30 December

A statement from The Convent says that Her Majesty The Queen has been graciously pleased to approve the following awards:

The British Empire Medal (BEM) to Mr Allan Joseph ALMAN for services to music and the community in Gibraltar.

The Overseas Territories Police Medal (OTPM) to Sergeant Malcolm

FIGUERAS and Constable (Retd) William PULHAM for services to policing in Gibraltar.

GOVERNOR'S AWARDS

Her Excellency the Governor Alison MacMillan,has awarded the Gibraltar Awards in recognition of exceptional services in Gibraltar to:

Mr Moses BENGGIO For services to the Elderly in Gibraltar.

Mr Stanley and Anita FLOWER For services to Olde Tyme and Modern

Sequence Dancing in Gibraltar.

1.MR ALLAN JOSEPH ALMAN

In January 2005, Mr Allan Joseph Alman took over the Chairmanship of the Rock on the Rock Club in Town Range and converted this location from a derelict building to a live music venue. Since then an unprecedented number of local young musicians have availed themselves of these facilities. Mr Alman dedicated himself to Rock on the Rock Club; he refurbished the Club from a vacant shell to create multiple soundproof rehearsal rooms, a fully equipped stage, bar area and patio. Working voluntarily and the only source of income for the club has been the money made at the bar on Concert Nights. He has worked very hard with the only intention to promote local music and provide the community with a service which was not available. The Rock on the Rock Club has become a place where Mr Alman encourages creativity, and everyone has the opportunity on the stage regardless of their music style and standards. Thanks to Mr Alman's charitable contribution towards Music, Gibraltar today enjoys many bands and musicians.

2.SERGEANT MALCOLM FIGUERAS

Police Sgt Malcolm Figueras joined the Royal Gibraltar Police in August 1985 and has completed of total of thirty years of service within the force. His dedication and commitment within the organisation have contributed to Sgt Figueras meriting

recognition by being awarded the Overseas Territories Police Medal.

Throughout his tenure, Sgt Figueras has served in various departments but his contribution whilst in the Traffic Department has been invaluable. He is one of the qualified Traffic Collision Investigator in the Royal Gibraltar Police and is therefore responsible for attending all serious traffic accidents within Gibraltar. His task includes the provision of expert reports on issues such as possible causes, calculations of speed at time of impact and nature of a collision amongst others. Furthermore, Police Sgt Figueras' input to the development of HM Government of Gibraltar's Sustainable Traffic, Transport and Parking Plan and the pivotal roles that he has played in his endeavours singles him out for special recognition.

3.CONSTABLE (RETD) WILLIAM PULHAM

After completing seven years of service with the Gibraltar Defence Police, PC William Pulham joined the Royal Gibraltar Police in January 1997. During his time with the Gibraltar Defence Police he served in Operational Policing and the Criminal Investigation Department and was seconded to the Royal Gibraltar Police in 1995; being one of the officers whose work contributed towards the creation of Gibraltar's Co-ordinating Centre for Criminal Intelligence and Drugs. PC Pulham has served in different units within the force but his undertaking of establishing the entire infrastructure of the Royal Gibraltar Police internal computer network has been his greatest contribution. He did not only install the network but also took on the responsibility of servicing computers and assisting fellow officers with any technical support required. PC Pulham's commitment and loyalty towards the Gibraltar Police Force marks him out as worthy of being awarded the Overseas Territories Police Medal.

4.MR MOSES BENGGIO

For the last few years, Moses Benggio has been providing assistance on a voluntary and social basis to residents at the John Mackintosh Jewish Home initially at Line Wall Road and presently at the ex St Bernard's Hospital. On taking retirement, Moses was elected to be a member of the Jewish Community Board and was initially tasked with the responsibility of looking after the religious needs of the elderly Jewish residents at the home. Moses has been able to transform the role to include looking after the social needs of all residents at the home, regardless of their religious affiliation. Moses' character has bought enjoyment to all residents, transforming the lives of many. Day after day, he visits the home helping to provide the residents with any need, he is someone to talk to, someone who will listen, serving food at mealtimes always doing his best to help the elderly. Moses Benggio contributions towards both long-term and respite residents is deserving of recognition.

5.MR STANLEY AND ANITA FLOWER

Since the 1977, Mr & Mrs Stanley Flower have been actively involved in the Olde Tyme and Modern Sequence Dancing in Gibraltar. Olde Tyme Dancing was introduc ed into Gibraltar by the Ministry of Defence, a very popular pastime which at the time was supported by most of the UK-Based Staff working for the Command. Sixty-two years ago the Dockyard Sports Association Olde Tyme Dance Club was formed and today is still an active pastime for many in Gibraltar. Both Stanley and Anita have devoted a disproportionate amount of their life in promoting Olde Tyme and Sequence Dancing in Gibraltar.Their continued voluntary commitment and dedication has achieved a high degree of development in dancing in Gibraltar and valuable links with Dance Organisations in the United Kingdom. Currently, between their Monday's and Friday's Dance Sessions and Wednesday's Revision and Beginners Group, Stanley and Anita provide weekly instructions and advice for over one hundred and fifty couples in Gibraltar. Mr & Mrs S Flower have contributed a life-long involvement in Dance which is worthy of recognition. This is the first dual award to be awarded in Gibraltar.

11.30pm 30 December 2015 PANORAMAdailyGIBRALTAR