The clamour for a public inquiry into the allegations surrounding the Dr Giraldi Home for the disabled in Gibraltar is attracting support from high places!
The Gibraltar Local Disability Movement (GLDM) are reporting today that Bishop Charles Caruana, the leader of Gibraltar's Roman Catholic diocese, apparently signed their petition on Saturday.
The petition calls for a public inquiry into the Government's Social Services Agency's handling of serious allegations made during the past three years, which were highlighted last month on Spanish TV's Antena 3 programme 'Espejo Publico'. The programme featured Gibraltar's home for the disabled, the Dr Giraldi Home, referring to it as 'Gibraltar's House Of Horrors'!
The screening of the programme has caused much embarrassment to the Government and hs instigated a public row and slanging match between the Government, the Opposition parties and Gibraltar's Disability groups.
In a statement today, the Gibraltar Local Disability Movement report that Bishop Caruana signed the petition while he was attending the Royal Marines parade, who marched through the streets of Gibraltar on Saturday morning, exercising their 'Freedom of the City of Gibraltar'.
Apparently, during the parade in Main Street, Bishop Caruana approached the Disability Movement's table at the Piazza and after engaging with them in conversation, signed the petition for the public inquiry.
During his conversation, Bishop Caruana asked the question that is on everyone's mind, "why have they taken so long", and added what many of us have been saying for a long time now... "the sooner they do it the better"!
Bishop Caruana’s strong voice and support is very welcome, especially to the GLDM.
Gordon Nelson, spokesperson for the Disability Movement said:"Bishop Caruana’s support for our petition calling for a public inquiry into the allegations of Dr Giraldi Home has not only strengthened our call but has also given us the strength and inspiration to see it through to the end.
The Gibraltar Local Disability Movement is working with very limited resources to conduct this sampling of public support for our petition for a public inquiry into the allegations of Dr Giraldi Home. We hope to be able to hand the petition over to the Governor, Sir Robert Fulton, very soon."
Mr Nelson added that the Governor is a representative for the Queen and the UK. He pointed out that the UK is responsible for Gibraltar’s compliance with the various charters respecting the rights of the disabled internationally. He said the GLDM is urging for "appropriate measures be made to enlist the support of the UK government, for a full and public inquiry into the allegations of Dr Giraldi Home, thereby remedying our violation of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities".
Gordon Nelson, in the GLDM statement, concludes:"The inquiry should also ensure that systemic failures are addressed by providing for regular such independent audits to prevent a recurrence of this sorry affair.
The Gibraltar Constitution does not diminish the UK's international responsibility for Gibraltar and as the member state responsible in the European Union the UK has a duty to ensure that Gibraltar complies."
Quite right Gordon... go for it... Oh and Well Done the Bish... he is a good egg!!
The Joy of Six 1292
3 hours ago
26 comments:
Ms Hernandez was sacked because she and three other interestead parties,went into the home one saturday afternoon,and stared to call staff,asking them for incriminating reports against certain employees,in exchange for favours granted.some of the reports come from these people,who played a witch hunt against a said former employee and some others.She was sacked because of her constant absentism from work,some 80 days within her year of employment.Constantly used the name of the then CEO,for her benefits and sick game,without the CEO's consent.She was sacked for not mmeting the standards and obligation required from her.With respect to the Bishop,he can perhaps share with Gibraltar the way they left the home,when they where ousted by Milbury Care services.They filled van after van with all sorts of furnishings which they claimed was theirs without having any consideration or regard for the service users.If you want more and more indepth,challenge me because i will give more.
Interestng comments Anonymous... bordering on libel I imagine.
If your allegations could be substantiated, why is it that the Government was unable to provide any evidence to the industrial tribunal? After all, they did spend a lot of money trying to seemingly gag Ms Hernandez.
None of this makes any sense... and the criss crossing of allegations and accusations does not help.
As many of us keep saying, the Government should convene an independent public inquiry into this whole sorry affair. This is the only way all this will be cleared up properly.
If an independent inquiry was to be convened, would you be prepared to give any evidence you have, at a hearing? Becuase if you are not prepared to do so... then you should not go around making these allegations here!
There's a challenge for you... Over to you!
Why do some people insist on going on and on,but yet dont make things clear and transparent?If you had so much proof,wouldnt you have come out and made things public by now,since according to people who have and make these allegations,so much care for those vulnerable people still in the home,and cares soooo much for them.Why arnt certain residents asked what their opinions on the issues are,since they also have a right to speak.Perhaps they can bring in a different view of the issue,as they where there when this lady was incharge.What can be put down for liabel,are some of the allegations bought foward by ms Hernandez,just read them carefully,and you will find out why.
I'll tell you one thing that is definitely NOT clear and transparent... and that is.. WHO is commenting!
Don't post anonymously. I am not asking you for your name... but at least post in a way one can identify... for instance 'Mr Angry' or 'Periquito' or whatever! Otherwise, we cannot distinguish who is talking. Any fictitious name will do! Thank you!
Now... anyone want to make any more libelous allegations?? I'm sure a public inquiry... when it is finally convened, will love to hear your testimony!
I would like to comment to Anonymous
Anonymous said...
Why do some people insist on going on and on, but yet don’t make things clear and transparent? If you had so much proof, wouldn’t you have come out and made things public by now, since according to people who have and make these allegations, so much care for those vulnerable people still in the home, and cares soooo much for them. Why arnt certain residents asked what their opinions on the issues are, since they also have a right to speak. Perhaps they can bring in a different view of the issue,
1/ On the clear and transparent,
Who should be clear and transparent as you quote?
2/ If you had so much proof, wouldn’t you have come out and made things public by now, since according to people who have and make these allegations,
Well no, they can’t; if you had any idea about law you would know. If you did as you add, you need cash to bring it forward to court with a government that have lots of public money. Also thus allegations were emphasized that the statements were made by witnesses in support of Joanna Hernandez in her Disciplinary Case and not by her.
3/ why ant certain residents asked what their opinions on the issues are, since they also have a right to speak.
Anonymous this is the only thing that is right; they do have a right to speak. But can them with the disability they have, also if you look or as you put it read them carefully, read the extracted from witness statements you will find that they did speak out.
Baby baby baby,don't get me wrong here,if anyone even cared about going to the home and speaking to some residents,they will be astounded to find,that their thinking and mental capacity,is exactly the same as yours,mine or the next,since i have spoken to them whilst they have been out and about,and didnt take me that long,to realise that their only disabilities are mainly phisical.Also,who was the lawyer who got paid a hefty amount of money,from the union,to clear the names,of some employees,who were suspended for supposed sexual abuse.(report in the witness statements shown in this site).Perhaps Mr Bossano should also enquire about knowing the name of this lawyer.What is very sad,is that people have been going on and on about this issue,without having a spec of respect towards the residents of this home.If i may ask,how long has the disability movment been around?I have been out of Gib for a long time and would like to know,if that's ok.I am not here to offend anyone,and fully respect everyone's opinon.Am i wrong to say a church trust used to run the home pre 1997?And if so,who where the trustees?
IN REFERANCE TO AM A COOLDUDE,LET ME SATRT BY SAYING THAT PERHAPS,THE GOOD PEOPLE OF GIBRALTAR,HAVENT HEARD THE FULL STORY SO FAR.ONLY MS HERNANDEZ AND THE OPPOSITIONS SIDE'S.PERHAPS,ALL HAS NOT BEEN TOLD.NOW THE LATEST TWIST IN THIS SORRY SAGA IS THAT MS HERNANDEZ WAS WITH CERTAIN EMPLOYEES ON A SATURDAY AFTERNOON,IN HER OFFICE AND CALLED IN STAFF AND TOLD THEM TO SAY THIS AND THAT AGAINST SOME MEMBERS OF STAFF.IS THIS TRUE?.PERHAPS PEOPLE WHO WHERE THERE COULD BE LINKED TO SOME REPORTS.LET ME TELL YOU THAT IF YOU KNEW ANYTHING OF LAW,IF YOU WIN A CASE AGAINST SOMEONE,THEN YOUR LEGAL FEES WOULD BE PAYED BY THE OTHER PARTY,I.E THE GOVERMENT.IF SHE OR THEY ARE SO SURE OF WHAT THEY HAVE PUT DOWN IN WRITING ,THEY SHOULDNT HAVE ANY PROBLEMS IN DOING SO.IF THESE REPORTS WERN'T MADE BY HER,THEN THOSE WRITING THE REPORTS,SHOULD COME OUT PUBLIC,WHY HAVEN'T ANY DONE IT SO FAR?I'LL TELL YOU WHY,BECAUSE IN SOME OF THEM,THEY ACTUALLY STATE ISSUES,THAT WHERE OBTAINED BY WHAT SEEMS TO BE,ARE HERESAY,AND A COURT OF LAW,WILL AND DOES NOT ACCEPT THESE IN ANY CASE.THEN THOSE PEOPLE ACUSED,WOULD BE FILE FOR SOME SORT OF ECONOMIC CONPENSATION.I CAN TURN AROUND NOW AND SAY THAT PETER POTTER IS THE PERSON WHO MADE GRAFFITI ON A NEW WALL IN THE ESTATE,BECAUSE SO AND SO TOLD ME,AND THEN I GO AND MAKE IT PUBLIC,WHAT WOULD HAPPEN TO ME IF PETER POTTER TOOK ME TO COURT FOR DEFORMATION OF CHARACTER?BECAUSE I HAVE NO PROOF HE DID IT,ONLY WHAT IVE HEARD.THOSE ARE THE IMPRESSIONS I SEEM TO GET FROM THESE NOW FAMOUSE REPORTS.I USED TO WORK FOR A LAW FIRM IN MADRID,AND CASES LIKE THESE CAME UP DAY AFTER DAY,WITH ALWAYS THE SAME CONCLUSION,THE CASES WERE DISMISSED 99% OF THE TIMES.SURELY THE LAW IN SPAIN CAN'T DIFFER TOO MUCH FROM THE LAW BACK IN UK OR EVEN GIBRALTAR.
I AM NOT A LAWYER MYSELF,BUT I AM A TRANSLATOR,THAT'S WHY I DONT ACTUALLY KNOW IF THIS IS SO.
Pfffff! CAPS LOCK... like trying to read Roman numerals... still, at least we can distinguish between Anonymous and ANONYMOUS!! Pffffff!!
Given the sensitivities, I can understand people wanting to remain anonymous. My only comment is that we must care about the residents more. Let us not get bogged down in an endless string of half comments; original anonymous....I challenge you, give me more, but give me all. At the moment I am going to sign the petition simply because I am confused and need someone to clear the issue to me.
Anonymous said...
Who was the lawyer who got paid a hefty amount of money, from the union in the Joanna Hernandez in her Disciplinary Case.
Well the union lawyer was or is Feetham, Daniel Anthony (that’s what’s been told around)
Anonymous said...
If i may ask, how long has the disability movement been around?
From Wikipedia It was first established in 1985
Anonymous said...
If you want more and more indepth, challenge me because i will give more.
Well Anonymous I challenge you! The more we all know the better we can understand the nature of things.
If many have uncertainties as we have, if not we would not be here, why can’t it be set to rest. Some see no reason to an independent inquiry as nothing had been going on; some think we should have an independent inquiry as things may have happen, I can only deduce for the better of all that an independent inquiry be done. I ask, have we no doubts if we have 1% of doubt that’s all it should take for an independent inquiry. Also, in the unlikelihood that nothing has happen, we can clear the names and them that work at the home.
Government could have had a win, win, situation her if they did an independent inquiry and they have lost it, if they had did an independent inquiry and found nothing, they would have been it a passion to tell everyone and that would be the end. And if they found that things did go on, well, they would have been seen as a caring and proactive Government. What is logical?
ANONYMOUS SAID….
LET ME TELL YOU THAT IF YOU KNEW ANYTHING OF LAW,IF YOU WIN A CASE AGAINST SOMEONE,THEN YOUR LEGAL FEES WOULD BE PAYED BY THE OTHER PARTY,I.E THE GOVERMENT.IF SHE OR THEY ARE SO SURE OF WHAT THEY HAVE PUT DOWN IN WRITING ,THEY SHOULDNT HAVE ANY PROBLEMS IN DOING SO.
That would be good if the law put down rules that make it unlawful to drag the case for years and lf we had no hesitation in lawyer cost. So PROBLEMS IN DOING SO yes with it as it stands.
ANONYMOUS SAID….
THOSE WRITING THE REPORTS,SHOULD COME OUT PUBLIC,WHY HAVEN'T ANY DONE IT SO FAR?I'LL TELL YOU WHY,BECAUSE IN SOME OF THEM,THEY ACTUALLY STATE ISSUES,THAT WHERE OBTAINED BY WHAT SEEMS TO BE,ARE HERESAY,AND A COURT OF LAW,WILL AND DOES NOT ACCEPT THESE IN ANY CASE.
Well what is a statement of truth, when witness statement has been sign under oath, with relevant information?
THOSE WRITING THE REPORTS, SHOULD COME OUT PUBLIC,
all I can say as I did before you need cash to bring it forward to court.
Am A CoolDude is not here as a activist in pursuing a political or social end to things but just a someone who is open-minded and not favoring one person or side more than another. We must be objective and even-handed as this is about human lives and not political scoring. If anything has or not happen I like many just like to know, and the only way is with an independent inquiry.
By Am A CoolDude
Good points Anonymous... and I understand your concerns and share them myself.
Your reason for signing the petition is precisely the point. A full and independent public inquiry is sorely needed to look into these issues and find the truth, to all these serious allegations that have been made since 2006. Hopefully, the inquiry would also have the remit to then make recommendations as to where to go from there, to ensure that whatever HAS gone on, will not happen again.
Finally, on the question of posting anonymously, there is no reason why people cannot make up a name... like Julius Cheeser (I'm sure that's not anyone's real name!!) to post. This would make it easier for us to be able to relate and refer to posters' comments less confusingly! Posting with a fictitious name can be done easily using the 'Name/ULR' option... just leave out the URL... (it's only optional). Would make life much easier!
Thanks for your comment though... your feelings are understandable.
Why can't you all Hernandez and Bossano followers or should i say worshipers,answer the three simple questions i have asked? Who is that lawyer who took the union cash,fighting to clear and cleared those in the sexual allegations,how long has the movment been around,and was the church responsable for the ruuning of the home up until 1997?
To Anonymous:
If you had done a Wikipedia you would see that the Gibraltar Local Disability Movement has been around as from 1985,,,,,
The lawyer for the union in the Hernandez Tribunal was by no other but, Daniel Feetham,,,,,
For what i know the church was responsable for the ruuning of the home but when ask around,,,,
The Gibraltar Local Disability Movement is not the only NGO that has come out the Equality Rights Group GGR and also Peter Tatchell GSLP and PDP, have also been calling for a full independent public inquiry.
Dont foreget,Mr. Duncan S. Jones, has notated, that he was prevented from ensuring that full and proper investigations were conducted into serious allegations made against several members of staff by a number of residents. And that the instruction that the necessary disciplinary procedures were not to be followed was conveyed to him by the then Chief Executive Officer of the Social Services Agency. And that the so called instruction came from the ‘highest level’ outside of the Social Services Agency.
Am a cooldude,do your homework again.The lawyer was NOT mr Feetham,It was MR PICARDO.Thia juat shows,that some people just do not know enough about this issue.Why is it that the movment has NEVER got involved with anything to do with the home,and only seem to have jumped no the bandwagon,now,when the NGO,that has always been helping the home with any issues have been THE DISABILITY SOCIETY.The late Mrs Valarino amongst others.And the church DID run the home pre 1997,where the trustees amongst others were Caruana (the bishop).Mr Jones resigned,because one employee was re-instate back after been suspended for abuse of authority(held a high position within the home),and later was one of the people who was sitting together with Ms Hernandez,asking for reports to employees against others,especially against the person who made the report and got her suspended.Mr jones was no longer with social services when Ms hernandez was around,he left more than a year before.This is why i keep saying that all has not been told.
It was Mr PICARDO and not Mr FEETHAM,who represented the staff members in that case.Then,mr Jones,resigned way before Ms Hernandez came to be manager,and resigned because one of the people who instigated all these reports,was reinstated after she was suspended for being reported by some residents(not staff),whislt holding down the position of senior manager.This senior manager in question,was,together with two other employees and Ms Hernandez,the people who called staff in on a saturday afternoon,using a personal mobile phone,(so not to leave any calls to be traced to the office)belonging to one of the two employees,to call people in,and telling them they wanted reports against some workers,and those who refused as they had no reason to do this,were insulted quote "maricon" and "we thought you were our friend" to others.This clever senior manager,wanted to get revenge on some employees,from when she was suspended,and who clearly held a grudge against them.What is easy to see that this blog is very one sided,pro opposition and Hernandez.How convenient that one member of staff who was in that board with Hernandez and the said senior,was given an acting senior post after this,eventually even becoming acting home manager when Hernandez and the other senior were off.If this issue ever went out public,all this can and will be proved.
Anonymous...
Your suggestion that this Blog is 'pro-opposition' (whatever that means) is utter rubbish!
All I have done here is reported on the airing of the TV episode... the so called "Gibraltar House of Horrors". I am also insisting that there is an urgent need for a public inquiry!
The need for a public inquiry is patently obvious, in the light of the serious allegations being made, by ALL.
For myself... I am apolitical in this regard and take no sides... let me assure you... no side... other than a wish to get to the truth, clear up what has gone on and make sure this sort of thing is more properly handled in future.
I also have strong concerns about the effect this is all having on the residents of the home right now... and of course, the axieties being caused to the families of the residents.
Your accusations of this blog today, saying it is biased, really raises questions about your own judgement and motivations in the allegations YOU are making!
I'll say again... this blog is NOT biased or 'pro' anything... other than the truth!
Believe those who are seeking the truth; doubt those who find it.
Ok,i sincerely appologise to cybernest and any other person who give their opinions in this blog.It is great that some people,want to know the truth about all this saga.I accept that no one here is politically biased,and can gurantee to all that i aswell,have no political motives,nor or have ever taken any political sides.For me they are all the same.But what fustrates me,is that the truth has not been fully told.I have put down some things,that actually did happen,and will put my life on it.Just trust me and what the staff say.They have always kept out of it,having to withstand attacks from everyone and from people who basically thought this was a good topic to get involved with.It is a very sensitive issue,which apart from afecting Ms Hernandez and residents,its also affecting staff and their families.I trully and full agree,that it was a joke goverment pulled out of it in the end,but with so much in their possesion,to justify themselves by saying that because Ms Tosso,was unobtainable because she was no longer in Gib,was also not very welcomed by staff and management of social services.There is just so much to the story,but not only what has so far come out,but what went on behind the scene's to get to this stage.Before people just take for granted what has come out,please be patient because all that has glittered so far,will in the end not be all gold.I will now no longer take part anymore on this blog,as i feel that my comments,which perhaps have been made out of fustration for knowing so much and fullt knowing the real truth,but unable to speak,has offended people here.Well done to all here and wish you all the best of luck in all your efforts to find the truth.Btw,this is a great blog cybernest.
Thanks Anonymous... for your gracious apology... and for your kind words about the blog.
I do hear your frustration about this issue... and you're not alone. It is one of the main reasons why the call for an independent inquiry gets more urgent by the day!
Thanks again!
Saludos! :)
I am the anonymous "given the sensitivities" blogger. Thanks for giving me more and for convincing me that what we need is an Independent Public Inquiry. My signature has already gone on the petition which I gather will be given in soon.
I just would like to end, expressing my feelings of regret that we as a people have allowed this to go for so long without positive action. For this, I apologise humbly to the many good working and professional people working in the home.I am sickened that we have failed the most vulnerable in our midst.
Join us to force this Independent Inquiry through, sign the petition now.
Anonymous sad to see you go, but before you do can I but one question to you, you add "the truth has not been fully told"
My question, don’t you think the only way to the truth is with an independent inquiry?
Best regards Anonymous
By Am A CoolDude
Anonymous said on Fri Mar 06, 06:47:00 AM....
Why is it that the movment has NEVER got involved with anything to do with the home,and only seem to have jumped no the bandwagon,now,when the NGO,that has always been helping the home with any issues have been THE DISABILITY SOCIETY.
In response to this: The movement has been in respect to the Dr Giraldi home very well involved not in the running but helping many family members and users of the home, just because it has not said or purplish anything it is not say it has not been in the background helping out. With reference to the bishop on how they filled van before milbury came in, well why don’t you give us the full story with out it being so anonymous so we can follow it up.
PS: THE DISABILITY SOCIETY did know about Ms Hernandez and the serious allegations but did nathing about it, accept as true if Mrs Valarino was with us today this would not happen
gibdesign,are you saying that the society knew all about the allegations,and did nothing about it.you are making the society,part of the coverup,and inturn,part to blame? Perhaps,as the society,where and have always worked really close with the home,they knew that something wasn'y right,and also there was something odd about this.Perhaps they have spoken to people,directly linked to the home,in an attempt to find out the truth,and have and are quite satisfied with the response they have got.It seems that the society,and the movement dont share the same views.Every resident forms part of the society,and not the movment,and always have.Not one single resident is part of the movment.The society has always,helped by ways of fund raising,organising dinners,bingos and so on.The movement has still to do something.Just go and ask the residents of the home to see if this is true.
Personally, I think we have quite enough to deal with, in the Dr Giraldi Home allegations!
Arguments over the Disability Society or the Gibraltar Local Disability Movement is frankly not welcome! I'm sure the more appropriate place do this might be on the GLDM pages where much space is provided for you to make your points there Anonymous!
i am the original anonymous,there is another posting with the same name.I said i would leave,but it has just pissed me off,im getting use by others.im gonna post with a name,see if i can manage it.As overseer
Anonymous said... Sat Mar 07, 02:10:00 PM i seen Press Reports By Chronicle and it has on it:
The Society says it is aware that the staff members who were the subject of several justified complaints which were made by service users, their families and other staff members are no longer in employment at the home.
I am not making the society, part of the coverup but what one has seen on the Chronicle and that all.
The society dose good work and is well needed, but also the disability movement.
Post a Comment