ESG Press Release 30th September 2010

The ESG would like to react to news that the Gibraltar Government has settled the question of a judicial review by Clifftop residents against the new Power Station Project in Lathbury area.

Our group has campaigned for several years now over the need for action on the existing highly polluting power stations in Gibraltar and the legal move by Clifftop, which resulted in further considerable delays to the replacement plant ,was seen as a serious setback.

It is fairly well known that the pollution from existing plants is regarded as illegal both in terms of air and noise emission levels. Their combined impact is significant and affects a large number of local residents and has done for years. Yet, after extensive lobbying, Ombudsman investigation, petitions and even legal attempts by local residents, the Gibraltar Government licensed these stations above and beyond what they can safely produce with the promise that they would be shut down and a replacement station, fully compliant with all environmental and health requirements, built with minimal delay.
Delays were evident, even before the Clifftop Review and this has caused no end of frustration to the ESG and for many residents.
So, yes, we welcome the fact that this setback is now sorted out but regret the influence that money has clearly had on Govt action on Environmental matters, something that public pressure from ordinary people has failed to achieve. It is also shameful that Clifftop, which should never have been built there, should get assurances and their legal costs paid by the taxpayer, whilst thousands of Gibraltar residents have had to continue to endure years of pollution levels (noise and emissions) without government being concerned in the slightest.
So, now, please Government- get the station built!

CUTW BrochureESG Press Release on CUTW Gibraltar 2010

The ESG would like to thank the many volunteers who helped clean up Gibraltar on the 19th & 20th September claiming the campaign to be a great success in meeting its objectives of RAISING AWARENESS as well as helping bring about Government action.

CUTW Gibraltar 2010 saw the weekend launch with a well supported, energetic and colourful Green Parade and Exhibition where models made from waste and other colourful and informative displays regaled the John Mackintosh Square.
Environmental Awards were again presented this year by Olga Zammit to St Anne’s School and to Chelsea Edwards for their outstanding contribution to environmental issues.

Around 500 volunteers collected hundreds of bags of rubbish between them as well as the usual timber and assortment of electronic and white goods from green and coastal areas. (See our symbolic pile once again). Divers and abseilers got busy and youngsters worked hard using ropes to access awkward areas. Planting projects got underway as well as the removal of invasive plants.

CUTW organisers hope that increased awareness by these actions can help our community become cleaner and more environmentally responsible. The announcement by the Gibraltar Government that it would tend to the hotspot areas as highlighted under the CUTW Campaign from now on was really uplifting to our troops and we hope to see a major improvement in these areas.

We also urge the authorities and relevant agencies to simultaneously begin enforcement exercises of existing litter laws to help change the littering culture that pervades our community. Until such actions are taken, we know these problems will persist. The ESG and volunteers also believe that a 24/7 modern waste facility for Gibraltar is long overdue and space must be found for such an important amenity.

Signage, sustained campaigns and active development of recycling initiatives will also help educate us towards becoming better informed and responsible citizens of the planet! All these points and more are contained in a brand new leaflet launched this year for the CUTW Campaign. The colourful leaflet contains a flavour of what we do each year and what needs to be done to address the waste problem. (See attached). This will be widely distributed throughout Gibraltar over the next 12 months.
Strongly believing in the value of the CUTW campaign and how it enables people to do something positive for their homeland, the ESG hopes to organise future projects to include a different focus on education/prevention and conservation as well as the inevitable clean up of hotspot sites as necessary.

Once again thanks to the local community for getting enthusiastically behind this important campaign and showing that Gibraltar, even in this, our sixth CUTW participation, cares enough about our environment to do something for it!

Thanks to our Sponsors:
Bonita Trust, Hassan’s, Partygaming, GBC Open Day Trust, Deloitte, NatWest, We Care, Master Services, Interbuild, Morrison’s, 101 ltd

Please make a note of the following number which I am now reliably told by the port will pick up on a 24hr basis and receive your genuine report on bunkering fumes  in Gibraltar.

Its important that you call the number while the pollutionis taking place so there is a better chance of identifying the culprit-

NUMBER IS: 56000545

KIND REGARDS

ESG Committee

“The ESG wishes to remind team leaders and 1st time volunteers that their presence is required at the 2nd CUTW 2010 planning meeting taking place Friday 3rd September. Location for this meeting has been changed to John Mackintosh Hall, Lecture Room and will take place as from 8pm onwards. It is important for team leaders in particular to attend as site allocation and timings will be discussed. Its also important for volunteers to let organisers know if they will accept an invitation to a thank you party held at the Alameda Open Air Theatre on Sunday 19th between 3 and 6pm.

The ESG wishes to take this opportunity to thank all volunteers and sponsors for their considerable support to date and look forward to an exciting and inspiring weekend together.
Remember you can still sign up as a team or individual:
email us on: esg@gibtelecom.net Call: 200-43156, 48996, Mobile 54960000”