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The Greens and Social Democrats (GSD) welcomed the decision by the Minister for Environment, Dr John Cortes, to order the immediate reinstatement of benches that had been removed from North Front Cemetery. The benches, some of which were paid for by families and bore personal dedications, had been taken down without prior consultation, causing distress among bereaved relatives and members of the public. Craig Sacarello, the GSD member with shadow responsibility for the environment, said the minister’s action was the correct outcome. “I welcome the Minister’s decision to reinstate the cemetery benches immediately. This is the right outcome and, most importantly, responds to the genuine upset caused to the families affected,” he said. Sacarello added that the benches’ removal had been “an unnecessary disruption to a place where people should be able to remember and pay their respects to loved ones in dignity and comfort.” Sacarello also responded to the minister’s criticism of his social‑media post. He said the post had simply “gave a voice to members of the public who were understandably distressed by the removal of benches, some paid for by families and bearing personal dedications, without prior consultation.” He acknowledged that the cemetery was being maintained in a “smart condition.” The minister had suggested that the opposition was “jumping on the bandwagon” or engaging in political point‑scoring. Sacarello rejected that characterization, stating that raising concerns about decisions that affect the public is part of the GSD’s role as an opposition party. He added that public office holders should be prepared to listen to criticism when mistakes are made. “I am pleased that public concern has now been heard and that the benches will be restored,” Sacarello said. The GSD said it would continue to raise issues affecting members of the public. Article source: Gibraltar Chronicle | Image credit: Gibraltar Chronicle
The Greens and Social Democrats (GSD) welcomed the decision by the Minister for Environment, Dr John Cortes, to order the immediate reinstatement of benches that had been removed from North Front Cemetery. The benches, some of which were paid for by families and bore personal dedications, had been taken down without prior consultation, causing distress among bereaved relatives and members of the public. Craig Sacarello, the GSD member with shadow responsibility for the environment, said the minister’s action was the correct outcome. “I welcome the Minister’s decision to reinstate the cemetery benches immediately. This is the right outcome and, most importantly, responds to the genuine upset caused to the families affected,” he said. Sacarello added that the benches’ removal had been “an unnecessary disruption to a place where people should be able to remember and pay their respects to loved ones in dignity and comfort.” Sacarello also responded to the minister’s criticism of his social‑media post. He said the post had simply “gave a voice to members of the public who were understandably distressed by the removal of benches, some paid for by families and bearing personal dedications, without prior consultation.” He acknowledged that the cemetery was being maintained in a “smart condition.” The minister had suggested that the opposition was “jumping on the bandwagon” or engaging in political point‑scoring. Sacarello rejected that characterization, stating that raising concerns about decisions that affect the public is part of the GSD’s role as an opposition party. He added that public office holders should be prepared to listen to criticism when mistakes are made. “I am pleased that public concern has now been heard and that the benches will be restored,” Sacarello said. The GSD said it would continue to raise issues affecting members of the public.
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