On behalf of the Government of Gibraltar and the people of Gibraltar, the Chief Minister has written to Signor Giuseppe Conte, the Prime Minister of Italy to express the sincere condolences of everyone on the Rock following the terrible accident at the Morandi Bridge.

A similar letter has been sent to Signor Marco Bucci, the mayor of Genoa. A copy of the letter is attached below:

Dear Prime Minister,

I write to express the sincere condolences of Her Majesty's Government of Gibraltar and the People of Gibraltar on the tragic loss of lives following the collapse of the Morandi Bridge.

As you may know, many of today’s Gibraltarians, myself included, are descendants of emigrants from Genoa who began to settle here in the 16th Century. Indeed, many of the today’s Gibraltarian surnames are of Genoese origin. It is because of the affection that we still have for the region of Liguria that the tragedy has been deeply felt here.

Our thoughts and sympathy are with you, the families of those who have lost their lives and the People of Genoa.

Gibraltar, its People and Government, stand with you in unity and solidarity in this sad time.

Yours Sincerely,

Fabian Picardo

{fcomment}