NEW GOVERNOR'S FIRST WEEK

The new Governor of Gibraltar, Sir Adrian Johns, has expressed his thanks to the people of Gibraltar for the warmth of the welcome accorded to him and his wife following a busy first week spent getting to know Gibraltarians and Gibraltar.

Since his Swearing-In on 26 October, Sir Adrian has met a wide range of senior people in Gibraltar, including Chief Minister Peter Caruana, Speaker of the Parliament Haresh Budhrani, Acting Chief Justice Anthony Dudley, Bishop Charles Caruana, Mayor of Gibraltar Olga Zammit, Chief Secretary Richard Garcia, Attorney General Ricky Rhoda, Doyen of the Consular Corps James Gaggero, Leader of the Opposition Joe Bossano, Chairperson of the Gibraltar Police Authority Eddie Guerrero and Police Commissioner Louis Wink.

Sir Adrian and Lady Johns have accepted numerous invitations to act as patrons of local organisations. Lady Johns is delighted to support the work of the Red Cross, the Downs Syndrome Support Group of Gibraltar, Girl Guiding Gibraltar, the Convent Christmas Fair Committee, the League of Hospital Friends, the Women's Corona Society and the Gibraltar Horticultural Society. She will also support the Gibraltar Squadron by acting as Ship's Sponsor for HMS Sabre and HMS Scimitar. Sir Adrian will act as patron for the St John's Ambulance, the Mediterranean Rowing Club and the Calpe Rowing Club, and will be the Honorary Chief Scout for the Gibraltar Scouts. Sir Adrian said "We do not take on these responsibilities lightly. We hope, through our work with these and other organisations, to be able to make a real contribution to the local community."

Speaking about his first week, Sir Adrian said "We've been struck by the warmth of the welcome we have received since arriving here, and I'd like to thank everyone who has contributed to that. It's clear that there's a lot of interest in the Office of the Governor, and a desire to know more about the work that the Governor does. We will try to keep people informed." Between now and the end of this week, Sir Adrian is due to meet for the first time President of the Gibraltar Courts Sir Murray Stuart-Smith, Dean of Gibraltar the Very Reverend Dr John Paddock, and President of the British Legion in Estepona Dr Christopher Rawlinson. He will also pay a visit to the Garrison Library. HE and Lady Johns will host a performance of "Not About Heroes" by the Rock Theatre group in the Convent Ballroom in aid of the charity Help for Heroes.

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