Jun 27 - GSD Concerned With Cruz Appointment
The GSD Opposition has renewed its concerns that the Government did not advertise or open up to competition the post in relation to the appointment of Jason Cruz as the Gibraltar Government representative at the newly opened Hong Kong Office and deputy United Kingdom representative at the London Office.
According to the Chief Minister, Mr Cruz will also become United Kingdom representative on 1 June 2016 or such other date as may be mutually agreed between him and the Government. The Opposition says that Mr. Cruz is a “well-known supporter” of the GSLP and has been for many years.
The GSD notes that Mr. Cruz will be paid a basic salary of £130,000 plus an accommodation allowance of £1,615 per week, equalling a total of £213,980 per annum. In addition to that, Mr. Cruz will also be receiving an education allowance for the private education of his children. The GSD says it would not be surprised if his total package exceeded £250,000.
While the GSD say they have “absolutely no doubt that Mr Cruz has had a very distinguished career as a commercial property estate agent, the reality is that he is going to occupy a pivotal role within the Hong Kong and London Office and the post should have been open to competition, particularly given the very high remuneration package that attached to it.”
