Studying at Westside Comprehensive School from the ages of 12 to 18, I proudly represented Gibraltar in basketball competitions at an Under 18 level. Playing team sports at both school and University emphasised the importance of team work in success. After completing my law degree at the University of Leeds in 2008, I trained to become a Barrister at the University of the West of England, Bristol, in 2009. Following a short stint working at the Exams Department of the University of Leeds, I returned to Gibraltar in 2010 and have been a practising lawyer ever since. In my spare time I have enjoyed undertaking various treks to raise money and social awareness for charitable causes.

Social issues and contributing to our society by helping those the vulnerable have always been the reasons why I chose to become a lawyer. Having practised as a litigator, I have found myself in the unique position of gaining first hand insight and experience into social injustices; the impact of drugs; crime; shortcomings in the welfare system; the effects on children of separation, divorce and parental alienation; issues in the workplace; immigration; and violations of human rights.

Following the birth of my now two-year-old daughter, and against the backdrop of my experiences as a lawyer, I feel there are social issues that need to be addressed to change our future and that of our children. As a concerned citizen and mother, I feel a responsibility to contribute and give back to our community. These are the main reasons why I chose to run for election.

At the heart of every community is the family. Families come in all shapes and sizes and we need to support them all, not just the privileged few. We cannot do this with a public administration and civil service with inadequate resources and that is inefficient and antiquated.

The GSD aims to ensure that civil servants are motivated and supported in their tasks and to make sure that professional management is allowed to independently run services in the best interests of users.

Nepotism, unfairness and opaqueness have no room in a democratic society such as ours. The current government have been tried, tested and have failed in preserving those pillars of a modern democracy.

Democracy means having the freedom and the ability to choose the direction of your future. It is a privilege to have that choice in a world where many are denied the opportunity. In uncertain times like these, honesty, integrity and fairness must prevail. Exercise your right for the change that you deserve and vote GSD on 17th October to ensure a future that benefits our community as a whole.

02-10-2019 PANORAMAdailyGIBRALTAR