The Gibraltar Ornithological & Natural History Society (GONHS)

" rejects the Chief Ministers' vitriolic attack on its decision to boycott the opening of Europa Point,..."

The Gibraltar Ornithological & Natural History Society (GONHS) rejects the Chief Ministers' vitriolic attack on its decision to boycott the opening of Europa Point, accusing the former General Secretary Dr. Cortes of pulling a 'political stunt'.  The decision, at which Dr. Cortes was not present, was taken unanimously by the GONHS Council, which declined the invitation. It was decided that in view of the reluctance of the developers of the site to take sound advice on landscaping using salt-resistant plants, and the destruction of an area where protected plant species grew, it could not endorse the official opening.

Furthermore, as the decision was ours, and not one individual's, the accusation of placing 'plants before people' must be aimed at us and is blatantly incorrect. The GONHS prides itself in seeking an environment where the wellbeing and quality of life of the people of Gibraltar is not undermined by prospective developments that do not respect the natural environment.

GONHS remains apolitical, and prides itself in working as an independent NGO, despite accusations from the Chief Minister.

GONHS Council