During the Mayorship of Judge John E Alcantara CBE (1996-2004) the initial steps were taken towards the formation of the Mayor’s Awards. The Mayor’s Awards Scheme was initially created due to the Essential Services making submissions to the Royal Humane Society of the UK on numerous occasions due to services performed by serving officers, with all submissions being rejected.
The Royal Humane Society acknowledged that the events carried out were worthy of merit, unfortunately the Royal Humane Society were unable to consider such submissions due to the officers being paid members of the rescue services.
In consultation with the local Royal Humane Society representative the idea of the Mayors Awards was presented to Judge Alcantara who was enthusiastic of this idea, nevertheless, he suggested that the views of the Chief Minister be sought.
A proposal was prepared and forwarded to the then Chief Minister, the proposal was approved and the scheme opened to the public.
The Mayor’s Awards scheme was widened in 2012, when the then Mayor, Cdr Lima announced that the Awards Scheme would be opened up to those members of the public, either individuals or groups who had served Gibraltar in exceptional or voluntary service over a prolonged period of time.
The Awards Scheme continues to this day and His Worship the Mayor, Christian Santos GMD, is keen to encourage public participation in the Awards Scheme and urges the public to nominate those unknown heroes within our community.
Guidelines for the Mayor’s Awards
The Nomination Form for the Mayor’s Awards can be found either online or at the City Hall. The form is to be completed and may be returned to the City Hall or sent via email to the following address:
Once all nominations are received the Board shall convene in order to come to an agreement on awards to be granted.
Candidates may be nominated for a Mayor’s Award as either an individual or a group. Nominees should have served Gibraltar in a distinguished manner over a prolonged period and / or for a specific event or achievement. They will have gone above and beyond the call of duty, and made a difference to our society, in short, they will be extraordinary.
His Worship would like to highlight the importance of the Awards, as it is an opportunity for the community to bring to light the work and achievements of these groups or individuals.
