Dec 29 - The Governor’s Christmas Message
This is the full text of the Christmas message delivered by the Governor on GBC on Christmas Day:
It seems almost unbelievable that Liz and I are now into our second year here in Gibraltar. The reception that we have received from all quarters has been extraordinarily welcoming. We have spent much of the year, certainly the first nine months, making familiarisation visits to lots of places to try to better understand how this geographically small but nevertheless immensely complicated place works. There is much more to do and much more to learn, but we do now feel very much ‘at home’ here.
I have spent 37 years of my life as a Royal Marine, so I feel very fortunate to have been here for the 350th Anniversary of the Royal Marines. The weekend of celebrations in October was a huge success and raised a very considerable sum (in excess of £150,000) for the Royal Marines Charitable Trust Fund, which supports injured marines from Afghanistan and Iraq. This is testament to the generosity of the people of Gibraltar and demonstrates that this very special and enduring relationship is hugely important to both the Royal Marines and the people of Gibraltar.
There have been other significant anniversaries this year: more than I can mention but I will highlight the Royal Gibraltar Regiment 75th and the Sea Scouts 100th Anniversary. Of course, we also marked the centenary of the start of the First World War.
In terms of our relationship with Spain, difficulties have certainly continued both at the border and on the water. However there have been some successes. The involvement of the European Commission who visited the border to assess the delays has been beneficial. The Commission came down overwhelmingly on our side, highlighting the complete unreasonableness of the politically motivated delays at the border. It is not unusual that when there is independent non-partisan arbitration, Gibraltar comes out on top – look also at the rulings on the environment and on land reclamation – both firmly in our favour.
That said, I am not complacent in any respect and certainly not on incursions. But, we really cannot doubt the UK’s support and commitment, even if it is not always expressed with the force that we who live here would wish. Statements by the Prime Minister, the Foreign Secretary, the Defence Secretary, the Minister for Europe and others are not just words. Three weeks ago a UK Minister walked out of a European Council meeting in protest at the gross mishandling of the discussions on the European Single Skies Agreement. That walkout has been followed by a huge level of engagement between senior ministers. We can sometimes differ with the UK over the method and process, but what cannot be questioned, is the level of support.
This level of UK support and commitment is also demonstrated by the several high profile visits here. This year we have had visits by the Chief Secretary to the Treasury, the Minister for Europe and the Secretary of State for Defence. We have also had multiple visits by Royal Navy warships and submarines, and recently by two US Navy submarines. Last week we conducted an amphibious exercise and demonstration off Eastern Beach, involving HMS Bulwark, Royal Fleet Auxiliary Lyme Bay, helicopters, landing craft and vehicles. There could not have been a clearer demonstration that these are our waters and we will exercise in them whenever we want to.
It is of course those at the operational end of the spectrum who have to deal with the reality of the political sensitivities with Spain. I would like to again remember and pay particular tribute to those from all the uniformed organisations who are defending our sovereignty out on the water. And, of course to the many more who are supporting them from behind the scenes.
I mentioned the Royal Gibraltar Regiment 75th Anniversary and there was a memorable parade to commemorate that at the beginning of October. This year the Gibraltar Regiment did not go as a battalion to Morocco, which has allowed for a very full programme of training at individual level – essential groundwork for the future.
As Governor, one of my duties is to represent Her Majesty the Queen in the award of Honours. I have very much enjoyed holding 3 investitures – for the State Honours, but also awarding campaign medals for Afghanistan early in the year, and Overseas Territories and Long Service medals for the police, fire service and prison service. The number of awards is testament to the enormous amount of charitable and civil society work that goes on here, often unremarked and unrewarded and one of the best indicators of a highly developed and caring society. Here at the Convent we are proud to have contributed through the Convent Garden Open Day and the ever popular Convent Christmas Fair, which both raised a lot of money for worthy local charities.
It has been another busy year in the sporting and cultural arenas. I will just mention a few highlights: the Gibraltar Football Association has played their first international qualifiers, with more planned for next year. We sent a strong team to the Commonwealth Games; 27 athletes across 9 sports. Chris Walker won Gold in his age group at the International Triathlon Union Grand Final in Canada - and there was much more that I do not have time to include. Culturally too, it has been another rich year. There has again been the very successful TradeWise Chess Festival, the International Jazz Festival, the second Literary Festival and much, much more. Liz and I continue to be impressed by the variety of sporting, cultural and charitable activities that go on here and at the quality level that such a small community is able to attain.
There was also the visit by Prince Michael of Kent in his Royal Navy role for Trafalgar Day. It was unfortunate that the duties of his visit did not allow time for as many people to meet him as we would have hoped, but it was nevertheless a great visit. Prince Michael thoroughly enjoyed it and carried some useful messages back to the UK.
Just over a year ago when I was sworn in as Governor and Commander-in-Chief of Gibraltar, Her Majesty the Queen, directed me to express Her support for the people of Gibraltar and Her continuing best wishes. Twelve months on Her Majesty has asked me to convey Her continuing appreciation for the loyalty and steadfastness of the people of Gibraltar and Her continuing support and best wishes.
The Christmas season is the time for families – inevitably there will be some who need to work to allow the rest of us to enjoy a peaceful and safe holiday – I pay tribute to all of them and thank them. This year, Liz and I will be visiting our children and grandson for Christmas, as unfortunately they are unable to join us here.
Wherever you are, Liz and I wish you all the very best for the Christmas season and for 2015.
