Personal reconciliation or just politics?

(Photo: Paco Guerrero)

ALGECIRAS Gibraltar's Chief Minister, Peter Caruana, paid an official visit to Algeciras last week. The Mayor of the town across the bay that is variably called 'of Gibraltar' or 'of Algeciras' is none other than José Ignacio Landaluce, until very recently a loud, almost manically outspoken critic of Gibraltar and anything but a friend of the Rock. And here they are, the best of friends, right under a pensive King of Spain. Landaluce has just given Caruana a memento of the occasion last Friday when they buried a couple of hatchets for Caruana's first official visit to Algeciras. They discussed the things that were in common, and also what is not, according to Caruana. "In the important things, it is true that we hold opposing views," said Landaluce. About the Tripartite Forum, Landaluce evaded questions, saying only that it is a good idea to keep the dialogue open. However, it is well known that the Mayor is dead against any participation by Gibraltar in any talks, including anyhting related to teritorial waters.

Bishop Caruana died this morning

GIBRALTAR (GibChronicle) Today Gibraltar mourns the passing of former Bishop of Gibraltar Charles Caruana who has died at the age of 77. He passed away this morning (Friday) around 6am and his body is expected to lie in state Monday and Tuesday before a funeral mid-week. In and out of St Bernard’s Hospital, he had been poorly for a number of months but his health is believed to have deteriorated rapidly following a fall in the middle of last week. Since last Friday special prayers have been said at all Masses in all the Churches on the Rock and in the Synagogues where on Sunday evening there was a special blessing in the Line Wall Synagogue. His death comes at a time when the Diocese in Gibraltar prepares to celebrate its 100th anniversary next month and just a few days before his 78th birthday (9th Oct). He was at the forefront of all major events in the Catholic Church and undoubtedly one of its most prominent figures over the past five decades not just in the church but in Gibraltar. Very much a man of the people he devoted his entire life to the community of Gibraltar. (Our deepest sympathies to the Bishop's family and friends.)