JOE CORTES JOINS GSLP EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Fabian Picardo and Joe Cortes "I am very happy to accept the invitation to be co-opted to the executive"

The Leader of the GSLP, Hon Fabian Picardo MP, says he is delighted that Joe Cortes has been co-opted to the Executive Committee of the party.

The Leader of the GSLP, Hon Fabian Picardo MP,  says he  is delighted that  Joe Cortes has been co-opted to the Executive Committee of the party to fill a post vacated by the appointment of Lucio Randall to the permanent post of vice-treasurer of the Party.

 Cortes recently appeared in a political broadcast for the GSLP and has confirmed publicly that it is his intention to stand as a candidate for the GSLP in the coming general election if the Executive of the party selects him.

Joe spent his professional life in education before retiring as Headteacher of St Anne's Middle School.  He was also a prominent Trade Unionist and has held the posts of Secretary, Vice-President and also President (the latter post held on three occasions) of the Gibraltar Teachers' Association at different times in the past four decades.  Joe has also held prominent posts within the Gibraltar Trades Council - including, in the past 10 years, the post of Chairman of the GTC.

Commenting on the co-option of Cortes, Fabian Picardo said:  "I am delighted that Joe has accepted the Executive's invitation to be co-opted.  As a life long socialist, he will no doubt be an excellent addition to the Executive Committee which will benefit greatly from his experience both as an educator and as a trade unionist, as well as bringing us the added experience of the work he does more widely within the Community in marriage counselling, drama and other areas.  Education in particular will be a priority for us if we win the next election; and this co-option will assist us in the work we are doing to prepare positive and forward thinking policies for our manifesto in this fundamental area of responsibility; and in working on how best to develop a social partnership with teachers, pupils and parents at the centre of education policy."

Joe Cortes said, "I am very happy to accept the invitation to be co-opted to the executive.  Having retired from my post as Headteacher, I now want to use my energy for the benefit of the whole community.  Helping shape the policies of the GSLP on education and all other aspects of the manifesto, as we approach the next election, is a challenge that I am very much looking forward to.  The GSD has been in power for too long and Gibraltar needs a change of Government.  I believe that the best option for that necessary change is a GSLP/Liberal government, and I will work within the Executive of the GSLP in any way I can to deliver that result."