Dec 23 - GDP Praises 2014 Success
The Gibraltar Defence Police Federation Committee has announced a series of shifts in its make-up. Chairman Adrian Sodi will step down from his position after this year playing an integral role in becoming a member of EuroCOP.
Mr. Jonathan Sodi, who was training to be a Media Officer has also stepped down causing the Committee to hold a by-election recently. The Committee is now made up of Chairman Martin Hosken, newly elected Vice-Chairman Melvyn Brier, Secretary Adrian Mesilio, newly elected Treasurer Joseph Osborne and Health and Safety Representative Christian Hermida.
A statement by the GDP on the recently formed committee noted, ‘this GDP Federation Committee will continue to work with dedication for the members we represent. In a recent MOD Whitley Meeting the GDPF was impressed by the open, direct and respectful manner in which the CBF Commodore Ian McGhie conducted his business and looks forward to developing their working relationship with him. The move by the MOD in Gibraltar to make permanent all those Police Officers on fixed term contracts and to employ new recruits has been welcomed by this Federation and shows the commitment of the MOD Command in Gibraltar to the GDP. The continued investment in training is also welcomed. Behind the scenes the work of the Command Secretary Simon Argyle and Head of HR Alison Whitaker cannot be underestimated in maintaining this positive working relationship.
‘The positive atmosphere with the MOD Command has a lot to do with the open and transparent relationship that exists between the GDP SMT and the GDP Federation Committee. Although there are times where there are differences of opinion, both the GDP SMT and GDP Federation work together to ensure that the service the organisation provides the MOD in Gibraltar is maintained to the highest standards. The GDP Federation fully supports the work of maintaining the professional standards of British Policing and is proud to form part of the British Policing family.
‘2014 has seen improved relationships between the RGP and GDP with the introduction of a MOU between the Commissioner of Police and the CPO of the GDP. This MOU has helped to formalise the working relationship between both Police forces and has brought us closer together. The GDP Federation is fully supportive of the MOU and welcomes the proactive approach and interest that His Excellency the Governor takes in this working relationship between the Police forces. During 2014 the GDP Federation has also enjoyed an improved relationship with the Police Association of the RGP and the GDP Federation is fully committed to supporting any initiatives that seek to address the welfare and health and safety concerns of the Policing family in Gibraltar.
‘Looking forward the GDP Federation is still of the opinion that the long-term future of our members lies with the Government of Gibraltar and not with the Ministry of Defence. The GDP Federation welcomes the open door policy of the Government of Gibraltar. The Government of Gibraltar continues to keep the GDP Federation aware of any discussions that could impact upon our members’ future and we are pleased to be kept informed.’
