Community

World heart day

World Heart Day is a global campaign where individuals, families, communities and Governments around the world participate in activities to take charge of their heart health and that of others.

Created by the World Heart Federation, World Heart Day informs people around the world that cardiovascular disease (CVD), including heart disease and stroke is the world’s leading cause of death claiming 18.6 million lives each year, and highlights the actions that individuals can take to prevent and control CVD.

In order to mark this very important day, the GHA hosted an awareness stand outside St Bernard’s Hospital. The GHA invited the community to visit the awareness stall where Healthcare professionals shared their knowledge and provided Gibraltarians with the tools they need to live longer and healthier lives. The stall contained information leaflets prepared by the GHA’s Cardiac Rehab team and nurses also provided basic life support demonstrations.

Clinical Nurse Specialist, Mr Gerry Fortuna, who leads Cardiac Rehabilitation Services said, “World Heart Day is only one day a year to reflect upon heart health. How we think, and the choices we make, the remaining 364 days of the year, is equally as important towards cardiac health and overall wellbeing. Our healthcare specialist team at the Lionel Perez Cardiac Rehab Centre, remain totally committed to offering cardiac clients and their families, effective evidence- based, cardiac prevention and rehabilitation strategies; structured programmes and a platform of patient support. The team’s main objective on this day is to create maximum cardiac awareness, which will assist us to keep cardiac incidence in Gibraltar to a bare minimum”.

The Minister for Health and Care, The Hon Samantha Sacramento, opened the awareness stand this morning and added, “As the world struggles to fight the Pandemic, we’ve never been more aware of the importance of our and our loved one’s health. Cardiovascular disease is the number one cause of death globally and it has many causes; from smoking, diabetes, high blood pressure and obesity. Taking care of our hearts right now is more important than ever. The GHA, as the Government’s healthcare provider, remains committed to implement policies and initiatives that will lead to positive changes and encourage individuals to lead a healthier lifestyle. I therefore thank the community who attended our awareness stall”.

Doe recruitment

The Duke Of Edinburgh’s International Award is looking to recruit new participants in Gibraltar.

If you are aged 14 to 24 years then you can take part in your own time, and at your pace.

The Award comprises three levels, Bronze, Silver and Gold; with each level having four sections: Voluntary Service, Physical Recreation, Skills and Adventurous Journey. There is an additional section, Gold Residential Project, for those at that level.

If you’re a pupil at Bayside, Westside Schools or Prior Park School keep an ear out for announcements in the coming weeks.

Or, if you belong to the Air Training Corps or Scouts Gibraltar, ask your Leaders about undertaking the Award.

Even iff you are no longer in school, or not a member of the above, but want to find out more, including how to enrol, get in touch – info@thedukes.gi

New life for an old lime kiln

The on-going programme of heritage restoration has completed restoration works on the Old Lime Kiln located at Willis’ Road on the Upper Rock. 

The Lime Kiln was constructed in the late 19th Century or very early 20th Century and is one of two such kilns located on either side of Gibraltar’s western and eastern slopes, which produced quicklime for use in the construction of Gibraltar’s water catchments and underground reservoirs. This a practice that can be traced back to the 14th Century, when quicklime was employed to paint houses and patios.

Minister for Heritage John Cortes commented, “The restoration of another heritage asset continues our policy of investing in small scale but highly valuable projects that enhance and develop what we have on offer. Yet again, we have found a way to beautify a site that had been neglected for decades”. 

​The Rotary Club of Gibraltar youth grant funded by the Duke of Edinburgh Golf Charity fund is now open to applicants.

The Duke of Edinburgh Golf Charity was launched by Deputy Governor Nick Pyle and his wife Ros Day.  A cheque for £10,000 was also presented by the Deputy Governor to Rotary President, Jane Hart Simmons, during a formal handover ceremony at the start of August in the Convent Garden. During the presentation Nick Pyle commented that he was delighted to partner with Rotary in helping those young people in the community in need.

The Rotary club of Gibraltar will be distributing grants totaling £10,000 in the forthcoming year. These grants are available to youth groups and individuals within Gibraltar. The Rotary Club expects a wide ranging selection of projects from short educational and vocational courses, to sports or endurance attainment.

Applicants should be aged between 14 and 19 years old and will need to show that a specific project for which funding is sought will improve their physical and mental well-being. 

The grants awarded range from £200-£500 and applicants can find the application form at rotaryclubgibraltar.org Completed applications should be sent to info@rotaryclubgibraltar.org

Gibraltar Cultural Services, on behalf of the Ministry of Culture, is pleased to announce the nominees for the 2021 Cultural Awards. The Awards are aimed at celebrating the best of Gibraltar’s arts and culture to recognise potential, ability, talent, and achievement supporting the community’s cultural development. 

As part of the process, the public is encouraged to vote for their preferred nominees. The public lines will be launched in September with the support of Gibtelecom, who will be providing the telephone numbers. Proceeds from the calls will be donated to the GBC Open Day. 

JUNIOR (Under 15’s) 

1. Gino Ochello 

‘Best Youth Actor’ Drama Festival, involved in GAMPA online programming and other Academy performances. 

2. Louis Pitto 

Short Story Competition winner, year group 6/7 (Spring Festival), Poetry Competition Highly Commended, year group 7/10 (Autumn Festival). 

3. Mia Hook 

Overall winner of Bookmark Competition & school years 7/10. 1st Place Jazz Duet & 2nd Place Commercial Solo at online Global Dance Open. 

YOUTH (Under 25’s) 

1. Carmen Anderson 

‘Best Supporting Actress’ at Drama Festival, & jointly directed additional play. Online blog, ‘Into the Industry’ series of interviews with professionals working in the Arts. Regular contributor to local papers & magazines. 

2. Darius Oliva 

Young Musician of the Year (top prize) Gibraltar Festival of Young Musicians, Parasol Foundation Scholarship recipient, involved in GAMPA online programming. 

3. Louis Emmitt Stern 

Directed and performed play ‘Lungs’ post lockdown. Ran series of workshops to promote access to drama courses for young people receiving free school meals in the UK. Delivered drama and writing workshops in Gibraltar working with various organisations. 

4. Stephane Dominicy 

Composed music for ‘Times of Closure’ documentary. Collaborated in video that won category in Spring Visual Arts Competition. Created several musical pieces during lockdown available on Spotify. 

5. Zulaika Vallance 

‘Young Artist prize’ at International Art Exhibition 2020, 1st Prize at the Young Art Exhibition 2021 and received a Highly Commended Award at the Spring Visual Arts Exhibition 2021. 

SENIOR (Over 25’s) 

1. Ian Serra 

Production of full-length horror film with Gibraltar as the setting using a local cast, the first feature film produced entirely in Gibraltar by Gibraltarians. 

2. Karl Ullger 

1st Prize in Heritage Trust’s 2020 online competition. Shortlisted for UK’s Jackson painting prize out of 8674 entries. Highly Commended in 2020 International Art Competition. ‘Best Gibraltar Theme’ at Spring Visual Arts Competition 2021. Strong online presence. 

3. Kitchen Studios 

Organised two exhibitions at GEMA with interactive material and collaborations. Provided online content throughout lockdown, with artist takeovers. Ran workshop for Youth Arts Jamboree 2021. 

4. Richard Garcia 

Published two volumes on Gibraltar’s social history ‘Forging a Civilian Population’ and ‘Ordinary Life in Peace and War, 1749-1783’. Current editor of Gibraltar Heritage Trust Journal. Contributed to Literature Week 2020, and published series of articles on Loreto Convent 175th Anniversary. 

BEST EDUCATIONAL PROJECT 

1. Geraldine Martinez

Street Art Mural selected for Department of Education Façade as urban renewal programme, raises awareness of the environment and nature. 

2. Gibraltar Heritage Trust Painting Competition

In its 32nd edition the competition promotes awareness of Heritage sites whilst producing an artistic record of Gibraltar. It attracts participant of all ages and abilities. The 2020 lockdown edition went ahead with the theme ‘A View from my Window’, the 2021 version attracted around 60 artists. 

3. Westside School Writer of the Week

English Department’s ‘Writer of the Week’, an anthology of creative writing as part of the school’s ‘Writer of the Week’ initiative. The project was promoted online with a video produced by students. Additionally, Westside produced a thoughtful and intrinsic display to mark Armistice Day. 

The Awards ceremony is scheduled for Wednesday 3rd November 2021 at the Sunborn Hotel. 

The Gibraltar Youth Service is excited to invite young people to participate in their #Rockthrifters project.

#Rockthrifters is a collaborative project between the Gibraltar Youth Service & Clubhouse Gibraltar, with the vision to create a culture in Gibraltar of buying previously loved items of clothing and to encourage reuse, repurpose and up-cycling of garments.

Charlene Figueras, Senior Youth Worker said, “The aim is to deliver a programme that educates young people around the issues of fabric waste. This initiative allows them to understand budgeting skills, encourage them to buy smarter and inspire them to be more creative in how they present themselves and dress by reusing what they have and to be unique.

“We encourage the public to support this project and buy from the Clubhouse charity shop and post their outfits with the @rockthrifters handle and #rockthrifters hashtag to social media.”

Event Guidance Update

Public Health Gibraltar has revised the guidance for small, seated, ticketed events. This means that ticket holders need to be either fully vaccinated with two doses or have had a negative COVID test within the previous 24 hours in order to attend the event.

The revised guidance supersedes earlier information whereby ticket holders attending small, seated, events were required to be double vaccinated and have a negative COVID test within the previous 24 hours.

Event organisers are reminded that if they wish to hold an event they are to complete an event notification form Appendix_B_Event_Notification_Form from  www.culture.gi and submit it to entertainment.licence@gibraltar.gov.gi

HERITAGE AWARDS

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, thus promoting public recognition and awareness of Gibraltar’s heritage and history. 

There are four categories of Award: 

Junior Heritage Award: 

Awarded to projects carried out by a school, youth group or individual under the age of 16.

Group Heritage Award: 

Awarded to companies, groups or developers.

Individual Heritage Award: 

Awarded to projects undertaken by private individuals.

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. 

Further details about the awards and nomination forms can be obtained from the Trust’s office at the Main Guard, 13 John Mackintosh Square, Mondays to Fridays, during normal office hours, or can be requested from exec@gibraltarheritagetrsust.org.gi or downloaded from gibraltarheritagetrust.org.gi

Closing date for nominations is Tuesday 14th September 2021. 

GHA Recognition

The artist will be running a creative workshop using unwanted plastics and non-recyclable materials into art, based on her recent installation at GEMA, titled ‘Reduce, Reuse, Recycle – Mandala’. Participants are encouraged to bring clean, empty crisp packets and bottle tops. The workshop is suitable for children aged 10-14.

The GHA’s Director of Nursing Services and the Ambulance Service Sandra Gracia MBE has been awarded an Honorary Fellowship by the Royal College of Nursing in recognition of her outstanding contribution to nursing.

A Fellowship is the highest honour that the Royal College of Nursing Council can bestow on a member.

Minister for Health and Care, the Hon Samantha Sacramento said, “I am delighted that Sandie’s remarkable contribution to nursing and healthcare in Gibraltar has again been recognised this time by the Royal College of Nursing. This prestigious honour is testament to Sandie’s exceptional professionalism and inspirational leadership in guiding the GHA’s nursing services through the extraordinary challenge of the COVID-19 pandemic. Congratulations, Sandie, on this well- deserved distinction.”

ERS PRECAUTIONARY VISITOR CLOSURE

The Gibraltar Health Authority and Elderly Residential Services have, with regret, made the decision under Public Health advice to stop visits to residential homes. This is in order to safeguard residents against the current high incidence of positive cases in the community and the increase in COVID-19 related hospital admissions.

The reinstatement of visits will be evaluated on a daily basis and held under constant review against the incidence of the positive cases in the community.

The GHA and ERS wanted to put it on record that they thanked all residents and their families for their understanding and cooperation in this matter.

The Minister for Health and Care, the Hon Samantha Sacramento said, “It is with a heavy heart that once again we have been advised to close our residential homes to visitors in order to protect the safety and wellbeing of our residents. This will be kept under constant review and visits will be resumed as soon as it is considered safe to do so.”

BEHIND THE SCENES WITH THE GDP

The Gibraltar Defence Police’s work to keep the Rock safe is continuous. Ahead of the recent Queen’s Birthday Parade, the GDP worked extensively with other agencies, as well as on their own, to ensure that the event could go ahead safely for everyone in Gibraltar to enjoy.

His Worship the Mayor, Mr Christian Santos GMD, has invited nominations for The Pride of Gibraltar Awards 2021. These Awards, part of the We are One Campaign, and in collaboration with the Gibraltar International Bank, will celebrate the “unsung heroes” who have worked tirelessly and selflessly during the COVID Pandemic in Gibraltar.

The public has been asked to nominate individuals from all walks of life who have made a real difference in the community. These nominees may have sacrificed their time volunteering, helping friends, family or neighbours, or perhaps have gone above and beyond their duties at work.

His Worship the Mayor, Mr Christian Santos GMD, has invited nominations for The Pride of Gibraltar Awards 2021. These Awards, part of the We are One Campaign, and in collaboration with the Gibraltar International Bank, will celebrate the “unsung heroes” who have worked tirelessly and selflessly during the COVID Pandemic in Gibraltar.

The public has been asked to nominate individuals from all walks of life who have made a real difference in the community. These nominees may have sacrificed their time volunteering, helping friends, family or neighbours, or perhaps have gone above and beyond their duties at work.

The Awards will highlight people whose actions made others more comfortable without asking for any recompense or recognition, and who made the impact of those trying times a little less arduous.

Nomination Forms are available at the City Hall Reception or can be requested  from mayor@gibraltar.gov.gi

The closing date for nominations is on Friday 23rd July 2021.

More information is available from 200 47592 or
mayor@gibraltar.gov.gi

olunteering, helping friends, family or neighbours, or perhaps have gone above and beyond their duties at work.

The Awards will highlight people whose actions made others more comfortable without asking for any recompense or recognition, and who made the impact of those trying times a little less arduous.

Nomination Forms are available at the City Hall Reception or can be requested  from mayor@gibraltar.gov.gi

The closing date for nominations is on Friday 23rd July 2021.

More information is available from 200 47592 or
mayor@gibraltar.gov.gi

More information is available from 200 47592 or
mayor@gibraltar.gov.gi

Covid cancels events

HMGoG has taken the precautionary step of cancelling all large events from now until September on its premises in response to the rising number of COVID cases in Gibraltar.

The only events that will for the moment proceed with will be smaller, seated, ticketed events, and only with patrons being double vaccinated and having had a negative COVID test within the previous 24 hours.

The Ministry of Culture and the Office of Civil Contingencies will be reaching out to event organisers to explain further, and the Ministry will assist in holding these events in the future when the situation once again improves.

The Government has also called on private bars, restaurants and nightclubs to be cautious in the events that they hold, to strictly control numbers, and to ensure that patrons are vaccinated and have a negative COVID-19 test result.

Mayor’s Reception

His Worship the Mayor, Mr Christian Santos GMD, hosted a reception in honour of all Cultural Youth Festival Winners. The event was an acknowledgement of the hard work, dedication and commitment shown by these artistic young members of the community in the pursuit of their goals.

The reception was one of the first held in the City Hall as part of His Worship’s ‘We Are One’ campaign, highlighting and celebrating achievements.

Summer workshops & Activities

Gibraltar Cultural Services is offering a number of workshops and activities for young people to enjoy this summer. The programme includes two art related workshops at GEMA Gallery with short gallery tours included, and a Summer Reading Challenge at The John Mackintosh Hall Library. This aims to encourage young readers to keep up their reading, explore new texts and advance their reading skills over the summer months.

Tuesday 13th July, 11am: Zoe Bishop ‘Move to Create Workshop’

This workshop will offer a series of games in which children can collaborate in creating art through enjoyable activities. The workshop is suited to children aged 6-11. Suitable and comfortable clothing should be worn.

Monday 19th July, 11am: Ermelinda Duarte ‘Recycling and Art’ 

The artist will be running a creative workshop using unwanted plastics and non-recyclable materials into art, based on her recent installation at GEMA, titled ‘Reduce, Reuse, Recycle – Mandala’. Participants are encouraged to bring clean, empty crisp packets and bottle tops. The workshop is suitable for children aged 10-14.

Summer Reading Challenge at the John Mackintosh Hall Library 

Young readers will set their own reading goal for the summer months with books of their choice. They will meet every other week and will be encouraged to discuss their favourite characters, plots, book choices and more. Sessions will be led by young leaders and take place every other Wednesday throughout July and August, starting on Wednesday 14th July, from 11am to 12pm.

Street Art Mural Tour 

A guided tour of Gibraltar’s street art. An opportunity to learn about the artists and their murals whilst walking through Gibraltar’s iconic streets. Under 12’s must be accompanied by an adult. This will take place on Tuesday 27th July at 10:30am.

Booking is essential for all events. Call 20049161 or email
development@culture.gov.gi for more information and bookings. 

National Theatre Project

Her Majesty’s Government of Gibraltar has revealed plans for a new “National Theatre and Cultural Hub” at the John Mackintosh Hall complex.

The aim of this ambitious project is to develop new cultural facilities that will include the creation of a 900 to 1000 seater National Theatre, a new national lending library and a multi-purpose performing arts studio. New visual art spaces as well as ancillary spaces that will cater for broadcasting and live programming and will include other mutli-purpose areas, are also part of the vision.

The proposed redesign, construction and expansion of this site supports the Government’s strategic plan for Culture and the Arts. However, given the profound and lasting effect of Covid-19 in the community, the Government cannot at this time commit the amount of funding that this project requires to achieve the standards that Gibraltar will expect. Therefore, as it believes in the importance of this project, it has spearheaded the creation of a Gibraltar National Theatre Foundation, as an avenue for raising the funds necessary to make this a reality.

The Gibraltar National Theatre Foundation will have of a Board of Trustees, chaired by the Minister for Culture, whose purpose will be the raising of funds to make this project a reality. HE the Governor, Sir David Steele KBE, has agreed to be Patron of the Trust. The Foundation will seek support from philanthropists, companies and businesses, cultural entities and trusts, from Gibraltar and abroad. 

The Trustees are Peter Montegriffo, Kishin Alwani, Nyreen Llamas, Charles Sacarello, Keri Scott, Dale Cruz and Maxi Torres. 

The Minister for Culture, The Hon Prof Dr John Cortes MP commented, “Gibraltar has a rich tradition in the arts since the early 1800’s and today thousands of people take to the performing arts. We have world champions, professional performers in the West End, professional artists, actors and musicians abroad and they as well as Gibraltar, deserve this project that will have ramifications throughout the community.

We need a new cultural hub to achieve the revolution in Culture that the community deserves. Grand, majestic, and modern. A cultural hub that will be a lasting tribute to the thousands of Gibraltarian performers and artists and a major contribution to Gibraltar’s social and cultural evolution.”

CLUBHOUSE COURSE

Gibraltar Cultural Services staff attended an Introduction to Mental Health course, delivered by Clubhouse Gibraltar. Trainers Mary-Anne Nacimiento and Glen Simpson covered a range of sensitive issues which impact and concern the whole of the community, with the overriding message that “there is no health without mental health”.

Attendees received an overview on various diagnosable mental health conditions, risk factors, how to recognise signs and symptoms, and coping mechanisms to use when feeling anxious or stressed.

GCS staff members learned about the vast range of work Clubhouse undertakes in Gibraltar.

The annual Mayor’s Awards Ceremonies were held at the Mayor’s Parlour on 18th and 19th May 2021. Following nominations from members of the public and endorsed by the Awards Committee, His
Worship the Mayor Mr John Gonçalves MBE GMD, conferred The Mayor’s Award as follows

For being an ambassador to Gibraltar in the football industry, through the
media, overseas university lectures and other engagements, whilst also
engaging in numerous charitable activities.

Mayor’s Award to: Kenneth Asquez
For her efforts in assisting the more vulnerable members of the Moroccan community, in so doing helping them integrate into the wider Gibraltarian
community.

Mayor’s Award to: Yasmine Ben Youssef
For his support of Dyslexia sufferers and his commitment to the Gibraltar Dyslexia Support Group, tirelessly organising self-help groups, conferences and talks.

Mayor’s Award to: Stuart Byrne
For his many years’ commitment to charitable activities which he has selflessly organised, raising substantial amounts of money for innumerable worthy causes.

Mayor’s Award to: Ian Eugene Howes
For his instrumental and vital work, on a voluntary basis, in helping steer the huge growth of Cancer Relief Gibraltar, as well as his other charitable
undertakings.

Mayor’s Award to: Martin Lennane
For his tireless commitment to Gibraltar’s heritage, botany, and theGibraltar Photographic Society.

Mayor’s Award to: Leslie Linares
For his extraordinary effort in the repatriation of Gibraltarians stranded in Morocco during the first Covid 19 lockdown in 2020, and his founding of the Gibraltar Morocco Business Association.

Mayor’s Award to: Steven Marin
For ongoing initiatives in raising awareness of Mental Health in the community as well as the considerable assistance offered to users.

Mayor’s Award to: The Gibraltar Mental Welfare Society
For her exemplary dedication and unwavering commitment to Cancer Relief for over 28 years, on a voluntary basis and still going strong at the age of 80!

Mayor’s Award to: Jacqueline Ramagge
For his inspirational and management impact on Gibraltar’s National Football Team since being appointed Team Manager, inspiring our football ‘internationals’ to achieve what no one thought possible and lifting Gibraltar’s community spirit to new heights.

Mayor’s Award to: Julio Ribas
For his enduring and outstanding commitment to youth, charity and community service on a voluntary basis and his endeavour in producing the Gibraltar International Dance Festival, now in its 19th year.

Mayor’s Award to: Alfred Rumbo
For her enterprise in creating opportunities between Gibraltar and Israel,
as well as her organisation of cultural events to further enrich Gibraltar’s community.

Mayor’s Award to: Ayelet Mamo Shay
There were three additional special awards, in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, namely:
For the supreme and relentless effort, and personal sacrifices made, in
sustaining Gibraltar’s health needs during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Special Award to the Gibraltar Health Authority – GHA
For the selfless commitment shown in the care of the most elderly and
vulnerable citizens of our community during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Special Award to Elderly Residential Services – ERS
For its heroic support to the community during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Special Award to The Care Agency

MORE COMMONWEALTH TIES FOR UNI

New “hostile vehicle mitigation devices” – known colloquially as bollards – have been installed at Casemates Gates. They mark a first deployment of such technology in Gibraltar. 

Regional Committees aim to strengthen the ACU’s work in supporting and developing the value of regional and international collaborations across the Commonwealth, led by regional concerns but feeding into the international nature of the network. 

The Committees represent ACU members across the Commonwealth in Europe; East & Southern Africa; West Africa; East Asia and South Asia. Whilst not a Commonwealth Nation, the Europe Committee agreed at its last meeting that as an educational affiliate organisation of the ACU, and a key European territory, the University of Gibraltar be invited to join the Committee.

Speaking of the invitation, Professor Bachleda said, “I am delighted to have been invited to join the ACU’s Europe Regional Committee. I believe that Higher Education has the power to transform and improve lives and I am excited to collaborate with partner institutions, expand the University’s network and work towards achieving the ACU’s strategic aims.”

Welcoming the news, Minister for the University, John Cortes said, “This invitation to the ACU’s Regional Committee further cements Gibraltar’s links to the Commonwealth. Through this network, Gibraltar’s own University will contribute to the international higher education landscape as well as have the opportunity to form lasting relationships with member institutions.”

The ACU is an organisation where international collaboration underpins everything that it does and these Regional Committees provide a platform through which to channel the collective power of its members. The organisation is guided by a belief that working together is the best way to advance knowledge, promote understanding, and improve lives.

RGP SCHOOLS OUTREACH

A team of police officers visited staff at St Paul’s School to raise awareness about how they can help protect vulnerable children.

The officers spoke to 25 teachers during a 30-minute presentation to give them an insight into how departments such as the Safeguarding Unit and Designated Risk Management Team help protect youngsters.

The event was organised by the Neighbourhood Policing Unit to help build a closer relationship between the RGP and teachers, and, to encourage staff to contact the police if they have concerns about a child’s welfare.

Neighbourhood Police Sergeant Calum Bruce said, “The unique position teachers hold in the community means that they are very often the first to notice problems that affect the youngest and most vulnerable in our community. Their insight into behavioural changes in the youngsters could lead to early intervention and if necessary, actions at the right level and by the right professionals.

“Teachers currently have an established reporting line for these concerns through their schools and the Department of Education. But by making them aware of what to look out for and how and to whom that information could be significant, will give them assurances that their professional concerns will be handled in the right context.”

He added that officers will be visiting more schools in the near future to give the same talk to more teachers.

Hello hello hello

It’s not every day you get to spend your 4th birthday at the police station. But that’s what happened today after pint-sized police fan Connor Chidgey joined our Neighbourhood Police Team to help celebrate his special occasion, along with sister Miah. The youngster was lucky enough to get a tour of the police Traffic Compound and the numerous police vehicles the force uses.

An RGP spokesperson said, “Despite being a little overwhelmed by the choice of police vehicles, he eventually stopped moving long enough for PC Julian Cruz and PC Tanya Reddy to present him with an RGP hat, to go with his already made to measure uniform!

“We wish Connor a very happy Birthday from everyone at the Royal Gibraltar Police.”

A Monday afternoon in April saw members of GFRS Blue Watch and Fire Safety attend Governor’s Meadow lower primary school. This visit was arranged by the GFRS in order to reassure and help educate children and staff alike to allay any fears that may have been lingering as a result of the recent fire at the school.

The children were given a fire safety talk with a focus on how to react to a fire and what they can do to help prevent fires. Their participation was incredibly enthusiastic with all of them showing an eagerness to interact with the fire crew. Following the short fire safety talk, members of Blue Watch took over, giving the pupils the opportunity to see some of the equipment on the fire appliance. This included the hose reels and the surprisingly popular “BATfan”.

Minister with responsibility for GFRS, the Hon Samantha Sacramento, said, “I commend the officers on this outreach initiative and the reassurance they have offered by educating the children at Governor’s Meadow School after the recent fire.”

ARCHBISHOP ORDINATION

His Worship the Mayor, Mr John Gonçalves MBE GMD, hosted a lunch on Monday 26th April 2021, at the Mayor’s Parlour, City Hall, in honour of His Excellency The Most Reverend Archbishop Mark Miles, Apostolic Nuncio to Benin and Togo, following his Episcopal Ordination. Also pictured, is a meeting held with the Chief Minister.

ARCHBISHOP ORDINATION

BEDENHAM EXPLOSION

The Deputy Chief Minister – Dr Joseph Garcia – marked the 70th anniversary of the explosion of the RFA Bedenham in Gun Wharf at the end of April by laying a wreath together with His Worship The Mayor John Goncalvez MBE GMD, and the heads of the Airport and Gibraltar Fire Rescue Services Nicky Vinales and Colin Ramirez. A wreath was also laid on behalf of the Civil Defence Association (UK).

The RFA Bedenham was a naval armament carrier. It had arrived in Gibraltar on 24 April 1951 and on the morning of 27 April, 70 years ago, was unloading depth charges at Gun Wharf to a shallow-draft boat used in the unloading of larger vessels.

A depth charge ignited while in the process of being unloaded.

This caused a fire and an explosion in the smaller boat which spread to the Bedenham itself. Brave attempts to contain the fire proved futile and the Bedenham too exploded violently.

The explosion rocked Gibraltar.

Its force was such that parts of the vessel were blown out of the water onto the actual quayside and elsewhere.

The explosion killed 13 people, injured hundreds and caused extensive damage to property. Windows shattered all over Gibraltar and the Cathedral of St Mary the Crowned, the Cathedral of the Holy Trinity and the Convent were particularly badly affected.

The Deputy Chief Minister Dr Joseph Garcia said, “The explosion of the Bedenham was a before and after moment for that generation of Gibraltarians. Everyone could remember where they were and what they were doing when the ship blew up. My own grandfather worked in the ammunition stores in the dockyard at that time, and although he was not directly impacted by the explosion, it did have a profound effect going forward. I know that many families lost relatives and it was very fitting to see some of them represented in the short ceremony.”

Gibraltar has always had a deep affection for HRH Prince Philip, The Duke of Edinburgh. After his passing, a book of condolence was swiftly setup to allow all Gibraltarians the opportunity to put their thoughts down to paper.

Announcing the sad news, the Chief Minister said:

“Our sadness will be shared across all of Gibraltar and the rest of the United Kingdom.

It is a sadness that will extend to all of the Overseas Territories.

It will extend also right across the Commonwealth and the rest of the world.

The Duke of Edinburgh has been greatly respected throughout the world for his life of
dedicated service to the United Kingdom.

He will also be remembered for his constant, steadfast support to Her Majesty the Queen
throughout their lives together.

I have written to Her Majesty the Queen to offer the deepest condolences of Her Government
of Gibraltar and the People of Gibraltar to Her Majesty of course and to all the members of
our Royal Family at this sad time.

May Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, Rest in Peace and may God Save the Queen.”

GOVERNOR VISITS
POST OFFICE

His Excellency the Governor Sir David Steel KBE DL recently visited the Royal Gibraltar Post Office at 109 Main Street where he was greeted by Glendon Martinez, Director of Postal Services and by Minister for Postal Services, the Hon Vijay Daryanani.

The Hon Vijay Daryanani commented, “As always it was an absolute pleasure to welcome His Excellency to the Royal Gibraltar Post Office. Sir David enjoyed the tour of the Main Street building and was fascinated by its history and anecdotes. In the short time that he has been here, His Excellency’s passion for Gibraltar and its people is infectious.”

The 58th Great Gibraltar Beach Clean continued in its valiant
tradition to best remove rubbish and debris from our shoreline.

A total of 27Kg was recovered from Catalan Bay in an hour, mostly made up of plastics.

Young #MedOceanHero Sofia Goldwin from SPLPS had even given the area a once over the previous evening!

The Seawave generously treated the volunteers to a nice cup of coffee and a croissant in gratitude for their fantastic efforts and MetalRok collected, weighed and sorted the refuse ensuring it does not end up in landfill.

The 4×4 Challenge

The 4x4x48 challenge consists of running 4 miles every 4 hours for 48 hours, and Reece Donovan managed to motivate and power through the feat despite terrible weather conditions over his chosen weekend.

The personal trainer managed to raise over €2000 which was then presented to Giovi Viñales of CRUK-GIB in The World Trade Center.

Cancer Research is the UK’s leading charity dedicated purely to cancer research in the worldwide battle against all forms of the terrible disease.

The Mario Finlayson National Art Gallery has reopened its doors after a recent renovation with new artworks now on show. During lockdown, the team at Gibraltar Cultural Services, on behalf of the Ministry of Culture,  refurbished the rooms, redecorated, and curated a new exhibition.

The first phase involved the completion of the Gustavo Bacarisas Room and the entrance area which features works by Mario Finlayson. The Quote Room is now a free-flowing space so visitors can move seamlessly between the rooms of the City Hall on the ground floor and explore works by Gibraltar’s best-known artists at their leisure.

Works of Elio Cruz have been included in the Gallery and will also feature as part of this new offering. The latest display showcases paintings which were already part of the Government’s collection, alongside several newly acquired pieces which are debuting in this exhibit.

Phase Two of the Gallery’s refurbishment will see the completion of the rooms featuring paintings and drawings by Leni Mifsud, Rudesindo Mannia and Jacobo Azagury, with similar renovations and changes taking place there too.