Apr 19 - GSD Appoints New Chairman And Membership Secretary
GSD Leader Keith Azopardi has today announced the appointments of a new Party Chairman and Membership Secretary effective from 3 May.
Freddie Ballester is being appointed Party Chairman. Freddie is well-known in party circles having formed part of the Executive and core group of party activists in the run up to the 1996 election and subsequent elections. He was a long-standing member of the Executive till 2013 and has been a member of the party for decades.
Tarik El Yabani is being appointed Membership Secretary. Tarik is 26 and is a member of the GSD Future sub-committee. He is one of a number of younger people that are getting involved in the new structures that have been set up to support the work of the Executive.
Mr Azopardi said: “Freddie’s contribution and commitment to the Party is well-known. He brings years of experience of involvement in politics and a long association with the Party. He is someone who is easily identifiable with our grassroots and the core philosophy of the GSD that led to successful campaigns in the past.
“Tarik is someone that represents the new and emerging GSD supporter. He is drawn from the GSD Future sub-committee established by me since my election. As I have been keen to emphasise I want to encourage the participation of young people at all levels of the Party.
“Both appointments are part of the process of renewal and rebuilding of the GSD. They combine experience and freshness and are part of the exciting changes we are making. The roles of Chairman and Membership Secretary will help us organise the work we need to do in the run up to the next election and in the interface with our members and the electorate.”
Robert Vasquez stands down as Chairman.
Mr Azopardi said: “Robert had indicated that as he is away from Gibraltar he wished to relinquish his position as Chairman as soon as practicable when I felt it was the right moment after settling into my new post. We have agreed that this is a good time for this to now happen. In so doing Robert has emphasised to me his continuing commitment to the Party and the Executive hence his decision to stand for election for the Executive at the last meeting held on 5 April. I am grateful for that continuing support and his contribution to the Party.”
Pic, left to right: Freddie Ballester, Keith Azopardi, Tarik El Yabani.
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