News

CHANGES TO GOLDEN HOUR AND SILVER TIME

As we progress to ‘Unlock the Rock’ the Government has noticed that the take up of areas used for Golden Hour and Silver time has reduced.

However, for as long as there are people who wish to continue to avail themselves of safer spaces during this period, the Government will continue to TOUCHING MACAQUES TO BE AN OFFENCE Interference with Barbary macaques has always been seen as detrimental to them, and the official line has for years been to discourage visitors from touching or otherwise interfering with macaque natural behaviour. Not only does it prejudice their health and social structure but macaques are prone to succumb to human disease. This has been seen in the past when our macaques have for example contracted Hepatitis A. There is also the possibility of human contacting infection through contact with a macaque. With the arrival of SARS-CoV-2, the coronavirus that causes COVID-19, the Government will be taking strict measures to prevent contact with the macaques. This is in order to minimise the risk of their contracting the disease and becoming ill or dying. Primates provide them. There will be changes due to reduction of numbers but there continue to be wardens to ensure that social distancing is maintained.

As from Monday 22nd June the following changes have been introduced:

Victoria Stadium: Golden Hour will no longer be available at Vitoria Stadium. The take up at this venue is extremely low and there is a demand to provide sporting facilities for children in the

mornings. elsewhere have been known to be susceptible.

Because of the low level of the virus in Gibraltar and of the prompt lockdown of tourist sites, it is virtually definite that the macaques have not contracted COIVID-19. We have to ensure that this continues to be the Commonwealth Park: A safe time will be made between 9.30am and 11.30am. During this time, access will be limited and made available exclusively to people who can avail themselves of Golden Hour and Silver time. Given the number expected, it is envisaged that there will be sufficient area to enable social distancing.

These arrangements will continue to be kept under review depending on numbers and demand.

case. Therefore this is the time to take action. The Government has therefore published a Bill to amend the Animals Act which will make touching or other interference with the natural behaviour of macaques an offence except under licence for management, research or veterinary purposes.

HIS EXCELLENCY THE GOVERNOR’S INAUGURAL VISIT TO THE REGIMENT

On Tuesday 16 June, the Royal Gibraltar Regiment (RG) had the honour of hosting His Excellency for the first occasion as Governor and Commander in Chief.

The visit by Vice Admiral Sir David Steel allowed him to meet members of the RG in a socially-distanced parade which showcased the Regiment’s various capabilities. On parade

were the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team, Recruiting Team, Motor Transport, soldiers and associated weaponry, the ceremonial Light Guns, and a selection of supporting staff.

His Excellency later addressed the troops to express his delight in meeting them and becoming Commander in Chief and looking forward to seeing more of them in the future.

Following this part of his visit he signed the Visitors book before holding an office call with the Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Simon Dyson who updated him on the Regiment's current activities and plans. Others present for the visit were Major Tim Cumming (Second in Command), Major Dominic Collado (Aide De Camp) and Warrant Officer 1 (WO1) Regimental Sergeant Major (RSM) Patrick Canepa.

50 wines by the glass 40 small dishes of Mediterranean cuisine

30 John Mackintosh Square GX11 1AA Gibraltar. Tel: 200 70201 info@vinopolisgastrobar.gi www.vinopolisgastrobar.gi

BARS RESUME BUSINESS

As of last month, on the 22nd June and in line with UNLOCK PHASE 4, legislation was published so that bars may resume business. Some restrictions will apply and businesses will require a permit from the Director of Public Health before opening.

The Environmental Agency has produced guidelines to assist with the application process. Applicants will be required to submit a Business Operating Processes and Procedures form, a copy of which will be included within the guidelines.

The guidelines and application forms can now be requested from

AIR TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS

Air travel restrictions into Gibraltar due to COVID-19 have been lifted as of 21st of June 2020.

All incoming travellers with valid travel documents will be allowed entry into Gibraltar via the Gibraltar International Airport.

In Spain, the State of Emergency (“Estado de Alarma”) declared on 14 March, ended on June 21. From this date, Spain has reopened its borders to European Union and Schengen-area countries with the exception of Portugal where the restrictions will continue to apply up until 1 July. The Environmental Agency via email at admin@eag.gi or follow the link at www.environmental-agency.gi.

The guidelines produced by The Environmental Agency are industry-specific and should be read in conjunction with the Director of Public Health’s General Principles for Developing Business Operating Processes and Procedures.

GIBRALTARIAN BECOMES FIRST MEMBER TO WIN INTERNATIONAL HONOUR MEDAL

Round Table Gibraltar have been awarded the prestigious ‘Community Service Project of the year’ for the Southern Europe and Mediterranean region.

This is the first time, since the Gibraltar club was chartered in 1978, that it has received this award. The region consists of 11 countries around the Mediterranean and Southern Europe including France, Italy, Switzerland and Morocco and has more than 4,000 members.

The award has been given for Round Table Gibraltar’s charitable work throughout the year and specifically for its annual ‘Texas Hold’em Charity Poker’ event which saw more than 80 participants.

The money raised was donated to the Gibraltar Samaritans (GibSams) suicide prevention charity to assist with their invaluable work in the local community.

MEET ‘STAR’

After the success of ‘Bubbles’ at Eastern Beach, the Department of the Environment & Climate Change would like to introduce ‘Star’, the environmentally friendly, plastic-eating, aquatic mammal that will reside at Camp Bay. Like ‘Bubbles’, ‘Star’ aims to encourage beach users to recycle plastic, while helping to keep our beaches and the sea, free from plastic contamination.

‘Star’ is a metallic frame structure, four metres by two metres in size, which is being deployed at Camp Bay today, on World oceans day, as the ideal receptacle for CLUBHOUSE GIBRALTAR Clubhouse Gibraltar are happy to announce that as from last month, they have now opened their premises on an appointmentsbasis, in order to manage all plastic items. Beach users are encouraged to dispose of these in an environmentally friendly fashion.

‘Star’ can be easily emptied once full in order to start receiving plastics items again; its contents designated for recycling.

The aim is to continue to raise public awareness, regarding the dangers of plastic contamination in our marine environment.

This campaign is conducted as a general public initiative and we, therefore, encourage everyone to actively attendance and to keep people as safe as possible. Did you know Clubhouse Gibraltar also has a charity shop? The charity shop has now opened its doors once again, offering some of the best bargains in Gibraltar at giveaway prices. It’s the perfect place to rummage participate. Please try not to use disposable plastic, but if you do,

please feed plastic to ‘Star’. for pocket-friendly hidden treasures, and the best part? It all contributes towards a very worthy cause. The opening hours are Monday to Thursday 10am to 3.30pm, and Fridays 10am to 1pm. (Donations, however, are only accepted on Thursdays.) Visit Clubhouse Gibraltar at 304a Main Street.