Gibraltar National Day 2007
National Day Message from Charles Gomez - Leader of the New Gibraltar Democracy Party (NGD)
The political theme of ‘National Day’ since it was first conceived in 1992 has always been the cause of Gibraltarian self-determination.
10 months ago we were called to a referendum to approve a new constitution. The process of public information and consultation was brief and littered with incidents (including interference from the government appointed Board of GBC). First we were told that this exercise would be an act of self- determination but when the people started asking questions, the politicians re - packaged the constitution as mere progress on the road to self determination.
As it was, a massive 74% of the electorate chose to reject or not to approve the constitution. The Constitution was passed none the less - an ominous sign of the poor quality of the type of democracy that was on offer. This was quickly followed by the degradation of Gibraltar’s oldest institution, the 260 year old office of the Chief Justice and the appointment of a non resident judge from England to head our judiciary – a return to the most archaic colonialism.
A Judicial Services Commission has been formed in which government employees and appointees predominate. A pro-government news paper is given public funding in the form of advertising whilst an independent newspaper is refused such income.
The theme for this National Day should be the protection of democracy, which is being eroded behind the screen of the campaign self determination.
Source: New Gibraltar Democracy - Press Release - 07 September 2007
Related Articles and Links:
Gibraltar Constitution Order 2006 - Gibraltar’s new Constitution which came into effect on 2nd January 2007
Chief Minister Peter Caruana’s National Day 2007 Message
National Day 2007 Message from Joe Bossano - Leader of the GSLP/Liberal Alliance Opposition Parties
National Day 2007 - Statement by Keith Azopardi - Leader of the Progressive Democratic Party
Gibraltar celebrates its National Day 2007
Read more Articles and News reports about the New Gibraltar Democracy Party
Read more Articles and News reports about Politics in Gibraltar
Comment on this News report - Click on the ‘Comments’ link below - You can also comment in our Forum topic about National Day 2007