challenge Cup. The draw boasted several formidable contenders, including renowned American institutions such as Harvard and Princeton. Additionally, Australian challengers from Melbourne and strong British competitors, including Leander Rowing Club, provided fierce opposition for Oxford Brookes.

Throughout the week, Jack and his crew meticulously progressed through the rounds, effortlessly dispatching the Isis BC & London RC composite crew in the initial stage. The formidable Harvard University team was then ruthlessly defeated, serving as a clear warning to all competitors. In the semi-finals, a spirited composite crew from Molesey and the University of Bristol put up a fierce fight but fell short, leaving Jack’s crew to face their great rivals, Leander Rowing Club, in the final showdown.

In the wake of his historic victory, Prior expressed his gratitude to his coaches, teammates, and supporters, acknowledging their unwavering belief in his abilities. He attributed his success to the collective effort of a tight-knit team and vowed to continue striving for even greater achievements in the future.

When asked about his emotions following his remarkable triumph, Prior expressed his gratitude and delight, stating, “Winning at the Henley Royal Regatta for a second year in a row is an incredible honor. I am immensely proud to represent Gibraltar on this international stage and to bring this victory home to my fellow Gibraltarians.”

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.

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.