The world governing body the International Dance Organisation (IDO) has chosen Gibraltar as its headquarters for IDO YouTube. The IDO Executive Presidium has appointed the Gibraltar National Dance Organisation (GNDO) President, Seamus Byrne, to initiate, run and maintain the new IDO YouTube page.
Following the celebration of the International Day Against Homophobia (IDAHO) recently in Gibraltar, the Chairman of the Equality Rights Group GGR, Felix Alvarez, has expressed his “deep gratitude” to “Gibraltar as a whole – and to all the supporters past and present who have made progress a very present reality.”
Mr Alvarez specifically mentioned the loyal support of Charles Trico, Secretary to the Group. He said: “Not only did Charles have the courage, way before GGR existed, to openly come out publicly and speak freely on LGB issues in our country, Charles to me, personally, has been a veritable pillar of support. Without him, the long years of difficulties would have been that much more difficult to take. I owe an inexpressible debt of gratitude to him.”
Gibraltar Cricket have announced that the National Men’s Squad will be appearing live on the popular Sky Sports programme Cricket AM this July before the squad compete in the ICC European Division One Championships in Sussex. The show is in its eighth season and is a live show filmed on Saturday mornings. Gibraltar are set to appear live on Sky Sports on Saturday 6th July.
Eight of the travelling squad will appear in the studio’s famous Douglas Jardine Pavilion and will be sporting their Gibraltar shirts whilst they also get the chance to take part in the show’s all new outdoor game.
Date: From 0700hrs the 17/05/2013 to 0700hrs the 20/05/2013
CRIME REPORTS
4 Report of Theft
The ESG has today voiced concern over the Government's proposed power station plans, which went out to tender earlier this month. In a statement released this afternoon, the Group explains that they feel it is important to state thier position clearly. They note, 'In broad terms we favour the decision by Government to construct a state of the art, environmentally friendly station based on best practice and best available technology and this is what we are supporting. There are a number of variables not yet known that could influence the environmental performance criteria: this include piston engines, combustion gas turbines, or steam turbines via a boiler heated by gas.
During this morning’s International Day Against Homophobia Rally, organized by the GGR, Minister Sacramento highlighted her position as the first Minister for Equality in a Gibraltarian Government. The event saw live music performed by Sista Dee and Keiron Lynch and boasted an impressive attendance, with Union leaders, Opposition members, RGP Commissioner Eddie Yome, members of the PDP and Chief Minister Fabian Picardo joining the speakers on the platform.
Over the course of 2 days, Unite the Union members within Elderly Services have participated in a ballot regarding the re-establishment of the parity that had previously existed with regards to the GHA, insofar as salary, terms and conditions.
This afternoon a ballot count, overseen by Steven Sanchez LLB from Kenneth Navas Barristers and Solicitors, resulted in a unanimous decision to accept the proposals that had been presented by the Government to the Elderly Services workforce, following negotiations with Unite the Union. 99% of unionised staff voted in the ballot, 100% of the votes resulted in the acceptance of the proposals. As a consequence of the negotiations Unite membership rose by 26%.
The GSD has today said that the attempt by the Government to justify refusing to answer questions on the Washington visit on grounds that it has been “seized upon by our nation’s political opponents” is nothing more than another smokescreen to justify closing the shutters on legitimate Opposition questions. This unfortunately is becoming a habit for this “New Dawn” Government.
The Opposition has also said that if “our nation’s political opponents” have “seized upon” anything it is the Government’s own spin in relation to the visit that clearly run out of control following the Government’s Press Release headlined “Chief Minister Meets President Obama During Washington Visit” on 23rd January 2013 and the subsequent release of the Obama photograph by the Government. That press release and photograph were reported and carried in Spain and led to the Spanish Government delivering a protest to Washington. It will be recalled that this then resulted in Mr Picardo having to quickly play down his Washington visit in an interview with El Pais on 4 March 2013 on the basis that it was not an official but a private visit.
