Sep 22 - Gibraltar’s New Movement “Disappointed” By Governor’s Comments On Constitution
Gibraltar’s New Movement has said that it is “extremely disappointed” by the comments made by the Governor when he described the 2006 Gibraltar Constitution as an ‘overreaction’ to the failed Joint Sovereignty talks.
The group highlights the fact that most know the Constitution predates the ‘failed joint sovereignty issue’ and reminds the Governor that it was the result of a “long and hard process meticulously put together by a cross-party committee, which was later approved not only by the British Government, but the people of Gibraltar in a democratically held Referendum.”
A statement from the group continues: “What does the Governor mean when he says our Constitution is an Overreaction? The Governor is also alleged to have said that Gibraltarians are ‘insular’ - a very disparaging word to describe the people he represents on behalf of Her Majesty the Queen.
“There are many definitions for the word insular, but in our dictionary we read it as a ‘A person, group of people, or a community that is only concerned with their limited way of life and not at all interested in new ideas or other cultures’.
“Is this what the Governor truly thinks of the people of Gibraltar? Our group has started a campaign in the hope that we can get the Queen to visit her loyal subjects on the Rock. We have launched an online petition and we have also gone to the streets and are physically collecting signatures in the hope we can convince Her Majesty, or more accurately the FCO for her to come to Gibraltar.
“Having spoken to hundreds of people during our current campaign there is no doubt that the people of Gibraltar are disappointed if not annoyed with the comments made by the Governor Sir James Dutton. But what the people really want are explanations if not clarification from the Convent. The Governor cannot merely appear on television and make whatever comments he thinks fit at the Convent or elsewhere, describing and insulting Gibraltarians and also belittling the highest law in our land, and then expect to remain silent as if he had said nothing.
"The people of Gibraltar deserve answers and a full explanation from the Governor! The Governor or the FCO cannot possible ‘sit on the fence’ on this issue as the Foreign Affairs Committee generally pointed out (referring to the FCO) in its recent report. Remember, “Friendship is built on two things. Respect and Trust.
“Both elements have to be there. And it has to be mutual. You can have respect for someone, but if you don't have trust, the friendship will crumble.”
