ACTING MAYOR

Actress Carmen Gomez inaugurated as Christian Santos says goodbye

CHIEF Minister Fabian Picardo welcomed the ‘remarkable’ Carmen Gomez as mayor of Gibraltar as he thanked the ‘extraordinary’ Christian Santos for his two years of service.

Actress and journalist Gomez became the 20th mayor of the Rock, having previously acted in West End theatre and toured the world.

Picardo also saluted the ‘exceptional’ Nicky Guerrero to the role of deputy governor after he retired as CEO of the Gibraltar Tourist Board in 2021.

The investiture of the new mayor was held at Gibraltar’s City Hall.

Picardo’s speech was full of praise for Santos, playing up his ‘enthusiasm and energy that has defined everything he has been involved in’.

“Together with his husband Samuel, he has ensured that Gibraltar continues to shine the beacon of community, diversity and harmony that we so cherish and enjoy,” Picardo said.

“Under the ‘We Are One’ campaign, Christian has represented every single Gibraltarian of every religion or none, of every sexual orientation, of every ethnicity.”

Santos had throughout May said goodbye to the charities and associations he worked with during the last two years in receptions held at the Mayor’s Parlour. He moved on to Gomez who the Chief Minister said ‘has been a constant presence in our lives, representing Gibraltar with grace and dignity both locally and on international stages’.

“Her journey from the Gibraltar Drama Festivals to the hallowed halls of the West End is a testament to her remarkable