The Gibraltar Local Disability Movement has today asked for reason and clarity and also that all should act sensibly.

The movement is mystified adds spokesman of the GLDM,

Unite have given the impression that their previous call for a public enquiry was made 2 years ago. These statements given to the GBC Newswatch program confuse the issue and in the interests of clarity must be rectified.

On 27 November, 2007 the Union stated;

“There have recently been allegations aired publicly about the care practices in the Social Services Agency. These are having a detrimental effect on the morale of the staff, service users and their families. In order to disperse any doubts about the practices in the Social Services Agency: The TGWU/ACTS on behalf of its Union members and service users demand a comprehensive and public enquiry on all matters surrounding the items which have been highlighted in the press, and which have caused concern to all interested parties.”

As recently as on 29 December Mr Khaira himself confirmed in an article in the Gibraltar Chronicle that his Union had

“Called for a public inquiry to dispel any doubt that may exist and to counter the recurring allegations that are being made.”

The question of their u turn still remains unanswered and actually serves only to increase the public apprehension and need for an Independent Review. I regret his members are not well served by this.

As previously stated by this Movement we are wholly supportive of the workers of the Dr Giraldi Home and appreciate the pressure they are working under. However it is patently obvious given the uncertainties surrounding the whole issue, that the only way to clear the good name of the many professional and efficient workers in the Dr Giraldi Home is by an immediate Independent Public Enquiry. Anything else will only serve to procrastinate their difficult and unwarranted situation.

It needs to be established once and for all by an independent party whether these allegations in fact happened; If they did, ensure that action was taken against the offending parties and more importantly establish an Independent review mechanism that would ensure we complied with Article 16(3) of UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. This provides;

“In order to prevent the occurrence of all forms of exploitation, violence and abuse, States Parties shall ensure that all facilities and programmes designed to serve persons with disabilities are effectively monitored by independent authorities.”

It is this deficiency, also referred to by the Disability Society in their statement that must be addressed without delay to ensure that this sad part of our history does not repeat itself.

Again to ensure that the public are properly informed the Movement feels obliged to point out that the allegations are not being made by Mrs Hernandez herself contrary to media reports. The allegations are in fact reports received by Mrs Hernandez from family members and members of staff of the Dr Giraldi Home reporting the incidents. These disclosures were offered as evidence by Mrs Heranndez during her Unfair Dismissal Tribunal but were never investigated following the Government’s withdrawal from the case.

The Movement is now making arrangements for the publication in its website of the entire contents of the allegations for public information. The Movement also adds that it will be sending this information to Liberal Democrat MEP, Graham Watson who is actively pursuing the matter at the European Commission.

The Gibraltar Local Disability Movement
"Our Success Is A function Of Determination And Ability"